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. —
   Colson Whitehead

   Colson Whitehead on 'Cool Machine,' the final in his Harlem Trilogy series · 4 episodes

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   Never again
2. —
   Douglas Stuart

   A Douglas Stuart double feature! 'Shuggie Bain' and 'Young Mungo' · 2 episodes

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3. —
   Emily Wilson

   'Odyssey' translator Emily Wilson on her book of essays 'Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea' · 2 episodes

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4. —
   Erica Jong

   Erica Jong and daughter Molly Jong-Fast reflect on 'Fear of Flying' · Dec 2023

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5. —
   Gavin Newsom

   In new memoir, Gavin Newsom reflects on his political rise · Mar 2026

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6. —
   Greta Thunberg

   Greta Thunberg hopes 'The Climate Book' is a launching pad for environmental activism · Feb 2023

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7. —
   Griffin Dunne

   Griffin Dunne's memoir chronicles fame, art and tragedy in his Hollywood upbringing · Jul 2024

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8. —
   Ira Madison III

   A new memoir from Ira Madison III is more than just 'Pure Innocent Fun' · Feb 2025

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9. —
   Jesmyn Ward

   In 'Let Us Descend,' Jesmyn Ward harnesses the spirituality of an enslaved woman · Nov 2023

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10. —
    Jhumpa Lahiri

    Jhumpa Lahiri says the phrase ‘Interpreter of Maladies’ came to her in grad school · 3 episodes

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11. —
    John Fetterman

    John Fetterman on his new memoir, his mental health, and disagreements with his party · Dec 2025

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12. —
    Josh Shapiro

    Gov. Josh Shapiro emphasizes civic engagement in new memoir 'Where We Keep the Light' · Feb 2026

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13. —
    Julian Brave NoiseCat

    Julian Brave Noisecat’s 'We Survived the Night' is part memoir, part Native history · Nov 2025

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14. —
    Katie Porter

    Rep. Katie Porter writes about being a working mom in Congress in 'I Swear' · May 2023

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15. —
    Laverne Cox

    Laverne Cox on her childhood, 'Walden' and her new memoir 'Transcendent' · Jun 2026

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16. —
    M. Night Shyamalan
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17. —
    Maeve Higgins

    Author Maeve Higgins humorously reflects on her immigrant experience · Feb 2022

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18. —
    Molly Jong-Fast
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19. —
    Ocean Vuong

    Poet Ocean Vuong shares his grief in 'Time Is A Mother' · 5 episodes

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20. —
    Percival Everett

    Percival Everett centers a new voice in 'James,' a retelling of 'Huckleberry Finn' · 4 episodes

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21. —
    Sandra Cisneros

    Sandra Cisneros’ ‘The House on Mango Street’ was born from a feeling of displacement · Sep 2025

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22. —
    Sarah Cooper

    Sarah Cooper's memoir 'Foolish' is about her immigrant family, TikTok fame and comedy · Feb 2024

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23. —
    Sathnam Sanghera

    In 'Empireland,' Sathnam Sanghera takes a closer look at the UK's imperialist history · Apr 2023

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24. —
    Steve Martin

    Steve Martin, Harry Bliss and Nick Hornby take different approaches to working hard · Jan 2023

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25. —
    Tayari Jones

    'Kin' and 'When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky' fictionalize the Jim Crow South · 2 episodes

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26. —
    Warsan Shire

    Poet Warsan Shire hopes you can make the voices in your head your friends · 2 episodes

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27. —
    Abby Phillip

    Abby Phillip’s 'A Dream Deferred' chronicles Jesse Jackson’s rise to political esteem · Dec 2025

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28. —
    Alexander Vindman

    Alexander Vindman's 'The Folly of Realism' suggests a long-term approach to Ukraine · Mar 2025

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29. —
    Ann Patchett

    Ann Patchett’s 'Whistler' and 'Tom Lake' are novels written with love in mind · 3 episodes

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30. —
    Aurora James

    In her memoir, designer Aurora James examines representation and equality in fashion · Jul 2023

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31. —
    Bozoma Saint John

    Bozoma Saint John opens up about trauma, grief and healing in 'The Urgent Life' · Feb 2023

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32. —
    Brittney Griner

    Brittney Griner's memoir recounts her detention in Russia and finally 'Coming Home' · May 2024

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33. —
    Chanel Miller

    Chanel Miller's new children's book follows lost socks in New York City · May 2024

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34. —
    Chelsea Devantez

    Chelsea Devantez's memoir finds the humor in dark situations · Jun 2024

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35. —
    Chris Murphy

    Sen. Chris Murphy wants the left and right to fix the country’s 'spiritual rot' · Jun 2026

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36. —
    Christine Blasey Ford

    Christine Blasey Ford tells her own story in 'One Way Back' · Mar 2024

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37. —
    Christine Brennan

    'On Her Game' is Christine Brennan's portrait of basketball star Caitlin Clark · Jul 2025

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38. —
    Chuck Schumer

    Chuck Schumer's 'Antisemitism in America' warns of a resurgence in antisemitic views · Mar 2025

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39. —
    Cory Booker

    Sen. Cory Booker on 'Stand' and his intentions for the 2028 election · Apr 2026

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40. —
    Cory Richards

    Cory Richards' memoir covers mountains, photography and mental health · Aug 2024

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