From Alaska To The Himalayas, 'Voyager' Embarks On Self-Discovery
NPR's Scott Simon talks with writer Russell Banks about his new book, "Voyager." It's a collection of travel writing that also reads like a memoir.
Books
'Sweetbitter' Sings With Innocence And Experience
Stephanie Danler's new novel follows a young woman finding herself in the New York City restaurant world. It's voluptuous, ripeness on the verge of rot — but anything more tasteful wouldn't do.
Chef Eddie Huang On Cultural Identity And 'Intestine Sticky Rice Hot Dog'
Huang and his brothers, Evan and Emery, headed to China to reconnect with their culture, to eat lots and lots of food — and to cook. He's documented his travels in his new book, Double Cup Love.
In 'Porcelain,' Moby Searches For Validation And Finds Unlikely Success
The electronic musician's new memoir traces his journey from Connecticut suburbs to New York City raves. It's a tale of dance clubs, DJs and Manhattan in the 1990s full of self-deprecating humor.
'Too Tough To Die,' Cass Neary Cuts A Jagged Path Through Crime Fiction
This week, the NPR Books Time Machine is rewinding Elizabeth Hand's gritty, punk-inflected Cass Neary mystery series. "Scary Neary" is an aging rocker with addiction issues and a talent for trouble.
'Mirror Test' Reflects On The Consequences Of The Wars In Iraq And Afghanistan
While serving as a State Department adviser in Iraq and Afghanistan, J. Kael Weston instigated a military mission that resulted the death of 31 service members. His memoir revisits the tragedy of war.
4 First-Rate Thrillers Deliver A Summer Of Suspenseful Reading
The suspense stories on Maureen Corrigan's early summer reading list roam from the beaches of Long Island to the Welsh coast, and from the mean streets of Chicago to the alleyways of Berlin.
In An Alternate 19th Century London, Sins Are Marked With 'Smoke'
NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with Dan Vyleta about his novel, Smoke. It's set in an alternate 19th century London, where the morally corrupt are marked by a smoke that pours from their bodies.
'City Of Mirrors' Brings The Passage Trilogy To An Epic End
Justin Cronin's blood-and-thunder tale of a viral vampire apocalypse began in 2010 with The Passage. He brings it to a rousing conclusion in his new book, hitting all the beats fans have waited for.
Doctor Yearns For Return To Time When Physicians Were 'Artisans'
Dr. Abraham Nussbaum, author of a book examining the drive toward standardized quality measures and checklists, says he fears medicine is becoming just another job and not the calling it should be.