NPR's Book of the Day

Robert Littell, a renowned author of espionage thrillers, discusses his novel 'Bronshtein in the Bronx', which reimagines Leon Trotsky's brief exile in New York in 1917. He shares personal family ties to Trotsky and reflects on the revolutionary's struggles to inspire American workers. Littell also explores the moral complexities of revolution, using Trotsky's legacy to examine the balance between idealism and ruthless leadership. Dive into the paradoxes of revolutionary fervor and the violent realities it entails.

Ali Smith, a celebrated novelist and playwright, discusses her compelling new work, 'Glyph,' which centers on two children marked 'unverifiable' in a dystopian world devoid of libraries. She explores the implications of living in a society rife with authoritarianism and government surveillance. Smith delves into the appeal of authoritarianism, drawing parallels to her former life in advertising and the potent influence of slogans. The conversation also touches on the erosion of knowledge and the hopeful resilience of youth amidst oppressive circumstances.

Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC and author of "The Siren's Call," dives deep into the attention economy and its consequences on our society. He shares his experience feeling like he's chasing audiences rather than engaging them proactively. Hayes discusses how attention has become a scarce resource that politicians and brands endlessly compete for, highlighting the impact of social media on younger generations. He also examines Trump's role as a symbol of this attention-driven landscape and questions whether MSNBC can keep its audience engaged.

Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, discusses her book 'The Serviceberry,' emphasizing economies of abundance and nature's teachings. She advocates for a shift from consumerism to gratitude and interconnectedness. Trish O'Kane, an environmental activist and author of 'Birding to Change the World,' shares her transformative journey from journalist to ornithologist after Hurricane Katrina. She highlights nature's healing power and community engagement through birding, illustrating how observing birds can nurture well-being and connection.

Olivia Abtahi, author of 'The Interpreter' and a former child translator for her immigrant parents, discusses the weighty responsibilities faced by kids like Cecilia, the book's protagonist. She reveals how translating for parents at places like the DMV and doctor's office can be stressful and awkward. The conversation highlights themes of cultural nuance, the emotional toll on children, and the dignity of immigrant parents portrayed in literature. Abtahi reflects on balancing childhood with adult responsibilities and the complexities of identity in multicultural families.

Actor Naomi Watts shares her personal journey through menopause, revealing the isolation and panic she felt after an unexpected diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and discusses the often-taboo topic of hormone replacement therapy. Watts also encourages women to see menopause as a transformative phase, inviting them to embrace new opportunities and redefine their identities. With her insights on aging, skincare, and nutrition, she aims to foster a supportive conversation around a common experience that impacts millions.

Andy Corren, author of 'Dirtbag Queen,' shares his vibrant and poignant memories of growing up with his unconventional mother in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He reflects on his viral obituary that captured her spirit and the lessons learned from their chaotic upbringing. The conversation touches on nostalgic moments at a local bowling alley, the humor and hardships of family life in the 70s and 80s, and the profound love shared during his mother's final days. Corren's candid storytelling beautifully honors his mother's legacy.

Betty Shamieh discusses her debut novel, portraying three generations of Palestinian American women navigating love and identity. She draws parallels to the humor of 'Sex and the City,' while tackling deep themes of family legacy. Shamieh also highlights the resilience of Palestinian women amid conflict, using comedy to emphasize their humanity. Her ten-year writing journey reflects the challenges and joys of bringing complex characters to life.

Grady Hendrix, a prominent horror fiction author with 11 novels and a Bram Stoker Award, discusses the complexities of female representation in horror. He revisits the 'Final Girl' trope, exploring survivor narratives and societal obsessions with violence. His latest novel, 'Witchcraft for Wayward Girls,' highlights the harsh realities faced by unwed mothers in the 1970s, revealing true-life horrors. The conversation blends insights on empowerment and the art of weaving everyday experiences into gripping horror tales.

Scott Turow, a bestselling novelist and lawyer known for the Rusty Sabich series, dives into the thrilling return of his iconic character in 'Presumed Guilty.' The conversation explores themes of redemption as 77-year-old Rusty defends his future stepson amidst complex racial dynamics. Turow reflects on the evolving nature of characters, the legal system's portrayal in literature, and the intriguing implications of AI on creativity. Join this fascinating discussion about courtroom drama and the art of storytelling!