Books

After a stroke blinded one eye, Frank Bruni focused on the future

1:37pm May 17, 2022

by Terry Gross

The New York Times columnist says the stroke forced him to choose: He could focus on what had been lost, or on what remained. His memoir is The Beauty of Dusk. Originally broadcast March 22, 2022.

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The case for revolutionizing child care in America

12:27pm May 17, 2022

by Greg Rosalsky

A new book argues that greater public support for parents is critical for the brain development of America's kids.

Books
Arts

In 'This Time Tomorrow,' Emma Straub looks at the pieces that make a life

7:44am May 17, 2022

by Heller McAlpin

Emma Straub's new novel is a charmer that unleashes the magic of time travel to sweeten its exploration of some heavy themes like mortality, the march of time, and how small choices can alter a life.

Emma Straub on using time travel to escape the pandemic in 'This Time Tomorrow'

4:37pm May 16, 2022

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Emma Straub about her new novel, This Time Tomorrow, in which the central character is turning 40 — but wakes up and is age 16 again.

Angela Davis is escorted by two FBI agents after her arrest in New York on Oct. 13, 1970. She was taken from FBI headquarters to the Women's House of Detention.

This forgotten women's prison helped cement Greenwich Village's queer identity

1:06pm May 16, 2022

by Terry Gross

In his book The Women's House of Detention, Hugh Ryan writes about the New York City prison and the role it played in the gay rights movement of the '60s, including the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.

Books

Selma Blair's memoir, 'Mean Baby,' is the result of all the drama in her life

5:07am May 16, 2022

NPR's Rachel Martin talks to actress Selma Blair about her book. She recounts her bizarre upbringing, her battles with depression and alcoholism and her battle with multiple sclerosis.

Books

Timely new horror novel 'Just Like Mother' follows the escape from a motherhood cult

8:58am May 15, 2022

by Ayesha Rascoe

Ayesha Rascoe speaks with author Anne Heltzel about her gothic horror novel, "Just Like Mother," where a young woman reunites with her cousin after escaping a cult.

Books

'Dracula Daily' will deliver the classic book to your inbox in bite-sized chunks

8:53am May 15, 2022

by Ayesha Rascoe

An old story about the undead is getting a new life, of sorts: Bram Stoker's blood-thirsty vampire has found fresh victims with "Dracula Daily," delivered in small — ahem — digestible chunks.

Books

'River of the Gods' dives into the 19th century British exploration of the Nile

9:51am May 14, 2022

by Scott Simon

Scott Simon talks with Candice Millard about 19th century British exploration and her new book, "River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile."

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Books

Writer and director George Stevens Jr. releases memoir 'My Place In The Sun'

8:47am May 14, 2022

by Scott Simon

Scott Simon talks to writer and director George Stevens Jr. about his life, growing up in Hollywood, and even Elizabeth Taylor, in his memoir, "My Place In The Sun."