Demand For Audio Books Keeps Penguin Random House Recording
Audiobooks as we know them have been around for about 25 years. But the form really took off when MP3 players like the iPod came out.
Books
In Seattle, Maurice Sendak's 'Wild' 'Nutcracker' Reaches Its Final Act
For more than 30 years, the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker has used sets and costumes designed by the author of Where the Wild Things Are. This year, the ballet is retiring the production.
Beyond The Bird On It: 'Twee Is About Shopping'
Cutesy, homespun goods that combine old-fashioned and modern aesthetics are proliferating. But don't be mistaken: There's a powerful economic force behind it all, says author Marc Spitz.
'Rum, Rumba, And Romance': A Book On Cuba's Enduring Mystique
This week, President Obama announced that he will begin to normalize relations with Cuba. Cuban-American writer Richard Blanco recommends a book about Cuba's imprint on the American imagination.
Bridwell Created A Big Red Dog That Grew With Readers' Love
Norman Bridwell, the beloved creator of the classic children's book character, Clifford the Big Red Dog, died last week. NPR's Scott Simon remembers the author.
A Literate London Cabbie's Favorite Books For 2014
Every year, well-read London cabbie Will Grozier joins NPR's Scott Simon to talk books. In 2014, he recommends the writing of a fellow taxi driver, and a new take on World War I.
Gentlefolk All, Survive Your Holidays With Help From Chaucer
Who better to help you through the stresses and strains of a modern Christmas than a 14th-century English poet? Yes, Geoffrey Chaucer is online now, and he's here for all your holiday advice needs.
Antarctic Holiday: A Christmas Feast In The Loneliest Spot On Earth
For Dr. Gavin Francis, Christmas Eve marked the start of a year-long stay in an icy research base 8,700 miles from home. In this "empire of ice and isolation," he says, food is essential to morale.
4 Comic Albums And Audiobooks To Lighten Up Your Holiday Road Trip
Let Amy Poehler, Jeff Kinney, Jim Gaffigan and Hannibal Buress help you laugh away the tension while you're stuck in holiday traffic.
NPR Bestsellers: Week Of December 18, 2014
The lists are compiled from weekly surveys of close to 500 independent bookstores nationwide.