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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 grap…
2 years, 8 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…
2 years, 8 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 cente…
2 years, 8 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 mi…
2 years, 8 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 adul…
2 years, 8 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 glanc…
2 years, 8 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 …
2 years, 8 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 challe…
2 years, 8 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 i…
2 years, 8 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 livi…
2 years, 8 months ago