My Guilty Pleasure http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104566969&ft=1&f=104566969 Writers talk about the books that they love but are embarrassed to be seen reading. en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 07:00:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg My Guilty Pleasure http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104566969&ft=1&f=104566969 yes Appetite For Destruction: A Deadly, Delicious Rock Memoir Guns N' Roses epitomized all of the glamour of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. But, author Alex Stone writes, Duff McKagan's memoir shows the ugly underside of the legendary rock group. What's your favorite music memoir? Tell us in the comments. Sun, 03 Feb 2013 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/03/170772250/appetite-for-destruction-a-deadly-delicious-rock-memoir?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2013/02/03/170772250/appetite-for-destruction-a-deadly-delicious-rock-memoir?ft=1&f=104566969 Guns N' Roses epitomized all of the glamour of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. But, author Alex Stone writes, Duff McKagan's memoir shows the ugly underside of the legendary rock group. What's your favorite music memoir? Tell us in the comments. no Guns N' Roses epitomized all of the glamour of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. But, author Alex Stone writes, Duff McKagan's memoir shows the ugly underside of the legendary rock group. What's your favorite music memoir? Tell us in the comments.

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]]> Spy Vs. Spy: A Former MI5 Director On Loving James Bond Though former MI5 director Stella Rimington knows better than anyone that Ian Fleming's <em>From Russia With Love </em>is not a realistic portrayal of life in the intelligence services, she still loves this tale of sex and violence. Which is your favorite Bond book? Tell us in the comments. Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/14/167439968/spy-vs-spy-a-former-mi5-director-on-loving-james-bond?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/14/167439968/spy-vs-spy-a-former-mi5-director-on-loving-james-bond?ft=1&f=104566969 Though former MI5 director Stella Rimington knows better than anyone that Ian Fleming's <em>From Russia With Love </em>is not a realistic portrayal of life in the intelligence services, she still loves this tale of sex and violence. Which is your favorite Bond book? Tell us in the comments. no Though former MI5 director Stella Rimington knows better than anyone that Ian Fleming's From Russia With Love is not a realistic portrayal of life in the intelligence services, she still loves this tale of sex and violence. Which is your favorite Bond book? Tell us in the comments.

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]]> Pterrifying Pterodactyl Meets Sexy Detective <em>The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec</em> 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. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/02/164358301/pterrifying-pterodactyl-meets-sexy-detective?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2013/01/02/164358301/pterrifying-pterodactyl-meets-sexy-detective?ft=1&f=104566969 <em>The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec</em> 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. 96 no 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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]]> Rewriting Homer, With Some Lurid Twists Adele Geras'<em> Troy</em> has everything <em>The Iliad</em> doesn't: graphic details and some really bad writing. NPR intern Annalisa Quinn explains why that's exactly what she wanted. What is your favorite remake of a classic? Tell us in the comments. Wed, 24 Oct 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/10/24/163150630/rewriting-homer-with-some-lurid-twists?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/10/24/163150630/rewriting-homer-with-some-lurid-twists?ft=1&f=104566969 Adele Geras'<em> Troy</em> has everything <em>The Iliad</em> doesn't: graphic details and some really bad writing. NPR intern Annalisa Quinn explains why that's exactly what she wanted. What is your favorite remake of a classic? Tell us in the comments. no Adele Geras' Troy has everything The Iliad doesn't: graphic details and some really bad writing. NPR intern Annalisa Quinn explains why that's exactly what she wanted. What is your favorite remake of a classic? Tell us in the comments.

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]]> Bad Sheriff: Murder, Lies And Southern Fried Catfish <em>Pop. 1280 </em>is the perfect noir thriller, featuring a murderous, corn bread-loving sheriff from a small town in the South. Author Stephen Marche explains why the book is genre fiction at its best. Do you have a favorite tale of twisted justice? Tell us in the comments. Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/26/161756068/bad-sheriff-murder-lies-and-southern-fried-catfish?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/26/161756068/bad-sheriff-murder-lies-and-southern-fried-catfish?ft=1&f=104566969 <em>Pop. 1280 </em>is the perfect noir thriller, featuring a murderous, corn bread-loving sheriff from a small town in the South. Author Stephen Marche explains why the book is genre fiction at its best. Do you have a favorite tale of twisted justice? Tell us in the comments. no Pop. 1280 is the perfect noir thriller, featuring a murderous, corn bread-loving sheriff from a small town in the South. Author Stephen Marche explains why the book is genre fiction at its best. Do you have a favorite tale of twisted justice? Tell us in the comments.

