Children's Book Author Beverly Cleary Celebrates 103rd Birthday
On children's book author Beverly Cleary's 103rd birthday, the story of how she became a writer.
Books
In Her Debut Novel 'Miracle Creek,' Angie Kim Taps Into Themes She Knows Well
Angie Kim's debut novel, Miracle Creek, is a courtroom thriller that tackles heavy themes like immigration, parenting and autism.
Beyond Crabgrass: A Look At America's 'Radical Suburbs'
Amanda Kolson Hurley is well-acquainted with suburbia's many negative stereotypes. But in a new book, she asks us to take a look at what is possible in this realm when the human spirit is at its best.
Tayari Jones Takes Home Aspen Words Literary Prize For 'An American Marriage'
The novel earned Jones the $35,000 award for tackling difficult social issues in fiction. The prize's head judge says the book is "going to have a place in the literary imagination for a long time."
Barbara Bush: The Matriarch
A veteran journalist was granted access to Bush's diaries to understand how the formidable former first lady influenced American life.
In 'Freedom's Detective,' A Flawed But Remarkable Hiram Whitley Infiltrates The KKK
Journalist Charles Lane's account is endlessly gripping — and he does an excellent job of placing the operation in historical context, chronicling racism and resentment in the South post-Civil War.
Virginia Hall, The Subject Of 'A Woman Of No Importance,' Was Anything But
A very smooth read about a rocky life, Sonia Purnell's biography of the masterful WWII spy is a reminder of what can be done with a few brave people — and a little resistance.
'Charged' Explains How Prosecutors And Plea Bargains Drive Mass Incarceration
Close to 2.2 million people were incarcerated in the U.S. in 2016. Author Emily Bazelon says prosecutors, rather than judges, are responsible for many of the prison sentences defendants receive.
Little-Remembered Religious Preachers Get Their Due In 'American Messiahs'
Bizarre as they may have been, many messianic leaders were stunningly successful, heading movements that flourished for years due, in part, to their keen ability to offer responses to social distress.
A Daughter Reflects On Her Dad's Ongoing Influence In 'All That You Leave Behind'
Erin Lee Carr's memoir about her relationship with her dad, David Carr, provokes gratitude and empathy — but she fails to investigate herself with the rigor she brings to her own journalism.