Arts
'The Heart Does Not Grow Back' Could Use An Imagination Transfusion
Fred Venturini's debut has a fascinating concept: What happens when a small-town kid gets amazing healing powers? But critic Jason Heller says the book never manages to explore that question fully.
Many Views Of Muhammad, As A Man And As A Prophet
In her new book, The Lives of Muhammad, Boston University professor Kecia Ali discusses the different ways that Muslim and non-Muslim biographers have depicted the prophet over the centuries.
Aasif Mandvi On Life As A 'No Land's Man' And Impressing Jon Stewart
The Daily Show correspondent was born in India, raised in England and moved to Florida as a teen. His new essay collection reflects on his acting career and his life as an immigrant.
Rebuilding A Broken Family 'In Plain Sight'
Somali author Nuruddin Farah's new novel follows a glamorous photographer who takes in her brother's children after he dies in a terrorist bombing. Reviewer Alan Cheuse calls it complex yet uplifting.
The Luxury Of Solitude
Road trips are a good time to remember that cultural mistrust of solitude can mask its profound benefits.
HBO's 'Olive Kitteridge' May Be The Best Depiction Of Marriage On TV
HBO's miniseries, starring Frances McDormand as a sharp-tongued wife, concludes tonight. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans calls it an unsparing, detailed look at the most quietly troubled marriage on TV.
'Car Talk' Co-Host Tom Magliozzi Dies At 77
As half of the wisecracking NPR radio show, Tom Magliozzi made us laugh at our car problems. He and his brother, Ray, also taught us how things work.
Election Night Eating: A Tasting Menu For What's At Stake
NPR's politics team is hosting an election night party Tuesday. But you can't have a party without good grub. So we've put together a menu inspired by the politics in play.
Book News: To Make This E-Book Sweeter, Just Add Product Placement
Makers of Sweet'N Low invested big bucks to appear in Find Me I'm Yours. But that's not the only noteworthy novel out this week: Denis Johnson, Ha Jin, Will Self and Richard Ford all have new books.