NPR's Book of the Day

Lisa Smith’s debut novel Jamaica Road is a coming of age story and romance set in 1980s London. The story follows Daphne, a young girl born to a Jamaican family, and her best friend Connie over the course of 12 years as they contend with love, hatred and some historical events in British history. In today’s episode, Smith talks with Here & Now’s Deborah Becker about growing up as “the posh Black girl,” writing patois, and a surprising character’s presence in the novel.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

Words like "rizz" and "skibidi" didn’t exist just a few years ago, but now they’re used and understood by millions of people. In his new book, Algospeak, linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic argues our language is evolving at a rapid pace. And he says this is driven in large part by social media algorithms that amplify linguistic trends. In today’s episode, Aleksic speaks with NPR’s Adrian Ma about the engagement treadmill, influencer accents and why the word "skibidi" will be out of style within the year.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/bookoftheday.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In Katie Yee's debut novel 'Maggie; Or, a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar,' the unnamed protagonist is contending with the end of her marriage and a breast cancer diagnosis. But these topics are approached with humor, which Yee says is essential to stay sane. In today's episode, the author joins Here & Now's Asma Khalid for a conversation about the relationship women have with their bodies, the affair at the center of the novel, and writing about race and identity.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

Tim Weiner, a notable author and expert on intelligence, provides sharp insights into the CIA's evolution during Trump's presidency. He discusses the agency's technological challenges and the effects of an ideological purge. Alongside Irene Vega, who interviewed nearly 90 ICE agents, they explore the intense moral dilemmas faced by these agents as they navigate personal backgrounds and professional responsibilities. The conversation also addresses broader implications for immigration enforcement and the changing landscape of espionage.

In 2024, ratings for the NCAA women's basketball final topped the men's final by 4 million viewers – and Caitlin Clark was largely responsible. American sports fans fell in love with the athlete and Clark, now with the Indiana Fever, went on to become a star. Christine Brennan's new book On Her Game looks at the athlete's role in U.S. sports and culture. In today's episode, Brennan talks with NPR's Scott Simon about Clark's time playing on a boys' team, conversations about race surrounding her success, and pay disparities between the NBA and WNBA.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

In this discussion, author Banu Mushtaq shares insights about her award-winning collection, 'Heart Lamp,' the first short story collection to win the International Booker Prize. Mushtaq highlights the resilience of Muslim women in India, delving into themes of freedom, sisterhood, and empowerment amid oppressive societal norms. She and translator Deepa Bhasthi explore the significance of translating Kannada literature and the emotional depth of the stories, celebrating their cultural impact and the necessity for broader representation in literature.

Sophie Elmhirst, a journalist and author, dives into the gripping tale of Maurice and Maralyn Bailey, who set sail in 1972 for an adventure that turns perilous when a whale sinks their boat. She shares how their struggle to survive for months at sea tested their relationship. Listeners hear about imaginative escapes and the deepening complexities of their bond amid desperation. Elmhirst emphasizes the unexpected joy in simple nourishment and the resilience that crises can unveil in personal connections.

Stacey Abrams dives into the world of her latest thriller, featuring Avery Keene and the dark side of artificial intelligence in healthcare. She discusses how fiction can inspire political action and the vital link between storytelling and social justice. Abrams also reflects on her experiences in voter registration and the challenges faced in political advocacy. Get ready for a compelling blend of suspense and a call to action that highlights the importance of civic engagement!

Lawrence Burney, a Baltimore writer and culture critic, dives into his essay collection, *No Sense in Wishing*, exploring how the arts, particularly figures like Gil Scott Heron, shaped his identity. He shares personal stories from Baltimore's vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Nora Princiotti, author of *Hit Girls*, reflects on the influence of 2000s female pop stars and their role in shaping cultural narratives. Together, they discuss how pop culture both defines and complicates personal identity, particularly for women in the music industry.

Mary Jo Bang, a poet celebrated for her innovative approach to translation, discusses her 20-year journey translating Dante's 'Divine Comedy.' She shares the challenges of making the ancient text relatable, emphasizing the complexities of English as a 'rhyme-poor' language. Bang reflects on the transformative experience of engaging with Dante's themes, particularly during the pandemic. She also highlights how the translation resonates with contemporary issues, bridging the past and present in a remarkable literary endeavor.