Literature

Chinese sci-fi blockbuster The Wandering Earth is coming to Netflix.

The sci-fi of another language

In the West, we are used to sci-fi written by English-speakers who dream up English-speaking utopias and dystopias. Often in the final reel, humanity is saved by English-speaking heroes. So what should we expect from China's newly-thriving sci-fi scene?

The sci-fi of another language
Michael (Pierre Png) and Astrid (Gemma Chan)

How to get beyond a tourist fantasy of Singapore

How to get beyond a tourist fantasy of Singapore
Two book cover images.

Remixed book covers imagine a young adult book series that confronts racism

Remixed book covers imagine a young adult book series that confronts racism

Angie Thomas and TLC

Angie Thomas and TLC
Books

A journalist uses statistics to uncover authors' 'cinnamon words'

A journalist uses statistics to uncover authors' 'cinnamon words'
ferrante

Language versus dialect, or why we're obsessed with Elena Ferrante

Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels have become global hits. They are rife with love and sex and the mob — and commentary about language. This week on the podcast we explore Italy's linguistic history and the tensions between Italian dialects and the lingua franca.

Language versus dialect, or why we're obsessed with Elena Ferrante

Best of 2016: Kurt’s Favorite Conversations

Kurt's best-of playlist: including conversations with Jeff Daniels, Samantha Hunt, Alejandro Iñárritu, and a lesson in how to speak with a British accent. 

Best of 2016: Kurt’s Favorite Conversations

How Shakespeare Came Alive for Me — and Stays Alive Today

Shakespeare shouldn’t be lost on anyone, but how much should the text be changed?

How Shakespeare Came Alive for Me — and Stays Alive Today
Bob Dylan performs at The Hop Festival in Paddock Wood, Kent, on June 30, 2012.

US rock poet Bob Dylan wins Nobel Literature Prize

The music legend, whose poetic lyrics have influenced generations of fans, won the Nobel Literature Prize on Thursday — the first songwriter to win the award in a decision that stunned prize watchers.

US rock poet Bob Dylan wins Nobel Literature Prize

The End of “The Road”

Cormac McCarthy’s novel “The Road” takes the prize for bleakest vision of a post-apocalyptic future. But at its emotional core is the bond between father and son.

The End of “The Road”

Gary Shteyngart’s Super Funny Scary Future

In “Super Sad True Love Story,” Gary Shteyngart imagines a dystopian world that’s frighteningly familiar.

Gary Shteyngart’s Super Funny Scary Future

The Substitute

Novelist Nicholson Baker braves being a substitute teacher.

The Substitute

Binge Watching with Clive James

Why Clive James has never been more excited about TV.

Binge Watching with Clive James
cover illustration

One boy’s highly illogical behavior: A twist on mental illness in literature

In his new book, John Corey Whaley tackles the subject of mental illness and challenges stigmas that keep many teen boys from seeking help with depression and anxiety.

One boy’s highly illogical behavior: A twist on mental illness in literature
Ken Liu

Ken Liu's fiction draws on Chinese radio, Greek myths and American sci-fi

He was born in China, but says his immigrant roots make him all the more American.

Ken Liu's fiction draws on Chinese radio, Greek myths and American sci-fi