Author Caitlin Horrocks Explores Brilliance of Composer Erik Satie In 'The Vexations'
NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Caitlin Horrocks about her debut novel, The Vexations. It's about French composer Erik Satie and his siblings.
Books
A Complicated Puzzle Gets Closer To Solution In 'The Dark Above'
In Jeremy Finley's followup to The Darkest Time of Night, too many plot threads tangle the story — but his strong, well-realized women are a welcome presence in this supernatural thriller.
These Cli-Fi Classics Are Cautionary Tales For Today
As heat waves roll across Europe and storms pummel the American South, literature is responding. But climate fiction — or cli-fi — is nothing new, and we've got a roundup of some classics.
Life Of Black Cyclist Major Taylor Chronicled In New Book 'The World's Fastest Man'
NPR's Steve Inskeep goes back in cycling history with Michael Kranish, whose new book is "The World's Fastest Man: The Extraordinary Life of Cyclist Major Taylor, America's First Black Sports Hero."
Real Disappearances Are The Premise For Laura Lippman's 'Lady In The Lake'
In 1969, an 11-year-old white girl and a young, African American woman disappeared and died in Baltimore. The two cases were treated very differently by the media — and inspired Lippman's new novel.
Why Grouchy, Rude 'Catwad' Is Catnip To Kids
Our monthly children's book column returns with a look at the dubious (to adults, at least) charms of cartoonist Jim Benton's grouchy feline Catwad, who has mastered the anti-joke.
Meaning Well And Making A Mess In 'We Love Anderson Cooper'
R.L. Maizes' new story collection is a quirky mix of humor, gravity and warmth. She's drawn to outsiders who yearn for connection and who display behaviors and feelings they're not proud of.
From Insomnia To Sexsomnia, Unlocking The 'Secret World' Of Sleep
Neurologist Guy Leschziner, author of The Nocturnal Brain, says the brain can be in different sleep stages at once — which explains why people sometimes walk, eat and even have sex when sleeping.
'Lager Queen' Author Was Tired Of Caricatures Of Midwestern Women
J. Ryan Stradal wasn't seeing the strong, Midwestern women who raised him reflected well in contemporary fiction. So he decided to write those characters himself in The Lager Queen of Minnesota.
'Becoming Superman' Chronicles The Life And Career Of J. Michael Straczynski
While the prolific Hollywood writer's career is well-documented, his personal history has been a mystery. His memoir is painful and inspiring, infuriating and full of hope, humorous and depressing.