'Sam,' the latest novel from Allegra Goodman, is small, but not simple
The novel follows a white working-class girl from age 7 through her late teens, navigating a world tightly circumscribed by class and culture.
Books
Author Kai Thomas on the Underground Railroad's unexplored history in Canada
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with author Kai Thomas about his debut novel IN THE UPPER COUNTRY and exploring the Underground Railroad's little-known history in a community of free Black people in Canada.
Anti-fatness keeps fat people on the margins, says Aubrey Gordon
In her new book You Just Need To Lose Weight and 19 Other Myths About Fat People, Aubrey Gordon tackles the biases and myths that she says keep fat people on the margins of society.
'Still Pictures' offers one more glimpse of writer Janet Malcolm
The New Yorker writer's posthumously published quasi-memoir is succinct and thought-provoking — and manages to capture so much of what made her so unfailingly interesting.
What if you could buy wishes? An Egyptian fantasy comic does some wishful thinking
Artist and author Deena Mohamed created a graphic novel about how wishes would — or wouldn't — work in modern-day Egypt. Her much-praised book is now out in English. It's ... a wish come true!
Middle age 'is a force you cannot fight,' warns 'Fleishman Is in Trouble' author
Taffy Brodesser-Akner says the start of middle age hit her "like a truck." As her friends got divorced and began dating again, she was inspired to write a novel — which she's adapted for the screen.
Author George M. Johnson: We must ensure access to those who need these stories most
All Boys Aren't Blue, a memoir for teens and young adults about growing up Black and queer, appeared on many "best books" lists when published in 2020. It's being challenged in some U.S. counties.
What's the #1 thing to change to be happier? A top happiness researcher weighs in
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Dr. Robert Waldinger, one of the authors of The Good Life: Lessons from the world's longest scientific study of happiness.
Kashana Cauley writes about the unexplored perspective of Black survivalists
NPR's Juana Summers speaks with author Kashana Cauley about her debut novel The Survivalists and putting her comedy background to work in writing about the unexplored perspective of Black survivalism.
The sports world is still built for men. This elite runner wants to change that
Champion distance runner Lauren Fleshman says too many coaches assume — falsely — that what works for male athletes also benefits female athletes. Her memoir is Good for a Girl.