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Wesleyan University President Michael Roth, author of the new book Beyond the University: Why Liberal Education Matters, says that the debate over the value of a college education is hardly new.

As a kid, author Victor LaValle loved horror stories. But it wasn't until he read Books of Blood by Clive Barker that he found one set in his own hometown. Have you ever read a book that took place where you live? Tell us in the comments.

Danish director Lone Scherfig is making a name for herself as a female director whose movies tend to focus on human relationships. "I like to see losers win," she says. Her latest film, One Day, chronicles a day in the life of two characters over the course of 20 years.

With the Internet and reality TV, humiliation has become a widespread form of entertainment. Wayne Koestenbaum, author of Humiliation, traces the many facets of this very human experience, and sociologist C.J. Pascoe describes how it can be amplified by the web.

1970 was a bummer of a year: violence, political unrest and the end of The Beatles. Fire and Rain, a new book by David Browne, chronicles that turbulent year in politics and music.

Claire of the Sea Light is award-winning author Edwidge Danticat's newest work of fiction. She spoke to host Rachel Martin about how experiences of her own childhood in Haiti are reflected in her young protagonist.

Rose George spent several weeks aboard a container ship to research Ninety Percent of Everything, her book about the shipping industry. She writes, "There are more than one hundred thousand ships at sea carrying all the solids, liquids and gases that we need to live."

Under mounting pressure from U.S. officials, Iraqi politicians are struggling to meet Monday's deadline for drafting a new constitution. Divisive issues remain, including the level of regional autonomy, the role of Islam and the rights of women.

With a week left before the new Iraqi constitution is to be presented to the National Assembly, many hurdles remain. And in the wake of heavy U.S. casualties last week, the United States is pushing hard for Iraqi politicians to finish their work. Host Liane Hansen speaks with NPR's Philip Reeves in Baghdad.

The African Union hopes to raise funds and awareness of the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, especially in Somalia, with a "pledging conference" Thursday. The U.N. is appealing for more than $1.5 billion in donations, as refugees from the war-ravaged country continue to stream into Kenya.