NPR's Book of the Day
NPR
In need of a good read? Or just want to keep up with the books everyone's talking about? NPR's Book of the Day gives you today's very best writing in a snackable, skimmable, pocket-sized podcast. Whether you're looking to engage with the big questions of our times – or temporarily escape from them – we've got an author who will speak to you, all genres, mood and writing styles included. Catch today's great books in 15 minutes or less.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 15, 2023 • 15min
Erica Jong and daughter Molly Jong-Fast reflect on 'Fear of Flying'
Author Erica Jong and daughter Molly Jong-Fast reflect on the controversial novel Fear of Flying. They discuss the constraints women faced, the impacts of marriage on creative expression, and the enduring relevance of the book 50 years later. They also touch on second-wave feminism and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Dec 14, 2023 • 12min
Rose Previte, of Michelin star restaurant Maydān, releases her debut cookbook
Rose Previte, owner of Michelin star restaurant Maydān, shares recipes from her debut cookbook inspired by diverse influences. She discusses growing up in a Lebanese-Italian home, traveling across Russia and the Middle East, and the significance of breaking bread across cultures.
Dec 13, 2023 • 9min
Raquel Willis reflects on her journey in Black trans rights activism in new memoir
Raquel Willis, Black trans rights activist and journalist, reflects on her journey in Black trans rights activism in her new memoir. She discusses the importance of transgender visibility and the challenges faced by Black trans individuals. Willis also critiques the romanticization of Marsha P. Johnson's story and the inadequate support from white organizations.
Dec 12, 2023 • 7min
Jordan Peele curates a new Black horror story collection 'Out There Screaming'
Horror filmmaker Jordan Peele curates 'Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror' collection. Peele discusses the black horror stories, the motif of eyes in this genre, and the importance of black horror in processing fear.
Dec 11, 2023 • 9min
Author David Wallace-Wells outlines the biggest climate change misunderstandings
David Wallace-Wells, author of 'The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming,' discusses the speed, scope, and severity of climate change. They explore worst-case scenarios for human life in 2050 and the importance of immediate action. They also touch upon the impact of climate change on migration and global cooperation, and the need for optimism in addressing the issue.
Dec 9, 2023 • 11min
'Idlewild' follows a queer, teen friendship in early 2000s New York
Author James Frankie Thomas discusses his debut novel 'Idlewild' which explores the intense friendship between two teenagers in 2000s New York. Topics include queer culture, fan fiction, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by trans individuals.
Dec 8, 2023 • 16min
Novels by Sigrid Nunez and Michael Cunningham tackle the pandemic
Renowned authors Sigrid Nunez and Michael Cunningham discuss their novels tackling the pandemic. Nunez's novel follows a woman, a parrot, and a Gen Z college student in lockdown. Cunningham's novel chronicles three days over three years in a Brooklyn family's life. They explore themes of loneliness, companionship, and the challenges of being an artist during the pandemic.
Dec 7, 2023 • 10min
Patricia Evangelista's memoir revisits the aftermath of the Philippines' war on drugs
Journalist Patricia Evangelista reflects on the aftermath of the Philippines' war on drugs, discussing the normalization of violence, the power of language, and the impact on storytelling in her memoir 'Some People Need Killing'.
Dec 6, 2023 • 8min
Norman Lear's memoir recalls a life and career that shaped American television
Norman Lear, TV writer and producer, recalls his challenges in shaping American television, from his unconventional upbringing to the struggle to get All In the Family on air. The podcast explores his impact on the sitcom genre, his wartime experiences, and the pushback he faced from ABC. Lear also shares his idea for a new TV show.
Dec 6, 2023 • 8min
In 'The New Naturals,' Gabriel Bump explores grief after the loss of a daughter
Gabriel Bump, a literature professor, discusses his book 'The New Naturals' which explores grief, societal change, and a couple's search for utopia after the loss of their infant daughter. Bump reflects on personal experiences of loss, the characters and writing style of the book, and the themes of change and tragedy.
