Books

In the future, Britain is partly submerged by rising seas. What do people remember of the past? NPR's Scott Simon talks to author Ian McEwan about his novel, "What We Can Know."

Readers are always looking for new books and, don't you know, NPR's Books We Love has tons of suggestions! We hear staff picks for great novels to check out from 2025.

NPR's Scott Simon asks Jennie Godfrey about her debut novel, "The List of Suspicious Things," a coming-of-age story in which two British girls try to investigate local murders.

It's a darkly comic book about a mother and son living in Beirut through a series of calamities, including civil war, kidnapping, and economic collapse.

America's literary highways may be plenty crowded with middle-aged runaways fleeing lives that increasingly feel like a bad fit. But Ben Markovits adds a moving tale to the collection.

Mysteries and thrillers are enjoyable no matter the season, but there's something extra satisfying about curling up in the winter with a warm drink and an all-engrossing read. Here's what we suggest.

Marty Reisman was nicknamed "The Needle" for his slender physique. He dressed well and put on a show.

Biographer Peter Ames Carlin describes the making of Born to Run as an "existential moment" for Springsteen. Carlin's book is Tonight in Jungleland. Originally broadcast Aug. 7, 2025.

Georgetown professor Charles King tells the story in his book "Every Valley: The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times That Made Handel's Messiah."

The 1995 adaptation of Terry McMillan's novel celebrated the beauty of Black sisterhood.