Podcast Episodes
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'Not the End of the World' takes a solutions-based approach to climate change
There are lots of reasons to worry about climate change: rising temperatures, rising sea levels, devastating natural disasters. But in her new book, …
2 years, 2 months ago
Ai Weiwei's graphic memoir 'Zodiac' recounts a life of art and activism
Told through the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac, Ai Weiwei's new graphic memoir moves between the past, present and future with anecdotes from his ch…
2 years, 2 months ago
'Find Me the Votes' investigates Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election
As Donald Trump runs for office in 2024, a new book by journalists Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman details how Trump attempted to overturn the pr…
2 years, 2 months ago
'The Fury' and 'Radiant Heat' set whodunnits against extreme weather
Today's episode focuses on two novels where the characters are grappling with the natural elements – and with mysterious deaths. First, NPR's Mary Lo…
2 years, 2 months ago
'Late Bloomers' is a novel about arranged marriage, divorce and dating later in life
Dating can be difficult and confusing at any age – but especially after the end of a 36-year arranged marriage. The characters of Deepa Varadarajan's…
2 years, 2 months ago
Kaveh Akbar's novel 'Martyr!' is a journey of identity, addiction and poetry
Halfway through today's episode, author Kaveh Akbar tells NPR's Scott Simon that his life is a summation of "private joys amidst collective grief and…
2 years, 2 months ago
In 'The Bullet Swallower,' the wild, wild West meets magical realism
The titular protagonist of Elizabeth Gonzalez James' new novel, The Bullet Swallower, is rooted in a story she once heard about her great-grandfather…
2 years, 2 months ago
'Only Say Good Things' chronicles Crystal Hefner's life at the Playboy mansion
Crystal Harris was only 21 when she entered the Playboy mansion for the first time. Within a few days, the college student moved in. She later marrie…
2 years, 2 months ago
'Black Sheep' and 'This Wretched Valley' use horror to question morality
It's never too early for spooky season. Today, we've got two horror books that explore relationships, cynicism and arrogance. First, NPR's Ayesha Ras…
2 years, 2 months ago
Michele Norris' 'Our Hidden Conversations' examines race and identity in the U.S.
More than a decade ago, former NPR host Michele Norris started the Race Card Project. It was a simple premise: She asked people to send in six words …
2 years, 2 months ago