Books

Books
Arts

From NPR's International Desk: A Few Of Our Favorite Reads

6:41pm December 30, 2015

From ancient China to its modern rise, from the searing feuds of the Middle East to the cultural contradictions of Rio, our international staff offers up some of the best books of 2015. Enjoy.

Books
Arts

At 81, Feminist Gloria Steinem Finds Herself Free Of The 'Demands Of Gender'

1:34pm December 30, 2015

As she approached 60, the co-founder of Ms. magazine says, she entered a new phase in life, one in which "you can do what you want." Originally broadcast Oct. 26, 2015.

Queue Listen Now

Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington

Books
Arts

Flawed But Readable 'Love' May Break Your Heart

11:02am December 30, 2015

by Bethanne Patrick

Ed Tarkington's debut, Only Love Can Break Your Heart, mixes mystery and coming-of-age in a lush Southern Gothic setting. Critic Bethanne Patrick says despite some missteps, it's beautifully written.

How much do editors shape the final book we read?

Books
Arts

What Exactly Does An Editor Do? The Role Has Changed Over Time

9:37am December 30, 2015

by Lynn Neary

Earlier this year it became clear that Harper Lee had extensively revised To Kill a Mockingbird on the advice of her editor. That made us wonder: How much do editors shape the books we read?

Queue Listen Now

How Eisenhower's Strategies Could Help Obama When It Comes To ISIS

7:33am December 30, 2015

Steve Inskeep talks to Evan Thomas, author of Ike's Bluff: President Eisenhower's Secret Battle to Save the World — about lessons that can be learned from Eisenhower's national security strategies.

Queue Listen Now

Books
Arts

'Sailor And Fiddler' Is A Lovely Coda To A Literary Career

6:04pm December 29, 2015

by Michael Schaub

Herman Wouk says his new memoir will be his last book — at 100, he says, he is at last free of a lifelong to-do list. Critic Michael Schaub says the book is surprisingly short, but packed with charm.

Books
Arts

Ta-Nehisi Coates On Police Brutality, The Confederate Flag And Forgiveness

1:26pm December 29, 2015

Growing up in Baltimore, the writer faced threats from both the streets and the police. His book, Between the World and Me, is an open letter to his teenage son. Originally broadcast July 13, 2015.

Queue Listen Now

Hemingway left his books, papers and typewriter (seen here in 1964) in Cuba when he returned to America.

Books
Arts

New Conservation Effort Aims To Protect Papa's Papers

11:32pm December 27, 2015

by NPR Staff

Ernest Hemingway left papers and a private library of more than 9,000 books when he left Cuba. A Boston-based foundation is taking steps to save the artifacts from the hot, humid Caribbean weather.

Queue Listen Now

Books
Arts

A Tale Of Two Titles: A Girl, A Train And Thousands Of Confused Readers

1:47pm December 26, 2015

by NPR Staff

It's a psychological thriller, with a female protagonist, set in contemporary London. You've probably heard of it — Girl on a Train. Or is it The Girl on the Train you're looking for?

Queue Listen Now

The American Political Invention That 'Let The People Rule'

8:29am December 26, 2015

NPR's Linda Wertheimer speaks with Geoffrey Cowan, author of "Let the People Rule," on Teddy Roosevelt's invention of the modern political primary.