Books

Sandy Hook took place as 'alternative facts' muscled out objective truth

1:48pm March 07, 2022

by Jim Zarroli

A feature writer at The New York Times, author Elizabeth Williamson is a compassionate storyteller and a thorough reporter who never loses sight of the larger issues Newtown presents.

News brief: Russia-Ukraine latest, Ukrainian refugees, Bill Barr book

8:11am March 07, 2022

Russian forces are moving toward a third Ukrainian nuclear power plant. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has generated a refugee crisis. Ex-Attorney General Barr defends his record in a new book.

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Books

Here are some reading recommendations for deeper understanding of Russia and Ukraine

7:59am March 06, 2022

by Adrian Florido

Adrian Florido talks with Santa Barbara librarian Molly Wetta about what to read for a better understanding of Russia, Ukraine and the Soviet Bloc.

Books

Azar Nafisi's new book is on what it means to 'Read Dangerously'

9:15am March 05, 2022

by Scott Simon

Scott Simon speaks with author Azar Nafisi about her new book, "Read Dangerously: The Subversive Power of Literature in Troubled Times."

Books

The novel 'Glory' is inspired by 'Animal Farm' and based on the 2017 coup in Zimbabwe

8:20am March 05, 2022

by Scott Simon

Scott Simon talks with NoViolet Bulawayo about her new novel "Glory," based on the 2017 coup that ousted Zimbabwe's long-time president Robert Mugabe.

Books
Arts

'The Wonders' portrays the struggles of working women

6:07am March 04, 2022

by Jeevika Verma

Elena Medel's novel follows two women, separated in time but facing similar class and gender dynamics. It particularly explores the challenges of motherhood.

Not sure what to start reading about Ukraine? Here's a guide to some books to keep an eye out for.

Read these 6 books about Ukraine

4:19pm March 03, 2022

by Rina Torchinsky

The Russian invasion has sparked an interest in books about Ukraine. There are many out there. If you're not sure where to get started, we've got you covered.

Books
Arts

Really listening to someone else's convictions in 'The Believer' by Sarah Krasnostein

10:57am March 03, 2022

by Kristen Martin

The author offers six profiles that include a Buddhist death doula, a student of the paranormal, the staff at the Creation Museum, and a woman who was imprisoned for her abusive husband's murder.

Sarah Polley on the medical advice that inspired her to confront memories of her pain

4:41pm March 02, 2022

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer speaks with actress, director and writer Sarah Polley about her new book, Run Towards the Danger.

Books
Arts

She sees life through the lens of books in 'Checkout 19'

5:48am March 02, 2022

by Lily Meyer

The protagonist of Clare-Louise Bennett's novel is a determinedly unfixed and unrooted person who marks time through which writers she has read.