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]]> 'The Magus': A Thrilling, Chilling Guilty Pleasure <em>The</em> <em>Magus</em> is the story of a man who wished for adventure — only to be disappointed when that wish comes true. Author Nick Dybek says he identified with the book when he read it at age 20. Was there ever a time you longed for a more interesting life? Tell us about it in the comments. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:36:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/27/150727161/the-magus-a-thrilling-chilling-guilty-pleasure?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/27/150727161/the-magus-a-thrilling-chilling-guilty-pleasure?ft=1&f=104566969 <em>The</em> <em>Magus</em> is the story of a man who wished for adventure — only to be disappointed when that wish comes true. Author Nick Dybek says he identified with the book when he read it at age 20. Was there ever a time you longed for a more interesting life? Tell us about it in the comments. 101 no The Magus is the story of a man who wished for adventure — only to be disappointed when that wish comes true. Author Nick Dybek says he identified with the book when he read it at age 20. Was there ever a time you longed for a more interesting life? Tell us about it in the comments.

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]]> You'd Have To Be Psycho To Not Pass This 'Test' <em>The Psychopath Test</em> is a fascinating look into the minds of the deranged, but author Carol Rifka Brunt says she read it not to understand the psychology of madness, but to prove she wasn't mad herself. When have you compared yourself to books or characters in them? Tell us in the comments. Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/13/157306736/youd-have-to-be-psycho-to-not-pass-this-test?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/13/157306736/youd-have-to-be-psycho-to-not-pass-this-test?ft=1&f=104566969 <em>The Psychopath Test</em> is a fascinating look into the minds of the deranged, but author Carol Rifka Brunt says she read it not to understand the psychology of madness, but to prove she wasn't mad herself. When have you compared yourself to books or characters in them? Tell us in the comments. no The Psychopath Test is a fascinating look into the minds of the deranged, but author Carol Rifka Brunt says she read it not to understand the psychology of madness, but to prove she wasn't mad herself. When have you compared yourself to books or characters in them? Tell us in the comments.

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]]> Unicorns And Witches And Wild Mood Swings, Oh My! <em>The Black Jewels</em> trilogy flips everything you thought you knew about fantasy on its head. But NPR editor Petra Mayer says it's still a wild ride of mystery, erotica, violence and even true love. What is your favorite book that defies the conventions of its genre? Tell us in the comments below. Mon, 02 Jul 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/07/02/155708777/unicorns-and-witches-and-wild-mood-swings-oh-my?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/07/02/155708777/unicorns-and-witches-and-wild-mood-swings-oh-my?ft=1&f=104566969 <em>The Black Jewels</em> trilogy flips everything you thought you knew about fantasy on its head. But NPR editor Petra Mayer says it's still a wild ride of mystery, erotica, violence and even true love. What is your favorite book that defies the conventions of its genre? Tell us in the comments below. no The Black Jewels trilogy flips everything you thought you knew about fantasy on its head. But NPR editor Petra Mayer says it's still a wild ride of mystery, erotica, violence and even true love. What is your favorite book that defies the conventions of its genre? Tell us in the comments below.

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]]> A Passage To India: From The Annals Of The Raj NPR editor Krishnadev Calamur didn't expect to like <em>Hindoo Holiday</em>. It looked like a tedious colonial book about India, full of dust and poverty and elephants. But the book's charm and silly characters made it a favorite guilty pleasure. Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/06/01/154072941/a-passage-to-india-from-the-annals-of-the-raj?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/06/01/154072941/a-passage-to-india-from-the-annals-of-the-raj?ft=1&f=104566969 NPR editor Krishnadev Calamur didn't expect to like <em>Hindoo Holiday</em>. It looked like a tedious colonial book about India, full of dust and poverty and elephants. But the book's charm and silly characters made it a favorite guilty pleasure. no NPR editor Krishnadev Calamur didn't expect to like Hindoo Holiday. It looked like a tedious colonial book about India, full of dust and poverty and elephants. But the book's charm and silly characters made it a favorite guilty pleasure.

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]]> The Wrong Crowd: A Tale Of Teens Behaving Badly Long after the final bell has rung, the echoes of high school hold a fascination for us, even into adulthood. Author Meg Wolitzer recommends a guilty pleasure read that reminds her of the pain of being a teenager. Do you have a favorite book you read as a teen? Let us know in the comments. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2012/04/17/142313959/the-wrong-crowd-a-tale-of-teens-behaving-badly?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/04/17/142313959/the-wrong-crowd-a-tale-of-teens-behaving-badly?ft=1&f=104566969 Long after the final bell has rung, the echoes of high school hold a fascination for us, even into adulthood. Author Meg Wolitzer recommends a guilty pleasure read that reminds her of the pain of being a teenager. Do you have a favorite book you read as a teen? Let us know in the comments. 240 no Long after the final bell has rung, the echoes of high school hold a fascination for us, even into adulthood. Author Meg Wolitzer recommends a guilty pleasure read that reminds her of the pain of being a teenager. Do you have a favorite book you read as a teen? Let us know in the comments.

