NPR's Book of the Day

NPR's hosts chat about their favorite reads of 2023, including a biography of Vince McMahon and a thriller called 'Prom Mom'. They discuss the exploration of American culture in 'Ringmaster' and its relation to online authenticity. They also touch on poverty as a collective responsibility in 'Poverty by America' and delve into dark themes of abuse and parenthood in 'Prom Mom'.

Stephanie Land, author of Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education, talks about juggling single parenthood and going to college. She shares her journey from facing financial struggles to becoming a successful author. Land reflects on her emotions and societal beliefs in poverty, expressing liberation in sharing her story.

Michael Harriot, political commentator and author, discusses the importance of retelling American history from the Black perspective. The podcast explores the disparity between taught history and actual events, shedding light on the forgotten explorer Esteban and his contributions. It also highlights the use of quizzes and humor to engage readers and discusses the triumph of the Black community in American history.

Author Caitlin Shetterly discusses her debut novel 'Pete and Alice in Maine' which explores the challenges faced by a couple during the pandemic, including infidelity and forgiveness. She shares personal experiences and the impact on her writing, emphasizing the theme of forgiveness in a marriage. The episode explores the conflicting emotions and doubts that arise when trying to forgive, and how writing offered solace amidst personal challenges. It also delves into the impact of writing the novel during a pandemic and the search for empathy, leaving the ending open-ended for speculation.

This podcast explores the struggles of female communication and connection through short stories. It discusses the author's process of writing and how becoming a parent influenced their stories. It also delves into the dynamics of friendship across race and class, as well as the exploration of intimacy and societal issues in the stories. The collection aims to portray complex human relationships where people strive to connect with each other but sometimes fail, reflecting the common human experience.

Author Caroline O'Donoghue discusses her novel 'The Rachel Incident' with NPR's Miles Parks, exploring themes of friendship, love, and mistakes in early adulthood. They delve into topics such as abortion and sexual repression in Irish society, the complexities of Rachel and James' friendship, and the historical events shaping Irish storytelling. O'Donoghue shares her choice to tell the story from an older Rachel's perspective, creating a narrative that encourages self-reflection and appreciation.

Author Erica Jong and daughter Molly Jong-Fast reflect on the controversial novel Fear of Flying. They discuss the constraints women faced, the impacts of marriage on creative expression, and the enduring relevance of the book 50 years later. They also touch on second-wave feminism and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Rose Previte, owner of Michelin star restaurant Maydān, shares recipes from her debut cookbook inspired by diverse influences. She discusses growing up in a Lebanese-Italian home, traveling across Russia and the Middle East, and the significance of breaking bread across cultures.

Raquel Willis, Black trans rights activist and journalist, reflects on her journey in Black trans rights activism in her new memoir. She discusses the importance of transgender visibility and the challenges faced by Black trans individuals. Willis also critiques the romanticization of Marsha P. Johnson's story and the inadequate support from white organizations.

Horror filmmaker Jordan Peele curates 'Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror' collection. Peele discusses the black horror stories, the motif of eyes in this genre, and the importance of black horror in processing fear.