Thomas Mallon on his new novel 'Up With The Sun'
NPR's Scott Simon talks with author Thomas Mallon. His new novel, "Up With The Sun," draws on the real life, and murder, of a stage and screen actor from the 1950's and '60s.
Author Interviews
DK Nnuro on his debut novel 'What Napoleon Could Not Do'
NPR's Scott Simon speaks with writer DK Nnuro about his debut novel, "What Napoleon Could Not Do," which looks at differences between how African Americans and Black immigrants view the U.S.
A Wife of Bath 'biography' brings a modern woman out of the Middle Ages
Dreamed up by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales more than 600 years ago, the Wife of Bath was known for her lusty appetites, gossipy asides and fondness for wine.
Activist Alice Wong reflects on 'The Year of the Tiger' and her hopes for 2023
In the Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life, Alice Wong shares pieces of her story and experience as a disabled Asian American through a collection of essays, interviews, photos and illustrations.
Novelist Julie Otsuka draws on her own family history in 'The Swimmers'
Otsuka has recently been awarded the Carnegie Medal for Excellence for her novel about a Japanese American woman who's lost much of her memory to dementia. Originally broadcast Feb. 22, 2022.
Encore: Author Jas Hammond on their book, 'We Deserve Monuments'
NPR's Juana Summers talks with author Jas Hammond about their book, We Deserve Monuments. It's a young adult love story and a family mystery that explores intergenerational trauma and racism.
A journalist ventures inside one of the world's most notorious terrorist groups
Jere Van Dyk has spent years in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where he got to know leaders of the Haqqani network, responsible for many suicide bombings and kidnappings. His new book is Without Borders.
How 'modern-day slavery' in the Congo powers the rechargeable battery economy
Phone and electric car batteries are made with cobalt mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cobalt Red author Siddharth Kara describes the conditions for workers as a "horror show."
Junk food companies say they're trying to do good. A new book raises doubts
As the marketing of soda and fast food ramps up around the world, the companies involved forge partnerships to help the poor. The new book 'Junk Food Politics' casts a critical eye at their efforts.
Do special police units deter crime or lead to more prosecutions and convictions?
NPR's A Martinez talks to Paul Butler — law professor at Georgetown University, and author of the book Chokehold: Policing Black Men — about the culture and tactics of special police units.