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Jazz In The 21st Century Is All About 'Playing Changes'

Kamasi Washington, a 37-year-old saxophone player from Los Angeles, is a major player in Nate Chinen's new book Playing Changes. Amy Harris/AP hide caption

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Amy Harris/AP

Author Interviews

Jazz In The 21st Century Is All About 'Playing Changes'

Nate Chinen's new book Playing Changes: Jazz for the New Century identifies the key players in the genre's resurgence. Chinen's aim with the book is to get the root of the resurgence.

Jazz In The 21st Century Is All About 'Playing Changes'

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An Iraq Veteran, Heroin Addict, Bank Robber And Debut Novelist

Nico Walker wrote his semi-autobiographical novel Cherry while in federal prison for armed bank robbery. Courtesy of Nico Walker hide caption

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Courtesy of Nico Walker

Author Interviews

An Iraq Veteran, Heroin Addict, Bank Robber And Debut Novelist

Nico Walker is currently in federal prison for bank robbery. That's given him plenty of time to write his semi-autobiographical novel Cherry, which has received glowing advance reviews.

An Iraq Veteran, Heroin Addict, Bank Robber And Debut Novelist

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'Vegetables In Underwear' And Other Laugh Out Loud Book Ideas For Kids

Children's book author Jon Scieszka shares his kid-friendly reading recommendations. His list includes an irreverent baby book, two great series, and the "Funniest. Stories. Ever."

'Vegetables In Underwear' And Other Laugh Out Loud Book Ideas For Kids

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Baby, You're Gonna Be Mine

Review

Book Reviews

With Wit And Sadness, 'Baby, You're Gonna Be Mine' Has Echoes Of Salinger

Fresh Air

Critic Maureen Corrigan says Kevin Wilson's funny, raw, beautiful writing reminds her of J. D. Salinger. He starts with a goofy premise and then draws deep emotional truths.

With Wit And Sadness, 'Baby, You're Gonna Be Mine' Has Echoes Of Salinger

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'The Line That Held Us': Noir In Appalachia
Samantha Clark/NPR

Author Interviews

'The Line That Held Us': Noir In Appalachia

Novelist David Joy, whose books chronicle the rural, working-class South of his own milieu, has penned a new book where a hunting accident triggers a thriller of violent vengeance.

'The Line That Held Us': Noir In Appalachia

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V.S. Naipaul, Controversial Author And Nobel Laureate, Dies At 85

V.S. Naipaul, seen here in 1968, once told NPR, "It's important to avoid the wallow. It repels the reader." John Minihan/Evening Standard/Getty Images hide caption

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John Minihan/Evening Standard/Getty Images

Remembrances

V.S. Naipaul, Controversial Author And Nobel Laureate, Dies At 85

Naipaul was born in Trinidad, and his relationship to his birthplace was nothing if not complicated. He was often criticized for the way he depicted developing countries in his novels.

V.S. Naipaul, Controversial Author And Nobel Laureate, Dies At 85

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