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In modern China, writing generally has not been something done for pleasure. It has been a way to challenge readers to revitalize the country or to try to mold souls politically. Under Chairman Mao, literature was pure propaganda. But now, as China opens up to the west, literature is losing its political role, and critics say, its edge. NPR's Rob Gifford reports.

Shadowmancer, an allegorical novel for teens about the battle between good and evil, has become a British bestseller, been translated into 20 languages and optioned for the movies. In the United States, the book's publisher is declaring it 'hotter than Potter,' but some critics say first-time author G.P. Taylor's writing is no match for J.K. Rowling. Jeff Lunden reports.

The rock band Phish, noted for its devoted followers and free-ranging concerts, announces that it will break up after their summer tour. Band members posted a notice on the group's web site Tuesday notifying fans of the decision. The group is scheduled to go on tour supporting its new album, out in June. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and critic Peter Shapiro.

NPR's Michele Norris talks with Don Hewitt, creator and longtime executive producer of the CBS News program 60 Minutes. Hewitt is leaving the show after 35 years. He reflects on the show and his half-century in television news.

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of the hugely popular "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series. The Full Cupboard of Life, set in Botswana, is the fifth book in the series. Detective Precious Ramotswe is also back. She helps people in her close-knit community deal with the little incidents of life. Hear Smith and NPR's Scott Simon.

Anti-smoking activists want to put an "R" rating on films that show actors smoking. Sen. John Ensign of Nevada is among those who want the Motion Picture Association of America to change its ratings system and recognize what he calls "gratuitous smoking." NPR's Neda Ulaby reports.

William Pryor's latest book, Virginia Woolf and the Raverats, takes readers inside the friendship between writer Virginia Woolf and the artists Jacques and Gwen Raverat. Their years of correspondence, many published for the first time, focused on art and mortality. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer and Pryor.

Some audiophiles with compact discs older than 10 years are noticing pin holes, oxidation, or flaking in the aluminum layer of their CDs. "CD rot" is not a common problem, but it does challenge claims that CDs are indestructible. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports.

The stuffed animal version of mascot Bing Dwen Dwen has become so sought after that people are camping overnight to buy it in Beijing.

A federal elections panel meets to examine the future of touch-screen voting machines, as several states reconsider the machines' reliability. Last week, concerns about accuracy prompted California's secretary of state to decertify 42,000 machines in 14 counties for the November election. John Myers of member station KQED reports.