NPR's Book of the Day

Chris Chibnall, the creator of Broadchurch, discusses his debut novel, Death at the White Hart, a gripping whodunit steeped in pub culture and community life. He dives into the motivations behind a village landlord's murder and how tight-knit settings amplify suspicion. Jennie Godfrey shares her novel, The List of Suspicious Things, inspired by the Yorkshire Ripper. She reveals her personal connections to the case and reflects on how fear influenced childhood perceptions of neighbors. Both novels blend rich community themes with thrilling mysteries.

Amitav Ghosh, a distinguished Indian Bengali novelist and a thought leader on climate and migration, discusses his new essay collection, Wild Fictions. He explores how climate change is intertwined with politics and culture, emphasizing that human actions drive environmental crises. Ghosh sheds light on how modern communication shapes migration patterns and reflects on Bengali heritage in seafaring. He critiques anthropocentrism and argues for the importance of recognizing and caring for all forms of life to ensure humanity's survival.

Hester Kaplan, an author and memoirist, delves into her relationship with her father, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Justin Kaplan, through his biography of Mark Twain. She reveals how attending her father's cremation sparked her memoir, Twice Born, as she sought to know him emotionally. Hester discusses the complex dynamics in their literary household and how reading Twain helped her understand her father’s choices. She also explores the impact of grief on his life and the idea that biography can bridge the gap of loneliness.

Michael Steinberger, an insightful author and critic, dives into the eccentric life of Alex Karp, the CEO of Palantir. He discusses Karp's unique upbringing and his liberal arts background, shedding light on his role in data analysis for both business and national security. The conversation explores Karp’s relationship with Peter Thiel and the complex ethical dilemmas surrounding Palantir’s operations. Steinberger also reveals Karp's shifting political views post-October 7th and his intriguing lifestyle, marked by multiple residences and a solitary nature.

Josh Russ Tupper and Nikki Russ Fetterman, fourth-generation co-owners of the iconic Russ & Daughters, share their family's century-old journey. They discuss the shop's evolution from a herring pushcart to a beloved appetizing store, famous for smoked salmon and bagels. Memories of childhood at the shop provide insight into their new cookbook, which blends history and recipes. The duo explains the cultural significance of food on the Lower East Side and how it connects customers to their own histories, all while emphasizing their commitment to keeping family traditions alive.

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.