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James McBride's The Good Lord Bird follows 10-year-old ex-slave Henry, known as "the Onion," as he travels with abolitionist John Brown.

British author Ian McEwan is known for multilayered tales with surprise endings, and his latest novel doesn't disappoint. The story of a Cold War intelligence agent who falls for the target of her investigation is sprinkled with hints of subversive intents, making it a clever bonbon of a book.

An Indian textile millionaire attempts to "touch the face of God" by flying a hot-air balloon to the edge of space... 70,000 feet. Vijaypat Singhania, now 67, has set previous records in other aircraft. Philip Reeves reports.

Hurricane Idalia brought some Flamingos from Mexico to the eastern United States. Now some hope the birds will stay and breed there.

House Republicans' latest nominee for speaker, Rep. Jim Jordan seems far short of the required number of votes — and it's unclear he has a path forward.

The queen of England this year marks 60 years on the throne, and Buckingham Palace is coordinating a week of events, including a concert at the palace and a 1,000-boat flotilla along the River Thames. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Tom Perrotta has been called "the Steinbeck of suburbia" for his depictions of self-sabotaging adolescents and foolish middle-class adults. His new book — his first short-story collection in 19 years — is full of strong but repetitive stories, sad tales of failures earnestly yearning to do better.

A new biography from Sam Wasson examines the life and legacy of the Broadway, TV and film director Bob Fosse, who is known for such game-changing entertainments as Cabaret, Liza With A Z and Chicago. NPR's Bob Mondello says the book has both substantial research and vivid descriptions.

A new collection of Dickinson's poems — written on envelopes and found after her death — opens a rare porthole into the enigmatic writer's life and art. Literally and figuratively shaped by their unusual medium, the poems in The Gorgeous Nothings invite endless interpretations.

The road from Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, to the Pakistani border is vital to trade and other concerns. But it's also treacherous, despite recent improvements.