Author Interviews

Books

'Who Is Rich?' He's A Hard Man To Like But He Makes You Laugh

7:52am July 01, 2017

Scott Simon talks to author Matthew Klam about his new novel, Who is Rich? Rich is a middle-aged cartoonist whose art, marriage and life seems stuck in middle-gear. The novel unfolds over 4 wild days.

Dr. Kurt Newman visits with 14-year-old Jack Pessaud, who's undergoing treatment for a cancerous tumor in his knee at Children's National Health System in Washington, D.C.

'Healing Children': A Surgeon's Take On What Kids Need

5:00am July 01, 2017

Dr. Kurt Newman has spent his career caring for children. In a new book, he argues that children are not just smaller adults, and the differences matter for their treatment.

Comedian Mike Myers grew up an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan, mostly playing street hockey on tennis courts in the suburb of Scarborough. The reason for his first visit to Chicago, where he would later perform with The Second City comedy troupe? To take in

'Feel The Civility': Comedian Mike Myers On Canada — And 'Canada'

4:52pm June 30, 2017

Rachel Martin talks to comedian Mike Myers as Canada prepares to mark 150 years since it took a major step toward independence. Myers has written a book called Canada about his home country.

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Books
Arts

Broadway Chanteuse Barbara Cook: 'My First Memories Are Of Singing'

4:19pm June 30, 2017

After starring in Broadway shows like The Music Man and Candide, Cook struggled with addiction, then staged a successful second career as a cabaret singer. Originally broadcast June 27, 2016.

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Patrick McGovern, scientific director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Project at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, delves into the early history of fermentation in his latest book.

Meet The Indiana Jones Of Ancient Ales And Extreme Beverages

3:35pm June 30, 2017

by Courtney Columbus

Patrick McGovern searches for and studies the residues of fermented drinks that can be thousands of years old — and then re-creates them. His new book explores these brews and their cultural value.

Author Michael Wallis says there are modern lessons to learn from the Donner Party — primarily about the fatal combination of ignorance and arrogance. Above, an undated drawing of the pioneers, looking to make their way West.

Books
Arts

'What Would You Do?' Author Wants To Stop Sensationalizing The Donner Party

11:25am June 28, 2017

by Dave Davies

In The Best Land Under Heaven, Michael Wallis chronicles the saga of a band of pioneers who resorted to cannibalism after getting stranded en route West. He says "there's so much more" to the story.

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Sports
Books

Former Tennis Player James Blake On Athletes And Activism

6:38am June 28, 2017

Retired tennis player James Blake has written a book about athletes who take on social causes after he was tackled by a police officer. He talks with Rachel Martin about his book Ways of Grace.

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'The Strange Death Of Europe' Warns Against Impacts Of Immigration

5:47pm June 27, 2017

NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Douglas Murray about his new book, The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam. He argues that European civilization is dying as a result of immigration.

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Copies of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, on sale in an Arlington, Virginia bookstore in 2000.

Books
Arts

On Harry Potter's 20th Anniversary, Listen To His NPR Debut

5:55pm June 26, 2017

by Glen Weldon

The first Harry Potter book came out 20 years ago today. One year later, in 1998, was the first time we mentioned the book, on All Things Considered. Here's Margot Adler's piece in its entirety.

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John McEnroe reacts during a Men's Legends match against Jim Courier at the Connecticut Open in August 2015.

'But Seriously,' Tennis Great John McEnroe Says He's Seeking 'Inner Peace'

11:12am June 25, 2017

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

Known for his on-court outbursts, McEnroe famously yelled, "You cannot be serious!" at one official. Now, decades later, he says it's a "miracle" if he goes a full day without hearing that line.

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