NPR's Book of the Day

Glen Weldon, NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour host and pop-culture critic, teams up with author Garth Greenwell, who shares how Giovanni's Room has influenced his writing. They explore Baldwin's powerful prose, the complexity of love and identity in 1950s Paris, and the book's cultural impact on queer narratives. The discussion dives into Baldwin's unique storytelling, challenges of adaptation, and the ways Giovanni's Room resonates with modern readers. Greenwell highlights the dignity Baldwin offers to queer lives, making this classic relevant today.

Bill Janovitz, a musician and author, explores the intriguing history of The Cars, delving into their rise from a Boston demo to MTV stardom, and the dynamics that led to their breakup. He highlights the essential roles of members like Rick Ocasek and Ben Orr. Meanwhile, Jeff Pearlman discusses Tupac Shakur's profound yet tragic life, focusing on his complex relationships, the influence of his mother Afeni, and the harrowing details of his untimely death. Both guests showcase how greatness often intertwines with personal struggles.

Bestselling novelist John Grisham, a former attorney, dives into his latest thriller, 'The Widow,' featuring a small-town lawyer tempted by greed. He discusses how Simon Latch’s routine will for a wealthy widow spirals into a web of unethical decisions. Grisham reveals why he portrays lawyers as flawed characters, despite their altruistic efforts in public interest. He also shares insights on his disciplined writing routine and the allure of legal dramas that captivate audiences, along with a humorous lawyer secret for escaping tedious meetings.

Megha Majumdar, author of the National Book Award finalist A Guardian and a Thief, discusses her gripping novel set in a near-future Kolkata ravaged by climate change. She delves into the complexities of a family's dreams stymied by a theft and how hope can turn perilous in desperate times. Majumdar reveals that her characters are driven by love yet face moral dilemmas, showcasing the city's vibrant and resilient spirit while highlighting the weight of motherhood. Her insights remind us that hope can sometimes challenge our moral boundaries.

Tochi Onyebuchi, author of Racebook, dives into his early internet experiences as a 'skinless, raceless entity' and reflects on how the Trayvon Martin case reshaped his online identity. He discusses the vibrant communities and forums that once made the internet feel utopian. The conversation tackles the evolution of the internet into a tool for activism, weighing its pros and cons, including the rise of polarization. Onyebuchi also shares his vision for the future of the internet amidst concerns over AI and deepfakes.

Bestselling author Philip Pullman, known for his acclaimed His Dark Materials series, discusses his new novel The Rose Field. He delves into Lyra's journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring her maturation and the complex themes of Dust, religion, and faith. Pullman reveals how he prefers to discover the story as he writes rather than plan it out. He also addresses the challenges of crafting a conclusion that meets the high expectations set by his prior work, all while maintaining a critical yet nuanced view of organized religion.

Wailin Wong, host of NPR's The Indicator, shares her journey of understanding Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club, reflecting on intergenerational immigrant family themes and how reading it as a teenager differs from now as a parent. Author Jasmine Chan, known for The School for Good Mothers, discusses the enduring influence of the novel on her view of motherhood and community. The conversation dives into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, cultural communication, and the impact of literature in shaping narratives of connection and empathy today.

Join bestselling thriller novelist Harlan Coben, actress and producer Reese Witherspoon, and autofiction author Chris Kraus for a fascinating discussion on their new crime thrillers. Harlan and Reese dive into their unique collaboration on "Gone Before Goodbye," sharing insights into their writing process and the complexities of their protagonist. Meanwhile, Chris presents her autofiction work, exploring how personal history and environment shape storytelling. They reflect on the social significance of reading in today's divided world and ponder deep questions about crime and morality.

In this engaging conversation, Casey Cep, a Staff writer at The New Yorker and editor of The Land of Sweet Forever, dives into the fascinating world of Harper Lee's previously unpublished stories discovered in her NYC apartment. She discusses how these eight short stories offer early glimpses of beloved characters Scout and Atticus, revealing their developmental roots before To Kill a Mockingbird. Cep also highlights how this new material sheds light on Lee's personality and her vibrant social life in New York.

Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed author of Midnight's Children, discusses his new collection, The Eleventh Hour. He reflects on writing about mortality and how his near-fatal stabbing has changed his perspective. Rushdie shares insights into his unexpected ghost story that explores themes of unfinished business and revenge. He also touches on the power of music in storytelling and how his writing process has shifted from a structured approach to improvisation. Throughout, he examines personal and civilizational threats, urging a deeper understanding of legacy.