NPR's Book of the Day

Deborah Paredez, author of 'American Diva', reclaims the term 'diva' to spotlight powerful women like Serena Williams and Celia Cruz, emphasizing their journeys of self-discovery and strength. Larry Tye discusses 'The Jazzmen', exploring how iconic musicians such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong used their platforms to advocate for civil rights, promoting racial integration through music. Both guests weave a narrative of empowerment and cultural revolution, connecting past legacies to present narratives.

Sheetal Sheth, an accomplished actor and activist, shares insights on her children's book 'Raashi's Rakhis,' which tackles gender roles within the context of Raksha Bandhan. She discusses how Raashi, the protagonist, empowers herself by questioning traditional customs. The conversation touches on the importance of inclusivity in storytelling and the backlash Sheth has faced from traditionalists. Additionally, they explore the dynamics of cultural identity, sisterhood, and the civic responsibilities of South Asian communities in today's political landscape.

Barbara Bradley Hagerty, a former NPR reporter, discusses her book detailing the wrongful conviction of Ben Spencer, who suffered 34 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. She dives into the systemic flaws that led to his conviction and the journey of advocacy that resulted in his exoneration. Ailsa Chang engages with Hagerty on the importance of transformative justice reform, including evidence disclosure and recording interrogations, to prevent similar injustices in the future. Their conversation highlights hope, resilience, and the pursuit of truth.

Kat Tang, the author behind the debut novel 'Five-Star Stranger', joins NPR's celebrated host Scott Simon to delve into the intriguing world of hired relationships. They discuss the unique premise of an app that allows people to rent strangers for personal roles, like a father figure. Tang reveals the emotional complexities of these artificial bonds, pondering themes of loneliness, sacrifice, and identity. Their conversation takes a humorous turn, emphasizing the bizarre yet relatable nature of human connections in a digital age.

John J. Sullivan, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, shares captivating insights from his tenure during turbulent times, including the invasion of Ukraine. He recounts humorous anecdotes from his diplomatic encounters, including buying tech in Russia and facing Vladimir Putin. Alongside journalist Mary Louise Kelly, Sullivan discusses the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, the significance of historical vigilance, and the need for an updated containment strategy to address ongoing Russian aggression.

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi discusses her new book, The Art of Power, shedding light on pivotal moments in U.S. history, such as the 2008 financial crisis and January 6. She reflects on her initial reluctance to enter politics and the influence of maternal figures on her ambition. Pelosi also shares insights into the intricacies of political power and campaign strategies, including advice on visibility during elections, and examines the accountability issues facing American democracy.

M.T. Anderson, an award-winning author known for his innovative storytelling, joins NPR's Scott Simon to discuss his first novel for adults, 'Nicked'. Set in 1087, the story follows a monk and a treasure hunter on a humorous heist to steal the bones of Saint Nicholas, aiming to cure a plague. They delve into themes of belief versus skepticism in miracles, and the absurdity of a medieval noir narrative that intertwines faith with deceit. Historic inspirations and the complexities of their quest add depth to this entertaining discussion.

Juli Min, the debut novelist, takes listeners on a captivating journey through her book, where a family's story unfolds in reverse from 2040 to 2014. In conversation with Ailsa Chang, they explore the complexity of relationships and the rich backdrop of Shanghai, which serves as a character in itself. Min discusses her innovative narrative choice, highlighting how personal history shapes identity and the emotional depth this backward storytelling provides. She also shares her personal journey of finding belonging in a bustling city.

Cory Richards, a celebrated National Geographic photographer, dives into his memoir, which explores the peaks of adventure, the weight of fame, and the depths of personal struggles. In a candid chat with NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer, he discusses the complexities of self-disclosure in memoir writing and the meaning of accountability in navigating fame's challenges. Richards also reflects on his journey through mental health treatment and how societal upheaval shaped his narrative, making for a compelling exploration of resilience and redemption.

Sarah Perry, acclaimed author of the Booker Prize-nominated novel 'Enlightenment,' joins NPR's Scott Simon to delve deep into themes of faith and the cosmos. She shares insights from her personal journey, revealing how her strict religious upbringing shaped her worldview. Their conversation also explores the transformative power of astronomy, particularly her pandemic telescope. The friendship at the heart of her novel spans three decades, inviting reflections on identity, time, and the universe's influence on self-discovery.