NPR's Book of the Day

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

Kiese Laymon, a celebrated writer and MacArthur genius, discusses his latest children's book, *City Summer, Country Summer*, highlighting the transformative power of summer experiences for Black boys. He shares his passion for portraying emotional tenderness and growth. Sascha Alper introduces her debut book, *The Littlest Drop*, inspired by Quechua folklore and illustrated by Brian Pinkney, who carries on his late father's legacy. Together, they explore themes of resilience, climate awareness, and the importance of fostering a safe environment for children through literature.

Asma Khan, the chef and founder of Darjeeling Express in London, shares her remarkable journey from academia to the culinary world. She discusses her new cookbook, Monsoon, which emphasizes the beauty of seasonal cooking and the importance of fresh ingredients. Khan highlights the power of modular cooking, comparing it to musical composition, and passionately advocates for women in the kitchen, promoting an all-female staff at her restaurant. Listeners are treated to insights on personal empowerment and cultural identity shaped through food.

Seventeen-year-old Benny juggles his dreams of college with the strain of a friendship that's changing. His best friend Lawson's descent into the drug world raises moral dilemmas and challenges their bond. The conversation unfolds around the complexities of loyalty, societal pressures, and the heart-wrenching nature of friendship breakups. Listeners will explore the impact of socioeconomic divides and personal stories that reveal the delicate balance between support and sacrifice in relationships.

Elaine Sciolino, the former Paris bureau chief of The New York Times, shares her passion for the Louvre in her guide, Adventures in the Louvre. She humorously advises against visiting the museum on an empty stomach or with a full bladder. Sciolino discusses the museum's evolution, its love-hate relationship with the Mona Lisa, and the joys of spontaneous exploration. Her insights reveal how preparation can enhance the experience and transform a potentially overwhelming visit into a delightful adventure. Don't miss her tips for art lovers!

John Kenney, author and New Yorker contributor, discusses his novel 'I See You've Called in Dead', featuring Bud Stanley, an obituary writer who mistakenly publishes his own death notice after a drunken night. The conversation explores the absurdity of facing one’s mortality, as Bud begins attending strangers' funerals, revealing the power of connection and friendship. Kenney also shares personal insights on balancing humor and grief, inspired by his late brother, and the complexities of capturing life in obituaries.

Pulitzer finalist Laila Lalami, author of The Dream Hotel, delves into a future where dreams are monitored via implants, raising questions about privacy and surveillance. She explores how technology infiltrates our subconscious, revealing ethical dilemmas. Alongside her, Audrey Lee discusses her novel The Mechanics of Memory, centered on a woman grappling with amnesia in a surreal mental health facility. Together, they challenge the very essence of identity and the fragility of our memories in an increasingly tech-dominated world.

Discover the chaotic beginnings of Lollapalooza, initially a farewell tour for Jane's Addiction, which turned into a groundbreaking festival. The authors share hilarious anecdotes from interviews with iconic bands like Nine Inch Nails and Green Day. Explore how the festival united diverse genres, blending hip hop with rock, and helped mainstream alternative music. Reflect on its nostalgic journey and how it adapts to today’s music landscape, all while capturing the vibrant spirit that defined those wild days.

Emma Pattee, author of the novel 'Tilt,' shares her gripping narrative about a pregnant woman navigating the chaos of a major earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. She reflects on the millennial experience of disappointment and the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with impending motherhood. Pattee also discusses the importance of scientific accuracy in her storytelling, drawing parallels to classic epics, and explores how natural disasters force deep self-discovery and reflection in the characters’ lives.

In this enlightening conversation, Amanda Nguyen, author of *Saving Five: A Memoir of Hope* and renowned activist for sexual assault survivors, shares her transformative journey. After her own experience with assault, she fought for federal legislation to improve how rape kits are handled. Nguyen discusses the emotional toll of trauma, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and the crucial role of personal storytelling in her advocacy. She also touches on balancing her personal aspirations with family expectations, highlighting her remarkable resilience.