News on Books

Here are recommended reads about the United States — perfect for the history buff on your gift list, or anyone looking to learn more about how the U.S got to where it is today.

After his mom died, Fry Bread author Kevin Maillard found himself wondering, "but where did she go?" So he wrote about it. His new kids' book is And They Walk On, illustrated by Rafael López.

NPR Staff recommends several non-fiction titles from Books We Love: "Good Movies As Old Books," "Pakistan," "Baldwin: A Love Story," and "One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This."

Nick Harkaway grew up hearing his dad read drafts of his George Smiley novels. He picked up le Carré's beloved spymaster character in the novel Karla's Choice. Originally broadcast Oct. 23, 2024.

If you have kids in your life who are ready to broaden their book horizons we have recommendations for you! Here you'll find tried-and-true picture books, chapter books, and YA, all published in 2025.

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Professor Mahmood Mamdani about his new book, "Slow Poison." The book is a firsthand report on the tragic unraveling of Uganda's struggle for independence.

Smith was 25 in 2000 when she published her critically acclaimed first novel. Now 50, her latest collection of essays, Dead and Alive, reflects on middle age, climate change and generational gaps.

As Jane Austen fans celebrate the 250th anniversary of her birth, they also celebrate her characters.

NPR staff share recommendations for non-fiction reading from our Books We Love list: "The War of Art," "Shattered Lands," "Toni at Random" and "Patchwork."

Managing a full December calendar can quickly take you from festive to frazzled. Psychotherapist Niro Feliciano shares advice on reducing stress and increasing joy this season.