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In 'The Apology,' a South Korean grandmother makes amends from the afterlife
There are lots of secrets that 105-year-old Hak Jeonga has carried with her throughout her life. But even after she dies, there's still one big one – generational curse included – that she must resol…
Published on 2 years, 3 months ago
James McBride's new murder mystery digs into Black and Jewish communities in the '30s
In James McBride's new novel – the titular shop at its heart – The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store – can be found in a neighborhood in Pottstown,Pennsylvania, where working-class Jewish immigrants an…
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago
'War and Punishment' chronicles the history of Russian oppression of Ukraine
Journalist Mikhail Zygar says a lot of Russian historians were actually propagandists – they worked for people in power and wrote recorded events the way politicians and elites wanted. In his new boo…
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago
Two books reflect on the highs and lows of adolescence
Today's episode focuses on very different experiences of the teenage years. First, NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Christine Suggs about their new graphic novel, ¡Ay, Mija!, inspired by Suggs' formativ…
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago
Terrance Hayes' poems span history, fables and quarantine in 'So to Speak'
Writing is a practice – especially for MacArthur Genius Grant and National Book Award winner Terrance Hayes. His new collection of poems, So to Speak, comes out of that practice during turbulent time…
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago
'Good Fortune' reimagines 'Pride and Prejudice' in early 2000s Chinatown
In C.K. Chau's new novel, Good Fortune, Elizabeth Chen is highly wary of the Wong brothers who have swooped in to buy a New York City community center. But where Elizabeth sees a threat to her neighb…
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago
'Filthy Rich Politicians' scrutinizes the wealth of elected officials
In Filthy Rich Politicians, conservative columnist Matt Lewis presents some startling figures. Senator Rick Scott: net worth of approximately $200 million. Representative Michael McCaul: $125 million…
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago
Ann Patchett's new novel brings a mother and daughters together during 2020 lockdown
Lara, the protagonist of Ann Patchett's Tom Lake, finds a silver lining during the frightening first few months of the COVID pandemic: her three adult daughters return home to the family orchard in N…
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago
Two novels depict young men understanding themselves and the danger around them
Today's episode features two novels with two very different protagonists, though their journeys might have more in common than appears at first glance. First, Stephen Buoro discusses The Five Sorrowf…
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago
In 'Soul Boom,' Rainn Wilson calls for a spiritual revolution
Actor Rainn Wilson says he's "always identified as being a dork and a misfit and an outsider." In fact, he says that's probably why he found so much success playing Dwight Schrute in The Office. But …
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago