The Best of NPR Books for December 18, 2014

This week: Maureen Corrigan, Marvel Comics and John Cleese, plus two great young adult reads. View this email in your browser update preferences

This week, Maureen Corrigan has trouble picking just ten of her favorite reads for 2014, Marvel Comics turns a web-slinging-tastic 75, and John Cleese reflects on comic timing. Plus, two great young adult reads: deafness becomes a superpower in El Deafo, and a young Mexican-American girl negotiates life, death and love in Gabi, A Girl in Pieces. Book Reviews Sometimes You Can't Pick Just 10: Maureen Corrigan's Favorite Books Of 2014 This year, Fresh Air's book critic rejects the tyranny of the decimal system and picks 12 titles published in 2014 — all with characters, scenes and voices that linger long past the last page. Read this story Book News & Features Marvel At 75: Still Slinging Webs And Guarding Galaxies What became Marvel Comics got its start in 1939 as Timely Publications. It went through many changes — but one constant has been writer Stanley Lieber, better known as Stan Lee. Read this story Author Interviews Early On, Comedian John Cleese Says, He Had Good Timing But Little Else The co-founder of the Monty Python troupe admits he wasn't "naturally gifted" at physical comedy, and learned a lot by imitation. His new memoir, So, Anyway..., covers his boyhood and early career. Read this story Author Interviews 'El Deafo': How A Girl Turned Her Disability Into A Superpower Navigating elementary school is already hard enough — try adding in a bulky metal hearing aid. Cece Bell's new young adult graphic memoir captures the experience in a poignant and humorous way. Read this story Book News & Features This Weekend, Pick Up The Pieces With 'Gabi' In our Weekend Reads series, NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Meg Medina about Isabel Quintero's novel, Gabi, a Girl in Pieces. It's the story of a Mexican-American teenager struggling with her identity. Read this story

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