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'Sophie Stark' finds it hard to learn how to be human

May 21, 2015 3:06 PM

By Michael Schaub

Anna North's new novel is narrated by friends and family after the death of troubled filmmaker Sophie. Critic Michael Schaub calls it "a bold and graceful novel, executed with incredible artistry."

Former home of F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's former New York home on the market for $3.8 million

May 21, 2015 10:51 AM

By The Associated Press

The Long Island home where F. Scott Fitzgerald is believed to have written "The Great Gatsby" is up for sale.

Helen Keller

Book briefs: Mark Twain and Helen Keller, fast friends

May 21, 2015 6:00 AM

By Tracy Mumford

Letters offer a closer look at a legendary friendship, and a debate rages over just what "young adult literature" really means.

Sir Anthony Blunt

It really happened: Five true stories turned into novels

May 20, 2015 11:07 AM

By Tracy Mumford

The past is an endless source of inspiration.

The German service robot Toomas was designed to welcome customers and help them find items in a store.

Attention white-collar workers: The robots are coming for your jobs

May 19, 2015 9:10 AM

The machines have long been used in manufacturing, but Martin Ford, author of 'Rise of the Robots,' says they're now poised to replace humans as teachers, lawyers and even journalists.

British novelist Zadie Smith

Short Story Month: Best short stories to read online for free

May 15, 2015 6:00 AM

By Tracy Mumford

Explore this list of bite-size fiction available online for free.

Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren

Book briefs: 'Pippi' author's WWII diaries published for the first time

May 14, 2015 12:19 PM

Astrid Lindgren, famous for creating Pippi Longstocking, filled seventeen notebooks with her observations about everyday life during World War II.

Nimona

'Nimona' makes a girl in sensible armor the star

May 14, 2015 9:46 AM

Comics artist Noelle Stevenson's webcomic Nimona, about a young shapeshifter with a streak of villainy, has just been released as a book.

Alice Goffman on how U.S. sets up poor, black kids for life in criminal system

May 13, 2015 1:40 PM

The sociologist argues that a constant surveillance of young, black men by police impinges on the men's civil rights and changes the character of entire American neighborhoods.

Elizabeth Alexander

Inauguration poet mixes grief, love in her new memoir

May 12, 2015 1:04 PM

By Tracy Mumford

Elizabeth Alexander, who read at President Obama's 2009 inauguration, mixes soaring language with stunning grief in her new memoir about her husband's unexpected death.