Writers & Writing

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.

Jane Austen's novels are still being reproduced in different ways in film and on television.

Even people who like to cook don't always have time to whip up gourmet meals during the busy holiday season.

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."

NPR's Rob Schmitz talks to author Martha Ackmann about her new book on "American icon" Dolly Parton and the ambition it took the young Tennessean to reach success.

How do you cope with a blank page? NPR's Rob Schmitz talks to Elizabeth McCracken about her new book, "A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction."