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January 4, 2013 A new mystery by novelist Zygmunt Miloszewski explores Poland's relationship to its anti-Semitic past. Teodor Szacki, the likably washed-up hero, must sprint all over town interrogating suspects, including so-called Polish "patriots" — extremists who bombard him with their anti-Semitic rants.

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On Fresh Air from WHYYPlaylist

January 4, 2013 Writer Laina Dawes has loved heavy metal ever since she got her first Kiss album at age 8. But the metal community hasn't always loved her back, as she explains in her book What Are You Doing Here?

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

January 3, 2013 Poet Kevin Young picks out his favorite poetry books from 2012, including works from the U.S. poet laureate to up-and-coming writers.

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January 2, 2013 The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec by Jaques Tardi features a beautiful, gun-wielding detective and a horrifying prehistoric monster. Author Rosecrans Baldwin explains why this is no ordinary comic book. Do you have a favorite graphic novel? Tell us in the comments.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

January 2, 2013 Maps do more than help us get around, Simon Garfield makes evident in his tour through the history and science of map-making. They can unlock vast wealth, solve mysteries of science, project political power — even trace the outlines of the divine.

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January 1, 2013 Tracy Chevalier's latest novel, The Last Runaway, is the story of a young Quaker girl's move to America. Author Dolen Perkins-Valdez says it's a richly wrought and evocative tale.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

January 1, 2013 The Night of the Hunter is a much-loved film, but author Julia Keller says the book it is based on is even better — a forgotten masterpiece. Do you have a favorite book that became a movie? Tell us in the comments.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

January 1, 2013 In his new book, The World Until Yesterday, Jared Diamond argues that traditional societies have much to teach the modern world about different ways to eat and stay fit, and how to raise children and resolve conflicts.

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On Talk of the NationPlaylist

January 1, 2013 We run down 50 favorite pop culture moments of last year, from television to film to books.

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December 31, 2012 Phiona Mutesi grew up in one of the roughest slums in Uganda. Her days were spent focusing on survival, until she discovered chess. She's now on her way to becoming a world-class chess competitor. Host Michel Martin speaks with Mutesi, her coach Robert Katende, and Tim Crothers, who chronicles her story in his new book, The Queen of Katwe.

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On Tell Me MorePlaylist

December 31, 2012 Glen Weldon wraps up his 2012 review with four graphic novels that cover territory from kids with secrets to ghosts in graveyards to a difficult experience in the art world.

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