NPR's Book of the Day

Asma Khan, the chef and founder of Darjeeling Express in London, shares her remarkable journey from academia to the culinary world. She discusses her new cookbook, Monsoon, which emphasizes the beauty of seasonal cooking and the importance of fresh ingredients. Khan highlights the power of modular cooking, comparing it to musical composition, and passionately advocates for women in the kitchen, promoting an all-female staff at her restaurant. Listeners are treated to insights on personal empowerment and cultural identity shaped through food.

Seventeen-year-old Benny juggles his dreams of college with the strain of a friendship that's changing. His best friend Lawson's descent into the drug world raises moral dilemmas and challenges their bond. The conversation unfolds around the complexities of loyalty, societal pressures, and the heart-wrenching nature of friendship breakups. Listeners will explore the impact of socioeconomic divides and personal stories that reveal the delicate balance between support and sacrifice in relationships.

Elaine Sciolino, the former Paris bureau chief of The New York Times, shares her passion for the Louvre in her guide, Adventures in the Louvre. She humorously advises against visiting the museum on an empty stomach or with a full bladder. Sciolino discusses the museum's evolution, its love-hate relationship with the Mona Lisa, and the joys of spontaneous exploration. Her insights reveal how preparation can enhance the experience and transform a potentially overwhelming visit into a delightful adventure. Don't miss her tips for art lovers!

John Kenney, author and New Yorker contributor, discusses his novel 'I See You've Called in Dead', featuring Bud Stanley, an obituary writer who mistakenly publishes his own death notice after a drunken night. The conversation explores the absurdity of facing one’s mortality, as Bud begins attending strangers' funerals, revealing the power of connection and friendship. Kenney also shares personal insights on balancing humor and grief, inspired by his late brother, and the complexities of capturing life in obituaries.

Pulitzer finalist Laila Lalami, author of The Dream Hotel, delves into a future where dreams are monitored via implants, raising questions about privacy and surveillance. She explores how technology infiltrates our subconscious, revealing ethical dilemmas. Alongside her, Audrey Lee discusses her novel The Mechanics of Memory, centered on a woman grappling with amnesia in a surreal mental health facility. Together, they challenge the very essence of identity and the fragility of our memories in an increasingly tech-dominated world.

Discover the chaotic beginnings of Lollapalooza, initially a farewell tour for Jane's Addiction, which turned into a groundbreaking festival. The authors share hilarious anecdotes from interviews with iconic bands like Nine Inch Nails and Green Day. Explore how the festival united diverse genres, blending hip hop with rock, and helped mainstream alternative music. Reflect on its nostalgic journey and how it adapts to today’s music landscape, all while capturing the vibrant spirit that defined those wild days.

Emma Pattee, author of the novel 'Tilt,' shares her gripping narrative about a pregnant woman navigating the chaos of a major earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. She reflects on the millennial experience of disappointment and the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with impending motherhood. Pattee also discusses the importance of scientific accuracy in her storytelling, drawing parallels to classic epics, and explores how natural disasters force deep self-discovery and reflection in the characters’ lives.

In this enlightening conversation, Amanda Nguyen, author of *Saving Five: A Memoir of Hope* and renowned activist for sexual assault survivors, shares her transformative journey. After her own experience with assault, she fought for federal legislation to improve how rape kits are handled. Nguyen discusses the emotional toll of trauma, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and the crucial role of personal storytelling in her advocacy. She also touches on balancing her personal aspirations with family expectations, highlighting her remarkable resilience.

John Green, a bestselling author known for 'The Fault in Our Stars,' discusses his new book, 'Everything Is Tuberculosis,' inspired by a young boy named Henry from Sierra Leone. He delves into the alarming persistence of tuberculosis despite modern medicine, highlighting personal and historical narratives that shape our understanding of the disease. Green sheds light on the global fight against drug-resistant TB and the urgent need for affordable healthcare, emphasizing our collective responsibility in addressing this preventable illness.

Two authors dive into history, unraveling stories in unique ways. Emma Donoghue explores a harrowing 1895 train disaster in her novel, The Paris Express, intertwining meticulous research with creativity. Bob the Drag Queen reimagines Harriet Tubman as a modern superhero, blending hip-hop with historical themes of freedom in his debut novel. The podcast discusses the interplay between real events and artistic expression, highlighting the resilience inspired by these formidable figures. It's a vibrant conversation about storytelling that transcends time.