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James Lee Burke made his name as a mystery writer with detective Dave Robicheaux... a character a lot like James Lee Burke. His daughter Alafair Burke writes crime fiction starring a deputy district attorney who closely resembles... Alafair Burke. NPR's Linda Wertheimer talks to both writers about their craft.

The group Magnetic Fields' latest release is called I. Fans of the band say that even though the lead singer sounds like a moping adolescent, the songwriting is sophisticated. Critic Tom Moon has a review.

NPR's Scott Simon talks to Ed Siegel of Solana Beach, Calif. He's on a mission to get the nation to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in a lower, more people-friendly key.

Danish directors Lars von Trier and Jorgen Leth team up on The Five Obstructions, a 90-minute rumination on the nature of cinema and creativity. Von Trier challenged Leth, his mentor, to remake Leth's 1967 film The Perfect Human five different ways. Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan has a review.

Day to Day remembers the life and memorable songs of musician Ray Charles, who died today at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer.

A grand jury in Buffalo, New York, on Tuesday will consider whether artist Steve Kurtz should be prosecuted on bioterrorism charges. Last month, authorities found scientific lab equipment while responding to a 911 call at Kurtz's house. Now Kurtz is being investigated for having biological agents. Kurtz often uses his art to raise concerns over issues such as biotechnology and genetic engineering. NPR's Karen Michel reports.

Before vacationers head to the beach to laze away their hot summer days, many will head to the bookstore to pick up some summer reading. NPR's Susan Stamberg talks to three independent booksellers about their suggestions for the leisurely months ahead.

On day three of our week-long motivational series, NPR's Tavis Smiley talks with best-selling author and spiritual life counselor Iyanla Vanzant.

Book critic Alan Cheuse reviews American Desert by Southern California writer Percival Everett. It's a satirical look at a number of American institutions, from the church to the university to the military to the press, told through the story of a professor who's not exactly alive.

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Tim Page, music critic for The Washington Post, about new, expanded criteria for the Pulitzer Prize in music. The changes are an effort to broaden the prize to include more jazz, musical theatre and movie music. Critics contend the Pulitzer board is making the award less serious.