There are so many great books to look forward to in 2025. But first, you'll want to catch up on these perspective-shifting titles from 2024, exploring art, the afterlife, nuns, nuclear war — and more.

From the fictional story of a pregnant woman stuck in an IKEA during an earthquake, to in-depth reporting on Alzheimer's research, here are the books we're looking forward to in the next few months.

Nearly lost in a fire, Zora Neale Hurston's final novel, 'The Life of Herod the Great,' is out more than 60 years after her death. The novel expands on her interest in the ancient king of Judea.

In order to better understand her circadian rhythm, science journalist Lynne Peeples conducted an experiment in which lived for 10 days in a bunker, with no exposure to sunlight or clocks.

In the wake of Jimmy Carter's death, biographer Kai Bird, author of 'The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter' discusses the late president's successes and failures.

Throughout his lifetime, Jimmy Carter took on many titles: 39th President of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize winner, philanthropist, humanitarian, artist – and writer.

Many of the most-borrowed books in 2024, including 'romantasy' titles and memoirs, also appeared on public library lists in 2023.

Pop culture critic Linda Holmes has been making this annual list since 2010. Big, small, inspirational, silly — what these items have in common is that they are all wonderful and brought her joy.

Reading Rainbow was created to stop the "summer loss phenomenon." It became much more.

Emory University recently acquired a collection of books from Sir Elton John after the singer moved away from Atlanta. GPB's Kristi York Wooten has more on the special gift.

Here are 10 heart-pounding novels recommended by NPR staff and critics — perfect for winter reading by the fire.

The copyrights of thousands of 20th-century films, books, compositions and sound recordings expire on Jan. 1, making them free for anyone to share and adapt. Here are some of the highlights.

Dante Alighieri is one of the pillars of Western literature. And his texts have been translated into English dozens of times. With two new translations of his work out now, it's worth asking – why do we keep returning to this well?

Jamie Fortin's romance-centric bookstore shut down shortly after its grand opening due to a fire. She says the romance community has been integral in helping her rebuild.

If you are ready to depart from the well-trodden tried-and-true at bedtime, here are 10 new picture books that NPR critics and staff loved in 2024.