Rumaan Alam, a best-selling author celebrated for his thought-provoking novels, delves into compelling themes of class and identity. He explores the complexities of social status in America, critiquing the aspirational wealth mindset. Alam also shares insights on parenting's influence on children's perspectives and reflects on navigating wealth and identity through unique characters. The conversation expands into the theme of dread in contemporary literature, comparing his work 'Entitlement' with Sylvia Plath's 'The Bell Jar', highlighting societal pressures and oppressive atmospheres.

Rumaan Alam, author of 'Entitlement,' discusses the ethical dilemmas of wealth through the journey of Brooke, a woman tasked with helping a billionaire decide how to give away his fortune. Alongside NPR's Scott Simon, they explore whether we're witnessing a new Gilded Age. Topics include the challenges of philanthropy, the intersection of wealth and identity in art, and the balance between creativity and family life. Alam thoughtfully examines how proximity to great wealth reshapes personal ambitions and ethics.

Rumaan Alam, an acclaimed author known for his thought-provoking works, dives into the complexities of wealth and class dynamics in his new novel, *Entitlement*. He and Emily Peck explore how ordinary people can become enchanted by the lives of the super-rich, discussing the contagious nature of wealth's ego and conceit. The conversation touches on the impact of financial disparities on friendships, personal responsibility in affluent circles, and whether true freedom comes from wealth or alternative paths.