The Perfect Family Book List
For the holidays, critic Alan Cheuse is making up a list of books to give to each of his family members. Only the best of 2014 for them. Here are his picks.
Arts
Sony Hack Reveals Hollywood's Acceptance Of White Privilege
While some leaked Sony emails seemed racist, NPR TV critic Eric Deggans says they hint at a wider issue: an acceptance of practices, habits and perceptions that limit diversity in Hollywood.
A Short List Of The Best 'Longform' Journalism Of 2014
Editors at Longform read hundreds of print and online journalism pieces each year. Co-founder Max Linsky talks to Audie Cornish about highlights from 2014, from literary stalwarts and upstarts alike.
For Wintry Weather, An Especially Cold And Snowy Tale
This week we celebrated not only Christmas, but also the solstice — the shortest day of the year. In honor of this wintry weather, author Edward Carey recommends his favorite winter fairy tale.
50 Wonderful Things From 2014
Books, movies, television, things to read — we look back at 50 of the great things that entered our field of vision in 2014.
The French Go Crazy For 'An American In Paris'
The first-ever stage production of the 1951 Hollywood film starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, with a Gershwin score, is getting rave reviews during its premiere in the city that inspired it.
A Punch Line In The U.S., Christmas Fruitcake Is Big In Calcutta
Seen as indestructible in the West, fruitcakes are indispensable in the bustling Hindu city. Bakers of all faiths have the ovens running round the clock to feed Calcutta's appetite for the cakes.