Negin Farsad: Can Humor Fight Prejudice?
Comedian Negin Farsad traveled all over the U.S. to clear up misconceptions about Islam while making people laugh. She calls this form of activism "social justice comedy."
Books
Kevin Breel: What Can Depression Teach Us About Comedy?
The image of the "sad clown" can seem like a cliche. But for Kevin Breel, it's very real. He describes how he struggled with depression while performing as a stand-up comedian.
Welcome To 'The Collapsing Empire:' Questions For John Scalzi
Prolific sci-fi author John Scalzi boots up a new universe in The Collapsing Empire. It's set in a future where far-flung humanity's ability to travel and communicate between planets is under threat.
An 'Intimate Portrait' Of Dorothy Day, The Catholic Activist With A Bohemian Past
Kate Hennessy drew from family letters, diaries and memories in writing Dorothy Day, a biography of her late grandmother. Day founded the Catholic Worker Movement and is now a candidate for sainthood.
'The Devil And Webster' Explores Tolerance, Inclusion And Identity
Jean Hanff Korelitz's latest is set at a tony New England college rocked by racial unrest. It's a suggestive exploration of tough issues, but lacks the nuance and intellect of the best campus novels.
Dread Builds As Good Guys Turn To Bad In 'Ill Will'
Dan Chaon's latest novel suggests that even people who seem kind can lead you down dangerous paths, whether they realize it or not.
Smart, Satirical 'Devil And Webster' Takes On College Identity Politics
Jean Hanff Korelitz's new novel surveys student life at a New England college in turmoil. Critic Maureen Corrigan says The Devil and Webster is "wittily on target."
Elastic Lines For An Elastic Life In 'Fire!!'
Cartoonist Peter Bagge's new biography of Zora Neale Hurston swoops through her life at breakneck speed, losing some real-life pathos along the way, but sustaining an electric, colorful energy.
Hunger, Boredom And Disappointment Are A Literary Feast In 'Bleaker House'
Nell Stevens retreated to a remote corner of the Falkland Islands in an attempt to write a novel. She came away with something better: This oddly winning memoir of deprivation, rain and penguins.
'Lucky You' Is A Perfect Balance Of Humor And Tragedy
Erika Carter's intelligent, unpretentious debut follows an aimless group of friends in their 20s, whose lives spin out of control during a supposedly detoxifying trip to a remote house in the country.