Books

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Pursuing The Mafia Into All 'Four Corners' Of Palermo

10:03am October 24, 2014

by Nishant Dahiya

Reporter Giuseppe di Piazza's debut novel, The Four Corners of Palermo, follows an unnamed young reporter during the brutal early days of the mafia's conflict with the Italian government in the 1980s.

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Arts

You'll Want To Accept The Dinner Invitation To 'The Immortal Evening'

2:06pm October 23, 2014

by Maureen Corrigan

On a cold evening in London in 1817, painter Benjamin Haydon hosted a dinner with the likes of Keats and Wordsworth. Critic Stanley Plumly recreates the crackling conversation about art and science.

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'Season Of The Witch' Shines A (Black)Light On The Occult In Rock

10:42am October 23, 2014

by Jason Heller

Rock 'n' roll rebellion is mainstream today, but Peter Bebergal's new book summons a more shadowed past, when artists like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin brought an occult mystique to the music.

Herbie Hancock's new memoir is titled Possibilities.

Herbie Hancock: 'On A Path To Find My Own Answer'

10:26am October 23, 2014

by NPR Staff

In a candid interview, the ever-innovative pianist traces the lines between Buddhist chants, Sly Stone and Miles Davis, while shedding new light on some hard facts about his past.

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Joan Didion on Sept. 24, 2012, in New York City.

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Book News: Joan Didion's Life, As Seen On Kickstarter

9:48am October 23, 2014

by Colin Dwyer

The nephew of the iconic essayist and novelist hopes to produce a documentary on her life, and he's turned to crowd-funding to make it happen. Also: There's been much ado about the dictionary lately.

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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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Arts

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.