NPR's Book of the Day

As Donald Trump runs for office in 2024, a new book by journalists Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman details how Trump attempted to overturn the presidential election in 2020, and how Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis built a case against him. In today's episode, NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Isikoff and Klaidman about Find Me the Votes, the layers of intimidation behind Trump's bid for power, and the fast-moving allegations against Willis and her counsel. To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Today's episode focuses on two novels where the characters are grappling with the natural elements – and with mysterious deaths. First, NPR's Mary Louise speaks with Alex Michaelides about The Fury, a murder mystery in which a famous actress and her friends are trapped on a remote Greek island by the ferocious Mediterranean wind. Then, NPR's Scott Simon asks Sarah-Jane Collins about Radiant Heat, which follows a young woman who survives an Australian wildfire, only to emerge from her house and find a dead woman she's never met – clutching a piece of paper with her name and address. To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Dating can be difficult and confusing at any age – but especially after the end of a 36-year arranged marriage. The characters of Deepa Varadarajan's debut novel, Late Bloomers, are experiencing that second chance firsthand. Parents Suresh and Lata have just split and are learning to navigate dating online and IRL; their kids are fielding relationship troubles of their own. In today's episode, the author talks to NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer about what it means to find love later in life, and how writing fiction provided her with her own kind of fresh start. To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Author Kaveh Akbar discusses his debut novel 'Martyr!' which explores identity, addiction, and poetry. The protagonist's obsession with martyrdom relates to the author's personal journey with sobriety. The novel also touches on government manipulation of martyrdom, humor, addiction recovery, and the significance of an Iranian poet in Persian culture.

Author Elizabeth Gonzalez James discusses her new novel 'The Bullet Swallower,' which is inspired by her great-grandfather's life as a Mexican outlaw on the US-Mexico border. She delves into the themes of the US-Mexico border, cultural relationships, character development, and the allure of flawed characters.

Crystal Hefner, former Playboy Mansion resident and wife of Hugh Hefner, reflects on her time living in the mansion, discussing strict rules and the paradox of sexual freedom. She shares her journey of rediscovering her true self and breaking free from the facade. Topics include house rules, their role as girlfriends, loss of identity, reclaiming power and aspirations for a peaceful life.

Authors Rachel Harrison and Jenny Kiefer discuss their horror novels 'Black Sheep' and 'This Wretched Valley', exploring themes of religious fanaticism, family dysfunction, cynicism, and the fear of the wilderness. The podcast also highlights the impact of lack of faith on relationships and the significance of balancing ambitions with community support.

Michelle Norris, former NPR host and author, discusses her book 'Our Hidden Conversations' and the Race Card Project, a collection of six-word statements on race and identity. She explores the emotional stories and reflections on racial tensions, the suppression of identity, and feelings of invisibility among different racial and ethnic groups.

Matt Hay, a memoirist who experienced hearing loss, discusses his new memoir 'Soundtrack of Silence' with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly. Hay talks about how music helped him partially recover his hearing, overcoming challenges, and the role of music therapy in hearing loss recovery.

Efrén Olivares, a human rights lawyer, recounts heartbreaking conversations with parents during family separations at the border. His new memoir sheds light on the lasting impacts of anti-immigration policy and the dysfunctional nature of the immigration system. Olivares shares personal experiences, encounters with immigration agents, and highlights the resilience of his clients in the face of adversity.