NPR's Book of the Day

Bestselling author Philip Pullman, known for his acclaimed His Dark Materials series, discusses his new novel The Rose Field. He delves into Lyra's journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring her maturation and the complex themes of Dust, religion, and faith. Pullman reveals how he prefers to discover the story as he writes rather than plan it out. He also addresses the challenges of crafting a conclusion that meets the high expectations set by his prior work, all while maintaining a critical yet nuanced view of organized religion.

Wailin Wong, host of NPR's The Indicator, shares her journey of understanding Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club, reflecting on intergenerational immigrant family themes and how reading it as a teenager differs from now as a parent. Author Jasmine Chan, known for The School for Good Mothers, discusses the enduring influence of the novel on her view of motherhood and community. The conversation dives into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, cultural communication, and the impact of literature in shaping narratives of connection and empathy today.

Join bestselling thriller novelist Harlan Coben, actress and producer Reese Witherspoon, and autofiction author Chris Kraus for a fascinating discussion on their new crime thrillers. Harlan and Reese dive into their unique collaboration on "Gone Before Goodbye," sharing insights into their writing process and the complexities of their protagonist. Meanwhile, Chris presents her autofiction work, exploring how personal history and environment shape storytelling. They reflect on the social significance of reading in today's divided world and ponder deep questions about crime and morality.

In this engaging conversation, Casey Cep, a Staff writer at The New Yorker and editor of The Land of Sweet Forever, dives into the fascinating world of Harper Lee's previously unpublished stories discovered in her NYC apartment. She discusses how these eight short stories offer early glimpses of beloved characters Scout and Atticus, revealing their developmental roots before To Kill a Mockingbird. Cep also highlights how this new material sheds light on Lee's personality and her vibrant social life in New York.

Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed author of Midnight's Children, discusses his new collection, The Eleventh Hour. He reflects on writing about mortality and how his near-fatal stabbing has changed his perspective. Rushdie shares insights into his unexpected ghost story that explores themes of unfinished business and revenge. He also touches on the power of music in storytelling and how his writing process has shifted from a structured approach to improvisation. Throughout, he examines personal and civilizational threats, urging a deeper understanding of legacy.

Julian Brave Noisecat, a talented author and filmmaker, shares his powerful insights about his father's harrowing story of survival from a residential school. He discusses the deep-rooted trauma in Native history and highlights the importance of reclaiming silenced narratives. Julian explains the significance of Indigenous names, the impact of intergenerational trauma on family life, and why he documents these experiences through film. He emphasizes the need for respect towards Native perspectives, aiming to reshape the understanding of Indigenous identities.

Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary and author of the memoir 'Independent,' shares her journey of leaving the Democratic Party. She discusses the disunity within the party and critiques its failure to support Black women effectively. Jean-Pierre also defends President Biden's fitness, drawing from her experiences, while addressing criticisms of her own performance. She elaborates on her reasons for identifying as an independent, urging a broader conversation about reimagining politics in America.

Michelle Martin, seasoned NPR journalist, shares her insights on True Grit and its cultural significance. She reflects on the impact of a strong female protagonist like Maddie Ross and the novel's brutal, unfiltered storytelling. Taya Obrecht, a novelist inspired by the American West, discusses the resurgence of Western themes and how modern authors are reinterpreting these narratives to include diverse perspectives. Both guests highlight the enduring relevance of Portis's work in today's literary landscape, making it a must-read.

Prolific author Stephen King, known as the 'King of Horror,' discusses his journey with sobriety and the long-awaited sequel, Doctor Sleep. He shares insights about revisiting Danny Torrance and contrasts his fiery ending with Kubrick's iconic film. King also opens up about his collaborative writing process with son Owen on Sleeping Beauties, explaining how they crafted a unique voice together. They reflect on the creative joys and familial bonds formed through their collaboration, showcasing the power of storytelling across generations.

Isabel Cañas, author of the debut novel The Hacienda, delves into her haunting tale set in post-independence Mexico. She discusses the protagonist Beatriz, who encounters gaslighting amidst supernatural events and a patriarchal household. Themes of colonialism, syncretism, and personal agency arise as Beatriz transforms from a passive bride into a fierce fighter for her own destiny. Isabel also shares her inspirations, including childhood fears and cultural practices, making a case for the rich complexity of her characters and their magic.