Otis Redding's 'Unfinished Life' Still Resonates
Nearly 50 years after his untimely death, Redding's influence as a spirit of soul music remains. Jonathan Gould, author of a new biography of the singer, explains why.
Books
Harold Evans Makes Himself Clear: No More Passive Voice
Celebrated newspaper editor Harold Evans sees a lot of linguistic fog around us: murky words and too much passive voice. His new book, Do I Make Myself Clear? is a passionate call for better writing.
'A Face Like Glass' Is A Magical, Perfectly Ticking Machine Of A Tale
Frances Hardinge's new novel is set in a wondrous underground city where crafts can be magic and the people are born with faces like blank canvas; they must purchase each new expression at great cost.
The Power Of Genes, And The Line Between Biology And Destiny
Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee says genetics play a significant role in identity, temperament, sexual orientation and disease risk — but that environment also matters. Originally broadcast May 15, 2016.
Harry Potter And The Burgled Prequel: Rare, Handwritten Copy Stolen In U.K.
The 800-word prequel, which was scrawled on a postcard by J.K. Rowling herself, went missing from a property after a burglary in mid-April. Now, Rowling and the police are calling on fans to help.
Sue Klebold: When Your Son Does The Unthinkable, Can You Forgive Him And Yourself?
Sue Klebold's son Dylan was one of the two shooters at Columbine High School. Nearly 20 years later, she talks about her struggle to understand his actions, and to find forgiveness.
Thordis Elva And Tom Stranger: How Do You Move Forward After Sexual Violence?
Tom Stranger raped Thordis Elva when they were dating in high school. Years later, they started a painful and painstaking dialogue about accountability and reconciliation.
'Rolling Stone' Founder Jann Wenner On 50 Years Of Rock And Roll History
When Wenner started Rolling Stone, he says, other publications weren't taking rock and roll seriously. Since then, the magazine has documented five decades of music, politics and culture.
With 'Check Please,' A Comics Creator Rewrites The Rules — And Scores
Bitty Bittle is a gay college hockey star who loves making pies. He's the main character in the popular hockey webcomic "Check Please," created by Ngozi Ukazu — who incidentally cannot skate.
'Tar Baby': A Folk Tale About Food Rights, Rooted In The Inequalities Of Slavery
Versions of the story of Bre'r Rabbit outwitting Bre'r Fox exist around the world. At heart, a new book argues, they're really about who controls access to food and subverting the powers that be.