Books

Health

From heart to skin to hair, 'Replaceable You' dives into the science of transplant

Terry Gross

Science writer Mary Roach chronicles both the history and the latest science of body part replacement in her new book. She also answers the question: Is it kosher to receive an organ donation from a pig?
New books this week: The case for the Constitution, and a celebration of chosen family

Colin Dwyer

Jill Lepore writes about the strength and stability of America's founding document — and its capacity for change. And Angela Flournoy tracks the friendship of five young Black women over 20 years.
Racial Justice and Social Equity

Telling stories of gun violence deaths almost cost this reporter his life

Tonya Mosley

Trymaine Lee spent years reporting on the deaths of men who look just like him. His new memoir, A Thousand Ways to Die, chronicles the impact of gun violence in Black communities.
Arthur Sze named 25th U.S. poet laureate

Andrew Limbong

Sze is a poet with a lot of acclaim — he's won the National Book Award, was a Guggenheim fellow and was a finalist for the Pulitzer. He aims to promote interest in translated poetry in his new role.
A tiny dog takes a big walk in 'Hello, Tobi!'

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Author and illustrator Andrea Cáceres has changed careers, moved countries and built a new home — all alongside her 15-year-old pup, Tobi. Now, he's the main character of her new children's book, Hello, Tobi!, which celebrates their walks in the park.
International

'Chinese Encounters with America' argues U.S. and China lost shared interests

Vincent Ni

The 12 profiles featured in this edited book highlight the positive aspects of the U.S.-China engagement, which began in earnest after diplomatic relations were established in 1979.
Arts & Culture

A new biography zeroes in on Lin-Manuel Miranda's superpower

Jennifer Vanasco

The secret to his success isn't just genius — it's collaboration a lot of creative friends. Author Daniel Pollack-Pelzner interviewed more than 150 people for his biography about the Hamilton creator.
Arts & Culture

San Diego weekend arts events: Psychology and art, Fiesta de Libros and Sinatra ballet

Julia Dixon Evans

This weekend in the arts: Ewa Słapa at Best Practice; curtains rise at The Joan; City Ballet's Sinatra-themed dance; plus indie rock and more live music.
National

NSA leaker Reality Winner is rebuilding her life -- and looking back at her past

Terry Gross

Winner was working at the NSA in 2017 when she leaked a classified document to the press. Soon after, the FBI showed up at her door. Winner's new memoir is I Am Not Your Enemy.
4 lives are upended by an impulsive kiss in the epic novel 'Buckeye'

Maureen Corrigan

Patrick Ryan's novel focuses on two married couples and stretches from pre-WWII to the close of the 20th century, capturing both the sweep of history and the mundane particularity of everyday life.