Books

Moonglow by Michael Chabon (Raquel Zaldivar/NPR)

Books
Arts

The Amazing Adventures Of Michael Chabon's Sort-Of-Grandpa In 'Moonglow'

7:11am November 22, 2016

by Heller McAlpin

Moonglow is a playful, fictional take on the family memoir. Set in 1990, it stars young author "Mike" Chabon, who's visiting his dying grandfather. Grandpa, it turns out, has led a remarkable life.

A student reads aloud from Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude, or Cien Años de Soledad, in Bogota, Colombia.

A Clear Message From Colombian Police: Don't Mess With '100 Years Of Solitude'

5:31pm November 21, 2016

by NPR Staff

In 2015, a first edition copy of Gabriel García Márquez's classic was stolen from a Bogota book fair. Many cases in that city go unsolved, but local law enforcement went all out to find the book.

Books

Zapruder's Book Examines Her Grandfather's Filming Of JFK Assassination

7:30am November 21, 2016

On a home movie, Abraham Zapruder captured the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963. David Greene talks to Alexandra Zapruder about her book: Twenty-Six Seconds.

Queue Listen Now

Book Recommendations For The Post-Election Escapists

9:29am November 20, 2016

After a divisive election season, maybe it's time to curl up and escape with a good book. Weekend Edition editor Barrie Hardymon has some suggestions.

'Courage To Soar': Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles' Says It's Not Easy Being Gold

9:29am November 20, 2016

Simone Biles captured the world's attention at the Rio Olympics. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with the gold-medalist about her new book "Courage to Soar."

How Misspellings Caught A Spy

5:21pm November 19, 2016

Yudhijit Bhattacharjee discusses his book The Spy Who Couldn't Spell, a real-life spy thriller about an American would-be traitor and the FBI agent hot on his trail.

'Ray And Joan' Chronicles Complex Life Of Kroc's Philanthropic Wife

8:14am November 19, 2016

It's often quoted that Ray Kroc made a fortune and his wife spent it — on causes he may not have agreed with. Lisa Napoli talks to Scott Simon about the life and love affair in her new book.

Books
Arts

'Moonglow' Shines A Light On Hidden Family History

8:12am November 19, 2016

by NPR Staff

Michael Chabon's new novel is based on deathbed conversations with his own grandfather, as strong painkillers unlocked the stories of a long full life — stories Chabon says he'd never heard before.

Books
Arts

Colson Whitehead's 'Underground Railroad' Is A Literal Train To Freedom

1:43pm November 18, 2016

Whitehead was recently awarded the National Book Award for his novel about a young slave who has escaped a Georgia plantation and is heading north. Originally broadcast Aug. 8, 2016.

Queue Listen Now

Books
Arts

Nick Offerman Shares His Love Of Woodworking In 'Good Clean Fun'

6:28pm November 17, 2016

Comedian and actor Nick Offerman became a star as the Libertarian Ron Swanson in the hit sitcom, Parks and Recreation. He's also pretty good in the woodshop. In fact, building things out of wood is a serious passion. And he's written about it in his latest book, Good Clean Fun.

Queue Listen Now