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Science fiction and fantasy books aren't just getting more popular, they're interbreeding with other genres to produce wild new hybrid forms — swapping DNA with literary novels, commenting on current events, morphing into historical science fiction romances, and evolving into hard-boiled detective fantasy.

On Thursday evening, the National Book Critics Circle will announce the winners in the following categories: fiction, nonfiction, autobiography, biography, criticism and poetry. Browse the five fiction finalists.

Novelist David Levithan takes a wry look at adultery, while food writer Jessica Harris takes an African journey, astronomer Mike Brown explains the demotion of planet Pluto, novelist Stephen Amidon probes the human heart with his cardiologist brother, Thomas, and veterinarian Nicholas Dodman offers help for aging dogs.

NPR's go-to librarian would like you to meet some friends of hers — from six novels and one work of history. As you read, these artfully developed characters will become more and more real. Pearl says that when the stories ended, she was left longing for the people she'd met between the pages.

Whether they depict school as a magical memory or a torture chamber, books about students are as varied as authors. We list five of our favorites and invite you to offer yours.

Historical novelist Bernard Cornwell returns with a new book, while mystery writer Rosamund Lupton makes a gripping debut. In nonfiction, New York Times columnist David Brooks and geopolitical strategist George Friedman look at how history unfolds, while Condoleezza Rice writes for young readers.

Since starting NPR's Backseat Book Club, Michele Norris has been swimming in "kid lit." The five stories on her year-end list will seep into your heart and leave you thinking about the characters long after you've turned the final pages.

For some people, Feb. 14 is not all hearts and candy. Without a sweetheart, the holiday can be dreary. For those not in love this year, author Alex Gilvarry prescribes three books that will cure the worst of those Valentine's Day blues.

Why do gruesome stories draw us in? What is it about tales that chill us that we can't stay away from? Author Bruce Machart doesn't have the answers, but he does have three recommendations of books that explore the depths of human depravity.

It's fall, and the mood has turned from silly to serious. In keeping with the buttoned-up season, author Martha Southgate lists her favorite books full of fastidious fellows. They might be fussy, but she knows deep down, they're a whole lot of fun.