NPR's Book of the Day

In Mark Kurlansky's novel Cheesecake, a Greek family living on Manhattan's Upper West Side sets out to follow a recipe dating back to ancient Rome. What results is a block-wide battle to make the best cheesecake, set against the backdrop of a quickly-changing neighborhood. In today's episode, Kurlansky talks with NPR's Scott Simon about coming across the oldest written recipe, the food writer's relationship to fiction, and Kurlansky's own favorite cheesecake.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

Palestinian American writer Hala Alyan has a personal history of exile. Over the years, the author and her relatives have been displaced from their homes in Gaza, Kuwait, and Lebanon – and she says it's difficult to fully separate herself from these places. In today's episode, she speaks with NPR's Leila Fadel about her new memoir I'll Tell You When I'm Home, which contends with themes including exile, infertility, surrogacy, and motherhood.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

Aisling Rawle, author of 'The Compound,' navigates the murky waters of reality TV as a semi-dystopian experience. She shares insights on how shows like Love Island influenced her writing and how contestants in her novel grapple with societal norms and superficial hierarchies. The discussion highlights themes of beauty, identity, and agency, particularly through a character named Lily, who cleverly outmaneuvers her challengers in an environment that often prioritizes looks over substance.

Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson, author of 'Claire McCardell, The Designer Who Set Women Free', explores the revolutionary impact of McCardell on women's fashion, emphasizing her focus on comfort and functional pockets. The discussion highlights how McCardell transformed clothing norms in the 1930s and 40s, allowing women greater freedom. Additionally, Robin Givhan touches on Virgil Abloh's journey from outsider to luxury fashion icon, where he challenged traditional concepts of identity and collaboration in the industry.

This discussion highlights the serious implications of Congressional cuts to federal funding for public media. It emphasizes how these funding losses threaten local journalism and community connection. The speaker passionately argues for audience support, calling attention to the vital role of independent journalism in amplifying diverse voices. Listeners are encouraged to contribute, ensuring that these essential services continue to thrive.

Carol Moseley Braun shares her journey as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate in her memoir. She discusses the immense pressures and challenges faced in a male-dominated political landscape. The conversation highlights her resilience in overcoming prejudice and skepticism. Personal anecdotes reveal the emotional cost of breaking barriers while advocating for future generations. Through her story, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance and activism in the pursuit of equality.

Liane Moriarty, the renowned Australian author known for her best-selling women's fiction, joins the discussion to delve into her latest novel, 'Here One Moment.' She shares the intriguing premise where a woman on a flight foresees the deaths of fellow passengers, a concept birthed from her reflections on mortality. Moriarty discusses the emotional complexities of writing about loss, challenges the stigma of women's fiction, and hints at potential film adaptations. Her insights reveal the deep connection between personal experiences and storytelling.

Discover how conflict reshapes culinary traditions through Michael Shaikh's unique cookbook. Hear stories that connect recipes to identity and resilience from regions impacted by war and violence. The dialogue highlights how food serves as a vital link to heritage during hardship, featuring poignant tales from Rohingya families and the Naranjo family. Explore the intersection of cultural resilience and cuisine amid turmoil, showcasing dishes that reflect the struggles and enduring spirit of communities affected by conflict.

Ann Patchett shares insights on her latest novel, where the protagonist chooses motherhood over fame. The conversation highlights the beauty of family dynamics, particularly a mother's bond with her daughters during a pivotal summer. Themes of reconnection amid adversity, especially during the pandemic, are explored, revealing unexpected joys and challenges. Secrets and community support in literature also take center stage, emphasizing how personal experiences shape narratives and the need to uplift new voices in the literary world.

Two powerful new books tackle the urgent need to protect vulnerable ecosystems in the Amazon and Hawaii. The tragic story of journalist Dom Phillips highlights the dangers faced by those documenting environmental issues, as his widow completes his unfinished manuscript. Meanwhile, Sara Kehaulani Goo shares her family's struggle to maintain ancestral land in Hawaii, exploring the deep connection between land, culture, and identity. Together, they underscore the importance of resilience and understanding in the face of environmental and cultural challenges.