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NPR's Book of the Day

NPR's Book of the Day

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Summary

 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.Copyright 2021 NPR - For Personal Use Only Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • Two new books approach running from different angles

    Two new books approach running from different angles
    May 15 2026
    Today’s episode spotlights two new books all about running. The Long Run is a history of the marathon by author and running coach Martin Dugard. He spoke with NPR’s A Martínez about why so many people aspire to run 26.2 miles, from the history of the marathon in ancient Athens to the 1970s running boom. Then, Mary Cain was a child running prodigy. But she faced physical and emotional abuse at the Nike Oregon Project. She talked to NPR’s Juana Summers about her memoir This Is Not About Running, leaving professional running, and her relationship with the sport today.

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    16 mins
  • Reflecting on 30 years of 'The Golden Compass' with Sir Philip Pullman

    Reflecting on 30 years of 'The Golden Compass' with Sir Philip Pullman
    May 14 2026
    It’s been 30 years since Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass arrived on U.S. shores. The award-winning British fantasy classic tells the story of Lyra, a precocious and rebellious pre-adolescent girl who is abandoned to be raised as an orphan at Oxford University. Lyra’s world is populated by animal companions known as demons, a religious organization called the Magisterium and a mysterious substance called dust. Pullman’s novel spawned two trilogies, a movie, and a TV series. In today’s episode, the author speaks with Here & Now’s Indira Lakshmanan about how he developed the idea for Lyra, demons and Dust.

    To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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    12 mins
  • In 'The Future is Peace,' tourism paves a way forward for Israelis and Palestinians

    In 'The Future is Peace,' tourism paves a way forward for Israelis and Palestinians
    May 13 2026
    For Palestinian Aziz Abu Sarah and Israeli Maoz Inon, their bond of mutual understanding evolved from a place of tremendous pain. Both men saw members of their family killed by the other side before, or during, the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, prompting them to trek through the Holy Land to explore the contentious landscape — together. In today’s episode, Abu Sarah and Inon join Here & Now’s Indira Lakshmanan for a conversation about their co-authored book The Future is Peace, and why they view tourism as a crucial building block towards establishing lasting peace in the region.

    To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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    12 mins
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