Books

A view of the U.S.-Mexico border fence on the outskirts of Nogales, Mexico. Francisco Cantú says people always find ways up, over, under or around border fences.

Former Agent Says, 'Border Patrol Does Good Work ... But There's Tension There'

5:03am February 06, 2018

by Steve Inskeep

In The Line Becomes a River, Francisco Cantú looks back on his time as a Border Patrol agent. He says, in his experience, "No matter what obstacle we put at the border, it's going to be subverted."

Books
Arts

'This Is What Happened' And 'Babylon Berlin' Deliver Thrills And Intrigue Aplenty

2:43pm February 05, 2018

by John Powers

Critic John Powers says Mick Herron's latest novel sucks you in from the opening page, and a Netflix series imported from Germany is both fun and binge-able.

After 17 Brushes With Death, A Writer Reflects On Coming 'Back From The Brink'

2:03pm February 05, 2018

by Terry Gross

Maggie O'Farrell recounts the multiple times she cheated death in her memoir, I Am, I Am, I Am. "We're different people afterwards," she says. "These experiences always take up residence inside us."

In 'The Afterlife,' the protagonist grapples with living after death.

Books
Arts

In 'The Afterlives,' Holograms And Ghosts Give Meaning To Life After Death

5:03am February 05, 2018

by Rachel Martin

In Thomas Pierce's novel, a loan officer dies — but only temporarily, and uneventfully. "[He's] looking for some kind of bedrock in a world that does feel so full of mirage," Pierce says.

Rosa Parks is fingerprinted by police in Montgomery, Ala. in 1956.

Books
Arts

In 'A More Beautiful And Terrible History,' Fuel For The Fight Ahead

5:12pm February 04, 2018

by Michel Martin

Jeanne Theoharis' new book re-examines civil rights history and the way it's been manipulated. "It is used to make us feel good about ourselves, to make us feel good about our progress," she says.

In one of the most reproduced images of all time, the crew of Apollo 17 captured the perspective of Earth known as "Blue Marble."

Books
Arts

The First Men To Have The Whole World In Their Sights

8:09am February 04, 2018

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

Christopher Potter's new history of space flight, The Earth Gazers, charts the road to the first photographs of Earth — and how it changes an astronaut to glimpse the entire planet at once.

Books
Arts

Twisty Thrills Propel 'The Burial Society'

7:00am February 04, 2018

by Bethanne Patrick

Nina Sadowsky's day job is high-level Hollywood producer, and it shows in the cinematic drive of her new thriller. But the book's nonstop action leaves little time for details of place and character.

Books
Arts

Empathetic 'Anatomy Of A Scandal' Does Justice To A Dark Subject

10:00am February 03, 2018

by Annalisa Quinn

Rape has become a standard feature in crime novels — sometimes treated with nuance, sometimes with voyeurism. Sarah Vaughan's Anatomy of a Scandal approaches it with unexpected attention and care.

Books

'I Wrote This Book Because I Love You'

8:07am February 03, 2018

NPR's Scott Simon talks to writer and cartoonist Tim Kreider about his new book of nonfiction essays about women he has known called I Wrote This Book Because I Love You.

Tempests and Slaughter, by Tamora Pierce

Books
Arts

Tamora Pierce Writes One For The Boys (But Just One) In 'Tempests And Slaughter'

8:07am February 03, 2018

by Scott Simon

The beloved fantasy author is known for her heroic female knights and mages — but she says she wants to be fair to the boys with her new book, the story of one of her most popular male characters.