MEMETERIA by Thomas May

Arts & Culture Stories from NPR

• Colleen Oakley's grandma inspired the intergenerational friendship in her new novel
  NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with writer Colleen Oakley about her new book "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise."
• How poverty and racism 'weather' the body, accelerating aging and disease
  Public health professor Arline Geronimus explains how marginalized people suffer nearly constant stress, which damages their bodies at the cellular level. Her new book is Weathering.
• Jonathan Majors has been arraigned on charges of harassment and assault
  An attorney representing the actor says that he is "completely innocent" of charges that he assaulted and strangled a woman in New York City and that the woman has already recanted her allegations.
• Everything she knew about her wife was false — a faux biography finds the 'truth'
  In Catherine Lacey's new genre-bending novel, Biography of X, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist realizes her spouse — a fierce and narcissistic artist — was not who she believed.
• In 'Above Ground,' Clint Smith meditates on a changing world, personal and public
  Smith's poems reveal that his wonder at the world keeps him holding on to faith in the way the universe works. Ultimately, this collection points to our ability to trust in the face of volatility.
• Take it from real-life Roy Kent: Soccer is catharsis for people who won't do therapy
  Brett Goldstein is a writer for Ted Lasso and plays Roy Kent, a gruff but lovable retired footballer-turned-coach. He says, "sport is there so men can say 'I love you' without saying 'I love you.' "
• Two migrant kids fight to stay together — and stay alive — in this harrowing film
  Tori and Lokita is the latest gripping moral thriller from Belgian filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. The story is swift and relentless; it runs barely 90 minutes and never slows down.
• Pras Michel stands trial in Washington, D.C., for conspiracy and other charges
  Hip-hop musician Pras Michel of Fugees faces criminal trial in Washington, D.C., for allegedly conspiring to violate election law and influence American policymakers on behalf of China.
• Jeremy Renner posts a video of him walking again after his snowplow accident
  Actor Jeremy Renner was helping a family member retrieve their vehicle from the snow when the accident occurred on New Year's Day.
• Life Kit: Taking a financial leap
  Thinking about quitting your job or maybe starting a business? NPR's Life Kit has tips on getting your finances in order before making a big leap.