Books

Biographer Holly George-Warren describes rock star Janis Joplin (shown here in 1969) as an introspective person who didn't always like her own thoughts.

New Janis Joplin Biography Reveals The Hard Work Behind The Heart

1:58pm October 21, 2019

by Terry Gross

Onstage, Joplin oozed confidence, sexuality and exuberance, but biographer Holly George-Warren describes the singer as a bookworm who worked hard to create her "blues feelin' mama" musical persona.

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Books

In Cixin Liu's 'Supernova Era,' The Children Really Are The Future

10:00am October 21, 2019

by Jason Heller

In this early work from the Hugo Award-winning author, a supernova near Earth kills off everyone over the age of 13 — and the remaining kids turn increasingly to violence as they struggle to rebuild.

Books
Arts

3 Fresh New Romances For October

7:00am October 21, 2019

by Maya Rodale

As the October days shorten, it's a good time to curl up with a romance novel — this month, we're featuring stories about people who defy traditional expectations to find their happy-ever-afters.

Ex-VA Chief's Book Describes Chaos And Confusion Inside The White House

5:06am October 21, 2019

by Quil Lawrence

Dr. David Shulkin has written a memoir about his time as secretary of Veterans Affairs in the Trump administration. He says he was pushed out by people who favor privatizing the VA.

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Books

Comedian Ali Wong On Her New Book, 'Dear Girls'

5:09pm October 20, 2019

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with comedian Ali Wong about her new book, Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets and Advice for Living Your Best Life.

The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity, Axton Betz-Hamilton

Books
Arts

In 'The Less People Know About Us' A Mysterious Identity Theft Hits Close To Home

10:01am October 20, 2019

by Genevieve Valentine

Axton Betz-Hamilton was 12 when her family's mail began disappearing. Her memoir details what follows and, when she discovers the culprit, the painful process of collecting the pieces of her past.

Books
Arts

'Curious Toys' Gets Itself Into Unnecessary Trouble

7:00am October 20, 2019

by Arkady Martine

Elizabeth Hand's new historical thriller has a compelling main character and vivid, carefully drawn settings — but its treatment of the story's murderous villain leaves an unpleasant aftertaste.

George R.R. Martin attends a 2013 afterparty for HBO's Game Of Thrones, which was adapted from his epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire.

Books

George R.R. Martin Really Does Know You Want Him To Write Faster

5:44pm October 19, 2019

by Scott Simon

Martin, who's working on the long-awaited sixth volume of his series A Song of Ice and Fire, rarely gives interviews — but NPR's Scott Simon recently caught up with him onstage at an awards ceremony.

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Books

Book: 'Free Cyntoia'

5:10pm October 19, 2019

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Cyntoia Brown-Long about her memoir, Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System.

Books
Arts

In 'Reincarnation Stories,' Visual Exuberance Masks Artistic Care

10:00am October 19, 2019

by Etelka Lehoczky

Legendary underground cartoonist Kim Deitch's new book is packed with monkeys, cartoon magpies, and even Jesus; it starts with an account of killing time after eye surgery and gets wilder from there.