NPR's Book of the Day

Join Susan Verde, a children's book author and former teacher, as she explores the vital topic of body positivity for kids. She shares insights on how negative self-talk can start as early as six years old and emphasizes storytelling over lectures to engage young minds. Verde highlights the amazing functions of our bodies as sources of wonder. Alongside her, Whitney Casares introduces practical tools for tweens to build body literacy and critical media awareness, fostering self-kindness while countering harmful messages.

Michael Boulware Moore, the great-great-grandson of Robert Smalls and author of *Freedom on the Sea*, shares his ancestor's remarkable journey from slavery to freedom. He details how Smalls commandeered the Planter to escape and later served in the Civil War, engaging with Lincoln and advocating for the enlistment of formerly enslaved men. Moore reflects on Smalls' political achievements, including contributions to public education, and highlights the importance of empathy and unity in today's divided society.

Lucy Caldwell, a Northern Irish novelist and playwright, shares insights on her novel, These Days, which tells the story of the 1941 Belfast Blitz. She explores Gabriel García Márquez's writing advice about capturing accurate details, revealing how personal stories from survivors shaped her narrative. Caldwell discusses the profound intimacy and distance experienced by characters during the bombings, reflecting on modern anxieties reminiscent of today's COVID times. Her mission? To illuminate this lesser-known chapter of Belfast’s history.

Val McDermid, a renowned Scottish author famous for her gripping crime novels, discusses her new book, 'Winter: The Story of a Season.' She explores the beauty of winter amidst its challenges, reflecting on personal memories and cultural traditions. McDermid intriguingly connects winter's long nights to the creativity needed for crime fiction. She also shares insights from her volunteer work with the unhoused, highlights Scottish winter festivals, and describes the beloved tradition of the Burns supper, complete with food, speeches, and songs.

Matt Greene, a novelist known for exploring language and sociopolitical themes, dives into his new novel, The Definitions. He shares how a pandemic and fears of authoritarianism influenced his portrayal of a dystopian dorm life where students have lost their memories. Greene discusses parenting and the social dynamics of children, while also critiquing the re-education camp-like setting of The Centre. He highlights the philosophical limits of language and leaves the narrative open-ended, prompting readers to find their own meanings.

Chris Chibnall, the creator of Broadchurch, discusses his debut novel, Death at the White Hart, a gripping whodunit steeped in pub culture and community life. He dives into the motivations behind a village landlord's murder and how tight-knit settings amplify suspicion. Jennie Godfrey shares her novel, The List of Suspicious Things, inspired by the Yorkshire Ripper. She reveals her personal connections to the case and reflects on how fear influenced childhood perceptions of neighbors. Both novels blend rich community themes with thrilling mysteries.

Amitav Ghosh, a distinguished Indian Bengali novelist and a thought leader on climate and migration, discusses his new essay collection, Wild Fictions. He explores how climate change is intertwined with politics and culture, emphasizing that human actions drive environmental crises. Ghosh sheds light on how modern communication shapes migration patterns and reflects on Bengali heritage in seafaring. He critiques anthropocentrism and argues for the importance of recognizing and caring for all forms of life to ensure humanity's survival.

Hester Kaplan, an author and memoirist, delves into her relationship with her father, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Justin Kaplan, through his biography of Mark Twain. She reveals how attending her father's cremation sparked her memoir, Twice Born, as she sought to know him emotionally. Hester discusses the complex dynamics in their literary household and how reading Twain helped her understand her father’s choices. She also explores the impact of grief on his life and the idea that biography can bridge the gap of loneliness.

Michael Steinberger, an insightful author and critic, dives into the eccentric life of Alex Karp, the CEO of Palantir. He discusses Karp's unique upbringing and his liberal arts background, shedding light on his role in data analysis for both business and national security. The conversation explores Karp’s relationship with Peter Thiel and the complex ethical dilemmas surrounding Palantir’s operations. Steinberger also reveals Karp's shifting political views post-October 7th and his intriguing lifestyle, marked by multiple residences and a solitary nature.

Josh Russ Tupper and Nikki Russ Fetterman, fourth-generation co-owners of the iconic Russ & Daughters, share their family's century-old journey. They discuss the shop's evolution from a herring pushcart to a beloved appetizing store, famous for smoked salmon and bagels. Memories of childhood at the shop provide insight into their new cookbook, which blends history and recipes. The duo explains the cultural significance of food on the Lower East Side and how it connects customers to their own histories, all while emphasizing their commitment to keeping family traditions alive.