Somalia didn’t have a written language until the 1970's, and today, many if not most Somalis still live within an oral tradition. And in that tradition the poet is king.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
Audio
Alaa Al Aswany is one of the top-selling novelists in the Arab world, but because copyright protections are weak there, he still works part-time as a dentist.
Andre De Shields talks to Jim Fleming about his mission to win new roles for black actors, roles that are traditionally reserved for white actors.
Kevin Powers served as a machine gunner in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. His novel “The Yellow Birds” was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Anne Strainchamps reports on the current spate of Christian thrillers which involve cloning Christ.
Journalist Adam Cohen has written a book about E-bay. He tells Steve Paulson that the on-line auction house has been profitable since day one and will sell just about anything.
Celebrated poet, playwright and activist Amiri Baraka wrote the foreword to the book, "This Planet Is Doomed: The Science Fiction Poetry of Sun Ra." He spoke to Steve Paulson about Sun Ra's music and poetry.
Alex Wellen talks about his experiences at law school and his showdown with the dreaded New York bar exam.
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