Remembering NPR 'Founding Mother' Susan Stamberg

Published in 1982, 'Every Night at Five' brings together highlights from ten years of NPR's flagship news program, 'All Things Considered. ' Susan Stamberg, the show's iconic host, selects and reflects on a wide range of stories—from interviews with literary figures like Joan Didion and John Irving, to coverage of major events such as Watergate, and explorations of social issues like teenage sexuality. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show and the unique challenges faced by women in journalism, while celebrating the program's role in American public life.

Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a collection of essays by Joan Didion that captures the essence of 1960s America, especially in California. The book includes twenty essays that cover a wide range of topics, from the counterculture movement in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district to personal narratives and character portraits. Didion's essays explore themes such as the decline of traditional values, the disillusionment of the American Dream, and the tumultuous social changes of the era. The title essay, 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem,' is a vivid portrayal of the hippie culture and its contrast with its idealized representations, drawing imagery from W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Second Coming. ' The collection also includes essays like 'On Keeping a Notebook' and 'Goodbye to All That,' which reflect on Didion's personal life and writing habits. Through her keen observations and vivid storytelling, Didion provides an unflinching and insightful overview of America during the 1960s.

The White Album is a collection of essays by Joan Didion, published in 1979, which delves into the chaos and cultural upheavals of the 1960s. The book blends personal narratives with broader societal trends, including reflections on the Black Panthers, the Charles Manson murders, and the counterculture of California. Didion's unique voice offers a vivid portrayal of a pivotal era in American history.

The Book of Common Prayer is a foundational liturgical text of the Anglican Communion. First published in 1549 during the reign of Edward VI, it was compiled primarily by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. The book includes complete forms of service for daily and Sunday worship, such as Morning and Evening Prayer, the Litany, Holy Communion, and services for baptism, confirmation, marriage, visitation of the sick, and burial. It has undergone several revisions, notably in 1552, 1559, 1604, and 1662, with the 1662 version remaining the standard for most Anglican churches. The book is known for its beautiful language and its role in shaping Anglican doctrine and worship.