Books

Scientific advances allow us to understand fertility more completely and help people have children who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to conceive, but we've come a long way. Isabel Davis’ book “Conceiving History: Trying for Pregnancy Past and Present” examines scientific, folkloric, political and societal connections to conception throughout history.

At least three constitutional amendments will appear on the 2026 ballot for Arkansas voters. On today's show, we dig into some of the research on those revisions. Isabel Davis will also discuss her book, ”Conceiving History,” which explores the long history of trying to become pregnant. Plus, reporter Sophia Nourani and KUAF's Wai-Kay Carenbauer suggest live music shows around the region.

Trying to understand how what we might call evil exists can be daunting. From genocide to apartheid, organized wickedness can defy reason. Elizabeth Minnich considers the worst we can do and how it can happen in her 2016 book, “The Evil of Banality: On the Life and Death Importance of Thinking.”

On today's show, we discuss the Arkansas Legislature's adjournment and how Gov. Sanders’ wish list is nearly complete. Also, Elizabeth Minnich talks about her book “The Evil of Banality." Plus, we celebrate the 150th edition of Sound Perimeter with Lia Uribe.

Matt McGowan’s new novel, "Western Swing," takes readers across the western U.S. as Ray, a man in his early 20s, leaves the family farm for a solo vacation. It doesn’t stay solo for long after his car’s engine block cracks, and he finds himself temporarily stuck in a small Wyoming town.

Fashion designers in northwest Arkansas are forging a new path after a supporting organization folds. Also, Matt McGowan explains that his new novel, “Western Swing,” includes a young man seeking his own new path. Plus, news from Michael Tilley with Talk Business and Politics.

An section from a newly discovered manuscript from the "True Grit" author is now available for readers in the magazine's April issue.

The city of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville School District are teaming up to provide safe routes to school. On today's show, we hear how the city is seeking public input on how to implement the plan best. Plus, we hear about new words from the late Charles Portis. We've also got your next weekend planned out as we talk some tunes.

The Gathering of the Groups annual meeting is Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the Fayetteville Public Library. Every year, book clubs across the region and interested members of the public are invited to hear from an author about their latest book. This year, native-Arkansan Eli Cranor will sit down with Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams to discuss his novel, “Broiler.”

Missouri-based Mathew Goldberg returns to northwest Arkansas to launch his debut short story collection "Night Watch."