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The sound of the sea, the smell of rain — what makes Ireland such a magical place? Maybe its writers like Claire Keegan who tease the nuance and grace out of everyday interactions. Author Keith Donohue says each of Keegan's stories is a morsel worth savoring.

The so-called accidental president is often cited among America's worst leaders. Annette Gordon-Reed is inclined to agree. In Andrew Johnson, she calls attention to the opportunities he missed that might have helped resolve racial inequities that still plague the U.S. today.

Thomas McMahon's novel isn't long, but writer Sue Miller says it manages to accomplish frequent hilarity, tender sexiness and sheer erudition. With intelligence and humor, McKay's Bees wonders about all that is funny, sad and amazing in the world.

Who says unlikable characters make for unlikable books? The prickly people in Zoe Heller's The Believers are infused with wit and intelligence. Author Meghan Daum says she has recommended the poignant satire to more friends than she can count.

English rose from humble beginnings to become a language that's spoken by people from every corner of the Earth. In Globish, Robert McCrum tells the story of how a mongrel language slowly took the world by storm.

Tracey Ullman is a singer, impressionist, dancer, comedienne and actress. And now she can add another title to her extensive repertoire: knitting guru. Ullman has just co-authored a book about everything yarn-related.

The Chilean ship Esmeralda pulled into port in San Diego this week. Intended as a peaceful naval ambassador, it's stirring dark feelings for victims of Chile's history.

G. Gordon Liddy, the Republican adviser who was convicted for his role in the Watergate scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon, died on Tuesday. President Carter commuted Liddy's sentence.

In a historic first, President Biden delivered his joint address to Congress flanked by two women: Vice President Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

It's been 50 years since two young women chased down poet Dylan Thomas and convinced him to put his voice on record. The formation of Caedmon Records led to today's $2-billion audiobook industry. NPR's Renee Montagne has the Caedmon story.

Matthew Greene, 34, has pleaded guilty in federal court to two criminal charges: conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding, related to the Capitol siege on Jan. 6, 2021.

Despite a video call between Peng Shuai and members of the Olympic Committee along with video of her attending events over the weekend, some remain concerned for the athlete's wellbeing.

College football fans will be watching as the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs play one more time — this time for the national championship.

The American Library Association handed out nearly two dozen awards for kids' books this week. We look at some of the winners.

As World War II ends, the United States becomes the great outside power in the Middle East, with three main concerns: Persian Gulf oil; support and protection of the new nation of Israel; and containment of the Soviet Union. NPR's Mike Shuster continues his six-part series on the history of Western involvement in the region.

Blacksmith Angelo Garro forges and forages, recreating in wrought iron and in cooking the life he left behind in Sicily. The Kitchen Sisters join Garro along the coast of Northern California as he follows the seasons, harvesting the wild for his kitchen.

For more than 100 years, women would arrive at twilight at the plazas of San Antonio, Texas, to cook chili over open fires. Soldiers, tourists, cattlemen and troubadours roamed the tables, filling the night with music. The Kitchen Sisters tell their story.

The Mills Brothers were so proficient at imitating instruments with their voices, that many of their CDs contained a clarifying note: "No musical instruments used on this recording other than one guitar." This two-disc set has all of the brother's biggest hits, including "Paper Doll" and "Glow Worm."

A U.S. official says at least 46 people have been found dead inside a tractor-trailer in a presumed migrant smuggling attempt in South Texas.

The action takes place just days after the United States announced new sanctions and penalties on Russian oligarchs and elites, Kremlin officials, businessmen linked to President Vladimir Putin.