A new book argues Elon Musk is the architect of a new world view

'America's Founding Son' documents John Quincy Adams' influential post-presidency

Jul 7, 20267 minSummary

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, musician and author Bob Crawford discusses his biography, America's Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick. Crawford explores the fascinating transition of Adams from a defeated, one-term president to a persistent and disruptive force in the House of Representatives. While Adams initially entered Congress feeling a sense of duty and perhaps a desire to settle personal scores, he soon became a central figure in the legislative battles over slavery. The discussion highlights how Adams, a master of parliamentary procedure, championed the right to petition the government, even when he disagreed with the radical tactics of abolitionists. When Southern congressmen implemented the restrictive gag rule to silence anti-slavery voices, Adams transformed the fight into a defense of the First Amendment and free speech. Crawford explains how Adams’ confrontational tactics and his eventual defense of the Amistad captives redefined his legacy. By refusing to be silenced, Adams arguably brought more attention to the issue of slavery than he might have otherwise, ultimately evolving from an establishment insider into a principled American hero.

Norah O'Donnell’s 'We the Women' pays tribute to U.S. history's female heroes

Jul 6, 20268 minSummary

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, CBS News senior correspondent Norah O'Donnell joins host Mary Louise Kelly to discuss her book, We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, O'Donnell shines a light on the influential women who were instrumental in the nation's founding and development yet have been largely sidelined in historical records. The conversation highlights remarkable figures such as Mary Catherine Goddard, who was responsible for the official printing of the Declaration of Independence, and Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War. O'Donnell also reflects on the powerful legacy of educator Mary McLeod Bethune, who overcame systemic adversity to champion civil rights and education. Throughout the episode, O'Donnell underscores the sobering reality that women are featured in less than fifteen percent of history taught in the United States. Ultimately, the discussion serves as both a tribute to these unsung patriots and a hopeful look at how the next generation is actively dismantling the barriers that have historically limited women's roles in society.

What to read this summer, according to our NPR colleagues

Jul 3, 20267 minSummary

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Alysa Adworney sits down with producer Chloe Weiner to discuss the highly anticipated Books We Love list, featuring a curated selection of titles the NPR staff has championed throughout the first half of the year. The conversation highlights several standout works of fiction, ranging from adventurous rom-coms like Alicia Rye’s Enemies to Lovers to compelling character studies set in Brooklyn. The hosts also touch on atmospheric reads that transport readers to France and Maine, exploring how setting influences the reading experience. Moving into the realm of nonfiction, the discussion focuses on books that transform dense or intimidating subjects into accessible, deeply human narratives. Highlights include a memoir by legal scholar Kimberly Crenshaw, which offers a personal look at the development of influential sociological concepts, and works that explore history and philosophy through the lens of the natural environment, such as the relationship between the Mississippi Delta’s landscape and its history, and the scientific wisdom of trees. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for listeners looking for meaningful summer reads that offer both intellectual depth and narrative satisfaction.

Judy Blume says she doesn't miss writing … but she’s very glad she wrote

Jul 2, 202613 minSummary

In this episode, acclaimed author Judy Blume joins NPR’s Scott Simon at the Santa Fe International Literary Festival to reflect on her legendary career and her transition away from writing. Though Blume has not published a new book since 2015, she remains deeply connected to literature through her work as a bookstore owner in Key West, Florida—a role she finds immensely satisfying. Blume discusses her creative process, highlighting how she relied on a heightened awareness of everyday details and personal truths to resonate with young readers. She explains that she never set out to teach lessons, but rather to tell authentic stories about the experiences of growing up. The conversation covers her early inspirations, the importance of being an avid reader before becoming a writer, and the emotional process of letting go of characters once a book is finished. Blume shares candid reflections on her past as a mother and her artistic evolution, ultimately concluding that while she does not miss the solitude of writing, she is profoundly grateful for the stories she brought into the world and the lasting bond they created with her readers.

In 'Names Have Been Changed,' a criminal on the run confesses her story on a podcast

Jul 1, 20268 minSummary

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, author Yu Mei Balasingham Chow discusses her debut novel, Names Have Been Changed, a gripping story about an ordinary woman forced into a life of crime and anonymity. The protagonist, known to her listeners as Ophir, is a fugitive from Singapore who attempts to process her guilt and lost identity by hosting a secret podcast while on the run. The conversation explores the profound emotional weight of a name and the psychological toll of adopting multiple personas over a decade of exile. A central theme is the intersection of language and identity; Ophir deliberately suppresses her natural Singaporean voice and the use of Singlish to avoid detection, inadvertently severing a vital connection to her true self. Balasingham Chow reflects on the complexity of the diaspora experience, examining how those who leave their home countries remain emotionally tethered to them. Through the encounter between Ophir and a long-term political exile, the author highlights the terrifying realization that some departures are permanent, inviting readers to consider how one constructs a sense of self when the path home is permanently closed.

