NPR's Book of the Day

In need of a good read? Or just want to keep up with the books everyone's talking about? NPR's Book of the Day gives you today's very best writing in a snackable, skimmable, pocket-sized podcast. Whether you're looking to engage with the big questions of our times – or temporarily escape from them – we've got an author who will speak to you, all genres, mood and writing styles included. Catch today's great books in 15 minutes or less. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for Book of the Day.

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Every guest on NPR's Book of the Day

1338 guests, ranked by how many people never want them back.

1. —
   Imani Perry

   'South To America' shows how southern history shaped our nation · 2 episodes

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2. —
   Jamel Brinkley
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3. —
   James Frankie Thomas

   'Idlewild' follows a queer, teen friendship in early 2000s New York · Dec 2023

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4. —
   James Martin
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5. —
   Jenny Xie

   Two novels explore the complexities of parent-child relationships · Jun 2023

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6. —
   Jonathan Escoffery

   'If I Survive You' navigates family and identity in the Jamaican diaspora · Nov 2022

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7. —
   Jonathan Miles

   In 'Eradication,' a grieving man sets off to a remote island to save the world · Feb 2026

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8. —
   Justin Torres

   In 'Blackouts,' Justin Torres shines a light on silenced LGBTQ history · Nov 2023

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9. —
   Kai Bird

   BONUS: A biography and a memoir reexamine Jimmy Carter's extraordinary life · Dec 2024

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10. —
    Kashana Cauley

    In 'The Survivalists,' doomsday prepping becomes a way to regain control · 2 episodes

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11. —
    Khashayar J. Khabushani

    Two books examine masculinity and mental health in immigrant families · Sep 2023

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12. —
    Lan Samantha Chang

    Chinese American culture, murder mystery, and Dostoyevsky in 'The Family Chao' · 3 episodes

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13. —
    Lily Meyer
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14. —
    Liz Cheney

    In 'Oath and Honor,' Liz Cheney analyzes Trump's effect on the Republican party · Dec 2023

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15. —
    Luis Alberto Urrea
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16. —
    Luke Kennard

    In the novel ‘Black Bag,’ a classroom experiment invites questions about masculinity · Mar 2026

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17. —
    Lydia Kiesling

    'Mobility' examines wealth and climate change through the eyes of a teenage girl · Aug 2023

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18. —
    Matthew Salesses

    NBA dreams come true in 'The Sense of Wonder.' But at what cost? · Feb 2023

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19. —
    Max Porter
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20. —
    Meg Howrey

    In 'They're Going to Love You,' a dancer's secret unravels lessons about forgiveness · Dec 2022

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21. —
    Michel Martin

    Revisiting Charles Portis’ True Grit · Nov 2025

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22. —
    Namwali Serpell

    Two novels by Namwali Serpell explore borders and the mixed-race family · Oct 2022

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23. —
    Nina McConigley

    'How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder' is a dark new novel about sisterhood · Feb 2026

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24. —
    Patricia Engel

    Through short stories, 'The Faraway World' encompasses the Latin American diaspora · Feb 2023

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25. —
    Porochista Khakpour

    'Tehrangeles' follows a family of aspiring Iranian influencers in LA · Jun 2024

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26. —
    Rhiannon Giddens

    Two children's books examine the meaning of home · Feb 2023

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27. —
    Rita Bullwinkel

    'Headshot' follows 8 teenage girls into the boxing ring · Mar 2024

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28. —
    Rumaan Alam

    In 'Entitlement,' a young woman helps an elderly billionaire give away his fortune · Sep 2024

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29. —
    Sarah Rose Etter

    'Ripe' tackles the dark side of Silicon Valley · Jul 2023

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30. —
    Tabitha Brown

    Two writers on building new careers and self-fulfillment through food · Nov 2022

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31. —
    Tania James

    'Loot' traces the love, war and art that shaped India's colonial history · 2 episodes

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32. —
    Thomas Mallon

    'Up With The Sun' traces actor Dick Kallman's short-lived career – up to his murder · Feb 2023

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33. —
    Titus Kaphar
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34. —
    Tiya Miles

    'All That She Carried' weaves together generations of Black women · Dec 2021

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35. —
    V. V. Ganeshananthan

    'Brotherless Night' examines the Sri Lankan Civil War through the eyes of one family · Jul 2023

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36. —
    Vanessa Chan

    Two historical fiction novels focus on women's lives during wars in Southeast Asia · Jan 2024

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37. —
    Venus Williams

    Venus Williams' new book 'Strive' is a personal guide to physical and mental health · Sep 2024

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38. —
    Willy Vlautin
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39. —
    Yiyun Li
    0 votes

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40. —
    Aaliyah Bilal

    'Temple Folk' conveys the experiences of Black Muslims through short stories · Jul 2023

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