'A People's History Of Chicago' Reflects A Spectrum Of Experiences
Poet and author Kevin Coval talks about his new book of poems, A People's History of Chicago. The book tells the stories of the city's marginalized communities.
Books
'The Book Of Joan' Recasts A Historic Heroine — In Space
Lidia Yuknavitch's fascination with Joan of Arc informs her new novel, set in a grim future where humanity is sexless and ageless, prisoners in a technological hell ruled by a malevolent billionaire.
Philanthropy In America Is Becoming 'Ideological Arms Race,' Author Says
Many of the richest citizens are reshaping public policy, and society, as they see fit. Because of their numbers, they have more influence than the philanthropists of the past, David Callahan says.
Michael Nesmith On 'Infinite Tuesday' And Touring With Hendrix
In his new memoir, the one-time member of The Monkees recalls befriending John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix, who opened for the band on a 1967 tour. (That didn't last long.)
A Strange Odyssey Through Bulgaria In 'Shadow Land'
Elizabeth Kostova's deep love for her adopted homeland grounds this story of a young American woman in Sofia, who finds a mysterious urn full of ashes and has to piece together the lives behind it.
The Poetic Intimacy Of Administering Anesthesia
An anesthesiologist and poet says her medical work is well-suited to poetry, as patients move in and out of consciousness under the doctor's watch.
Literature And Social Media Collide In 'Sympathy'
Sympathy, the debut novel by Olivia Sudjic, could be about falling in love in the digital age. Or it could be about falling down a digital rabbit hole. Linda Wertheimer asks Sudjic about her book.
Filmmaker John Waters On How To 'Make Trouble'
NPR's Linda Wertheimer speaks with filmmaker John Waters about his new book. Make Trouble is based on Waters' commencement address to the Rhode Island School of Design.
'Upside Of Unrequited' Is A Fresh, Fun, Snarky Spring Fling
Becky Albertalli's new young adult novel is a snappy romance that'll bring you back to the pain and elation of young love. It follows two sisters trying to balance their relationship with new crushes.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: Diversity In Comics And 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
This week, while we recover from our live show, we bring you a segment from Code Switch about diversity in comics and we revisit our segment on RuPaul's Drag Race.