Books

Arts & Culture

Fiasco Theater's 'Bartleby' would feel right at home in 'The Office'

Beth Accomando

The Old Globe's newly commissioned play based on Herman Melville's 1853 short story, "Bartleby, the Scrivener," has extended its run through March 22.
Racial Justice and Social Equity

This historian dug up the hidden history of 'amateur' blackface in America

Terry Gross

In her new book, Darkology, historian Rhae Lynn Barnes writes about how blackface and minstrel shows became one of the most popular forms of entertainment in 19th- and 20th-century America.
Arts & Culture

Will Eisner Week wraps with a day of panels at Comic-Con Museum

Beth Accomando

Eisner Week celebrates graphic novels, sequential art, free speech and the legacy of comics pioneer Will Eisner.
Health

'Dopamine Kids' explains why children crave screens and helps them enjoy life instead

Alicia Garceau

A mom and science writer offers an operating manual for parents grappling with kids' screen use and cravings for sweets.
Arts & Culture

'The Bride!' divorces itself from Mary Shelley's novel to deliver a feminist tale

Beth Accomando

Actress-turned-director Maggie Gyllenhaal gives voice and agency to the iconic "Bride of Frankenstein" from the 1935 classic film.
Arts & Culture

San Diego weekend arts top picks: Soul, noir detectives and zombie spiders

Julia Dixon Evans

Our highlights for culture in San Diego this weekend: An all-women art show exploring surrealism and myth; Candlewood Arts Festival; Maynard Okereke; OH San Diego; North Park Creator Fair; art at Bivouac and Gershwin ballet.
Mundane, magic, maybe both — a new book explores 'The Writer's Room'

Andrew Limbong

Why are we captivated by the spaces where authors write? Katie da Cunha Lewin set out to explore "The Hidden Worlds That Shape the Books We Love."
International

A glimpse of Iran, through the eyes of its artists and journalists

Anastasia Tsioulcas

Understanding one of the world's oldest civilizations can't be achieved through a single film or book. But recent works of literature, journalism, music and film by Iranians are a powerful starting point.
10 new books in March offer mental vacations

Colin Dwyer

March is always a big one for books – this year is no different. We call out a handful of upcoming titles for readers to put on their radars — offering a good alternative to doomscrolling.
Arts & Culture

San Diego weekend arts top picks: Faith Ringgold, Live Arts Fest and coffeehouse music

Julia Dixon Evans

This weekend in the arts in San Diego: Celebrating the career of Black craft pioneer Faith Ringgold; free admission to SDMA; author George Saunders; San Diego Dance Theater's "Live Arts Fest"; the Flower Fields season kicks off and more.