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Rachel Syme

Rachel Syme is a frequent contributor to NPR Books. She is the former culture editor of The Daily Beast, and has written and edited for Elle, Radar, Page Six Magazine, Jane, theNew York Observer, The Millions, and GQ.

  • Vacations are where we do some of our most serious thinking, but when it comes to summer reading, we often reach for mindless reads. This year, beautifully written memoirs — about unspeakable loss, motherhood and the process of healing — offer substantial stories that tear at the heart.
  • It's been 100 years since the sinking of the RMS Titanic, and the anniversary brings with it a barrage of literature. Former NPR editor Rachel Syme has been keeping track of the new releases and lists her favorites here. Do you have a favorite Titanic book? Let us know in the comments.
  • After ten years, author Francine Pascal has written an update to her classic Sweet Valley High series — and Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody is writing a movie about the original Sweet Valley books. Rachel Syme reports on the continuing phenomenon that is the Wakefield sisters.