Books

Comics Will Break Your Heart, by Faith Erin Hicks

Books
Arts

Real Life Provides The Origin Story In 'Comics Will Break Your Heart'

7:00am February 16, 2019

by Alethea Kontis

Faith Erin Hick's sweet new YA novel is reminiscent of the real-life conflict between Batman co-creators Bob Kane and Bill Finger — and asks what happens when the next generation meets up.

Andrew McCabe, the former FBI deputy director who was fired in 2018, says that he personally took steps to "safeguard" the bureau's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign, in case his own head would be the next to roll.

McCabe's 'The Threat' May Be Darkest Vision Of Trump Presidency Yet

11:23pm February 14, 2019

by Ron Elving

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said Thursday that top Justice Dept. officials discussed invoking the 25th Amendment. But his new book is about far more than that.

What is love? Rachel Martin talks to poet Kwame Alexander, whose latest community poem on this Valentine's Day is inspired by kids' definitions of love.

Books
Arts

Love Is: A Crowdsourced Valentine's Day Poem

2:05pm February 14, 2019

by Rachel Martin

Poet Kwame Alexander's latest community poem is inspired by kids' definitions of love, touching on everything from ephemeral connections and puppy kisses to the circle of life and Kendrick Lamar.

Queue Listen Now

Toni Morrison, Nobel prize winning novelist, at the Hay Festival on May 27, 2014 in Hay-on-Wye, Wales.

Books
Arts

'The Source Of Self-Regard' Speaks To Today's Social And Political Moment

9:55am February 14, 2019

by Ericka Taylor

Though the essays, speeches, and meditations in Toni Morrison's new nonfiction collection were written over the course of four decades, virtually every entry feels strikingly relevant now.

Books

Happy Valentine's Day. Let's Talk About Romance Novels

6:34am February 14, 2019

The creators of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text are launching a podcast about romance novels. NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Vanessa Zoltan, host and producer of the upcoming podcast Hot & Bothered.

Queue Listen Now

Books
Arts

This Valentine's Day, Make A Date With A Book

5:19pm February 13, 2019

by Petra Mayer

Sure, it's great to celebrate love, but why not escape all the relationship pressures, buy yourself some chocolate and make a date with a good romance novel? Here are five our our all-time favorites.

Sounds Like Titanic, by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman

Books
Arts

Aspirations Come Up Against Economic Hardship In 'Sounds Like Titanic'

9:45am February 13, 2019

by Martha Anne Toll

In Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman's debut, she doesn't shrink from the systemic issues of an unfair economic system, but her personal story, with its unexpected twists, makes this memoir memorable.

Books
Arts

'American Spy' Is A Unique Spin On The Cold War Thriller

7:00am February 13, 2019

by Michael Schaub

Lauren Wilkinson's debut novel follows the life and career of an African American FBI agent who's recruited by the CIA to aid in the overthrow of a charismatic African leader.

Changes in behavior, including addiction, that happen during adolescence can be lasting because that's when the brain is forming permanent structures.

A Neuroscientist Explores The Biology Of Addiction In 'Never Enough'

3:46pm February 12, 2019

by Terry Gross

Growing up, Judith Grisel struggled with alcohol, marijuana and cocaine. Now as a neuroscientist, she's working to understand the biological basis of addiction. Her new book is Never Enough.

Queue Listen Now

A close up of a woman stretching her legs before going on a run through the city.

The 'Strange Science' Behind The Big Business Of Exercise Recovery

8:46am February 12, 2019

by Terry Gross

Does exercise recovery work? Science writer Christie Aschwanden examines the physiology and effectiveness of sports drinks, protein powders and other products and services in her new book, Good to Go.

Queue Listen Now