Books

detail from the cover of Children of Virtue and Vengeance

Books
Arts

In 'Children Of Virtue And Vengeance,' Magic Has Returned. Now What?

8:03am December 01, 2019

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

In the sequel to author Tomi Adeyemi's West-African-inspired young adult bestseller, the maji in the land of Orïsha have their powers back — except the monarchy and military now have magic too.

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Arts

Jimmy Kimmel Writes A Picture Book, Says 'Kids Are Always Ready To Laugh'

8:03am December 01, 2019

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

The Serious Goose invites kids to try to make a grumpy goose smile. In 2017, Kimmel's newborn son underwent heart surgery; in his honor, proceeds will go to children's hospitals around the country.

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Books

Book: 'In That Time'

7:22pm November 30, 2019

NPR's Don Gonyea speaks with Daniel Weiss, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, about his new book In That Time: Michael O'Donnell and the Tragic Era of Vietnam.

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A growing number of public libraries across the country are revising their policies to eliminate overdue fines.

'We Wanted Our Patrons Back' — Public Libraries Scrap Late Fines To Alleviate Inequity

2:49pm November 30, 2019

by Emma Bowman

"There were families that couldn't afford to pay the fines and therefore couldn't return the materials," Chicago Public Library Commissioner Andrea Telli said. "So then we just lost them as patrons."

Books

'Worn This Day' Lets You Step Into Historical Figures' Shoes, Vests, Dresses And More

8:47am November 30, 2019

by Scott Simon

Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell's new book is a year-long daily walk through history, and the place of clothing in it. She talks to NPR's Scott Simon about some of the articles she featured.

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Books
Arts

'My Fake Rake' Turns The Makeover Trope On Its (Well-Coiffed) Head

7:00am November 30, 2019

by Kamrun Nesa

The ugly duckling who transforms into a swan is a common trope in literature and pop culture — Eva Leigh turns it upside down in My Fake Rake, which features a shy, quiet hero who gets made over.

The graphic novel Grand Theft Horse tells the story of a trainer who rescues a horse from its villainous owner. Based on actual events, journalist Taylor Haney set out to learn how much of the story is true. Above, a scene from the novel.

He Was A Horse That Never Won A Race. So Why Would Someone Steal Him?

6:23pm November 29, 2019

by Taylor Haney

On Christmas Eve 2004, Urgent Envoy disappeared from his stable in the middle of the night. He had finished his only ever race in last place, but that didn't matter to the trainer who took him.

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In childhood, "telling stories was crucial to my existence and indeed to my survival," writer and cultural critic Clive James said. He died Sunday at age 80.

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Arts

Clive James, Writer, TV Host And Cultural Critic, Dies At 80

7:25pm November 28, 2019

by Elizabeth Blair

"Fiction is life with the dull bits left out." That is just one of the many clever observations of the writer, TV host and cultural critic Clive James. He died Sunday in Cambridge, England.

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Prince Wanted To 'Break The Mold Of The Memoir,' Says His Co-Writer

1:16pm November 28, 2019

by Terry Gross

The musician left behind an unfinished memoir when he died in '16. Dan Piepenbring, his co-writer, struggled to make The Beautiful Ones happen in Prince's absence. Originally broadcast Oct. 28, 2019.

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Books

Holiday Civility Tips From Author Of 'We Need To Talk'

6:29am November 28, 2019

With impeachment in the news, spending Thanksgiving with family and friends who disagree on politics might generate anxiety. NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Celeste Headlee, author of We Need to Talk.

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