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William Boyd’s 'The Predicament' is a spy thriller with a conspiratorial edge
In William Boyd’s newest novel The Predicament, lead character and travel writer Gabriel Dax becomes a secret spy, scouring the globe on British orde…
4 months ago
Rep. Jim Clyburn’s new book 'The First Eight' traces the history of his predecessors
Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn has spent more than three decades in Congress. But he’s not the first Black congressman to represent South Carolina; ther…
4 months ago
'The Heir Apparent' asks existential questions about Britain and its beloved crown
Becoming the queen of England wasn’t in the plan for Lexi Villiers, the heroine of The Heir Apparent. But when tragedy strikes Lexi’s family and she …
4 months ago
Revisiting ‘Kitchen Confidential’
Anthony Bourdain published his memoir Kitchen Confidential in 2000 as a little-known chef. In the 25 years since its publication, his writing – and s…
4 months, 1 week ago
‘How a Game Lives,’ ‘How to Save the Internet’ show the best and worst of life online
Two new books delve into the best and worst corners of the internet. First, Jacob Geller creates YouTube essays about art, literature, film, video ga…
4 months, 1 week ago
A new book of poems by Kate Baer wrestles with the realities of middle age
NPR’s Scott Detrow and poet Kate Baer share a favorite bookstore in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They recently met there to discuss Baer’s new poetry co…
4 months, 1 week ago
In 'The Unveiling,' a disastrous cruise becomes an opportunity for cultural reckoning
Even if you’re scared of cruise ships, don’t turn away from Quan Barry’s The Unveiling. When film scout and photographer Striker boards an Antarctic …
4 months, 1 week ago
Deborah Willis on her seminal history of Black photography, reissued 25 years later
Deborah Willis is one of the foremost authorities on Black photography. The MacArthur “genius award” winner has dedicated her career to cataloging an…
4 months, 1 week ago
In ‘Best Offer Wins,’ an ambitious millennial is driven mad by the homebuying process
Marisa Kashino used to report on the real estate industry in Washington, D.C. That experience inspired her debut novel, Best Offer Wins, which follow…
4 months, 1 week ago
Revisiting Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’
Frank Herbert’s 1965 epic Dune was once the domain of sci-fi diehards. But in recent years, the book has crossed over into the mainstream. In today’s…
4 months, 2 weeks ago