'Surviving Autocracy': Masha Gessen's New Book Tells A Story Of Trump's Presidency
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with The New Yorker staff writer Masha Gessen about their new book, Surviving Autocracy.
Books
Russian-American Masha Gessen Sees Putin In Trump, Trouble In Future
The New Yorker journalist says Putin and Trump were elected president without really wanting the job. They ran "not for president but for autocrat" and did not expect to settle for anything less.
Identical Twins Become Divided By Race In 'The Vanishing Half'
Brit Bennett's new novel centers on two light-skinned African American sisters — one of whom "passes" for white. The Vanishing Half is compelling — if somewhat melodramatic.
'Something To Talk About' Is A Slow-Burn Showstopper Romance
In Meryl Wilsner's debut novel, a Hollywood showrunner and her assistant are thrust into the spotlight after an innocuous red-carpet moment prompts gossip about a relationship between the two women.
This Bedtime Book Helps Kids Find Their Place In The 'Universe'
Before he became an astrophysicist, Ray Jayawardhana was just a kid, looking up at the night sky with his father. "I remember being awed," he says. He's written a book called Child of the Universe.
In 'Humankind,' Rutger Bregman Aims To Convince That Most People Are Good
The historian and author of Utopia for Realists says that research shows that "especially in times of crisis, we show our best selves. And we get this explosion of altruism and cooperation."
Say 'Hello, Neighbor' To This Charming Picture Book About Mister Rogers
Our kids' books columnist reports that amidst the messes and fights that result from kids in lockdown, Matthew Cordell's gentle new picture book biography of Mister Rogers has the power to soothe.
'Hollywood Park' Compassionately Depicts The Suffering And Struggles Of Addiction
Musician Mikel Jollett writes of his young years spent in the Synanon cult and how music helped him overcome these dark days, but misses a chance to discuss music as art and the ideas guiding him now.
Larry Kramer, Pioneering AIDS Activist And Writer, Dies At 84
Kramer was a writer with an Oscar-nominated screenplay when his friends started dying mysteriously — galvanizing him to found the Gay Men's Health Crisis, and later ACT UP, to combat AIDS.
How The 'Lost Art' Of Breathing Can Impact Sleep And Resilience
While researching his book, Breath, James Nestor participated in a study in which his nose was completely plugged for 10 days, forcing him to breathe solely through his mouth. "I felt awful," he says.