2020 Book Concierge: 4 Current Events Recommendations
NPR's Book Concierge has nearly 400 recommendations. Today: four suggestions for reading on current events.
Books
In New Picture Book, Family Adds A 'Ninth Night Of Hanukkah'
In Erica Perl's new children's book, a family's box of Hanukkah items are misplaced during a move. Their neighbors help them to make their holiday a success — so they add a ninth night to thank them.
Denver's Tattered Cover Becomes Nation's Largest Black-Owned Indie Bookstore
The beloved local chain, founded in 1971, has had a rough year, including severe revenue losses during the pandemic. Its new owners are led by two Denver natives and self-described high school rivals.
Pandemic Forces Musician Richard Buckner In A Different Direction
Singer-songwriter Richard Buckner has a debut book of non-fiction poetry. It's called: Cuttings from the Tangle.
Lawyer Combats America's 'Huge Crisis' Of Mass Incarceration
Brittany Barnett works on behalf of people serving harsh sentences as a result of the war on drugs. Nine of her clients have been granted clemency. Her new memoir is A Knock at Midnight.
'Fresh Air' Critic Revisits The TV, Books And Movies That Helped Ease Lockdown
From Lovers Rock to The Good Lord Bird, the titles on John Powers' year-end list didn't simply distract; they also delved into enduring questions of freedom, dignity and survival.
2020 Book Concierge: Ailsa Chang Picks 'Everything Sad Is Untrue' By Daniel Nayeri
To celebrate the launch of NPR's 2020 Book Concierge, each All Things Considered host will share a favorite book. Ailsa Chang's is Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri.
Cameras, Chaos And Cognac: How Bob Gruen Photographed The Spirit Of Rock 'N' Roll
Gruen has photographed countless rock stars, including the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Tina Turner and John Lennon. "For me, rock 'n' roll is all about freedom," he says.
'IRL' Author Says It's OK That We're Spending So Much Of Our Lives Online
In a new book, Chris Stedman asks what it means to be real in a time when humans are interacting in digital spaces more than ever.
Roald Dahl Family Apologizes For Children's Author's Anti-Semitism
The apology, which appeared as a note on the official Roald Dahl website, comes 30 years after the author's death.