Celia Perez's New Novel 'The First Rule Of Punk' Comes With Advice For Adolescents
NPR's Kelly McEvers talks with Celia Perez about her book, The First Rule of Punk for middle-grade readers. The first rule? Be yourself.
Books
'The Burning Girl' Is More Than Just A Pretty Victim
Edgar Allan Poe once wrote that the death of a beautiful woman is "unquestionably, the most poetical topic in the world." In her new book, The Burning Girl, Claire Messud responds: Not to us women.
Hunter S. Thompson's Widow Opens Doors To His 'War Room'
Years after his death, gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson's legend lives on. His widow takes Aspen Public Radio's Claire Woodcock on a visit to The War Room in his home, where Thompson spent 16 hours a day locked in, writing such pieces as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Writing Mississippi: Jesmyn Ward Salvages Stories Of The Silenced
The author's books are set in the poor, black Mississippi community where she grew up, a place where, she says, "the past bears very heavily on the present."
After Years Of Waiting, Forsyth County Central Library Opens To The Public
The Central Library in downtown Winston-Salem is finally open to the public.
Tolkien's Plant Passion Moves Botanist To Create Guide To Middle Earth
Botanist Walter Judd has created a book that tests the limits of The Lord of the Rings fandom. It's an examination of the many plants and trees that J.R.R. Tolkien used in his novels.
In Fitting Postscript, Terry Pratchett Had His Unfinished Works Steamrolled
The late Discworld author didn't want anyone else polishing his unfinished books and publishing them after his death. So he asked for them to be crushed — and his estate manager dutifully complied.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist John Updike
Over the course of his decades-long career, Updike authored more than 25 novels, including the Rabbit series. He also penned short stories, poems, essays and a memoir. Originally broadcast in 1989.
Mirrors And Neck Ruffs: A Graphic Novel Takes On Velázquez
Writer Santiago García and artist Javier Olivares examine Diego Velázquez' painting Las Meninas and its influence down the centuries with a heady — and sometimes heavy — mix of comics and high art.
'My Absolute Darling' Is Hard To Read, Harder To Put Down
Gabriel Tallent's devastating debut novel about a young girl and her abusive but charismatic father has memorable characters, the pacing of a thriller, and still manages to work in some light moments.