NPR's Book of the Day

In this episode, novelist and National Book Award winner Susan Choi dives into her latest work, Flashlight. She shares the poignant story of Louisa, a girl grappling with her father's mysterious disappearance. Choi discusses Louisa’s emotional barricades, influenced by her complex family background as an ethnic Korean in Japan. The conversation highlights historical tensions between Korea and Japan and Choi’s unique approach of writing chronologically to weave generations together, all while personalizing Louisa’s struggle to embrace love.

Tessa Hulls, a comics artist and author, explores her grandmother Sun Yi's harrowing journey as a journalist in Shanghai during the Chinese Communist Revolution in her graphic memoir, 'Feeding Ghosts.' Hulls reveals the impact of generational trauma on her family, detailing her grandmother's persecution and the complexities of her choices. She reflects on her own fears of vulnerability, the emotional distance shaped by their past, and ultimately, her quest for healing as she reconnects with her family history and heritage.

Novelist Megha Majumdar, author of A Guardian and a Thief, discusses her gripping narrative set in a near-future Kolkata ravaged by climate change. She dives into the moral complexities of love and hope amidst crisis, explaining how a stolen passport jeopardizes a family's escape. Majumdar reveals the darker manifestations of hope and how it can lead to conflicting choices. Reflecting on motherhood, she explores the test of moral boundaries, prompting listeners to consider their own generous and selfish impulses during tough times.

In this engaging conversation, novelist Karen Russell, a MacArthur Fellow hailed for her inventive fiction, dives into her new book, The Antidote, set against the dire backdrop of the Dust Bowl. She introduces us to Antonina, a woman with the extraordinary gift of storing memories, and discusses how the harrowing Black Sunday storm impacts her life. Russell also touches on the visionary photographer Cleo and the powerful role of photography in shaping our understanding of history and the future, emphasizing the responsibilities tied to memory and loss.

Rabih Alameddine, a Lebanese-American novelist and painter, discusses his latest work, exploring the intricate bond between a mother, Zalfa, and her son, Raja, who teaches philosophy while navigating their shared life in a tiny Beirut apartment. He reflects on Raja's self-deprecating humor, the affectionate language between them, and Zalfa's intimate connection with another woman. Alameddine also addresses his mother's memory loss and how everyday experiences shape his storytelling, emphasizing the power of humor to connect and heal.

Dorie Greenspan, a celebrated cookbook author known for her approachable baking, and Paul Hollywood, the famed Great British Bake Off judge, share insights on their new cake cookbooks. Greenspan emphasizes the beauty of simple, comforting cakes and offers tips on personalizing recipes. Hollywood aims to inspire joyful family baking with indulgent treats like chocolate fudge cake and British classics. They both advocate for beginner bakers, making the art of cake-making accessible and fun for everyone.

Stefan Fatsis, an author and journalist specialized in language and sports, dives into the fascinating evolution of dictionaries in his latest book, Unabridged. He discusses the pivotal role of Noah Webster in shaping American language and identity. Fatsis shares his experience embedding at Merriam-Webster, where he uncovered the intricacies of lexicography. He also highlights how the internet and AI threaten the dictionary’s relevance, accelerating word adoption while warning about the challenges dictionaries face in a digital world.

Gregory Maguire, renowned for his inventive retellings such as Wicked, dives into his latest novel, Hiddensee, exploring the backstory of the Nutcracker's toymaker, Dirk Drosselmeyer. He reflects on the ballet's narrative structure, aiming to connect its disjointed acts. Maguire discusses the symbolic significance of Drosselmeyer's eye patch and the balancing act of weaving fairy tale magic with the realities of life. Additionally, he shares his personal nutcracker collection and the joy it brings to his family, showcasing the emotional power of seemingly marginal figures.

Jeff Kinney, the creative genius behind the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, shares insights from his journey as an author and cartoonist. He reveals that the iconic character Greg Heffley is a funhouse version of himself, embodying relatable flaws that make readers laugh. Kinney discusses his rigorous joke-writing process and the hilarious themes of his latest release, Partypooper, featuring birthday-party disasters. He reflects on the timelessness of Greg's adventures and the universal appeal that has captivated readers around the world.

Mahmood Mamdani, a Columbia University professor and author of Slow Poison, draws on his experiences as a Ugandan of Indian origin to explore colonial legacies in Uganda. He discusses the rise of autocrats Idi Amin and Yoweri Museveni, highlighting Amin's troubling recruitment and Museveni's compromises with Western powers. Mamdani delves into the complexities of cultural identity and political belonging, linking his family's discussions to his son's campaign in New York, and reflects on signs of political change that resonate across continents.