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In 'And Finally,' a neurosurgeon comes to terms with his own cancer diagnosis
Early on in today's episode, NPR's Scott Simon asks Dr. Henry Marsh a question – how could a medical professional miss the signs that they themselves are ill? Marsh, the neurosurgeon behind the new b…
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago
NBA dreams come true in 'The Sense of Wonder.' But at what cost?
Won Lee, the protagonist of the novel The Sense of Wonder, is the only Asian American player in the NBA. But as was true for real-life basketball star Jeremy Lin, things can get very ugly – and very …
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago
Through short stories, 'The Faraway World' encompasses the Latin American diaspora
Patricia Engel's new collection of short stories, The Faraway World, reaches into the lives of imaginary characters scattered throughout Latin America. There's a family that's left reeling after a ve…
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago
Two novels take a closer look at class and gender in Indian society
Today's episode features two books that examine wealth – or lack thereof – and gender in India. First, Deepti Kapoor chats with NPR's Scott Simon about her novel, Age of Vice, and the way it portrays…
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago
In 'Beaverland,' Leila Philip credits the beaver with building America
Journalist Leila Philip first became interested in beavers when she saw a group of rodents building a pond near her house. Her fascination with what they were doing led her to research and report her…
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago
'Shubeik Lubeik' imagines a world where you can buy and sell wishes
In Arabic, the rhyme Shubeik Lubeik means "your wish is my command." So it's an apt title for a new graphic novel by Deena Mohamed, which explores a world in which wishes are commodified and classifi…
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago
In 'The Survivalists,' doomsday prepping becomes a way to regain control
Comedy writer Kashana Cauley grew up watching the film Conspiracy Theory, starring Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts, with her parents. She says that's likely her earliest entryway into a world she explor…
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago
'Sorry, Sorry, Sorry' believes in the power of a good apology
Saying sorry can be really difficult sometimes – it requires a certain amount of accountability, reflection and empathy. But that's precisely why it can go so far in a familial, romantic or professio…
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago
Two books trace enslaved people's journey to freedom in the 19th century
Today's episode features two books examining the sacrifices made by enslaved people in the U.S. First, NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with author Ilyan Woo about Master, Slave, Husband, Wife. It's a true…
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago
In 'Bad Cree,' a horror mystery unfolds in the aftermath of loss and colonialism
Jessica Johns' thriller, Bad Cree, opens with a startling image: a severed crow's head in someone's hand. In today's episode, Johns tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe she hoped that image would set the tone f…
Published on 2 years, 10 months ago