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]]> Lives Of The Rich And Shallow: A Socialite's Tale <em>Bergdorf Blondes</em> is a book about the lives of New York socialites<em>. </em>It might not be the most highbrow of novels, but when author Cristina Alger suffered a bad breakup, she found this fluffy tale comforting. Have you ever gotten over an ex with a great book? Tell us your story in the comments section. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/03/19/146872589/lives-of-the-rich-and-shallow-a-socialites-tale?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/03/19/146872589/lives-of-the-rich-and-shallow-a-socialites-tale?ft=1&f=104566969 <em>Bergdorf Blondes</em> is a book about the lives of New York socialites<em>. </em>It might not be the most highbrow of novels, but when author Cristina Alger suffered a bad breakup, she found this fluffy tale comforting. Have you ever gotten over an ex with a great book? Tell us your story in the comments section. no Bergdorf Blondes is a book about the lives of New York socialites. It might not be the most highbrow of novels, but when author Cristina Alger suffered a bad breakup, she found this fluffy tale comforting. Have you ever gotten over an ex with a great book? Tell us your story in the comments section.

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]]> Sci-Fi Invasion: A Weird, Brilliant Vision Of Earth Get ready: In 2013, an alien race called the Boov are going to invade Earth. Or, at least, that's what happens in Adam Rex's vision of the future. Author Gin Phillips says that <em>The True Meaning of Smekday</em> stuck with her. Do you have a favorite book about aliens? Let us know in the comments below. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2012/02/27/144981318/earth-s-new-rulers-eight-legged-and-frog-armed?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/02/27/144981318/earth-s-new-rulers-eight-legged-and-frog-armed?ft=1&f=104566969 Get ready: In 2013, an alien race called the Boov are going to invade Earth. Or, at least, that's what happens in Adam Rex's vision of the future. Author Gin Phillips says that <em>The True Meaning of Smekday</em> stuck with her. Do you have a favorite book about aliens? Let us know in the comments below. no Get ready: In 2013, an alien race called the Boov are going to invade Earth. Or, at least, that's what happens in Adam Rex's vision of the future. Author Gin Phillips says that The True Meaning of Smekday stuck with her. Do you have a favorite book about aliens? Let us know in the comments below.

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]]> Action, Sex And A '70s Vibe: The World Of 'Amber' Howard A. Jones isn't just a geek — he's a fantasy geek, and his favorite book is packed with violence, romance and metafictional conceits. It's Roger Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber series. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2012/01/25/144801736/action-sex-and-a-70s-vibe-the-world-of-amber?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2012/01/25/144801736/action-sex-and-a-70s-vibe-the-world-of-amber?ft=1&f=104566969 Howard A. Jones isn't just a geek — he's a fantasy geek, and his favorite book is packed with violence, romance and metafictional conceits. It's Roger Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber series. no Howard A. Jones isn't just a geek — he's a fantasy geek, and his favorite book is packed with violence, romance and metafictional conceits. It's Roger Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber series.

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]]> Teenage Struggles In A Painful Post-Sept. 11 World We're often told that our teenage years are for forging our identities — even if it doesn't feel so great at the time. Author Jennifer Hubbard recommends a book that charts the complexities of growing up. Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2011/12/26/143197825/teenage-struggles-in-a-painful-post-sept-11-world?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2011/12/26/143197825/teenage-struggles-in-a-painful-post-sept-11-world?ft=1&f=104566969 We're often told that our teenage years are for forging our identities — even if it doesn't feel so great at the time. Author Jennifer Hubbard recommends a book that charts the complexities of growing up. no We're often told that our teenage years are for forging our identities — even if it doesn't feel so great at the time. Author Jennifer Hubbard recommends a book that charts the complexities of growing up.

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]]> An Earth-Shattering Tale With An Otherwordly Air Is there life beyond high school? Better yet, is there life beyond Earth? Author Stefan Block recommends Arthur C. Clarke's <em>Childhood's End</em>, a guilty pleasure that has the power to transcend the terrestrial mediocrity of everyday life. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2011/09/28/140120236/an-earth-shattering-tale-with-an-otherwordly-air?ft=1&f=104566969 http://www.npr.org/2011/09/28/140120236/an-earth-shattering-tale-with-an-otherwordly-air?ft=1&f=104566969 Is there life beyond high school? Better yet, is there life beyond Earth? Author Stefan Block recommends Arthur C. Clarke's <em>Childhood's End</em>, a guilty pleasure that has the power to transcend the terrestrial mediocrity of everyday life. no Is there life beyond high school? Better yet, is there life beyond Earth? Author Stefan Block recommends Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End, a guilty pleasure that has the power to transcend the terrestrial mediocrity of everyday life.

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