Books

'Homestead' is a story about starting fresh, and the joys and trials of melding lives

5:00am February 28, 2023

by Michael Schaub

Alaska-born author Melinda Moustakis' debut novel Homestead is beautiful; it's also a profound look at how we navigate one another, and what it means to reveal ourselves to the ones we care about.

I Have Some Questions For You book cover

Books
Arts

'I Have Some Questions For You' is a dark, uncomfortable story that feels universal

10:40am February 27, 2023

by Gabino Iglesias

In less capable hands, all of this would be too much. But Rebecca Makkai manages to juggle every subplot brilliantly; each sings with a unique voice that harmonizes with the crime story at the heart.

Books

Dan Santat on his graphic novel 'A First Time For Everything'

7:53am February 26, 2023

by Eyder Peralta

A class trip to Europe helps an awkward boy through a challenging time of life. NPR's Eyder Peralta talks with Dan Santat about his new middle-grade graphic novel, "A First Time For Everything."

Books

Kathleen McLaughlin on her book 'Blood Money', about the global trade in blood plasma

2:06pm February 25, 2023

by Scott Simon

The global trade in blood plasma takes center stage in Kathleen McLaughlin's book, "Blood Money." NPR's Scott Simon speaks with the author about her experiences with, and reporting on, the industry.

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Books

Priya Guns on her debut novel 'Your Driver is Waiting'

7:52am February 25, 2023

by Scott Simon

Ride-share driver Damani endures low wages and a monotonous routine in a story inspired by "Taxi Driver." NPR's Scott Simon talks with Priya Guns about her debut novel, "Your Driver is Waiting."

The parallels between Vonnegut's science fiction and our modern-day world

4:35am February 25, 2023

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Robin Murphy, professor at Texas A&M University, about the through line between a science fiction novel and the current state of AI and automation.

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Roald Dahl's U.K. publisher has responded to the backlash by keeping his language intact in a new collection.

Arts
Books

Roald Dahl's publisher responds to backlash by keeping 'classic' texts in print

6:20pm February 24, 2023

by Elizabeth Blair

"Fat," "ugly" and "horsey face" will remain in Roald Dahl's children's books in the U.K. after all. After a fierce backlash to proposed changes, Dahl's U.K. publisher announced a "classic collection."

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A tidal wave hits a high school reunion in Class of '07.

Books
Arts

What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend reading and viewing

5:00pm February 24, 2023

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Class of '07, Snowfall and Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat and Tears

'The Great Displacement' looks at communities forever altered by climate change

5:00am February 24, 2023

by Michael Schaub

Jack Bittle's book takes a look at several communities that have been affected by climate change, and how the lives of their residents — those who have survived — have been altered by extreme weather.

Chenita Johnson poses with her book about African American history in Winston-Salem

Race
Books

Winston-Salem native documents African American 'firsts' in the area

4:31pm February 23, 2023

by Amy Diaz

After more than a decade of research and writing, a Winston-Salem native has published a history of African American "firsts” in the area dating back to 1763.