NPR's Book of the Day

Join Sarah Ahn, co-author of 'Umma' and social media manager at America's Test Kitchen, and Roy Choi, famed for his Korean-Mexican fusion, as they explore Korean cuisine's evolution. Ahn shares her journey of preserving cultural identity through family recipes, while Choi champions a vegetable-centric approach, even crafting unique breakfast burritos. They discuss the rich history of kimchi and the heartfelt connections recipes foster across generations, blending tradition with innovation in the culinary world.

Jennifer Haigh's latest novel Rabbit Moon opens with a hit and run accident in pre-dawn Shanghai. The victim is a 22-year-old American woman named Lindsey. Her parents immediately fly into Shanghai while Lindsey's sister awaits news from a New England summer camp – and the accident scars an already-fractured family. In today's episode, Haigh speaks with Here & Now's Scott Tong about their impressions of Shanghai, her interest in turning the idea of studying abroad on its head, and how she approached the topic of international adoption.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Lucian Kim, former NPR Moscow correspondent and senior Ukraine analyst, dives deep into the tangled history surrounding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He discusses pivotal events like the 2004 Orange Revolution and George W. Bush's NATO ambitions, illuminating how these moments escalated tensions. Kim reflects on Putin's complex relationship with Ukraine and the significance of Crimea's annexation. He also addresses the dramatic shift in Ukrainian sentiment towards NATO post-2014, offering insights into the motivations that drive this ongoing conflict.

In a Manhattan restaurant, a lunch date reveals complex relationships and ambiguous emotions. Katie Kitamura's novel inspires a captivating discussion about the intricacies of familial connections and the impact of disorienting narrative structures. The conversation delves into themes of identity and duality, highlighting how the protagonist’s fragmented story mirrors her inner turmoil. Kitamura shares insights on her creative process, including her bold decision to cut the book in half, leading to reflections on similar artistic choices in film.

In an engaging discussion, Emily Henry unveils her latest novel, revealing a layered narrative of competing journalists and the enduring struggle between love and grief. The story explores complex mother-daughter dynamics and the sacrifices inherent in familial relationships. Henry emphasizes the rich interplay of non-romantic love, showcasing how sisterhood and platonic connections deeply enrich our lives. With humor threading through the narrative, the author challenges traditional notions of romance, presenting a broader understanding of love.

Zadie Smith, the acclaimed author of the groundbreaking novel 'White Teeth,' marks its 25th anniversary by reflecting on her evolution since its release. She delves into the intricate friendship of Archie and Samad, highlighting themes of faith and cultural identity. Smith shares her thoughts on the novel's lasting impact on readers and writers, expressing both pride and doubt about her creative journey. Revisiting her youthful naivety, she contemplates the complexities of midlife and the significance of 'White Teeth' in her literary legacy.

A heartfelt journey of self-discovery unfolds as Nikki travels to North Carolina, revealing her ties to the Kingdom of the Happy Land, a community of formerly enslaved people. The author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, shares how this fascinating real-life history inspired her novel. The conversation dives into themes of identity, heritage, and resilience, exploring the significance of land and community. Discover the complexities of a forgotten kingdom and its impact on Nikki's understanding of her ancestry.

Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender content creator and author of 'Paper Doll,' shares her journey through girlhood as documented on TikTok. She reflects on the unexpected joy and community found in her videos, alongside the challenges of public scrutiny, particularly after a controversial Bud Light partnership. Mulvaney discusses personal boundaries, mental health, and the intersection of identity and faith, advocating for more genuine representation of trans experiences in media.

Pope Francis, known as 'the Pope of the People,' made transformative waves in the Catholic Church. His biography highlights his unique upbringing in Argentina and his empathetic approach to marginalized communities. Delve into his radical reformer status, exploring how his messages of mercy often clashed with traditional doctrines. The discussion also reflects on how his actions during Argentina's Dirty War and connection to liberation theology shaped perceptions of him. Ultimately, his legacy raises questions about the future direction of the Church.

Journalist Clay Risen is out with a new narrative history of the Red Scare, based in part on newly declassified sources. In Red Scare, Risen depicts McCarthyism as a cultural witch hunt against all kinds of people, not just potential communist spies. And he argues that the Red Scare was part of a broader cultural backlash against New Deal progressivism and an increasing sense of cosmopolitanism in the United States. In today's episode, Risen joins NPR's Steve Inskeep for a conversation about Senator Joseph McCarthy's personal and political opportunism, the enduring power of conspiracy theories, and how the Constitution did – and didn't – stand up to protect American civil liberties.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy