NPR's Book of the Day

Brittany Luse, host of It's Been a Minute, shares insights on Terry McMillan's Waiting to Exhale and its impact on '90s Black professional women's culture. Tia Williams, a romance author, discusses how McMillan shaped her writing career and the broader landscape of contemporary Black women's fiction. They explore themes of friendship, dating challenges of the era, and the book's nostalgia amidst the influence on media like Sex and the City. Both guests celebrate the novel as a timeless reflection of its time while urging a new generation to revisit its pages.

In this engaging discussion, legendary musician Paul McCartney reflects on his post-Beatles band Wings, sharing how he established their identity in the shadow of The Beatles. Rob Miller, co-founder of Bloodshot Records, dives into the vibrant 1990s Chicago alt-country scene and the challenges of running an indie label. They touch on the creative rebirth found on McCartney's Scottish farm and the ways indie labels still matter in today's music landscape. Both guests offer fascinating insights into the evolution of music and their personal journeys.

Alice Austin, a debut novelist and playwright who draws from her experiences in Brussels, delves into her new novel set in 1939. She shares personal memories that inspired the story's setting and recounts the poignant, often humorous tales of her apartment building’s residents during Nazi occupation. The conversation highlights themes of personal responsibility and moral dilemmas faced by neighbors, exploring how survival often tests loyalties. Austin’s use of multiple narrative voices adds depth, creating a vivid tapestry of community under pressure.

Acclaimed British novelist William Boyd discusses his latest spy thriller, The Predicament, featuring Gabriel Dax, a travel writer turned reluctant spy during the Cold War. Boyd delves into Dax's tangled life involving KGB cash and a secretive MI6 mission in Guatemala. He shares his own conspiracy theories regarding JFK’s assassination and examines how real historical figures, like Kim Philby, influence the portrayal of espionage in fiction. With rich anecdotes from the 1960s, Boyd reveals the allure and complexity of the suave British spy.

Rep. Jim Clyburn, a veteran Democratic congressman from South Carolina, discusses his new book, The First Eight, which delves into the lives of the first eight Black congressmen from the state. He shares the inspiring story of Robert Smalls' escape from slavery and highlights parallels between historical and modern political issues. Clyburn addresses the impact of the 2020 election on his work and examines themes like colorism in history. With insights on electoral dynamics and the importance of vigilance in leadership, he provides a reflective take on enduring challenges.

Rebecca Armitage, a journalist turned novelist, discusses her debut work, The Heir Apparent, which follows Lexi Villiers as she unexpectedly becomes next in line for the British throne. Armitage delves into Lexi's struggle between modern life and royal duty, exploring themes of purpose in monarchy and personal identity. She also highlights the challenges of body image and public scrutiny faced by royals. With a blend of romance and trauma, Armitage raises questions about the future relevance of monarchy in today's world.

Eric Deggans, NPR's critic-at-large, shares insights on Anthony Bourdain's cultural influence through 'Kitchen Confidential,' highlighting the book's unique perspective on the restaurant industry. He discusses Bourdain's evolution from a lesser-known chef to a media icon, emphasizing his writing prowess. Chef Samin Nosrat joins to reflect on changes in culinary culture, addressing representation and advice for aspiring cooks. Together, they evaluate Bourdain's legacy and the book's lasting impact on food discourse.

Jacob Geller, a video essayist and cultural critic known for his insightful YouTube essays, discusses his new book, How a Game Lives. He reveals how video games can address profound life questions and shares intriguing connections between gaming narratives and classic literature. Geller also talks about the significance of preserving contemporary gaming culture in print. Following him, former Meta executive Nick Clegg explores internet regulation and digital democracy, emphasizing the crucial role of India in maintaining an open internet for the future.

Kate Baer, a bestselling poet renowned for her insightful explorations of family and womanhood, discusses her latest poetry collection, How About Now. She candidly shares her experiences navigating the balance of honesty and privacy in her work. Baer reflects on her journey through middle age, revealing the complexities of vulnerability, self-identity, and the realities of mortality. Listeners will be drawn in by her creative moments that inspire a sense of peace and a call to embrace life’s immediacy.

Even if you’re scared of cruise ships, don’t turn away from Quan Barry’s The Unveiling. When film scout and photographer Striker boards an Antarctic cruise in search of locations for a new biopic, things start to go wrong — lots of things. But there’s much to learn from Barry’s quirky cast of characters, with a tech billionaire and a blended queer family among them. In today’s episode, Barry talks with NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe about the power of discovery on and off the ship, and the process of crafting a novel without a single chapter break.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy