In short succession, Cameron Post loses both parents to a car accident, is outed as a lesbian and is sent to a a religious camp to be "cured." But the heroine of The Miseducation of Cameron Post, a triumphant new young adult novel, is made of strong and irresistible stuff.

Summary

Financial writer Philip Coggan traces the current global financial crisis to the 1970s, when the U.S. went off the gold standard. In his book Paper Promises, Coggan says governments will have to choose whether to keep their promises to their creditors or to their citizens.

Transcript

On Morning EditionPlaylist

February 6, 2012 In his new book, Charles Murray, co-author of the controversial The Bell Curve, argues that in an increasingly economically stratified America, the white working class is slipping behind.

Transcript

On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

February 6, 2012 Robert Harris' new novel explores the scary possibilities of the computerized world we have created for ourselves.

Transcript

On Morning EditionPlaylist

February 6, 2012 Dan Chaon's short stories depict the weight and strain of mourning with impressive sensitivity and authenticity.

Summary

February 5, 2012 Whitey Bulger was the crime boss of South Boston while being protected by the FBI as a confidential informant. Former FBI agent Robert Fitzpatrick's new memoir chronicles his ultimately unsuccessful attempt to bring Bulger down.

Transcript

On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

February 4, 2012 In 1988, journalist Tom Rose was sent to Barrow, Alaska, to cover the dramatic rescue of three gray whales. His book has been adapted into a movie called Big Miracle — but the real miracle is how this event became a news story at all.

Transcript

On Weekend Edition SaturdayPlaylist

February 3, 2012 David Finch was 30-years-old when he discovered that he was on the autism spectrum. In Journal of Best Practices, he describes how he learned to manage the disorder — and become a better husband and father in the process.

Transcript

On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

February 2, 2012 The Polish poet, a Nobel Prize winner in 1996, died Wednesday in Krakow, Poland. Szymborska was an ironist who deployed whimsy and a light touch, even when exploring weighty themes. Critic David Orr praises her as a writer of "dry-eyed, athletic precision."

Transcript

On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

February 3, 2012 On this week's show: A discussion about the ups and downs of NBC's new musical drama Smash, and a chat with NPR.org's new books editor about high literature, low literature, and how people read.

Summary

ListenPlaylist