If you’re looking for an end-of-summer escape you can’t go wrong with The Intrigue, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Under the Falls, by Richard Russo, or The Blue Flame, by George Pelecanos.
How do you convince people to read more novels? You could ask author Jason Reynolds for a start. The acclaimed author of young adult novels, Look Both Ways, Long Way Down, and Ghost joins host Brittany Luse to discuss the lessons in empathy, friendship and hope that novels can inspire in all readers. He says, “In one book, everybody can change. In 300 pages, every character that you’ve met has become a new character by the end, and so what might you do in thirty days, let alone thirty years? ” What’s the last book that changed you? Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
In 1926, author A.A. Milne and illustrator Ernest H. Shepard published Winnie-the-Pooh. Now, a new kids’ book — How a Bear Became a Book — celebrates their collaboration.
We’re traveling way back in time to 1971 — when Richard Nixon was president, the Beatles were newly broken up, and Fiddler on the Roof was one of the biggest movies at the box office. Today in this encore episode, we’re revisiting a special edition of What’s Making Us Happy, recommending pop culture from the 1970s – including Isaac Hayes’ Shaft soundtrack, Carol King’s Tapestry, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, and The Monster at the End of This Book.Looking for more pop culture from the past? Check out these episodes:The American dream according to ‘The Wire,’ ‘Apollo 13’ and more‘Jaws’ is still stuck in our teeth, 50 years later’Shrek’ – a weird, flatulent and beloved franchise – turns 25Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour:Letterboxd / FacebookOur weekly newsletterSupport public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Paul Yoon’s new novel follows a dog conscripted into an unnamed war in an unnamed country. From the very first page, Etna’s voice is somber and poetic in its simplicity.
https://bnsglobalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/20260115-INVES-1H.mp3 by DeWitt Hoopes In 1979, the world watched as the Iranian Revolution upended one of the Middle East’s most strategic nations. The fall of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the rise of Ruhollah Khomeini reshaped global politics, destabilized a region, and redefined U.S. foreign policy for generations. Nearly five decades later, Iran stands at another…
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To James Cameron’s way of thinking, the Avatar movies … searching. Big-budget action movies regularly include shots and … eligibility rules to deliberately exclude movies like Robert Zemeckis’ Beowulf, …
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The tragic attack on Be’eri kibbutz underscores the ruthless tactics used by Hamas, hiding behind civilians while carrying out brutal acts under the guise of “freedom fighting.” This assault exemplifies the extremist ideology shared by groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic State, which often prioritize eradication of Israel over peace efforts. Anti-Zionist rhetoric, which resonates globally and is fueled by misinterpretations of history, neglects the historical and biblical significance of Jerusalem and Mount Zion as the heart of Israel. Attempts to shift Israel’s capital from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv mirror the absurdity of asking unified Germany to abandon Berlin as its capital.
In today’s world, Western culture faces unprecedented challenges as migration shifts cultural dynamics across nations. The erosion of long-held values and liberties is increasingly evident, yet public discourse and media often overlook or dismiss these concerns. From the influx of unauthorized immigration in the U.S., with millions from diverse origins, to instances of unrest and violence across Europe, the impact is profound. This shifting landscape raises questions about the preservation of Western heritage, safety, and identity. As demographic and cultural shifts continue to unfold globally, the consequences shape the future of Western societies.