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
Amy Gorman is the author of "Aging Artfully," a book with 12 profiles of visual and performing women artists between the ages of 85 and 105.
Mark Z. Danielewski has a reputation for pushing the envelope when it comes to writing novels. His debut novel, "House of Leaves," is full of multiple layers, strange typography, and footnotes within footnotes. And his new novel, "The Familiar," will consist of 27 volumes, two or three which will be published every year. Danielewski compares "The Familiar" to a TV series.
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.
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.
Alex Wellen talks about his experiences at law school and his showdown with the dreaded New York bar exam.
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