NPR's Book of the Day

Remy Wadia, an Indian American ad executive, shares his journey of returning to Bombay to adopt a child, unveiling family secrets along the way. He navigates complex emotions and the cultural expectations of parenthood. Thrity Umrigar, an author focusing on gender roles and the immigrant experience, adds depth to the conversation by discussing the intricate dynamics of familial relationships and the psychic toll of leaving home. Together, they explore the contrasts between career success and personal fulfillment in the face of societal norms.

Leslie Rasmussen, an author whose novel reflects her own fertility struggles, joins NPR's Leila Fadel, a journalist known for tackling societal issues. They explore the deep emotional impact of difficult pregnancies and the stigma surrounding reproductive choices. Rasmussen shares her personal story and the story of her fictional characters, revealing how societal pressures and political changes, especially post-Roe v. Wade, shape women's decisions. This poignant discussion emphasizes the importance of compassion and dialogue around these sensitive topics.

Edwidge Danticat, an acclaimed author known for her poignant storytelling, joins journalist Ari Shapiro to explore her latest essay collection, 'We're Alone.' They dive into the complexity of nostalgia, reflecting on Danticat's Haitian roots and the emotional pull of family gatherings. This conversation paints a vivid picture of Haiti's resilience against media stereotypes, while also addressing the dual themes of isolation and connection in literature, highlighting the intimate bond between writers and their readers.

Carole Hopson, an aspiring pilot and author, draws inspiration from Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot's license in 1921. In a captivating conversation with journalist Michel Martin, they explore how Coleman's groundbreaking legacy motivated Hopson to pursue her dream of flying. They discuss the barriers Coleman broke in aviation, Hopson's journey as one of the few women of color pilots today, and the profound impact of resilience in both their lives and the aviation industry.

Dan Pashman, a James Beard Award-winning podcaster, and Joan Nathan, a celebrated cookbook author, explore the intersection of food and culture. Pashman discusses his innovative pasta projects and shares how he created a viral pasta shape, encouraging home cooks to embrace simplicity. Nathan dives into her Jewish heritage, highlighting the importance of family recipes, such as matzo ball soup, that connect personal history with culinary traditions. Together, they celebrate food's ability to tell stories and foster family bonds.

In this engaging discussion, bestselling thriller author James Patterson and Sherri Crichton, widow of the legendary Michael Crichton, share their journey of completing 'Eruption.' They reveal how Sherri uncovered her husband's unfinished manuscript about a Hawaiian volcano and enlisted Patterson's help. The duo explores the challenges of blending Crichton's scientific precision with Patterson's flair for suspense. They also reflect on honoring Crichton’s legacy while creating a compelling narrative, showcasing their teamwork and emotional connection to the story.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, shares her inspiring journey in her memoir, 'Lovely One.' She discusses the critical need for a binding ethics code for the court, tackling the pressing issues of integrity amidst political scrutiny. Jackson also opens up about her family life, including her daughter's autism diagnosis, highlighting the balance between personal challenges and a high-profile career. Through her stories, she reflects on identity, legacy, and the importance of empathy in both public service and parenting.

Harriet Constable learned a lot about the real life of Anna Maria della Pietà — that she grew up in an orphanage, that she was a star violinist and a favored student of Antonio Vivaldi. But in her new novel, The Instrumentalist, Constable also merges fact with fiction to tell the story of Anna Maria's synesthesia and musical talents. In today's episode, she speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about Anna Maria's life, the challenges and excitement of the classical music world at the time, and what we make of Vivaldi today. 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

Andrea Freeman, an author diving into food policy and societal control, joins NPR journalist Ayesha Rascoe to discuss the darker aspects of American food history. They explore how government orders, like George Washington's to destroy Indigenous food sources, reveal a long tradition of using food for oppression. Freeman highlights the politics behind nutrition campaigns, such as the promotion of milk, and discusses ongoing health disparities affecting marginalized communities. Their conversation unveils the complex relationship between food, power, and culture in America.

Carlos Moreno, the visionary behind the 15-Minute City concept, shares his ideas on creating interconnected communities where everything is within a short walk or bike ride. He discusses urban accessibility and its potential to combat climate change. Carol Mithers, author of Rethinking Rescue, highlights the importance of supporting pet owners, especially in low-income areas, to keep families together with their beloved pets. Lori Weise, known as the Dog Lady, advocates for innovative rescue approaches that focus on human-animal bonds, emphasizing empathy in animal welfare.