NPR's Book of the Day

Author Kaveh Akbar discusses his debut novel 'Martyr!' which explores identity, addiction, and poetry. The protagonist's obsession with martyrdom relates to the author's personal journey with sobriety. The novel also touches on government manipulation of martyrdom, humor, addiction recovery, and the significance of an Iranian poet in Persian culture.

Author Elizabeth Gonzalez James discusses her new novel 'The Bullet Swallower,' which is inspired by her great-grandfather's life as a Mexican outlaw on the US-Mexico border. She delves into the themes of the US-Mexico border, cultural relationships, character development, and the allure of flawed characters.

Crystal Hefner, former Playboy Mansion resident and wife of Hugh Hefner, reflects on her time living in the mansion, discussing strict rules and the paradox of sexual freedom. She shares her journey of rediscovering her true self and breaking free from the facade. Topics include house rules, their role as girlfriends, loss of identity, reclaiming power and aspirations for a peaceful life.

Authors Rachel Harrison and Jenny Kiefer discuss their horror novels 'Black Sheep' and 'This Wretched Valley', exploring themes of religious fanaticism, family dysfunction, cynicism, and the fear of the wilderness. The podcast also highlights the impact of lack of faith on relationships and the significance of balancing ambitions with community support.

Michelle Norris, former NPR host and author, discusses her book 'Our Hidden Conversations' and the Race Card Project, a collection of six-word statements on race and identity. She explores the emotional stories and reflections on racial tensions, the suppression of identity, and feelings of invisibility among different racial and ethnic groups.

Matt Hay, a memoirist who experienced hearing loss, discusses his new memoir 'Soundtrack of Silence' with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly. Hay talks about how music helped him partially recover his hearing, overcoming challenges, and the role of music therapy in hearing loss recovery.

Efrén Olivares, a human rights lawyer, recounts heartbreaking conversations with parents during family separations at the border. His new memoir sheds light on the lasting impacts of anti-immigration policy and the dysfunctional nature of the immigration system. Olivares shares personal experiences, encounters with immigration agents, and highlights the resilience of his clients in the face of adversity.

Claire Keegan, a highly acclaimed Irish writer, discusses her new book of stories that explore tension, drama, and gender dynamics. The book revolves around failed marriage proposals, troubling affairs, and the finite nature of time. Keegan explores the difference between tension and drama in her stories and how characters navigate their decisions influenced by time. They also touch upon other stories involving a writer on residency and a married woman contemplating an affair, as well as the theme of mortality in literature.

Former representative Adam Kinzinger and journalist McKay Coppins discuss the evolution of the Republican party and their experiences with Trump. Kinzinger details how January 6 broke his allegiance to the party, while Coppins explores Mitt Romney's complex relationship with Trump and the importance of following conscience in politics.

Author Ariel Lawhon discusses her book 'The Frozen River,' based on the life of 18th-century midwife Martha Ballard, who delivered over 1,000 babies without losing a mother. They explore the role of midwives, the importance of mature women as heroines, and debunk myths of the era including prevalence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies.