NPR's Book of the Day

It’s Back to School week at NPR’s Book of the Day, which means we’re looking back at interviews with authors who may have shown up on your high school syllabus. First, Jhumpa Lahiri debuted her short story collection Interpreter of Maladies in 1999. In the title story, an American family visits India and their guide develops an infatuation with the wife. In today’s episode, Lahiri speaks with NPR’s Liane Hansen about the inspiration behind the book’s title, the author’s relationship with speaking Bengali, and Lahiri’s experience writing a story from a male perspective.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

Tyler Pager, a reporter and co-author of '2024', provides an inside look at Kamala Harris' tumultuous presidential campaign. He discusses how her team struggled with crucial moments and redefining strategies after Joe Biden's withdrawal. The podcast also delves into Carol Mason’s exploration of the anti-abortion movement, revealing its surprising ties to white nationalism and how it has evolved since the Roe v. Wade decision. The connection between far-right ideologies and anti-abortion activism is dissected, offering insights into the future of these political dynamics.

Meg Medina, a Newbery Medal-winning author and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, discusses her latest work, 'Graciela in the Abyss.' The captivating story follows 13-year-old Graciela, who transforms into a sea ghost after an unexpected fall. Medina explores profound themes such as death, transformation, and the significance of friendship through Graciela's journey. She also shares insights from her lengthy creative process, emphasizing the importance of resilience and imagination in writing for young audiences.

Honoree Fanonne Jeffers, a celebrated poet and novelist, discusses her nonfiction work, "Misbehaving at the Crossroads." She dives into the intersectionality of Black womanhood, blending personal stories with historical insights. Jeffers reveals how writing this book sparked unexpected family reconciliations, shedding light on the complexities of forgiveness and healing. Through memories of her mother's resilience, she explores the evolving caregiver role and the profound joy of reconnecting with her family's legacy.

Rabih Alameddine, the author known for weaving personal experiences into his storytelling, discusses his latest novel featuring Raja, a philosophy teacher living with his elderly mother, Zalfa, in a cramped Beirut apartment. They explore the humor and tension in their relationship, alongside the warmth of companionship between two older women. Alameddine reflects on family influence in writing, the role of memory loss, and how humor becomes essential for navigating life's challenges, illustrating the richness of non-linear narratives.

Tamara Yajia opens up about her wild upbringing straddling Argentine and American cultures. She shares jaw-dropping stories of her family’s radical openness and her unconventional childhood experiences. A standout moment involves a talent show performance of Madonna’s 'Like a Prayer,' which became a creative outlet and a means of coping. With humor as her survival tool, Yajia explores deep themes of sexuality, healing, and breaking the cycle of dysfunction in her life.

Dive into the collaborative magic behind two remarkable children's books! Discover how friends transformed a caterpillar's metamorphosis into a tale of growth and friendship. Hear insights about late-night brainstorming sessions that fueled creativity. Then, explore the serendipitous encounter that birthed a sibling story with a Caldecott award-winning twist. The conversation highlights the importance of kindness, family connections, and the enchanting world of children's literature.

Sam Wachman, author of 'The Sunflower Boys', shares the poignant tale of 12-year-old Artem navigating life amid the Ukrainian war. He discusses his personal connection to Ukraine and his experiences volunteering with children there. The conversation touches on themes of identity, trauma, and the power of literature to promote peace. Sam also reflects on how Artem’s journey and drawings serve as a testament to resilience and the importance of preserving cultural memories during crises.

Martha Barnette, co-host of 'A Way with Words' and author of 'Friends with Words', dives into the fascinating world of language. She shares her journey sparked by a curious 'spark word' and highlights quirky etymologies. Instead of grammatical rants, Martha celebrates regional dialects and explores agricultural roots of words like 'broadcasting'. She discusses the mellifluous nature of language and even delves into societal dislikes, like the word 'moist', enriching listeners' appreciation for the magic within our daily vocabulary.

Author Kate Riley shares the inspiration behind her debut novel, 'Ruth,' drawn from her year in a secluded religious community. She explores the theme of limited access to information and the protagonist's quest for understanding. The conversation dives into the contrast between insular environments and broader perspectives, highlighting Ruth's internal struggles and search for authenticity. With humor, Riley reflects on the pressures of being a debut author and the possibility that this might be her first and last novel.