For Kafka, Even Beer Came With Baggage
Many of Kafka's darkest comedies appear rooted in the cowering relationship he had with his father. Their only true bonding was over beer.
Books
'Alice & Oliver' Novelist On Marriage, Cancer And The Pain Of Uncertainty
Charles Bock's wife died from leukemia just before their daughter's 3rd birthday. Bock relived the final years of her life while writing his new novel. "I was just shattered," he says of the loss.
Want To Teach In Urban Schools? Get To Know The Neighborhood
Many teachers in urban schools don't understand their students or the places they live, says author and educator Christopher Emdin.
Frodo, Bilbo, Kullervo: Tolkien's Finnish Adventure
While still at university, J.R.R. Tolkein became fascinated by Finnish mythology, abandoning his Classics degree to adapt the epic Story of Kullervo — work that led to the creation of Middle Earth.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Talks 'Hamilton': Once A 'Ridiculous' Pitch, Now A Revolution
When the Broadway musical's creator said the life of Alexander Hamilton embodied hip-hop, people laughed. Now, he's written a book about the national phenomenon with former critic Jeremy McCarter.
Why Hunting Down 'Authentic Ethnic Food' Is A Loaded Proposition
In a new book, an NYU scholar explores how immigrants shape the American palate. He says it's time to ditch the phrase "ethnic food" — which lumps all nonwhite people and their cuisines together.
Charlie And Lola Are Back In 'Absolutely One Thing'
Lauren Child has a new "Charlie and Lola" book after a long hiatus. She tells NPR's Scott Simon that she needed a break, but then she missed her popular characters.
Sleep Deprived: We're Recharging Our Phones, But Not Ourselves
Arianna Huffington says we're in the midst of a sleep deprivation crisis and that Donald Trump really shouldn't be bragging about needing only four hours of sleep a night.
'Every Heart' Is A Doorway To Winning Fantasy
Seanan McGuire's new novella takes the classic portal fantasy — a group of kids who stumble into magical worlds and are forever changed — and gives it poignant new life.
An Ancient Route Rolls On: Questions For Author Of 'The Silk Roads'
It's been centuries since camel caravans crisscrossed Eurasia along the Silk Roads. Now historian Peter Frankopan's new book puts the fabled roads at the center of a new view of world history.