Author Interviews

Michael Ian Black co-stars in The Jim Gaffigan Show on the TV Land network, and in Another Period on Comedy Central.

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Arts

In 'Navel Gazing,' Michael Ian Black Lays It All Out, Insecurities And All

8:04am March 25, 2016

"When I'm acting, I always imagine myself as looking totally different than the person that appears onscreen," Black says. The comedian writes about family, masculinity and vanity in his new memoir.

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A Journalist Delves Deep Inside 'Putin Country'

6:24am March 24, 2016

by NPR Staff

Steve Inskeep talks with former NPR foreign correspondent Anne Garrels about her new book Putin Country: A Journey into the Real Russia.

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The Many Masks Of Batman In 'Caped Crusade'

5:54pm March 23, 2016

Glen Weldon's book The Caped Crusade traces the evolution of Batman, and argues that his anger and obsession are only part of the character; his childhood anti-crime oath makes him a hopeful figure.

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British newspaper the Independent announced it will move to a digital-only format later this month.

Whither Bridget Jones? Britain's 'Independent' Newspaper Goes Digital

2:56pm March 23, 2016

by NPR Staff

Helen Fielding's memorable comic creation started as a series of columns in the Independent some 20 years ago; as the paper goes digital-only, Fielding says the next Bridget could come from a blog.

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The Untold Stories Of Black Girls

9:41am March 23, 2016

by Anya Kamenetz

Black girls are suspended from school at six times the rate of white girls. In a new book, Pushout, author Monique Morris tells their stories.

Fred Kaplan was a reporter for The Boston Globe for about 20 years. He is also the author of The Insurgents: David Petraeus and the Plot to Change the American Way of War.

From Reagan's Cyber Plan To Apple Vs. FBI: 'Everything Is Up For Grabs'

3:47pm March 22, 2016

Fred Kaplan, author of Dark Territory, traces the history of cyber defense into the current heated debate between the FBI and Apple over the encryption of the iPhone.

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'Hollywood Hoofbeats' Chronicles The Horses That Captured Moviegoers' Hearts

2:50pm March 21, 2016

Author Petrine Day Mitchum tells Fresh Air's Dave Davies that show business horses have been known to develop an actor's affection for the camera, often coming to life when the director says "action."

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Author Helen Oyeyemi's new book reflects her fascination with keys.

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Keys Are The Key To 'What Is Not Yours'

10:05am March 21, 2016

by NPR Staff

Writer Helen Oyeyemi's new collection features nine stories all linked through the idea of keys that open rooms, doors, even hearts. She says she felt haunted by keys while working on the book.

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Margarita Engle is a Cuban-American poet and novelist.

'A Song Of Gratitude': Cuban-American Poet Hopeful Of Improved Relations

9:04pm March 20, 2016

by Tracy Wahl

Cuban-American poet and author Margarita Engle praises President Obama's "courage to make peace" with Cuba. Her book Enchanted Air tells of being separated from her Cuban family members.

Jon Kushner was 11 years old when he died.

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Arts

'I Grew Up In The Shadow Of This': Writer Reflects On His Brother's Murder

10:53am March 19, 2016

by NPR Staff

David Kushner was 4 years old when his older brother Jon was killed. "I think with the loss of anybody, that person — they don't disappear," he says. Alligator Candy is his memoir of the experience.

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