books


Cristina Henríquez Gets to Know America

Cristina Henríquez’s third novel "The Book of Unknown Americans" starts in a run-down apartment in Delaware, expands out to the interconnected narratives of the immigrant families that live there.


‘All the Way’ in Studying the Legacy of LBJ

The author of Broadway's Tony-nominated "All the Way" tells us what about the personality and presidency of Lyndon Johnson seems to have recaptured the national attention in 2014.


‘Proof’ Connects Distillation to the Heart of Civilization

Adam Rogers' new book "Proof: The Science of Booze" investigates how humans discovered the techniques of fermentation and distillation, the great lengths to which some go to perfect those techniques, and why alcohol makes us human beings.


Patricia Lockwood Shines Light

Patricia Lockwood is a rarity in modern America: a poet with mainstream popularity. She's done so partly by mastering social media... but mainly with her wry and modern writing, much of which takes as its subject the piercing of sexual conventions and patriarchy. This week we overhear her read a selection from her new book.


Kristin Newman’s Lusty Wanderlust

Comedy writer Kristin Newman had a successful career in Hollywood sitcoms, but as her friends started settling down, she felt the urge to get away. Her new memoir of that escape is called "What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding."


Photo Credit: Jennifer Bastian

Emma Straub Takes Us on Vacation

"The Vacationers," Emma Straub's second novel, follows the summer vacation of one extended family, observing them as they share celebrations and secrets.


I Fell in Love with a “Genius”

Actress Annabelle Gurwitch reads an excerpt from her memoir, “I See You Made an Effort: Compliments, Indignities, and Survival Stories from the Edge of 50,” about needing a little help from a young man at the Apple Genius Bar.


Colson Whitehead Deals Out Poker Lore

For his newest book, acclaimed author Colson Whitehead inserted himself deep into the world of high-stakes poker. He shares a list of poker inspirations from books and film.