'Go Set A Watchman' Is A Revelation On Race, Not A Disappointment
If Mockingbird gave us a South that could be read in terms of black and white, Watchman reveals the gray complexity that is the real Dixie.
Books
Atticus' Halo Comes Apart In 'Watchman'
Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird are in for a shock: In Harper Lee's new book, Go Set a Watchman, the beloved Atticus is a racist. NPR's Lynn Neary talks with Fresh Air book critic Maureen Corrigan.
'Cartel' Author Spins A Grand Tale Of Mexico's Drug Wars
Novelist Don Winslow spent 10 years researching the Mexican drug wars. His new novel, The Cartel, reveals "a new generation of cartel leaders that are more violent, more sadistic" than ever before.
After Fight For Life And Media Firestorm, 'Distressed Baby' Is Happy Toddler
When a CEO blamed "distressed babies" for cuts to benefits last year, Deanna Fei discovered her infant was national news. She reflects on how she coped with a baby on life support — and in headlines.
When Weed Is The Cure: A Doctor's Case for Medical Marijuana
Dr. David Casarett used to think of medical marijuana as "a joke." But after taking a deeper look, he's changed his mind. Casarett's new book is Stoned: A Doctor's Case for Medical Marijuana.
'Armada' Sinks In A Sea Of Pop-Culture References
Ernest Cline's new novel follows a teen boy who discovers his favorite video game is real. But critic Tasha Robinson says Armada is light on plot and character.
'ZeroZeroZero' Argues Cocaine Is Everywhere ... But Is It Really?
Roberto Saviano reports on the worldwide cocaine trade, from small-scale users to organized crime. Critic Tomas Hachard says that while the book is illuminating, it doesn't quite hit its mark.
Ta-Nehisi Coates Looks At The Physical Toll Of Being Black In America
Coates writes about race and social issues for The Atlantic. His new book, Between the World and Me, brings to bear his fear that his life and the lives of his loved ones might end unnaturally.
Residents Of Harper Lee's Hometown Celebrate 'Go Set A Watchman'
NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with Spencer Madrie, the owner of the Ol' Curiosities and Book Shoppe in downtown Monroeville, Ala., for the reaction to Harper Lee's latest book, Go Set a Watchman.
Ta-Nehisi Coates On Police Brutality, The Confederate Flag And Forgiveness
Growing up in Baltimore, the writer faced threats from both the streets and the police. His book, Between the World and Me, is an open letter to his teenage son.