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'Republic Of Imagination' Sings The Praises Of Literature

7:03am October 23, 2014

by Heller McAlpin

The author of Reading Lolita in Tehran returns, this time with a paean to the importance of literature in a democratic society. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says Azar Nafisi may be preaching to the choir.

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Book News: Just Months In, A Publisher That Promised Innovation Ends Its Run

2:11pm October 22, 2014

by Colin Dwyer

Atavist Books launched with aims of upending the print-first publishing model. Now it's announcing its plans to close. Meanwhile, partnerships between public libraries and airports are taking off.

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Disappearing Religions Charted In 'Heirs To Forgotten Kingdoms'

2:02pm October 22, 2014

When Gerard Russell was a diplomat in the Middle East, he met followers of ancient religions facing extinction. His new book includes the origins of the Yazidis, who are fleeing the Islamic State.

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Charles Blow's Memoir Reveals Incidents Of Sexual Abuse And Violence

12:31pm October 22, 2014

In a new memoir, New York Times Op-Ed columnist Charles Blow opens up about abuse he has suffered, and inflicted in his life. He tells Michel Martin why he told his story in Fire Shut Up in My Bones.

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Better Off Red: 'War Dogs' Puts Marines On Mars

12:10pm October 22, 2014

by Jason Sheehan

Greg Bear's latest space adventure goes from the Earth to Mars and back again with a grizzled group of "Skyrines" (Sky Marines, get it?) on the trail of a mysterious alien treasure.

Among The Young And Privileged In North Korea

9:59am October 22, 2014

by NPR Staff

American journalist Suki Kim spent six months teaching English at a North Korean University that serves the sons of the elite. She chronicles her experience in a new book, Without You, There Is No Us.

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Book News: Amazon Inks A Deal With A Publisher Not Named Hachette

8:31am October 22, 2014

by Colin Dwyer

The online retailer has reached a multiyear deal with Simon & Schuster, one of the "Big Five" U.S. publishers. Meanwhile, Amazon's pricing dispute with Hachette Book Group persists.

"Never needs changing. Not once. ... Put this on when they're born, sit back, and watch the joy that every baby gives off."

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You Definitely Need This Condo Pony, And Other Products From 'SkyMaul'

7:01am October 22, 2014

by NPR Staff

"The Hot Dog Clock" and "The Forever Diaper" are also must-haves. A San Francisco comedy group is once again poking fun at the in-flight catalog SkyMall.

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Amazon Deal With Simon & Schuster Raises Questions For Other Publishers

7:01am October 22, 2014

by Lynn Neary

Amazon has received a fair amount of bad press lately over its long-running dispute with the Hachette publishing house. So Monday's announcement of a deal with Simon & Schuster took some industry watchers by surprise.

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There's Never A Dull Moment On This Trans-Siberian Adventure

5:47pm October 21, 2014

by NPR Staff

Morning Edition's David Greene has taken this 6,000-mile ride twice. He shares his experience in the cramped third-class cars — borscht and all — in his new book, Midnight in Siberia.

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