A Dreamy Marriage Turns To Rage In 'Fates And Furies'
In her newest novel, Lauren Groff uses a split narrative to tell the story of a long marriage. Critic Jason Sheehan says the device works thanks to Groff's stunning language.
Books
Poet Laureate's Migrant Childhood Was Like 'Living In Literature Every Day'
Juan Felipe Herrera is the child of Mexican migrant farmworkers. He says, "I had a mother [who] sang and told stories and loved poetry, even though she only went to third grade."
'Story Of My Teeth' Covers Art, Identity And Dental Adventures
Critic Heller McAlpin calls Valeria Luiselli's novel a "philosophical funhouse" that melds the story of a charming auctioneer with meditations on the value of objects and the power of story.
Shortlist Revealed For 2015 Man Booker Prize
One-third of the short-listed nominees are American, which could make some British authors unhappy.
Drone Strike That Killed Awlaki 'Did Not Silence Him,' Journalist Says
In Operation Troy, author Scott Shane details the life, death and influence of Anwar al-Awlaki. "His status as a martyr has given his message even greater authority," Shane says of the propagandist.
Law Beyond Our Borders: Justice Breyer Is On A Mission
In his new book, Stephen Breyer details cases involving the interdependence of law in the U.S. and other countries. No branch of government can avoid dealing with global issues any more, he said.
'Fake Fruit Factory' Portrays Warped, Whimsical Small-Town America
The city at the center of Patrick Wensink's novel may be one of "America's Boringest," but critic Jason Heller says it makes a great setting for this "overstuffed buffet of a book."
In 'Gamelife,' A Portrait Of The Writer As A Young Role-Player
Michael W. Clune spent much of his childhood alone — just him and his 8-bit computer. But, as he writes in his new memoir, playing text adventures and role-playing games helped prepare him for life.
A Marriage, Warts And All, Is At The Heart Of 'Fates And Furies'
In Lauren Groff's new book, Fates and Furies, a marriage unfolds over many decades, from the husband's perspective, then the wife's. Groff talks about a marriage under the microscope.
A Philosophical Posse Hunts For The Self In Nathaniel Mackey's Poems
Nathaniel Mackey's book Blue Fasa has been described as metaphysical and mythological. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with poet Douglas Kearney about the lure of Mackey's words.