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'Late Bloomers' is a novel about arranged marriage, divorce and dating later in life
Dating can be difficult and confusing at any age – but especially after the end of a 36-year arranged marriage. The characters of Deepa Varadarajan's debut novel, Late Bloomers, are experiencing that…
Published on 2 years, 7 months ago
Matika Wilbur honors and celebrates Native American Tribal Nations in 'Project 562'
Matika Wilbur is from the Swinomish and Tulalip tribes in Washington state. In 2012, she left Seattle with one goal: to photograph and interview members of all 562 federally recognized Native America…
Published on 2 years, 7 months ago
In 'The Covenant of Water,' Abraham Verghese traces an Indian family's drowning curse
The Covenant of Water follows three generations of a family in the coastal state of Kerala, India, where they're haunted by a devastating event, over and over: In every generation, someone in the fam…
Published on 2 years, 7 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, 7 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, 7 months ago
In 'Miles Morales Suspended,' Spider-Man grapples with racism and saving the world
Miles Morales, the beloved protagonist of Jason Reynolds' Spider-Man novel, is back. And this time, he's dealing with in-school suspension for challenging his history teacher at an elite Brooklyn pri…
Published on 2 years, 7 months ago
'Soil' weaves together a poet's experience of gardening, race and community
For poet Camille Dungy, environmental justice, community interdependence and political engagement go hand in hand. She explores those relationships in her new book, Soil: The Story of a Black Mother'…
Published on 2 years, 7 months ago
Bangles cofounder Susanna Hoffs' first novel follows a one-hit wonder, 10 years later
The protagonist of Susanna Hoffs' debut novel, Jane Start, probably listens to Dionne Warwick to hype herself up in the morning. Start is 33 and living with her parents – her days of pop stardom, for…
Published on 2 years, 7 months ago
'My Powerful Hair' and 'Contenders' tell stories of Indigenous heritage
Today's episode features two children's books about Indigenous Americans. Here & Now's Deepa Fernandes speaks with author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Steph Littlebird about their new picture boo…
Published on 2 years, 7 months ago
Rep. Katie Porter writes about being a working mom in Congress in 'I Swear'
Congresswoman and former professor Katie Porter is known for showing up to hearings with a whiteboard to explain complicated topics. She's now written a book about her life, including what it takes t…
Published on 2 years, 7 months ago