NPR's Book of the Day

Author Paul Lynch discusses his dystopian novel Prophet Song, which explores the fall of democracy in Ireland. Lynch explores the power of fiction to break through the noise of news and social media. He reflects on the weight of his own platform after winning the Booker Prize.

Barbara Kingsolver and Lulu Garcia-Navarro discuss 'Unsheltered', drawing parallels between an 18th-century community and 2016 America. Daniel Mason talks about 'North Woods', exploring the lives and struggles of characters across hundreds of years. The podcast delves into the human psyche, rural-urban divide, storytelling techniques, an apple obsession, and the drama of beetles.

A historical fiction set in 1920s Penang, Malaysia, 'The House of Doors' explores secret affairs, a murder trial, and complicated relationships. The author discusses using W. Somerset Maugham as the protagonist and reveals insights into imperialism and identity representation. The podcast also explores the rich stories and forgotten events of Penang, the parallels between the protagonist and author, and the perspective of British rulers in Malaysia.

Hugo Contreras, the protagonist of Raul Palma's new novel, is a babaláwo; he can cleanse evil spirits. Except he doesn't really believe in the whole thing. So when he's able to strike up a deal with a debt collector – get rid of the ghosts in his house in exchange for a clean slate – he assumes he can mostly fake it. In today's episode, Palma joins NPR's Scott Simon to discuss A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens, and how the concept of debt – not just financial, but personal, too – stirs up a lot of trauma for Hugo. 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

Phil McDaragh is a great Irish poet; he was also a lousy husband and father, abandoning his family to pursue his writing. In Anne Enright's new novel, The Wren, The Wren, three generations of women in the McDaragh family contend with the absent patriarch's complicated legacy. Enright spoke with NPR's Scott Simon about writing fiction about a great writer, and how the poet's bad behavior in his personal life impacts the McDaragh women's own passions, years down the road. 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

In the 19th century, a butcher living in Australia claimed to be the long-lost heir of a British fortune. The Tichborne trial, which sparked much controversy and even more attention in Victorian England, is at the center of Zadie Smith's new novel, The Fraud. In today's episode, the author tells NPR's Mary Louise Kelly how she became captivated by the outrageous lies the man told in court, and how the way his believers still dug their heels and supported him echoes the state of politics in the 21st century. 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

After wars, natural disasters and all kinds of emergencies, the World Central Kitchen — the organization founded by chef José Andrés — flies in to help feed people. A new cookbook now brings forth some of the recipes the nonprofit relies on to comfort and nourish those affected. In today's episode, Andrés speaks with Here & Now's Scott Tong about the importance of working in community with local restaurants and chefs when serving an area, prioritizing the familiar flavors and cuisine, and making delicious food an essential part of humanitarian aid. 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 books that go deep on two culinary traditions: curry and chai. First, famed chef and author Raghavan Iyer spoke with NPR's Ari Shapiro about On The Curry Trail, which traces the origins and impact of curry around the world. Iyer, who died shortly after the interview, gets candid about his career making Indian food accessible to Americans. Then, Here & Now's Deepa Fernandes speaks with Kevin Wilson — known online as CrossCultureKev — about The Way of Chai and the spiritual practice behind the delicious drink. 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

Chef Erin French, author of Big Heart Little Stove, shares her journey from addiction to culinary success. She discusses creating extraordinary meals, the welcoming atmosphere of her restaurant, and the challenges of staying centered amidst success.

Mark Kurlansky, author of 'The Core of an Onion', explores culinary history in his new book. In this podcast, he shares onion fun facts and discusses its historical uses, odd onion laws, different cooking methods, and the surprising focus on onions in a movie.