NPR Bestsellers: Paperback Nonfiction, Week Of October 1, 2015
Jen Sincero's You Are a Badass appears at No. 6.
Books
The Great Bluff That Led To A 'Magical' Pill And A Sexual Revolution
In the '50s, four people collaborated to create a pill that would allow women to enjoy sex. Jonathan Eig details the history in The Birth of the Pill. Originally broadcast Oct. 7, 2014.
'M Train' Is A Poetic Journey Through Life And Loss
Patti Smith's new memoir is a dreamy, elegiac recollection of loved ones gone too soon, energized by her interests and travels. It jumps in time, from her husband's death in 1994 to Hurricane Sandy.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: 'Ms. Marvel' And Regrettable Television
This week's show has Ms. Marvel, terrible television, live show news, and a lot of laughing, not to mention what's making us happy this week.
Grief Is Unpredictable In 'After You'
Jojo Moyes' follow-up to her 2012 best-seller Me Before You picks up with heroine Lou, heartbroken after the death of her love Will. Stuck in a bad job and numb with grief, Lou must build a new world.
Baltimore Author Discusses 'Living (And Dying) While Black'
Author D. Watkins says that crack destroyed his East Baltimore neighborhood, and he explains how the real day-to-day of selling drugs is nothing like the movies. His new book is The Beast Side.
'Tacopedia': A Mouth-Watering Tour Of Mexico's Taco Culture
From the smoked marlin tacos of Baja California to the fried flower tacos of Chiapas, Mexico is home to endless interpretations of this essential dish. A new tome documents this vibrant taco cuisine.
A Broken-Hearted Heroine Picks Up The Pieces In Jojo Moyes' 'After You'
Moyes' follow-up to her 2012 novel Me Before You explores the depths of grief and the paths of resilience. Maureen Corrigan calls After You "an affecting [and] entertaining female adventure tale."
'Six Of Crows' Is A Well-Turned Heist Tale
Leigh Bardugo's latest invites comparison to Ocean's 11, one of the best heist stories ever told. Critic Jason Sheehan says the teenage crows seem too mature, but praises the immersive world-building.
'The Heart Goes Last' Is A Swiftian Satire Of Imbeciles In The Apocalypse
Margaret Atwood's new novel started life as a digital serial about a young couple who join a strange prison-based planned community. But their hapless shallowness makes the book deeply frustrating.