Books
Scott Simon Draws The Mystery Of 'Sunnyside Plaza' From His Own Past
When NPR host Scott Simon was in his teens, he took a job in an assisted living facility in Chicago. "It really opened my eyes into seeing the world differently," he says.
Isabel Allende On 'A Long Petal Of The Sea'
NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with Isabel Allende about her latest book, a sweeping historical novel titled A Long Petal of the Sea.
'Cleanness' Revisits Familiar Ground, Beautifully
Garth Greenwell's new story collection — like his previous novel — follows young, gay American men teaching English in Bulgaria. It's part heartbreaking, part forward-looking, and all beautiful.
3 Years In, 'A Very Stable Genius' Authors Say Trump Decisions Are 'More Chaotic'
Reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker tell NPR they wanted to make sense of the rapid churn of Trump-era news. In a new book, they emerge with a portrait of an "undisciplined, impulsive leader."
ESPN's Howard Bryant On 'Full Dissidence'
NPR's Scott Simon speaks to ESPN senior writer — and regular Weekend Edition contributor — Howard Bryant about his new book, Full Dissidence: Notes from an Uneven Playing Field.
Javier Cercas On 'Lord Of All The Dead'
Javier Cercas talks to NPR's Scott Simon about his book about his great uncle who fought and died for Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.
'Little Gods' Reminds Us Some Questions Are Better Left Unasked
Meng Jin's new novel shows us a complex woman through the eyes of her husband, her daughter, and her daughter's nanny — all of whom see different, sometimes contradictory facets of her character.
The Authors Of 'A Very Stable Genius' On Their Account Of The Trump White House
The new book A Very Stable Genius by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker of the Washington Post goes behind the scenes at Trump's White House.
'Why Religion?' Asks 'How Hearts Can Heal' After Tragedy
Religion scholar Elaine Pagels lost her young son to terminal illness and her husband a year later in an accident. She spoke to Fresh Air in November 2018 about loss and faith.