NPR Bestsellers: Paperback Nonfiction, Week Of October 23, 2014
Novelist Ann Patchet presents a collection of personal essays in This Is The Story Of A Happy Marriage, appearing at No. 3.
Books
Patchett: In Bad Relationships, 'There Comes A Day When You Gotta Go'
Ann Patchett got married and divorced young. To her second husband, she said: "I'll be true, I'll be faithful ... but I don't want to live together." Her book is This Is The Story of a Happy Marriage.
'Rebellion' Charts A Tumultuous, Formative Century
Historian Peter Ackroyd's new book surveys the history of England from the end of the Tudor era to the Glorious Revolution of 1688 — almost a century of war, debate and transformation.
'Test Kitchen': How To Buy The Safest Meat And Make The Juiciest Steaks
The Cook's Illustrated Meat Book gives tips on how to shop for, store, season and cook meat. Why shouldn't you pack your burgers too tight? Two America's Test Kitchen editors explain.
Book News: Lily King, Roz Chast And Kate Samworth Win Inaugural Kirkus Prize
Earning honors for fiction, nonfiction and young children's literature, respectively, the writers are the first to win the award. Also: The Bronx's bookstore returns, while the U.K. shows off doodles.
Pursuing The Mafia Into All 'Four Corners' Of Palermo
Reporter Giuseppe di Piazza's debut novel, The Four Corners of Palermo, follows an unnamed young reporter during the brutal early days of the mafia's conflict with the Italian government in the 1980s.
You'll Want To Accept The Dinner Invitation To 'The Immortal Evening'
On a cold evening in London in 1817, painter Benjamin Haydon hosted a dinner with the likes of Keats and Wordsworth. Critic Stanley Plumly recreates the crackling conversation about art and science.
'Season Of The Witch' Shines A (Black)Light On The Occult In Rock
Rock 'n' roll rebellion is mainstream today, but Peter Bebergal's new book summons a more shadowed past, when artists like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin brought an occult mystique to the music.
Herbie Hancock: 'On A Path To Find My Own Answer'
In a candid interview, the ever-innovative pianist traces the lines between Buddhist chants, Sly Stone and Miles Davis, while shedding new light on some hard facts about his past.
Book News: Joan Didion's Life, As Seen On Kickstarter
The nephew of the iconic essayist and novelist hopes to produce a documentary on her life, and he's turned to crowd-funding to make it happen. Also: There's been much ado about the dictionary lately.