Book Recommendations For The Post-Election Escapists
After a divisive election season, maybe it's time to curl up and escape with a good book. Weekend Edition editor Barrie Hardymon has some suggestions.
Books
'Courage To Soar': Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles' Says It's Not Easy Being Gold
Simone Biles captured the world's attention at the Rio Olympics. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with the gold-medalist about her new book "Courage to Soar."
How Misspellings Caught A Spy
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee discusses his book The Spy Who Couldn't Spell, a real-life spy thriller about an American would-be traitor and the FBI agent hot on his trail.
'Ray And Joan' Chronicles Complex Life Of Kroc's Philanthropic Wife
It's often quoted that Ray Kroc made a fortune and his wife spent it — on causes he may not have agreed with. Lisa Napoli talks to Scott Simon about the life and love affair in her new book.
'Moonglow' Shines A Light On Hidden Family History
Michael Chabon's new novel is based on deathbed conversations with his own grandfather, as strong painkillers unlocked the stories of a long full life — stories Chabon says he'd never heard before.
Colson Whitehead's 'Underground Railroad' Is A Literal Train To Freedom
Whitehead was recently awarded the National Book Award for his novel about a young slave who has escaped a Georgia plantation and is heading north. Originally broadcast Aug. 8, 2016.
Nick Offerman Shares His Love Of Woodworking In 'Good Clean Fun'
Comedian and actor Nick Offerman became a star as the Libertarian Ron Swanson in the hit sitcom, Parks and Recreation. He's also pretty good in the woodshop. In fact, building things out of wood is a serious passion. And he's written about it in his latest book, Good Clean Fun.
Before His Name Was Known At All, Seuss Put Creatures On The Wall
Decades before he became a beloved children's book author, Theodor Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss) created a series of whimsical sculptures he called "Unorthodox Taxidermy."
The Term 'Graphic Novel' Has Had A Good Run. We Don't Need It Anymore.
Coined in an era when comics were considered 'junk' culture, graphic novel is a hoary, meaningless, and often completely inaccurate term. Comics are comics; stop apologizing for them.
Beautiful, Horrifying 'Blood Of The Dawn' Gives Voice To Peru's Victims Of Violence
Claudia Salazar Jiménez's new novel is short and brutally effective. It's the story of three women from different walks of life, all caught up in the violence that convulsed Peru in the 1980s.