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From Mexico Kidnappings To Eric Garner, Hererra Writes Poetry Of The Moment

10:23am September 16, 2015

by Craig Morgan Teicher

Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera's new book of poems melds the political with the personal. Critic Craig Morgan Teicher says it makes for deep yet accessible reading.

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A Dreamy Marriage Turns To Rage In 'Fates And Furies'

8:40pm September 15, 2015

by Jason Sheehan

In her newest novel, Lauren Groff uses a split narrative to tell the story of a long marriage. Critic Jason Sheehan says the device works thanks to Groff's stunning language.

"Poetry is a call to action," says poet laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, "and it also is action."

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Poet Laureate's Migrant Childhood Was Like 'Living In Literature Every Day'

7:42pm September 15, 2015

by NPR Staff

Juan Felipe Herrera is the child of Mexican migrant farmworkers. He says, "I had a mother [who] sang and told stories and loved poetry, even though she only went to third grade."

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'Story Of My Teeth' Covers Art, Identity And Dental Adventures

5:37pm September 15, 2015

by Heller McAlpin

Critic Heller McAlpin calls Valeria Luiselli's novel a "philosophical funhouse" that melds the story of a charming auctioneer with meditations on the value of objects and the power of story.

Books

Shortlist Revealed For 2015 Man Booker Prize

4:55pm September 15, 2015

by Lynn Neary

One-third of the short-listed nominees are American, which could make some British authors unhappy.

Scott Shane reports on the U.S. intelligence community for The New York Times.

Drone Strike That Killed Awlaki 'Did Not Silence Him,' Journalist Says

8:38pm September 14, 2015

In Operation Troy, author Scott Shane details the life, death and influence of Anwar al-Awlaki. "His status as a martyr has given his message even greater authority," Shane says of the propagandist.

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Law Beyond Our Borders: Justice Breyer Is On A Mission

7:10pm September 14, 2015

by Nina Totenberg

In his new book, Stephen Breyer details cases involving the interdependence of law in the U.S. and other countries. No branch of government can avoid dealing with global issues any more, he said.

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'Fake Fruit Factory' Portrays Warped, Whimsical Small-Town America

4:06pm September 14, 2015

by Jason Heller

The city at the center of Patrick Wensink's novel may be one of "America's Boringest," but critic Jason Heller says it makes a great setting for this "overstuffed buffet of a book."

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In 'Gamelife,' A Portrait Of The Writer As A Young Role-Player

11:21am September 14, 2015

by NPR Staff

Michael W. Clune spent much of his childhood alone — just him and his 8-bit computer. But, as he writes in his new memoir, playing text adventures and role-playing games helped prepare him for life.

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A Marriage, Warts And All, Is At The Heart Of 'Fates And Furies'

11:32am September 13, 2015

In Lauren Groff's new book, Fates and Furies, a marriage unfolds over many decades, from the husband's perspective, then the wife's. Groff talks about a marriage under the microscope.

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