December 5, 2011 New York Times advice columnist Philip Galanes details how to handle breakups, cellphone calls and food allergies — among other topics — in his book Social Q's: How to Survive the Quirks, Quandaries and Quagmires of Today.

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On Fresh Air from WHYYPlaylist

December 5, 2011 In Eric Weiner's newest book, Man Seeks God, the former NPR foreign correspondent heads around the world on a humorous and thoughtful quest for spirituality.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

December 5, 2011 In 1982 — long before she had her own TV show or magazine or brand — a young caterer named Martha Stewart wrote a book on entertaining in other people's homes. Now, nearly 30 years later, Stewart's 75th book invites readers into her own house.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

December 5, 2011 Science has a way of getting inside our heads — especially when it comes to the powers of the mind. Author and neurologist Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa recommends three brilliant brain-teasing books.

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December 4, 2011 Longtime New Yorker film critic Pauline Kael was famous for her scathing, but honest movie reviews. A new biography chronicles her career, her personal life and her impact on movies.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

December 4, 2011 In 420 Characters, Lou Beach crafts micro-stories, each the length of a previous character limit on Facebook statuses. What began as a writing exercise for the accomplished illustrator will soon be a published book.

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On Weekend Edition SundayPlaylist

December 3, 2011 Even after all these years, people are still drawn to the music of The Doors. Frontman Jim Morrison is responsible for a lot of that, but author Greil Marcus says what really made the band magnetic was something deeper.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

December 1, 2011 Ever since she was 19 years old, Nikky Finney dreamed of being a poet. She published her first book in 1985, and has taught writing for years at the university level. Her collection Head Off & Split received the National Book Award for poetry in November.

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On Talk of the NationPlaylist

December 1, 2011 Richard Branson has built a global business empire around the philosophy "have fun and the money will come." The founder of Virgin Group now argues that it's time to rethink the way businesses function. In his new book, Screw Business As Usual, he says there's a way to make money and also do good.

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On Talk of the NationPlaylist

December 1, 2011 This year, the best books are those that remain with readers long after they turn the last page. Whether a sprawling nonfiction narrative, a riveting first novel or a wrenching memoir, these keepers are unforgettable.

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