Years ago, when I was enrolled in an MFA program, I worked part-time at a local department store, hawking men’s suits to pay rent. During a Monday morning shift, the doors opened, and a few coal ...

In her debut novel, "Pick a Color," Souvankham Thammavongsa details the day in the life of both a nail salon and its owner. NPR's Scott Simon talks with her about it. Ning is the manager of what she ...

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