Books

Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, now a feature film, is based on a notorious Florida reform school where boys were beaten and sexually abused. Originally broadcast July 16, 2019.

Pico Iyer. For decades, he's written books and articles about travel, describing cultures and religions around the world. His new memoir is about the many times he's gone on retreats to a Benedictine monastery in Big Sur, California to practice silence and contemplation. It's called "Aflame," and it's also about the wildfire flames that have threatened the monastery many times and burned down the home he grew up in while he was living there.

July's been surprised by the reaction to her novel, which centers on a 45-year-old married woman who has an erotic affair: "I've had people tell me that ... it was all there, all their true feelings."

Maureen Corrigan's picks for the best books of the year range from alternative history to suspense and satire to some of the most extraordinary letters ever written.

Niall Williams' popular novel, "Four Letters Of Love," is being made into a movie starring Pierce Brosnan and Helena Bonham Carter. His new novel is called "Time Of The Child," and our book critic Maureen Corrigan has this review.

Allison, who died Nov. 6, based her critically acclaimed novel on her own experience of being physically and sexually abused by her stepfather. Originally broadcast in 1992.

In Price's novel, a Harlem apartment building collapses, upending the lives of its residents, including a photographer, a funeral director and a 42-year-old man who feels he has little to live for.

Alex Van Halen is a founding member of the rock band Van Halen. His new memoir is called "Brothers."

Eliza Griswold is the author of the new book "Circle Of Hope." It's nominated for a National Book Award.

Novelist Nick Harkaway. He's written a new novel called "Karla's Choice." It's set in the world of his father John le Carre's spy novels.