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Sebastian Faulks: Searching For The Self In 'Possible' Lives()
December 9, 2012 Author Sebastian Faulks says all of the characters in his new novel, A Possible Life, "struggle with the idea of selfhood, and who they are and identity." The novel weaves together five separate stories, jumping centuries and locations, and Faulks compares them to movements in a symphony.
'Torn': Living As An Openly Gay Christian()
December 9, 2012 Justin Lee grew up in a Southern Baptist family. At age 18, he came out to his family and church, who had trouble accepting him as a gay man. Lee later started the Gay Christian Network to encourage a dialogue between gay Christians, their families and their churches. His new book is Torn.
Lemony Snicket Dons A Trenchcoat()
December 10, 2012 In Who Could That Be at This Hour?, a prequel to A Series of Unfortunate Events, Daniel Handler satirizes pulp mysteries and uncovers the parallels between detective fiction and childhood. In both, he says, an outsider is trying to make his way in a mysteriously corrupt world.
Oprah's Second Pick: A First-Time Novelist()
December 11, 2012 Oprah Winfrey's second pick for her rebooted book club is The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, by first-time novelist Ayana Mathis. It's a chronicle of the Great Migration of African-Americans leaving the rural South, following a family matriarch who leaves Georgia to start a new life in Philadelphia.
Joseph Kennedy, 'Patriarch' Of An American Dynasty()
December 12, 2012 In a new book, biographer David Nasaw profiles the father of Robert, John and Teddy, and unpacks the elder Kennedy's influence on his children. "He told them over and over again, 'I'm making all this money so you don't have to make money, so that you can go into public service,' " Nasaw says.
Wisdom Watch
Africa's Wisdom, Woes Occupy Soyinka's Existence ()
December 12, 2012 Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka was the first black African to win the Nobel Prize in literature, in 1986. He tells NPR's Michel Martin that the best part about it was the money. His latest work, Of Africa, is a study of the continent that has dominated his career.
Faith Matters
In Nigeria, 'A Very Jewish ... Very African' Community()
December 14, 2012 The Jewish Igbo may not be recognized by Israel's rabbinate, but that doesn't stop them from being devoted to their faith. William Miles, who wrote about them in the book Jews of Nigeria: An Afro-Judaic Odyssey, talks with Michel Martin about celebrating Hanukkah in Abuja.
Music Interviews
Rod Stewart: Big Dreams, Bigger Hair()
December 16, 2012 At 67, the Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is finally tackling two rock-star milestones: a memoir and a Christmas album.
Walking Through Life As 'The Pastor'()
December 16, 2012 Saturday on weekends on All Things Considered, host Guy Raz spoke with Pastor Eugene Peterson about his keeping faith in times of tragedy. Due to an overwhelming response from the audience following that conversation, the show is airing a rebroadcast of his initial interview with host Guy Raz from 2011. In that interview, Peterson talked about his memoir, The Pastor. (This piece initially aired March 6, 2011 on weekends on All Things Considered.)
NPR's Backseat Book Club
In 'Red Pyramid,' Kid Heroes Take On Ancient Egypt()
December 19, 2012 Our latest pick for NPR's Backseat Book Club is The Red Pyramid, a tale of two kids who must rescue the world from Egyptian gods. Author Rick Riordan, a former schoolteacher, combined his obsession with books with his passion for mythology to write this book about ordinary kids doing heroic things.
The Salt
The 'Bitter' Tale Of The Budweiser Family()
December 22, 2012 That trademark brew, Budweiser, is known to the world as the "King of Beers," and the Busch family was once considered practically royalty. Their early success led to a reign that lasted 150 years, but the end, when it came, wasn't so glorious.
Oscar-Winner Emma Thompson Revives 'Peter Rabbit'()
December 24, 2012 After more than 80 years, Emma Thompson's The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit brings Beatrix Potter's beloved character back for a romp around the Scottish countryside — and lots of rule breaking. Thompson says Peter Rabbit's "disrespect for authority" is one of the things she loves about him. (This piece initially aired on October 11, 2012 on Morning Edition.)
History
'Mad Science' Looks At Groundbreaking Inventors()
December 24, 2012 You may not know that the traffic signal, the firehouse pole, and instant coffee were all invented by people of color. The stories behind those inventions and many more are included in the new book, Mad Science. Editor Randy Alfred speaks with guest host Celeste Headlee.
Food
Father Leo On How To 'Spice Up' Married Life()
December 24, 2012 The hustle of the holidays can put a strain on married couples struggling to find some time together. Father Leo Patalinghug says that cooking together in the kitchen goes a long way toward strengthening a marriage. He speaks with guest host Celeste Headlee about his cookbook, "Spicing Up Married Life."
What Makes A Kenny Rogers Song?()
December 25, 2012 Rogers has two dozen No. 1 songs to his name, but rarely writes for himself. In the new memoir Luck or Something Like It, he explains how careful curation has helped his career last. (This piece initially aired on October, 8, 2012 on Morning Edition).
