NPR Bestsellers: Week Of July 2, 2015
The lists are compiled from weekly surveys of close to 500 independent bookstores nationwide.
Books
Baldwin And Bridges: Two Artists, Two Debuts, One Fire
Reviewer Juan Vidal has had the debut album by Texas soul crooner Leon Bridges on heavy rotation, and it's making him think of parallels with James Baldwin's first novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain.
From Early Failures To New 'Trainwreck,' Judd Apatow Gets Serious
It's an understatement to call the man busy. With a new book out, a movie due soon and another wrapping up on set, Apatow caught a breath and reflected on stumbling blocks, Freaks and Amy Schumer.
Is It All Greek To You? Thank Medieval Monks, And The Bard, For The Phrase
Ben Zimmer, language columnist at The Wall Street Journal, explains the origin of the phrase "it's all Greek to me" — and shares a few variants from other languages.
In 'Playing Scared' Pianist Grows Less Frightened Of Stage Fright
Performance anxiety kept journalist Sara Solovitch away from the piano for several decades. Then one day she decided to search for the key to putting her back in tune with her performance side.
If Robots 'Speak,' Will We Listen? Novel Imagines A Future Changed By AI
As artificial intelligence alters human connection, Louisa Hall's characters wrestle with whether machines can truly feel. Some "feel they have to stand up for a robot's right to exist," Hall says.
Decades Of Politics And Partnership In Jimmy Carter's 'Full Life'
Former president Jimmy Carter was one of the youngest ex-presidents ever when he left office in 1981. His new memoir, A Full Life, looks back at his years of public service, in and out of office.
'Shadowshaper' Paints A Vibrant Picture
Daniel José Older's new young adult novel follows a Brooklyn teenager who discovers her family has a dangerous magical heritage. Reviewer Amal El-Mohtar says it's full of music, flavor and color.
New Nation, New Cuisine: The First Cookbook To Tackle 'American Food'
The first American cookbook, published in 1796, promised local food and a kind of socioculinary equality. But generations later, foodies are still puzzling over how to define "American food."
Pop Culture Happy Hour: Judy Blume's New Book And Lifetime's 'UnREAL'
On this week's show, a beloved author of books for kids writes another one for adults, and Lifetime sets a drama behind the scenes of a reality dating show.