Fired Up: The Year's Best Science Fiction And Fantasy
Science fiction and fantasy books aren't just getting more popular, they're interbreeding with other genres to produce wild new hybrid forms — swapping DNA with literary novels, commenting on current events, morphing into historical science fiction romances, and evolving into hard-boiled detective fantasy.
In Memoriam: Musicians We Lost In 2011
NPR Music remembers the singers, instrumentalists, songwriters and producers who died in 2011. Explore the musical legacies they leave behind.
7 Books With Personality: Nancy Pearl's 2011 Picks
NPR's go-to librarian would like you to meet some friends of hers — from six novels and one work of history. As you read, these artfully developed characters will become more and more real. Pearl says that when the stories ended, she was left longing for the people she'd met between the pages.
Best Books of 2011
Year-End Wrap-Up: The 10 Best Novels Of 2011
Maureen Corrigan found terrific fiction from first-time novelists and much-decorated veterans.
What Sticks: Five 2011 Books That Stay With You
This year, the best books carry the promise of literary longevity.
Conversation Starters: 2011's Top 5 Book Club Picks
These novels will spark lively debate on loyalty, ethics and the unreliability of memory.
7 Books With Personality: Nancy Pearl's 2011 Picks
NPR's go-to librarian would like you to meet some friends of hers — from the year's best books.
Booksellers' Picks: Catch The Year's Freshest Reads
Susan Stamberg surveys booksellers for top picks that range in subject from toasters to typeface.
Holiday Recipes
Infuse The Holidays With Spirits
Want a little more kick to your cocktail? Here's how to infuse liquor with citrus, spices and more.
A Gluten-Free Holiday Table
Options for a complete gluten-free dinner from start to finish are appealing enough for any guest.
Belgian Sweets Not Just For 'Sinterklaas'
The season of St. Nicholas brings spiced speculaas cookies and other traditional European treats.
At Hanukkah, Pastry Reminds Portland Jews Of Their Mediterranean Roots
Once served on the Shabbat table, the boyo is now mostly reserved for the holidays.
A Hidden Hanukkah Tale Of A Woman, An Army And Some Killer Cheese
Why do some Jews celebrate the holiday with foods like blintzes and kugels made with cheese?
Baking Without Flour For The Holidays
These sweet treats are naturally flour-free yet still utterly delicious.
No Innocent Spice: The Secret Story Of Nutmeg, Life And Death
Nutmeg is a feel-good holiday spice found in cakes and cider, but it once caused serious bloodshed.
Best Music of 2011
NPR Music's 100 Favorite Songs Of 2011
Hear a mix of what the year sounded like to us — funny, joyful, heavy and always surprising.
Download: NPR Music's Favorite New Artists Of 2011
Each one gave us something to fall in love with this year, so we're passing the gift along to you.
Listeners Pick Their Favorite Albums Of 2011
Though spring releases mostly held their ground, a few dark horses swooped into top slots.
Psych Rock Redefined: The Reissues Of 2011
This year saw a series of reissues function as part of a mission to extend psychedelia's reaches.
Bob Boilen's Favorite Live Shows of 2011
Bob Boilen salutes his 15 favorite live concerts. What were your most memorable shows this year?
Hanukkah Lights
Hanukkah Lights 2012
Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz bring four generation-spanning Hanukkah stories to life.
Hanukkah Lights 2011
This annual holiday favorite enters its third decade with a new collection of Hanukkah stories.
Best Of Hanukkah Lights: Eight Stories, Eight Nights
We offer hand-selected works of Hanukkah Lights fiction: one for each holiday night.
Spirit Of The Season
A Moveable Feast: What Are You Leaving For Santa?
Milk and cookies might be the traditional offering, but other households planned far different fare.
Polish Christmas Wafer: A Flavorless Tradition That's Oh So Sweet
Before Christmas Eve dinner, some families share the oplatek along with good wishes for each other.
At Christmas, A Roman Holiday Revolves Around The Food
The Italian city isn't big on Christmas glitz. Instead, it saves its shine for the dinner table.
NPR's Holiday Favorites
David Sedaris Reads From His 'Santaland Diaries'
It's tradition! Writer and humorist David Sedaris reflects on his short tenure as Crumpet the Elf.
Tinsel Tales 2011: NPR Christmas Stories
NPR presents stories from the archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas.
A Holiday Reading Tradition For The Whole Family
Sally and Stephen Kern read to their kids pretty much every night, but one box of books is special.
Holiday Music
The Mix: Jingle Jams
From WXPN, hear a mix of holiday favorites and originals featuring The Beatles, U2, Adele and more.
Another Year, Another 'Christmas With The Chipmunks'
Some of the most frequently reissued holiday music of all time comes from three animated rodents.
A Jazz Piano Christmas 2012
Jason Moran, Taylor Eigsti, Geri Allen and Ellis Marsalis perform in NPR Music's annual tradition.
