Author Interviews

Books
Arts

Encore: Author Explores The Murder Of Kitty Genovese

11:03pm April 05, 2016

Winston Moseley, the man who brutally murdered Catherine "Kitty" Genovese in March 1964, has died in prison at age 81. This story originally aired on March 3, 2014, on All Things Considered.

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The women of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory helped launch the first American satellites, lunar missions and planetary explorations. Those "human computers," as they were called, are seen here in 1953.

Meet The 'Rocket Girls,' The Women Who Charted The Course To Space

5:56pm April 05, 2016

by NPR Staff

Before there were digital computers, there were "human computers," women who used pencils and paper to do the math that helped carry the U.S. into space. Nathalia Holt tells their story in a new book.

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Students chat, nap and take notes in this 14th century lecture by Henricus de Alemania, painted by Laurentius de Voltolina.

Wax Tablets, Chicken Rustling And The Medieval Roots Of The Modern University

4:45pm April 05, 2016

by Byrd Pinkerton

Universities have changed significantly since the Middle Ages. James Axtell describes just how far higher education has come in his new book, Wisdom's Workshop.

Just Turned 40? An Architect Says It's Time To Design For Aging

6:30pm April 04, 2016

by Meredith Rizzo

An architect looked at communities that serve older adults, and didn't like what he saw. By changing habits earlier in life, he says, we can create vibrant communities that will sustain us.

Relatives of Iraqi prisoners being held at Abu Ghraib denounce detainee treatment as they hold local newspapers featuring photos of U.S. soldiers abusing the prisoners inside the jail in May 2004.

'It Was Torture': An Abu Ghraib Interrogator Acknowledges 'Horrible Mistakes'

5:08pm April 04, 2016

The techniques Eric Fair used still weigh on his conscience. "There is no middle ground," he says. "Torture is an enhanced interrogation." His new memoir is Consequence.

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Books
Arts

How To Get Kids Hooked On Books? 'Use Poetry. It Is A Surefire Way'

7:06pm April 03, 2016

by NPR Staff

Newbery Medal-winning author Kwame Alexander's new effort is a novel about a 12-year-old boy named Nick, written in verse. He says poetry is one key to keeping kids invested in what they're reading.

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'Music Was Always My Anchor': A Story Of Soul And Struggle

6:14pm April 03, 2016

by NPR Staff

Rashod Ollison's memoir Soul Serenade is a coming-of-age story and playlist combined. He says he "could always tell" his mother's mood "by which Aretha Franklin song was on."

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Arts

The Surprising Story Behind Spam (The Food)

5:19pm April 03, 2016

Author Ted Genoways traces the origins of canned spam in his book The Chain; Farm, Factory and the Fate of Our Food.

Books

How A Woman's 'True Crime' Addiction Helped Her Work Through A Traumatic Past

7:58am April 03, 2016

Author Kathryn Harrison's new book of essays is about her own family. She talks to Rachel Martin about coming to terms with one of the worst crimes that happened to her, perpetrated by her own father.

Books
Arts

Jimmy V, Coach K And Dean Smith: The 3 Legends Of N.C. Basketball

5:23pm April 02, 2016

Sports columnist John Feinstein talks about his new book, The Legends Club, which follows the rivalry and friendship between three of college basketball's biggest coaches in the '80s.