Heller McAlpin : NPR

'Empathy Exams' Is A Virtuosic Manifesto Of Human Pain

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'Empathy Exams' Is A Virtuosic Manifesto Of Human Pain

April 3, 2014 • Leslie Jamison's new book of essays, The Empathy Exams, combines the intellectual and the emotional to explore the humanizing effect of empathy. Heller McAlpin calls it a "soaring performance."

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Comedian Ages With Humor — And Effort

February 25, 2014 • In her new book of essays, I See You Made an Effort, comedian Annabelle Gurwitch muses on middle-aged life. Critic Heller McAlpin says that the book, infused throughout with "sharp wit," is hilarious.

'One More Thing' Has A Few Too Many Things, But It's Still Funny

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'One More Thing' Has A Few Too Many Things, But It's Still Funny

February 11, 2014 • The Office writer B.J. Novak's new story collection covers everything from carrot cake to artificial intelligence. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says the book has a few too many things packed into it, but overall, the collection is "wildly promising."

Anna Quindlen Is (Still) The Voice Of Her Generation

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Anna Quindlen Is (Still) The Voice Of Her Generation

January 29, 2014 • Quindlen's novel Still Life with Bread Crumbs is predictably comforting and readable, even as it details the challenges of a modern middle-aged woman: the fallout of divorce, a career on the wane, and the endless financial and emotional support demanded by her family.

Music And Chemistry Are An Explosive Combination In 'Orfeo'

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Music And Chemistry Are An Explosive Combination In 'Orfeo'

January 22, 2014 • Richard Powers' new novel follows an avant-garde composer who has sacrificed everything in his pursuit of transcendent music — and who gets into trouble when he attempts to combine his twin obsessions of music and chemistry. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says Powers hits a high note with Orfeo.

E.L. Doctorow's New Novel 'Puzzling And Ultimately Disappointing'

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E.L. Doctorow's New Novel 'Puzzling And Ultimately Disappointing'

January 17, 2014 • E.L. Doctorow's new novel Andrew's Brain takes the reader deep into the mind of a cognitive scientist who's struggling with both scientific questions and personal tragedy. Critic Heller McAlpin says the book, which takes the form of Andrew's monologue to a doctor, is "a real head-scratcher."

'Boy Detective' Walks Down Memory Lane, But Doesn't Get Anywhere

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'Boy Detective' Walks Down Memory Lane, But Doesn't Get Anywhere

November 5, 2013 • Loosely structured as a stroll through New York City, Roger Rosenblatt's memoir includes playful, endearing anecdotes from his childhood in Gramercy Park. But critic Heller McAlpin notes that his rambling riffs and excruciatingly slow pace make it a difficult read.

An Exhaustive Survey From Columbus To Nemesis In 'Roth Unbound'

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An Exhaustive Survey From Columbus To Nemesis In 'Roth Unbound'

October 23, 2013 • Claudia Roth Pierpont's new Roth Unbound looks at themes in the work of Philip Roth (no relation). All the themes, in every book by the famously prolific writer. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says it's "a dazzling if sometimes exhausting journey" that dutifully addresses Roth's foibles as well as his talent.

'The Rosie Project' Will Charm You With Science

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'The Rosie Project' Will Charm You With Science

October 3, 2013 • Former IT consultant Graeme Simsion's debut novel, The Rosie Project, is a scientific romp about a probably-Asperger's-affected genetics professor who falls in love with a free-spirited woman during a search for her biological father. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says it's an "utterly winning screwball comedy."

Julian Barnes 'Levels' With Us On Love, Loss And Ballooning

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Julian Barnes 'Levels' With Us On Love, Loss And Ballooning

September 26, 2013 • In his new memoir, Julian Barnes contemplates 19th century photography, the metaphorical exhilaration of ballooning and the sudden death of his beloved wife. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says the book is beautifully written, if a little disjointed.

In 'Sprinkler,' A Wacky Poet Returns With New Obsessions

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In 'Sprinkler,' A Wacky Poet Returns With New Obsessions

September 17, 2013 • Nicholson Baker's latest novel, Traveling Sprinkler, revolves around Paul Chowder, a lonely poet who's fascinated by drone warfare and Debussy. Chowder was the star of Baker's 2009 novel The Anthologist, and reviewer Heller McAlpin welcomes his reappearance — though not his political rants.

Suburban Islands Of Regret, More Than 'Nine Inches' Apart

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Suburban Islands Of Regret, More Than 'Nine Inches' Apart

September 11, 2013 • Tom Perrotta has been called "the Steinbeck of suburbia" for his depictions of self-sabotaging adolescents and foolish middle-class adults. His new book — his first short-story collection in 19 years — is full of strong but repetitive stories, sad tales of failures earnestly yearning to do better.

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Last Words: An Author's Rhymed Farewell

July 16, 2013 • While Dr. Seuss, David Rakoff was not, the author, it's clear, cared a whole awful lot. This book — his last — is a rhymed, pensive story: A triumph, says Heller McAlpin, in all its sly glory.

City, Comedy And Calamity In Cathleen Schine's New Novel

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City, Comedy And Calamity In Cathleen Schine's New Novel

July 4, 2013 • Cathleen Schine's new novel follows a young boy and his older half-sister, making a life for themselves in Greenwich Village. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says Fin & Lady is entertaining and moving.

A Family's Secrets And Sorrows Surface In 'Heatwave'

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A Family's Secrets And Sorrows Surface In 'Heatwave'

June 19, 2013 • Maggie O'Farrell's new novel, Instructions for a Heatwave, follows a troubled Irish Catholic family in London over the course of four scorching July days in 1976. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says Heatwave is a beautiful book about "the importance of forgiving those you love."