Donate

Literature

NPR Books | Sep 16, 2012

'Lose Her' Finds Power In Resonant Voices

Junot Diaz's third book, This Is How You Lose Her, is a collection of stories, many narrated by recurring character Yunior. Diaz's voice-driven prose describes characters who are simultaneously appealing and appalling, says NPR critic Carmen Gimenez Smith. By Carmen Gimenez Smith   

The Writers' Block | Sep 10, 2012

People Who Are Good People

Andrea Kneeland, one of the five writers taking part in The Writers' Block Lit Crawl event "New Kids on the Block" on October 13th, reads from her short story "People Who Are Good People." By Andrea Kneeland   



The Writers' Block | Sep 06, 2012

When It Happens to You

Molly Ringwald, everyone's favorite redhead from movies like Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, and The Breakfast Club, reads from her first novel, When It Happens to You. By Molly Ringwald   



The Writers' Block | Sep 03, 2012

Fine Fine Music

Cassie J. Sneider reads "Sugar Sugar," a story from her hilarious collection Fine Fine Music about the hazardous effects of being forced to wear a sexy wizard costume for Halloween at the age of 10. By Cassie J. Sneider   



Book Review | Aug 30, 2012

Bay Area Native Emily Schuman's Cupcakes and Cashmere

With sections detailing a range of topics from seasonally appropriate wardrobe color schemes to how to layer jewelry to making winter cocktails, Schuman breaks down many untaught, yet essential skills and knowledge for young women. By Monica Laufer   

The Writers' Block | Aug 27, 2012

A Million Heavens

John Brandon, author of the much acclaimed Citrus County, reads a passage from his latest, A Million Heavens. By John Brandon   



NPR Books | Aug 26, 2012

IM, IM, IM Superman: Morning-After Texts Between Superman, Wonder Woman

Next week, in the pages of the comic Justice League, Superman and Wonder Woman will become involved. We have intercepted a series of IMs that augurs ill for comics' new (super-)power couple. By Glen Weldon   

NPR Books | Aug 26, 2012

Exclusive First Read: 'Telegraph Avenue'

Michael Chabon's sprawling new novel features a multigenerational, multiracial cast of characters, from gay teens to former blaxploitation stars, revolving around efforts by two men to save their used-record store.   

Literature | Aug 23, 2012

In a New Book of Essays, Robert Hass Turns on His Mind-Light

Every now and then San Francisco-born former U.S. Poet Laureate and literary award-magnet Robert Hass puts out a dense, delicious collection of essays. The new one, What Light Can Do, trades in all manner of illumination. By Jonathan Kiefer   

The Writers' Block | Aug 20, 2012

Year Zero

Rob Reid reads a passage from Year Zero, his novel that takes a headlong journey through the outer reaches of the universe and the inner workings of our absurdly dysfunctional music industry. By Rob Reid   



See all articles »
See all reviews for "Literature"»

Author Interviews
  • 'Lunch Lady' Author Helps Students Draw Their Own Heroes

    Can you imagine your own superhero? That's the question author and illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka posed to kids on a recent afternoon at a school in Washington, D.C. Krosoczka also described how he overcame a difficult childhood to become the author of the beloved Lunch Lady series.

  • Fictional 'Mothers' Reveal Facts Of A Painful Adoption Process

    After years trying to conceive, novelist Jennifer Gilmore and her husband decided to adopt. What they thought would be a relatively simple process was instead a long and painful one. In her latest novel, Gilmore channels these autobiographical experiences into fiction.

  • After Crashing In Canadian 'Abyss,' Four Men Fight To Survive

    On an icy night in 1984, a commuter plane crashed in the wilderness. Six passengers died, but four survived: the pilot, a politician, a policeman and a prisoner. Carol Shaben's Into the Abyss describes their fight to make it through that frigid night alive.

  • Courtside Chemistry: How NBA's Phil Jackson Won 'Eleven Rings'

    Jackson is famous for his philosophical take on basketball and for the many stars he led to championship triumphs. He taught his players yoga and gave them assigned reading — but also pushed them to intensely practice fundamental skills. His new book looks back on a legendary coaching career.

Also on KQED.org this week ...

The Earth
We Need You!

Volunteer during our current on-air radio fundraising drive. It's a great way to support KQED Radio with your time. You can really make a difference!

ImageMakers - 88:88 (You Should Be Paranoid, 2013)
Enter the New "ImageMakers" Screening Room

Enjoy films from present and past seasons of KQED's short independent film series, divided into Animation, Comedy, Drama, and Suspense.