'Sally Heathcote' Rescues Women's Suffrage From The Doldrums
A working-class activist anchors this graphic novel portrayal of British suffrage. Sally Heathcote is a compelling mix of visual ingenuity and historical accuracy.
Books
It May Be 'Perfectly Normal', But It's Also Frequently Banned
It's Perfectly Normal, a 20-year-old illustrated sex-ed book for kids, is meant to teach children about sexual health, puberty and relationships. It's one of the most banned books in America.
'American Cornball' A Taxonomy Of Humor In The U.S.
Robert Siegel talks to author Christopher Miller about American Cornball. It looks at the prejudices and peculiarities of a nation polarized between urban and rural, black and white and more.
For The Autumnal Equinox, A Poem As Chilling As The Fall Weather
Tuesday is the first day of fall. This time of year reminds critic Abigail Deutsch of Stephen Dobyns' "How to Like It" — a poem about a man who ponders his lost summers and fleeting dreams.
Jacqueline Woodson On Being A 'Brown Girl' Who Dreams
In her new memoir for young adults, Woodson uses free verse to tell the story of growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. Her work for young readers often touches on themes of race and identity.
The Long, Scary Journey From A 'Terrorist's Son' To A Peace Activist
Zak Ebrahim's father was convicted as a conspirator of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. For most of his life, Ebrahim lied to people about who his father was. His new memoir tells his story.
Martin Amis' 'Zone Of Interest' Is An Electrically Powerful Holocaust Novel
Martin Amis' latest novel, which takes place in Auschwitz, has already stirred up controversy in Europe according to the New York Times. But reviewer Alan Cheuse calls it the triumph of Amis' career.
The Kaypro II: An Early Computer With A Writer's Heart
Commentator Andrei Codrescu remembers the first word processor he had — the Kaypro II in the 1980s. Its inventor, Andrew Kay, died Aug. 28, at the age of 95.
13 Days Of High Emotion That Led To The Egypt-Israel Peace
Lawrence Wright's new book examines the 1978 peace deal President Carter brokered between Egypt and Israel. During the tense summit, Carter had "never been angrier," Wright says.
Futuristic 'Bone Clocks' Encompasses A Strange, Rich World Of Soul-Stealers
David Mitchell's latest fantasy is an odyssey into the dark side, spanning from 1984 to 2043. It's about a teenager who runs away from her London home and becomes prey to a ghastly gang of mystics.