'Perestroika In Paris' Is An Anthropomorphic Tale Of Friendship
NPR's Scott Simon talks with author Jane Smiley, about her newest novel, Perestroika in Paris.
Books
In His New Book, Declan Walsh Tells Story Of Pakistan Through Lives Of 9 Individuals
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with journalist Declan Walsh about his new book, The Nine Lives of Pakistan, and how Pakistan has survived decades of political and military crises.
Malcolm X Biography Wins National Book Award
Tamara Payne won the National Book Award for a book largely written by her father, Les Payne. It's called The Dead Are Arising, a biography of Malcolm X. Payne speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep.
Chef David Chang On Depression, Being A Dad And The Burden Of 'Authenticity'
The Momofuku chef says COVID-19 has introduced "seismic" changes to his industry. "We're doing anything and everything to stay afloat," he says. Chang's new memoir is Eat a Peach.
In 'Ghostways,' A Trip To Two Well-Traveled Places Reminds Of Things That Are Lost
Ghostways is an examination of grief as a landscape that moves on without us — and the fragility of the green world we're longing to go back to post-pandemic.
From Syria To America: A Teen Seeks A 'Safe Place' In The Universe
He was only 10 when the soldiers took away his father. Eventually the family fled to Jordan. But where would they go next? Their saga inspired a Pulitzer-winning graphic series in The New York Times.
Book Publisher Simon & Schuster Sold To Rival
The third largest of the "big five" book publishers, was sold by its parent company to Penguin Random House.
Remembering Travel Writer And Memoirist Jan Morris
Morris, who died Nov. 20, transitioned to female in 1972 when she was 46. She later reflected on gender in her memoir, Conundrum. Originally broadcast in 1989.
In The Poppy War Series, R.F. Kuang Asks: 'What If Mao Was A Teenage Girl?'
The third volume in Kuang's Poppy War series is out now. She grounded the story in history, both her own and China's; it follows a passionate, ruthless young woman who becomes a military leader.
Kwame Alexander Offers New Poems On Race And Hope As 'Psalms And Balms' For The Soul
In Light For The World To See: A Thousand Words On Race And Hope, Kwame Alexander writes of the killing of George Floyd, Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protests, and the election of Barack Obama.