Shadows Haunt A Lovely Season In 'Summer Before The War'
Helen Simonson's new novel is a gently charming portrait of a small British town in the last, fraught moments before the outbreak of World War I.
Books
A Journalist Delves Deep Inside 'Putin Country'
Steve Inskeep talks with former NPR foreign correspondent Anne Garrels about her new book Putin Country: A Journey into the Real Russia.
'Caped Crusade' Peeks Under Batman's Iconic Cowl
Glen Weldon's new book lays out the history of Batman — from pow-biff-zap camp icon to dour Dark Knight — with the witty, informed perspective of a diehard fan. To the Batcave, readers!
The Many Masks Of Batman In 'Caped Crusade'
Glen Weldon's book The Caped Crusade traces the evolution of Batman, and argues that his anger and obsession are only part of the character; his childhood anti-crime oath makes him a hopeful figure.
Remembering A Soldier's Life: Leigh Somerville
Radio Camper Olivia Stokes talks to Leigh Somerville. Somerville is a writer and journalist who is currently writing a book about her late father.
Whither Bridget Jones? Britain's 'Independent' Newspaper Goes Digital
Helen Fielding's memorable comic creation started as a series of columns in the Independent some 20 years ago; as the paper goes digital-only, Fielding says the next Bridget could come from a blog.
Mysterious Keys Unlock Surreal Landscapes In 'What Is Yours Is Not Yours'
Book critic Maureen Corrigan says each of the "nouveau Gothic" stories in Helen Oyeyemi's new collection leaves a deep impression — like a scar that stubbornly refuses to fade.
The Untold Stories Of Black Girls
Black girls are suspended from school at six times the rate of white girls. In a new book, Pushout, author Monique Morris tells their stories.
From Reagan's Cyber Plan To Apple Vs. FBI: 'Everything Is Up For Grabs'
Fred Kaplan, author of Dark Territory, traces the history of cyber defense into the current heated debate between the FBI and Apple over the encryption of the iPhone.
True Love And Time Travel In 'Patience'
Comic artist Dan Clowes takes a new direction in his latest graphic novel — which starts with a rare moment of happiness for its main characters. Does it last? Spoiler alert: No.