Author Interviews

Books

Ex-Federal Prosecutor Speaks Out About Trump's Justice Department

5:03am October 27, 2020

by Carrie Johnson

A former prosecutor on special counsel Robert Mueller's team explores options for bringing President Trump, his family members and associates to justice whenever Trump leaves office.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson's new book is called The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food. "Dressing has always been part of an African identity, but also a sad journey in American history," Samuelsson says. "As Black men, we had to dress up. ... If

Books
Arts

Marcus Samuelsson: Erasing Black Culinary History Ignores 'The Soul Of American Food'

1:14pm October 26, 2020

by Dave Davies

"We've been programmed to say great stuff comes from Europe and not from Africa," Samuelsson says. The chef's new book, The Rise, is a celebration of Black excellence in the culinary world.

Books

Harold McGee Goes On A Sniffing Expedition For New Book, 'Nose Dive'

7:52am October 25, 2020

NPR's Lulu Garcia Navarro speaks with author Harold McGee about his new book, Nose Dive: A Field Guide to the World's Smells.

Young woman with a raised fist protests in the street.

New Book Examines How The First Amendment Sits At The Forefront In An Election Year

5:25am October 25, 2020

by Michel Martin

Right now, we have "an entire government apparatus designed to foster falsehoods," says editor Ellis Cose, who has written a new book, The Short Life and Curious Death of Free Speech in America.

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Supermajority co-Founder Alicia Garza participates in Supercharge: Women All In, a virtual day of action hosted by Supermajority, on Sept. 26.

Books

Black Lives Matter Co-Founder On Her New Book, 'The Purpose of Power'

9:37am October 24, 2020

by Michel Martin

Alicia Garza, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter, reflects on her past two decades of activism, the upcoming election and her new book, The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart.

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"I am / a nonstop ball of energy. / Powerful and full of light. / I am a go-getter. A difference maker. / A leader."

Books
Arts

A New Picture Book Reminds Black Sons: You Are 'Every Good Thing'

8:48am October 24, 2020

by Samantha Balaban

When Derrick Barnes began writing children's books 15 years ago, he didn't see Black kids — boys in particular — depicted in positive, affirming ways. His latest book is called I Am Every Good Thing.

Books
Arts

Yes, There's Conflict — But No One's The Bad Guy In 'Memorial'

7:51am October 24, 2020

by Scott Simon

Bryan Washington's debut novel brings together an eclectic cast of characters who redefine family. He says he wanted to write about people operating from a place of love, rather than disdain or hate.

Books

Don DeLillo On New Novel, 'The Silence'

4:43pm October 23, 2020

Ailsa Chang talks with Don DeLillo about his novel, The Silence.

'Fresh Air' Reflects On The Psychedelic Movement

1:35pm October 23, 2020

by Terry Gross

We listen to a 1983 interview with psychologist Timothy Leary, a 1990 interview with spiritual leader Ram Dass and a 2018 interview with How to Change Your Mind author Michael Pollan.

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Books

'Knockout': A Memoir About A Journey From Self-Hate To Self-Love

5:04pm October 22, 2020

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Mia Kang, author of Knockout, about her history of body issues, modeling and the transition to Muay Thai fighter.