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Pulitzer Prize winner's 2007 novel The Yiddish Policemen's Union imagines that the fledgling Israel collapsed in 1948 — and part of Alaska was set aside as a temporary refuge for Jews. The inspiration: A real proposal to do just that.

"Never leave a Marine behind." That tradition began in 1775, and continues today via officers like Col. Steve Beck, whose job it is to notify families of the loss of a loved one. Beck — and the families he contacted — is the subject of journalist Jim Sheeler's book Final Salute. Sheeler (pictured) and Beck talk to Terry Gross about a duty that's both an honor and a burden.

Lincoln Chafee, former U.S. senator from Rhode Island, was often called the most liberal Republican in the Senate. In office, he bucked his party on a number of hot-button issues, including same-sex marriage and the war in Iraq. His book Against the Tide challenges the Republican Party on its rightward drift.

The cease-fire that's kept Shiite militias in check for months is in danger of unraveling. And some U.S.-backed Sunni militias are growing restless. Patrick Cockburn, author and Iraq correspondent for The Independent in London, offers observations on war in Iraq.

Patti Smith's memoir Just Kids, just nominated for a National Book Award, describes her path of artistic self discovery and her relationship with the provocative photographer, Robert Mapplethorpe.

One traveler complained on social media. The woman said she requested a vegan meal ahead of a 10-hour Air Canada flight from Germany to Toronto. She got a bottle of water and a napkin.

From the burgeoning new folk scene in England comes another young artist steeped in an old musical tradition. Laura Marling may have just turned 20, but with two impressive albums completed and another on the way, dwelling on her age would do a disservice to songs like "Hope in the Air."

Veterinarian Nancy Kay helps pet caregivers consider what's in the medical best interest of their furry friends, and offers advice on everything from helping a pet handle vet visits to figuring out whether an animal is in pain.

Animal-behavior specialist Temple Grandin explains how her personal experiences with autism have in some ways enhanced her work — and shed new light on the way in which we communicate with animals.

Animal stage trainer Bill Berloni has 30 years' worth of experience training dogs, pigs, rats, cats and lambs for Broadway productions and Hollywood films.