Books

Syrian author Khaled Khalifa, a titan of contemporary Arabic literature, dies at 59

4:22pm October 06, 2023

Celebrated Syrian novelist Khaled Khalifa died at age 59 in Damascus. An important figure in contemporary Arabic literature, he was known for his outspoken nature and proclivity to critique power.

Books
Arts

After a career of cracking cold cases, investigator Paul Holes opens up

1:27pm October 06, 2023

by Dave Davies

Holes spent more than 20 years investigating crimes in California and played a critical role in identifying the so-called Golden State Killer. His book is Unmasked. Originally broadcast Aug. 10, 2022.

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Raj Haldar wants his "silly" new picture book to help kids "understand...the dangers of censorship but...also have fun."

'This Book Is Banned' introduces little kids to a big topic

11:36am October 06, 2023

by Elizabeth Blair

In Raj Haldar's new picture book, a lot of random stuff gets banned: giraffes, avocados, old roller skates. Haldar hopes kids have fun with This Book Is Banned but also learn about censorship.

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Arts

'Brooklyn Crime Novel' explores relationships among the borough's cultures and races

8:08am October 06, 2023

by Gabino Iglesias

Jonathan Lethem's narrative is a nonlinear mosaic; an amalgamation of vignettes coming together to create a beautiful, gritty, impeccably researched portrait of Brooklyn, its history, and its people.

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Arts

Arnold Schwarzenegger has one main guiding principle: 'Be Useful'

5:12am October 06, 2023

Champion bodybuilder, Hollywood superstar, Governor of California — Arnold Schwarzenegger offers a few pieces of advice about living a successful life in his new book Be Useful.

How the war in Ukraine impacted David McCloskey's Russia spy thriller

9:43pm October 05, 2023

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with David McCloskey, whose new spy versus spy novel Moscow X is about a CIA officer scheming to recruit a Russian intelligence officer — and vice versa.

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The story of the drug-running DEA snitch behind the web databases tracking our lives

4:42pm October 05, 2023

Author McKenzie Funk's new book, The Hank Show: How a House-Painting, Drug-Running DEA Informant Built the Machine that Rules Our Lives, about the man behind the databases of personal information.

A file photo of a Nobel medal displayed during a ceremony in New York in 2020.

Books
Arts

Norwegian playwright Jon Fosse wins the 2023 Nobel Prize in literature

4:06pm October 05, 2023

by Neda Ulaby

A Norwegian writer, Jon Fosse, has won the 2023 Nobel Prize in literature. Though little-known outside his home country, he is celebrated in literary circles.

Books

The 2023 Nobel Prize in literature goes to Norwegian writer Jon Fosse

8:52am October 05, 2023

The playwright won "for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable," the Nobel panel said. Though little-known outside his home country, he is celebrated in literary circles.

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Books

Sarah Cooper, who became famous during the pandemic, has a new memoir

5:11am October 05, 2023

After viral videos made her famous, comedian and writer Sarah Cooper says she's embracing being foolish — which is also the title of her memoir. She talks to NPR's Leila Fadel about her book Foolish.