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David Giffels spent his whole life watching people — friends, colleagues, LeBron James — leave his hometown. In a new book, he reflects on the effects of those departures.

Writer and psychoanalyst Adam Phillips explores the paradox of dissatisfaction: Although not getting what we want may cause us pain, Phillips concedes, we should think of frustration as a natural part of existence, and one that can provide us pleasure if we let it.

After an editor asked him to tone down his racial politics, the first-time author walked away from his book deal, moved to a smaller press and eventually published two books to critical acclaim. He hopes his story helps make the case for why publishers should welcome different voices to the table.

In essays, weekly poems, and books, the writer Calvin Trillin has turned a humorous eye on topics from the news, as well as his life, for the last forty years. Now a new book, Quite Enough of Calvin Trillin, collects that work.

Students taking the exam use their own devices, or school devices – they no longer need a paper and pencil. More than a million students are expected to take the test.

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with book critic Maris Kreizman about Gone Girl and the long shadow it still casts over the psychological thriller market, 10 years after it was published.

NPR listeners contribute stories commemorating the life and history of the World Trade Center. Some of the most surprising were about weddings. The Sonic Memorial Project uncovered tales of romance and marriage that took place 1,377 feet above sea level.

As the centenary of playwright Samuel Beckett's birth approaches, remembrances and performances of his work are under way. His influence skipped from country to country during his lifetime, and it remains profound in the world of the theater.

The former poet laureate, Pulitzer winner and musician says she's obsessed with telling neglected stories and making poems sing.

NPR's Scott Simon takes a moment to remember the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, who died Tuesday of lung cancer. Updike was 76.