Book Reviews

Surfing with Sartre: An Aquatic Inquiry Into a Life of Meaning, by Aaron James.

Books
Arts

Catch A Philosophical Wave In 'Surfing With Sartre'

7:00am August 10, 2017

by Jason Heller

Philosophy professor and avid surfer Aaron James brings his two passions together in his new book, drawing connections between the surfer's state of mind and age-old philosophical conundrums.

Eleanor Roosevelt presides over the table at a dinner celebrating her husband's victory in the 1932 Democratic presidential primary. Author Laura Shapiro notes that later, as first lady, Roosevelt would seem "apathetic about what was on her plate" while i

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Arts

'What She Ate' Reveals The Plates And Palates Of 6 Notable Women

8:50pm August 09, 2017

by Maureen Corrigan

Laura Shapiro has likened her method of biographical research to "standing in line at the supermarket and peering into the other carts." Critic Maureen Corrigan says her resulting book is fascinating.

Queue Listen Now

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Arts

Raunchy But Sweet, 'Mrs. Fletcher' Is One For The Ages

10:00am August 09, 2017

by Michael Schaub

Tom Perrotta's new novel about a divorced mom and her college-aged son addresses some serious issues with dark humor. The result is uncompromisingly obscene, but still somehow good-natured.

The Book of Emma Reyes Edited By Daniel Alarcon

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Arts

In 'Emma Reyes,' Life Through A Child's Clear Eyes

7:00am August 09, 2017

by Lily Meyer

As an adult, the Colombian painter Emma Reyes lived in Paris and befriended Frida Kahlo. But in a series of autobiographical letters, she describes a childhood of grinding misery and poverty.

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., wrote a new book, in secret, criticizing President Trump and Republicans who have not stood up to him in defense of conservative values.

Jeff Flake Has Taken On Trump And The GOP, But Will It Matter?

4:37pm August 08, 2017

by Jessica Taylor

The GOP has "given in to the politics of anger—the belief that riling up the base can make up for failed attempts to broaden the electorate," the senator says. "These are the spasms of a dying party."

Stanton: Lincoln's War Secretary, by Walter Stahr.

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Arts

New Biography Of Lincoln's Secretary Of War Reveals A Resilient Man, Haunted By Grief

6:00am August 08, 2017

by Ron Elving

NPR's Ron Elving reviews a massive new tome on the life of Edwin Stanton, certainly one of the most contentious and controversial figures in Abraham Lincoln's cabinet of rivals.

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Arts

A Podcast Reopens Old Wounds In 'Are You Sleeping'

10:00am August 06, 2017

by Bethanne Patrick

Kathleen Barber's debut novel is an on-trend mashup of murder, social media and Serial-style true-crime podcasting, but though well paced, it suffers from thin characters and a lack of context.

Books

Upcoming On-Screen Book Adaptations

7:59am August 06, 2017

by Barrie Hardymon

After the success of shows like The Handmaid's Tale, more and more books are leaping from page to small screen.

Happiness: A Memoir: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After By Heather Harpham.

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Arts

'Happiness' Explores The Complex Push And Pull Of Human Relationships

7:00am August 06, 2017

by Nina Martyris

Heather Harpham's memoir centers on her baby daughter's struggle with a dangerous illness — but broadens out to include her family and her own fraught relationship with the baby's reluctant father.

Books
Arts

'After On' Sees The End Of The World In A Dating App

7:00am August 05, 2017

by Jason Sheehan

Silicon valley entrepreneur and novelist Rob Reid takes on artificial intelligence — and how it might end the world — in his weird, funny new techno-philosophical thriller After On.