Arts & Life

In Sitka, the local production of The Nutrcracker is uniquely Alaskan. Father Herring replaces Mother Ginger; the Mosquito Queen reigns instead of the Mouse King.

The late American painter created one of the 20th century's most recognizable works in "Christina's World." His centenary puts his distinct mastery, and varied critical reception, into perspective.

Author Victoria Schwab says she loves the books that can't be categorized, that fall between library-shelf categories, and that spark passionate debate among readers who either love them or hate them.

In need of some racially diverse children's Christmas literature? Here's our holiday Code Switch sampler.

Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut is a dense, complicated, frenetically paced movie about a woman who runs a high-stakes poker game; critic Bob Mondello is all-in.

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with director Paul Thomas Anderson about his new film, Phantom Thread. The film is about a fastidious British dressmaker named Reynolds Woodcock, played by Daniel Day Lewis, whose life becomes upended when he finds a new muse, who begins to challenge him.

Not many patients have a heart that grows three sizes in a day. Cardiologist David Kass ponders what could have caused the Grinch's abrupt change of heart in the classic holiday story.

The tradition of leaving a snack for Santa on Christmas Eve isn't unique to America. It would appear that Jolly Old St. Nick is quite well-fed long before he reaches our shores.