'Zero K' Freezes At The Edge Of Immortality
In Don DeLillo's new novel, a billionaire secretly funds an enterprise aimed at preserving people through cryogenics — a technology he hopes to use to rejoin his already-frozen wife.
Books
'Imagine Me Gone' Paints Mental Illness Through Five Fictional Voices
NPR's Scott Simon asks Adam Haslett about his latest novel. Haslett says he "needed that imaginary space to investigate" his family history of mental illness.
Stars Tell The Story Of This Fairy Tale-Inspired 'Queen'
Roshani Chokshi's smooth and assured debut draws on folk and fairy tales — Bluebeard, Persephone, Beauty and the Beast — for the story of a young girl whose ominous horoscope sends her on a journey.
Song Of My Self-Help: Follow Walt Whitman's 'Manly Health' Tips (Or Maybe Don't)
In 1858, the poet published a series of advice columns — titled "Manly Health and Training" — in which he recommends wearing a beard, taking a cold bath every morning and avoiding condiments.
The Art Of MacGyvering For Sleep-Deprived Moms And Dads
New parents need all the help they can get. Author and mom of two Asha Dornfest has compiled a book of 134 handy hacks for parents. That roll of blue painter's tape? A "magical multitasker," she says.
'New Yorker' Cartoonist And TV Producer Writes 'Honest Portrait' Of His Parents
Bruce Eric Kaplan's illustrated memoir I Was A Child describes his life in New Jersey in the '60s and '70s. He says the book is a way of keeping his parents alive. Originally broadcast April 2, 2015.
Remembering Harry Wu, 'Troublemaker' For The Chinese Communist Party
Wu, who survived 19 years in Chinese labor camps, died Tuesday. Born in China, Wu had lived in the United States since 1985 and was an active proponent of human rights. Originally broadcast in 1994.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: 'Silicon Valley' And 'Bob's Burgers'
This week, the roundtable discusses the HBO comedy Silicon Valley and Stephen Thompson sits down with Bob's Burgers creator Loren Bouchard.
Mother And Daughter Come Together At The Card Table In 'The Bridge Ladies'
Betsy Lerner writes about joining her 83-year-old mother's weekly bridge club in her new book, which critic Maureen Corrigan calls a "smart and colorful memoir."
3 Generations Of Trauma Haunt 'Ladivine'
Marie NDiaye's unflinching new novel handles heavyweight emotions — guilt, shame, grief, cruelty — with sharp-edged writing and clear-eyed courage. It's an intense read, but an engrossing one.