Books

Books
Arts

'What Doesn't Kill You' Is A Humorous, Authentic Take On Growing Up Black

1:25pm May 03, 2019

by Soraya Nadia McDonald

In his new book of essays, Damon Young, co-founder of the blog Very Smart Brothas, sticks it to his high school bully — while also offering insights into race, power and how to be a modern man.

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Ron Ackins checks out back issues at Philadelphia's Fat Jack's Comicrypt on Free Comic Book Day 2012. Be like Ron.

Books
Arts

Your Guide To Free Comic Book Day 2019: Best Bets For Every Reader

1:07pm May 03, 2019

by Glen Weldon

Once again, we provide you with capsule reviews of the 53(!) books that comics shops will be handing out this Saturday, May 4th.

Cover detail of The Last, by Hanna Jameson

Books
Arts

From Family Drama To Global Apocalypse, These Two Novels Keep You Riveted

12:31pm May 03, 2019

by Maureen Corrigan

Sarah Blake's The Guest Book is a multi-generational drama set against a backdrop of war and social upheaval. The Last, by Hanna Jameson, centers on the survivors of a nuclear holocaust.

Decoding Da Vinci

4:12pm May 02, 2019

Happy death day to the illustrious painter and inventor.

'Hacking Darwin' Explores Genetic Engineering — And What It Means To Be Human

11:54am May 02, 2019

by Marcelo Gleiser

The waters of genetic meddling are murky; in a new book, technology futurist Jamie Metzl reviews where we've been in the past as a guideline for where we might be headed.

The Curious Ways We Find (And Lose) Our Way

5:40pm May 01, 2019

Thanks to smartphone technology, a sense of direction is just a click away. But what happens to the brain when we outsource our navigational skills? Do apps gained mean literacy

'Moneyland' Reveals How Oligarchs, Kleptocrats And Crooks Stash Fortunes

1:31pm May 01, 2019

by Terry Gross

Journalist Oliver Bullough runs kleptocracy tours in London, in which he points out mansions bought by corrupt foreign leaders and oligarchs. Moneyland describes their secretive transnational world.

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Erin Lee Carr describes the 2015 death of her father, David Carr, as "the most profound loss I will ever experience."

Books
Arts

David Carr's Daughter On The 'Grand Caper' Of Life, And The Grief Of Loss

12:59pm May 01, 2019

by Terry Gross

Erin Lee Carr says her father's death "is the most profound loss I will ever experience." Carr's new memoir about family, addiction, mentorship and memory is called All That You Leave Behind.

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Mahlana Graham — champion from the U.S. Virgin Islands — recites at this year's Poetry Out Loud competition.

Books
Arts

These High Schoolers Have A Passion For 'Poetry Out Loud'

11:42am May 01, 2019

by Elizabeth Blair

The Poetry Out Loud contest is kind of like a poetry spelling bee. Kids from across the country compete at reciting their chosen poems, and the winner takes home a prize of $20,000.

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Books
Arts

'Lie With Me' Captures The Wistfulness Of First Love, And First Loss

10:00am May 01, 2019

by Michael Schaub

Philippe Besson's novel — ably translated from the French by Molly Ringwald — chronicles a painful teenaged heartbreak, followed by grown-up ennui. It's a well-worn but very well-told tale.