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In the second installment of our book series, "Back Story," Steve Inskeep talks with author Bonnie Jo Campbell. Her latest book, American Salvage, is a short story collection that explores the lives of people at the bottom of American society.

While researching And the Pursuit of Happiness, Maira Kalman gained respect for American democracy.

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about the federal response to coronavirus surge in the U.S

Bill Bryson is known for exploring far-flung places, but he found inspiration for his most recent book after a hike through his own old, Victorian house in England. At Home: A Short History of Private Life explores the history of domesticity — from making beds, to the long history of hallways.

Author Ken Wells layers his new novel with love, corruption and Cajun cuisine. Jacki Lyden talks with Wells about Crawfish Mountain, a story about big oil and the Louisiana wetlands.

In his prime-time address, the president projected that all Americans will be able to get in line for a vaccine by May 1. He also denounced "vicious hate crimes against Asian Americans."

The pun-filled Phantom Tollbooth turns 50 this year. Author Norton Juster takes questions from young readers about the story of Milo, a bored little boy who finds adventure in a very strange land full of riddles and wordplay.

Lost in a deep depression, Marie Mutsuki Mockett visited a temple owned by her mother's family near Fukushima. There, she found traditions and ways of thought that helped her work through her grief.

When a stage diver died after a Lamb of God concert, singer D. Randall Blythe was arrested for manslaughter. In his memoir, Blythe unpacks the incident — and why he returned to Europe to stand trial.

Irving's latest novel is Avenue of Mysteries. He tells NPR's Lynn Neary that he thinks about each book for a long time — and he doesn't start writing until he knows what the ending will be.

About 50 years ago, the native Alaskans were forced to leave their ancestral home on King Island, in the Bering Sea. Now, an Anchorage poet has crowdsourced enough money to bring a group of former King Islanders and their descendants back for a visit.

It's been a great year for high-profile comics creators, producing landmark works destined for many "Best Comics of 2012" lists. But what about the lesser-known artists and their work? Glen Weldon points to outstanding works that haven't gotten the attention they deserve.

"I've never accused myself of being manly," Offerman says, noting his real-life persona is different from his Parks and Recreation character. His book is a set of essays about people who inspire him.

Health care experts and advocates say the state is taking too long to allow frontline essential workers of all ages, including teachers, restaurant and hotel staff to get vaccinated, citing the substantial spread of COVID-19 B.1.1.7 cases as a chief concern.

Sanders will introduce legislation Thursday to restore the corporate tax rate to 35% and add a new progressive tax on the estates of the wealthiest Americans.

NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks to pharmacist Drew Massey about West Virginia's successful vaccination drive and the lessons other states can take away from the effort.

A fierce debate is taking shape within the restaurant industry as a push to raise the minimum wage threatens to upend the tipped wage structures for servers.

NPR's Michel Martin talks with Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash., about reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act after recent shootings that left eight dead, including six women of Asian descent.

Some Mexicans with family ties or dual citizenship in the U.S., or who can afford the airfare, head north of the border to get vaccinated faster than the months of waiting for one back home.

Steve Inskeep talks to Republican Marilinda Garcia of New Hampshire and Democrat Jim Mowrer of Iowa about their experiences running for the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Biden administration wants to work with Central American countries to stem the flow of migration to the U.S., but concerns about corruption means implementing the policies likely won't be smooth.

At a truck stop between Dallas and Waco, Texas, a little energy revolution has begun. Truckers at Carl's Corner fill up on BioWillie, biodiesel named after singer Willie Nelson. The fuel is made from farm crops and recycled restaurant grease.

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to author Daniel Combs about his book Until the World Shatters, which explores the connection between Myanmar's jade industry and a long-running civil war.

After a Senate investigation in 1975, the CIA moved away from assassinations and returned to its original mandate, spying. But as New York Times reporter Mark Mazzetti explains in his new book, the Sept. 11 attacks led the CIA back to the business of manhunting.

In the new book What You Want Is in the Limo, author Michael Walker argues that a peak year in the careers of Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper and The Who also marked a cultural shift — from the peace, love and understanding of 1960-era music to '70s rock decadence.