NPR's Book of the Day
NPR
In need of a good read? Or just want to keep up with the books everyone's talking about? NPR's Book of the Day gives you today's very best writing in a snackable, skimmable, pocket-sized podcast. Whether you're looking to engage with the big questions of our times – or temporarily escape from them – we've got an author who will speak to you, all genres, mood and writing styles included. Catch today's great books in 15 minutes or less.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 11, 2023 • 9min
Author David Wallace-Wells outlines the biggest climate change misunderstandings
David Wallace-Wells, author of 'The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming,' discusses the speed, scope, and severity of climate change. They explore worst-case scenarios for human life in 2050 and the importance of immediate action. They also touch upon the impact of climate change on migration and global cooperation, and the need for optimism in addressing the issue.
Dec 9, 2023 • 11min
'Idlewild' follows a queer, teen friendship in early 2000s New York
Author James Frankie Thomas discusses his debut novel 'Idlewild' which explores the intense friendship between two teenagers in 2000s New York. Topics include queer culture, fan fiction, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by trans individuals.
Dec 8, 2023 • 16min
Novels by Sigrid Nunez and Michael Cunningham tackle the pandemic
Renowned authors Sigrid Nunez and Michael Cunningham discuss their novels tackling the pandemic. Nunez's novel follows a woman, a parrot, and a Gen Z college student in lockdown. Cunningham's novel chronicles three days over three years in a Brooklyn family's life. They explore themes of loneliness, companionship, and the challenges of being an artist during the pandemic.
Dec 7, 2023 • 10min
Patricia Evangelista's memoir revisits the aftermath of the Philippines' war on drugs
Journalist Patricia Evangelista reflects on the aftermath of the Philippines' war on drugs, discussing the normalization of violence, the power of language, and the impact on storytelling in her memoir 'Some People Need Killing'.
Dec 6, 2023 • 8min
Norman Lear's memoir recalls a life and career that shaped American television
Norman Lear, TV writer and producer, recalls his challenges in shaping American television, from his unconventional upbringing to the struggle to get All In the Family on air. The podcast explores his impact on the sitcom genre, his wartime experiences, and the pushback he faced from ABC. Lear also shares his idea for a new TV show.
Dec 6, 2023 • 8min
In 'The New Naturals,' Gabriel Bump explores grief after the loss of a daughter
Gabriel Bump, a literature professor, discusses his book 'The New Naturals' which explores grief, societal change, and a couple's search for utopia after the loss of their infant daughter. Bump reflects on personal experiences of loss, the characters and writing style of the book, and the themes of change and tragedy.
Dec 5, 2023 • 13min
In 'Oath and Honor,' Liz Cheney analyzes Trump's effect on the Republican party
Liz Cheney, former Wyoming representative, discusses her new book 'Oath and Honor' and reveals the Republican party's response to her criticism of Trump. She explores the dangers of Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the potential threats to democracy in 2024.
Dec 4, 2023 • 8min
Nathan Thrall's book revisits a tragic bus accident in Jerusalem
Author Nathan Thrall revisits a tragic bus accident in Jerusalem, exploring the emotional odyssey of Abed Salama, a father searching for his son. The book discusses the complex Israeli-Palestinian relationship, life under Israeli authority, and the neglect of accessible infrastructure in Palestinian areas. It highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues and sparking conversations.
Dec 2, 2023 • 10min
'The Queen of Dirt Island' captures the bond between women in an Irish family
Donal Ryan, author of The Queen of Dirt Island, discusses how he unintentionally centered the women characters in his novel, drawing inspiration from his rural Irish upbringing. He also talks about his writing process, the unique structure of the book with short chapters, and the influence of the concept of time on the vignettes in the story.
Dec 1, 2023 • 20min
Two National Book Awards finalists take on climate extremes
Hanna Pylväinen, author of The End of Drum-Time, discusses an 1850s community of native Sámi reindeer herders in the Scandinavian Arctic. Journalist John V talks about the 2016 wildfires in Fort McMurray, Canada. Topics include religion in diverse communities, the acceptance of death, the devastation of the wildfire, and the poetic nature of fire.
