Author Interviews

Books
Arts

From Blueprints To Betrayal: The Daring, And Downfall, Of A Cold War Spy

6:19pm July 06, 2015

by NPR Staff

Initially, the CIA was suspicious of Soviet aviation expert Adolf Tolkachev. But he earned the agency's trust — and provided blueprints, documents and plans that were crucial to the U.S.

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The Gods of Tango, by Carolina De Robertis.

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Arts

An Outsider In Buenos Aires Goes Incognito, For Love Of Tango

3:52pm July 06, 2015

by NPR Staff

Carolina De Robertis' novel Gods of Tango features a 17-year-old widow, recently arrived from Italy with little besides a violin. It's Argentina, 1913 — and a magical new music fills the barrios.

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Director, writer and producer Judd Apatow has both a new memoir and a new movie right now. Trainwreck, which he directed, is in theaters starting July 17 and Sick in the Head was published in June.

Books
Arts

From Early Failures To New 'Trainwreck,' Judd Apatow Gets Serious

10:11pm July 05, 2015

by NPR Staff

It's an understatement to call the man busy. With a new book out, a movie due soon and another wrapping up on set, Apatow caught a breath and reflected on stumbling blocks, Freaks and Amy Schumer.

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Arts

In 'Playing Scared' Pianist Grows Less Frightened Of Stage Fright

12:08pm July 05, 2015

by NPR Staff

Performance anxiety kept journalist Sara Solovitch away from the piano for several decades. Then one day she decided to search for the key to putting her back in tune with her performance side.

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Books
Arts

If Robots 'Speak,' Will We Listen? Novel Imagines A Future Changed By AI

6:42pm July 04, 2015

by NPR Staff

As artificial intelligence alters human connection, Louisa Hall's characters wrestle with whether machines can truly feel. Some "feel they have to stand up for a robot's right to exist," Hall says.

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Decades Of Politics And Partnership In Jimmy Carter's 'Full Life'

11:59am July 04, 2015

by NPR Staff

Former president Jimmy Carter was one of the youngest ex-presidents ever when he left office in 1981. His new memoir, A Full Life, looks back at his years of public service, in and out of office.

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On World Cafe, A Look At The Grateful Dead's Legacy

3:19pm July 01, 2015

As the Dead's Fare Thee Well Tour comes to a close, World Cafe talks with David Browne, the author of a new book on the legendary band.

Books
Arts

Misty Copeland Seeks To Inspire Other African-American Dancers

9:19am July 01, 2015

Misty Copeland is the American Ballet Theater's first female African-American principal dancer. She discusses her book, Firebird. (This piece initially aired on Sept. 9, 2014 on Morning Edition).

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How A Stolen Backpack In Casablanca Inspired A Novel About Shifting Identity

3:29pm June 30, 2015

The main character in Vendela Vida's new novel is alone in Morocco when her bag with her passport and credit cards is stolen. Vida says The Diver's Clothes Lie Empty was inspired by her own travels.

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Books
Arts

Mat Johnson On 'Loving Day' And Life As A 'Black Boy' Who Looks White

1:31pm June 29, 2015

As a biracial child growing up in Philadelphia, writer Mat Johnson identified as black – but looked white. His new novel is about a man who returns to his hometown after inheriting a run-down mansion.

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