NPR's Book of the Day Plus
NPR
SummaryLooking for your next great read? NPR's Book of the Day Plus is your essential companion for navigating the vast and ever-changing landscape of literature. Whether you are hunting for a gripping new novel, a deep dive into American history, or a nuanced biography of a cultural icon, this podcast brings the conversation straight to your ears. In each episode, our hosts sit down with authors like Judy Blume, Rick Atkinson, and Laverne Cox to pull back the curtain on the books everyone is talking about. We move far beyond the blurbs, exploring the stories behind the stories—from the hidden female heroes of the American Revolution to the complex evolution of rock legends like The Rolling Stones and Soundgarden. We also tackle pressing contemporary issues, such as the philosophical weight of tech-driven worldviews or the intimate, often painful journey of personal identity and self-discovery. Think of this as your personal, curated library update. We blend intellectual depth with approachable storytelling, helping you understand the ideas that shape our culture in under fifteen minutes. From summer reading lists recommended by NPR’s own staff to intense examinations of how we reconcile our past with the present, this podcast is designed for curious minds who want to stay informed and inspired. Subscribe to keep your reading list full, your curiosity piqued, and your connection to the world of books stronger than ever.
Updated Jul 8, 2026
Episodes
Revisiting the story of the American Revolution with Rick Atkinson
Rick Atkinson examines the bloody realities of the American Revolution and George Washingtons evolution as a leader.
'America's Founding Son' documents John Quincy Adams' influential post-presidency
After his presidency, John Quincy Adams transformed into a defiant congressional maverick who championed free speech.
Norah O'Donnell’s 'We the Women' pays tribute to U.S. history's female heroes
Uncover the overlooked stories of the brave women who shaped American history and fought for their country.
What to read this summer, according to our NPR colleagues
Discover the best fiction and nonfiction picks for your summer reading list, according to our NPR colleagues.
Judy Blume says she doesn't miss writing … but she’s very glad she wrote
Legendary author Judy Blume reflects on her iconic career and why she is finally content to leave writing behind.
In 'Names Have Been Changed,' a criminal on the run confesses her story on a podcast
A fugitive hiding from the law grapples with her fading identity while anonymously recounting her crimes on a podcast.
A new book argues Elon Musk is the architect of a new world view
Elon Musk is not just a CEO but the architect of a new worldview that shapes our modern financial and tech landscape.
Tom Perrotta’s novel 'Ghost Town' revisits a New Jersey childhood from a bygone era
Tom Perrotta explores grief, nostalgia, and the ghostly remnants of a 1970s New Jersey childhood in his new novel.
New biographies recount how The Rolling Stones and Soundgarden changed rock music
New biographies offer an intimate look at the legends and legacies of The Rolling Stones and Soundgarden.
Laverne Cox on her childhood, 'Walden' and her new memoir 'Transcendent'
Laverne Cox explores her journey from a childhood in the South to acting stardom in her memoir Transcendent.
In 'The Jellyfish Problem,' an introverted scientist is called in to help an island
An introverted scientist investigates a mysterious, giant jellyfish threatening a remote Maine island community.
Sen. Chris Murphy wants the left and right to fix the country’s 'spiritual rot'
Senator Chris Murphy argues that America must overcome its spiritual rot by replacing selfish cults with connection.
In 'Contrapposto,' the meaning of love and the meaning of art go hand-in-hand
Dave Eggers explores how two lifelong friends navigate the power dynamics and elitism of the professional art world.
Two romance books give opposite takes on love, relationships and the absence of both
Two new novels explore the complex tensions between modern relationship modalities and the desire for emotional safety.
Listen to NPR's Book of the Day Plus with Podtastic
Smart Skip for NPR's Book of the Day Plus
Smart Skip automatically skips past the interruptions listeners skip in NPR's Book of the Day Plus episodes, using aggregated listener data.
Smart Summaries for NPR's Book of the Day Plus
Podtastic generates evolving AI summaries for NPR's Book of the Day Plus and every episode. Know what's worth listening to before you press play.
Smart Topics in NPR's Book of the Day Plus
Podtastic highlights key topics in NPR's Book of the Day Plus episodes so you can jump straight to the sections that interest you most.
Skip Silence for NPR's Book of the Day Plus
Skip Silence auto-removes silences from NPR's Book of the Day Plus episodes — saving you 5–15 minutes per hour.
Enhance Voices for NPR's Book of the Day Plus
Enhance Voices in NPR's Book of the Day Plus episodes — voice-tuned EQ and compression that makes voices clearer and evens out loud and quiet podcasts.
Listen to NPR's Book of the Day Plus in Podtastic
For listeners, not advertisers
Related Podcasts
All podcast names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Podcasts listed on Podtastic are publicly available shows distributed via RSS. Podtastic does not endorse nor is endorsed by any podcast or podcast creator listed in this directory.