NPR's Book of the Day 'Paper Girl' and 'Joyride' are memoirs by journalists who get close to their subjects
Oct 24, 2025
Beth Macy, an award-winning journalist, revisits her hometown to explore the stark changes in Urbana, Ohio, discussing addiction, political divides, and the impact of reduced educational access. Susan Orlean, a master of narrative journalism, shares insights from her memoir Joyride, detailing her immersive reporting experiences, including the fascinating world of orchid enthusiasts. Both guests highlight the importance of connecting with their subjects and challenge the norms of journalism.
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Urbana Mirrors Broader National Decline
- Macy traces Urbana's decline from stable factory jobs to rising unemployment, addiction, and lower graduation rates.
- She connects these local changes to broader national shifts in health, economy, and politics.
Silas James Shows Systemic Harm Up Close
- Macy profiles Silas James as the 'promising poor kid' whose life diverged sharply from hers due to trauma and systemic changes.
- She highlights tripled foster care numbers and a ninefold rise in emergency mental-health calls since she left town.
Financial Barriers Break Educational Pathways
- Macy shows how diminished Pell Grant purchasing power and the hollowing of four-year college access hurt low-income students.
- She links transportation and financial barriers to higher dropout rates, as with Silas losing cars and leaving school.
