NPR Books We Love

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.

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.

Is consciousness something that can be pinpointed and studied?

Teachers, parents and caregivers are reading aloud the same book on Thursday as part of a national "Read for the Record" effort to increase awareness about early literacy.

Allegra Goodman's new novel is called This Is Not About Us, but critic Maureen Corrigan says that title is coy: Readers are bound to see aspects of themselves and their families in these pages.

The book centers around an Afghan refugee family who are an American success at first, until a family tragedy causes them to become a national scandal.

Jones' new novel, Kin, is set in 1950s Louisiana and Atlanta, and tells the story of two young women who grow up next door to each other without their mothers.

The book revolves around four Chinese American friends who, stuck at home during the 2008 recession, agree to appear in what becomes the viral video "Bad Asians."

What does the Democratic leader see for himself in the years to come?

NPR's Emily Kwong speaks with Sadeqa Johnson about her new novel THE KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN and discovering the story of mixed-race children who were left in German orphanages following World War II.