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Why do gruesome stories draw us in? What is it about tales that chill us that we can't stay away from? Author Bruce Machart doesn't have the answers, but he does have three recommendations of books that explore the depths of human depravity.

Jim Shepard writes what he knows, but he also likes to write what he doesn't know. "I think literature is, in some ways, about the exercise of the empathetic imagination," Shepard says. "I'm always interested in stretching that capacity." You Think That's Bad is his latest collection of short stories.

India has catapulted to the world stage. Yet for its meteoric economic rise, it remains beset by social problems. NPR editor Miranda Kennedy recommends three books that don't shy from what she sees as the most contentious Indian issue: the caste system.

Historian Peter Ackroyd's new book surveys the history of England from the end of the Tudor era to the Glorious Revolution of 1688 — almost a century of war, debate and transformation.

Robert Hass, the former poet laureate of the United States, explores one of Walt Whitman's most iconic poems, Song of Myself — and shares his opinion about why the poem still resonates 155 years after it was written.

Chewing gum may be a $19 billion industry, but it's not a universally accepted practice. Author Jennifer Mathews examines the cultural history of bubble gum, which stretches from the mouths of prostitutes to the pockets of G.I.s.

Faith leaders from around the country gathered outside the Glynn County Courthouse in defiance of a defense attorney's efforts to keep Black pastors away from the trial.

The San Jose City Council has approved the nation's first law requiring gun owners to have liability insurance. City leaders hope it will reduce gun violence. Gun owners say they're being harassed.

Charlotte FC trounced Nashville 4-1 at home. The Carolina Panthers traded for quarterback Baker Mayfield. And it's the Charlotte Hornets summer league. That and more this week in Time Out for Sports.

The 180-page document allegedly crafted by the Buffalo gunman included parts lifted from other sources, which experts say is common amongst mass shooters.

Delphi, the nation's largest auto-parts supplier, asks a federal bankruptcy judge to void its labor contract with the United Auto Workers Union. The UAW has warned that its members may strike if the judge approves Delphi's request. Delphi is General Motors' biggest supplier and a strike could cripple the struggling auto giant.

As Congress resumes its debate over whether to increase federal standards for fuel efficiency in passenger cars, some heavy hitters are weighing in against new regulations.

With his heady, bop-rooted explorations of improvised music, pianist and composer Hill stretched the boundaries of jazz. He demonstrated his mastery of melody, rhythm and technique in a 2005 session.

The soul singer keeps reinventing others' songs and himself. James' new album is more direct than his earlier material in some ways, and more experimental in others, but grounded in a soulful groove.

Long Lost Suitcase is not just Jones' story, but also the story of America's musical roots spreading to reach the whole planet, generation by generation.

Soul king John Legend isn't happy with the direction America is taking, so he got together with the greatest band in hip-hop to cover soul songs from the 1960s and '70s -- songs that still speak to the problems facing us in 2010. Hear the entire album here until its release on Sept. 21.

Authorities are investigating after a rookie police officer shot a 17-year-old who was eating in his car in the parking lot of a San Antonio, Texas, McDonald's just over a week ago.

For all the jazz albums to be universally hailed as classics, many more deserve to be recognized as such. Here, arranger and Grammy-winning record producer Bob Belden picks five slept-on jazz classics.

Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries became the first Black lawmaker nominated for Speaker of the House. He also became the first Democrat since 2007 to earn unanimous support from their caucus.

Record-setting winter storms have battered California. In the northern part of the state, an unusual rescue operation is underway to airdrop hay to stranded cattle.