Tom Perrotta’s novel 'Ghost Town' revisits a New Jersey childhood from a bygone era

Jun 29, 202610 minSummary

In this episode, novelist Tom Perrotta joins the program to discuss his latest work, Ghost Town. The novel serves as a poignant, semi-autobiographical reflection on a formative summer in 1970s New Jersey, told through the perspective of Jimmy, a thirteen-year-old boy struggling to navigate life after his mother’s death. Perrotta explores the intersections of grief, nostalgia, and the supernatural, drawing inspiration from his own experiences returning to his childhood home to care for his aging mother during the pandemic. The conversation delves into the stark contrasts between the segregated, insular suburbs of the seventies and the diverse, interconnected reality of the modern era. Perrotta reflects on the complexities of a childhood defined by "free-range" independence, the lingering presence of familial memories, and the process of reconciling one's past. The discussion also touches upon the protagonist’s journey as a successful but unmoored television writer who must confront his own history to regain a sense of wholeness. Through this introspective look at Ghost Town, Perrotta examines how storytelling acts as a powerful tool for processing trauma and reclaiming one's narrative.

New biographies recount how The Rolling Stones and Soundgarden changed rock music

Jun 26, 202619 minSummary

This episode of NPR's Book of the Day explores the legacies of two iconic bands through recent memoirs and biographies. Author Bob Spitz joins the program to discuss his deep dive into The Rolling Stones, examining the band’s origins as a blues-inspired rock group and the enduring, complex partnership between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Spitz highlights how the band cultivated a rebellious bad-boy image that often resulted in chaos, such as the disastrous 1969 Altamont concert, while also addressing long-standing criticisms regarding the misogynistic themes in some of their music. Despite these controversies, Spitz argues that their lasting appeal lies in a catalog of magnificent, generation-defining songs. The conversation then shifts to the Seattle grunge movement with Kim Thayil, lead guitarist of Soundgarden, who discusses his memoir, A Screaming Life. Thayil reflects on the band’s rise from underground beginnings to mainstream success, his initial hesitation regarding the hit Black Hole Sun, and the deep emotional toll caused by the loss of frontman Chris Cornell. The discussion touches on the tragic prevalence of early deaths within the Seattle music scene and the surviving members' efforts to complete a final Soundgarden album featuring Cornell’s unreleased vocal recordings.

Laverne Cox on her childhood, 'Walden' and her new memoir 'Transcendent'

Jun 25, 20269 minSummary

In this episode, actress and advocate Laverne Cox discusses her powerful new memoir, Transcendent. Speaking with host Elsa Cheng, Cox reflects on her life journey, from growing up in the deep South as a Black transgender child to becoming a breakout television star at age forty. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on her complicated relationship with her mother, explaining how the experience of seeking love and approval from someone who often withheld it shaped her personal evolution and capacity for compassion. The discussion also explores the roots of Cox’s resilience and her lifelong commitment to rising above systemic dehumanization. She shares how the philosophy of transcendentalism, inspired by reading Walden as a teenager, gave her a framework for envisioning a life beyond her immediate circumstances. Furthermore, Cox reflects on why she is grateful her major success arrived later in life, noting that her maturity allowed her to anchor her self-worth in her humanity rather than external achievements. The episode concludes with a poignant message from Cox to her younger self, reaffirming that her identity is beautiful, valid, and worthy of celebration.

In 'The Jellyfish Problem,' an introverted scientist is called in to help an island

Jun 24, 20266 minSummary

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day Plus, host Melissa Nadworney sits down with author Tessa Yang to discuss her debut novel, The Jellyfish Problem. The story follows Josephine Ness, an introverted and brilliant marine biologist who is recruited to help a remote island off the coast of Maine deal with a mysterious, giant glowing jellyfish. The creature is wreaking havoc on the local tourism industry and threatening the small community, forcing Joe to confront both the scientific anomaly and her own personal struggles. The conversation explores the complex parallels between Joe and the creature she studies, whom she names Clementine. Yang explains that the jellyfish serves as a profound metaphor for being misunderstood, mirroring Joe's own isolation. The discussion also touches on the lingering presence of Joe’s late research partner, Aldo, whose influence guides her scientific approach and internal growth as she navigates her grief. Through this quirky blend of marine biology and magical realism, Yang and Nadworney examine the nature of monsters, the necessity of human connection, and what it truly means to be understood.

Sen. Chris Murphy wants the left and right to fix the country’s 'spiritual rot'

Jun 23, 20268 minSummary

In this episode, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy discusses his book, Crisis of the Common Good: The Fight for Meaning and Connection in a Broken America. Murphy argues that the United States is suffering from a deep spiritual rot characterized by rising rates of isolation, addiction, and political violence. He attributes this instability to the influence of six cultural forces—which he terms cults—including the worship of profit, consumption, technology, and credentialism. These ideologies, he suggests, have prioritized individual gain over the common good and left many Americans feeling purposeless and disconnected. Murphy acknowledges that political leaders, including himself, bear significant responsibility for creating an economic environment that strips work of its dignity. He contends that rather than relying on incremental policy shifts, the government must adopt a bolder, more empathetic approach to address the emotional state of the country. By focusing on systemic issues like corporate greed rather than divisive cultural rhetoric, Murphy believes that both the left and right can find common ground to repair the nation's social fabric and restore a sense of collective purpose.