Dec 03 Meet Rosalind Franklin, a sidelined figure in the history of DNA science By Molly Finnegan In "The Secret of Life: Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, Francis Crick, and the Discovery of DNA's Double Helix," Dr. Howard Markel tells the complicated tale of what he calls one of the most egregious rip-offs in the history of science. Continue reading
Oct 21 Watch 4:00 A Brief But Spectacular take on the disability rights movement By Melissa Williams Since childhood, Judy Heumann has faced ableism — institutionally, socially, and personally. New York’s public school system prevented her from enrolling, and she was often bullied or excluded by her own peers. After a lifetime of activism, she is finally… Continue watching
Sep 17 Fiction longlist for National Book Awards includes Richard Powers, Lauren Groff By Hillel Italie, Associated Press Powers' “Bewilderment” is his first book since the Pulitzer winning “The Overstory.” Groff's “Matrix” is her third consecutive work to receive a National Book Award nomination, following “Fates and Furies” and the story collection “Florida.” Anthony Doerr's “Cloud Cuckoo Land”… Continue reading
Jul 05 Watch 6:09 What being an American means to this author, host and former British citizen By Amna Nawaz, Ali Rogin The Fourth of July weekend is a moment to celebrate the founding ideals of our republic and how our democracy inspires immigrants to journey toward a new life. Amna Nawaz talks to a British-turned-American author Roger Bennett about his unique… Continue watching
May 26 Author Roxane Gay launches imprint Roxane Gay Books By Associated Press Roxane Gay’s latest project is an imprint that will release the kinds of books she likes to read. The author of such works as “Bad Feminist” and “Hunger” is teaming up with Grove Atlantic on Roxane Gay Books, which will… Continue reading
May 05 Watch 6:18 New book explores cultural forces at play in the 1970's, and how they influenced America By Jeffrey Brown, Alison Thoet A new book argues the 1970's was a moment when TV, movies, and music all shifted into a new gear, changing the cultural landscape in ways that continue to today. Jeffrey Brown has a conversation with author Ron Brownstein about… Continue watching
Apr 16 Publisher won't distribute book by officer who shot Breonna Taylor By Associated Press The Louisville police officer who fired at Breonna Taylor after being shot during the deadly raid on Taylor's apartment is writing a book, but it won't be distributed as planned by publishing giant Simon & Schuster. Continue reading
Apr 07 Watch 8:43 Why Jimmy Carter may be the most misunderstood president in American history Jimmy Carter lost his White House re-election bid over 40 years ago and his presidency is often remembered for hard economic times and the Iran hostage crisis. But author and historian Jonathan Alter argues in his latest book, “His Very… Continue watching
Mar 18 You will stan this modern retelling of 'Beowulf' By Joshua Barajas, Jeffrey Brown Maria Dahvana Headley, whose new translation of “Beowulf” came out last year, wanted to build onto the thousand-year-old poem’s long history. Part of its staying power, Headly said, is how its themes — heroes and villains, how to ensure safety,… Continue reading
Feb 26 Watch 4:47 Author Charles Yu on using satire to point out Asian American stereotypes By Jeffrey Brown, Courtney Vinopal The February pick for our ‘Now Read This’ book club was “Interior Chinatown," winner of the 2020 National Book Award. It’s a funny and biting satire of stereotypes of Asian Americans in popular culture. The book's author, Charles Yu, also… Continue watching