logo
episode-header-image
Today
2m 10s

Introducing: Books We've Loved

NPR
About this episode

Welcome to Books We've Loved, a new limited series from Book of The Day. Every episode, we will dig into some of our favorite books, to make the case for picking up a book from the past. Hosted by Book of the Day’s Andrew Limbong and Code Switch’s B.A. Parker, they will be your guides through these timeless stories. Bringing on NPR voices and book nerds far and wide, they will discuss titles by authors like Anthony Bourdain, James Baldwin, and Jane Austen, and asking their guests questions like — why can’t they get this book out of their head? How did this book shift a paradigm, shake the culture, or change their life? And, most importantly, why should you read it now? 

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Up next
Today
Introducing: Books We've Loved
Welcome to Books We've Loved, a new limited series from Book of The Day. Every episode, we will dig into some of our favorite books, to make the case for picking up a book from the past. Hosted by Book of the Day’s Andrew Limbong and Code Switch’s B.A. Parker, they will be your g ... Show More
2m 10s
Yesterday
These new mystery novels are 'whodunits' that might as well be called 'whydunits'
Today’s episode features two mystery novels with special twists. First, The Killer Question is a story told via emails, WhatsApp messages and texts. When a new trivia team becomes suspiciously successful, egos are hurt and a body is found in the river. In today’s episode, author ... Show More
17m 34s
Oct 9
In 'Dream School,' Jeff Selingo wants parents to rethink what makes a ‘good’ college
Over the past 20 years, the number of college applications filed to top schools has exploded. And while many American colleges accept most applicants, some parents and students hold tightly to the idea that prestige matters. In his new book Dream School: Finding the College That’ ... Show More
7m 45s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
Book Club: 'My Brilliant Friend,' by Elena Ferrante
This July, The New York Times Book Review published a list of The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. The top choice was “My Brilliant Friend,” by Elena Ferrante, translated by Ann Goldstein.The book is the first novel in Ferrante’s so-called Neapolitan quartet, which tracks the ... Show More
50m 56s
Apr 2025
Book Club: Let’s Talk About Adam Ross’s ‘Playworld’
Set in New York in the 1980s, Adam Ross’s new novel, “Playworld,” tells the story of a young actor named Griffin as he navigates the chaos of the city, of his family and of being a teenager, and the dangers that swirl around each. Although “Playworld” grapples with bleak material ... Show More
43m 55s
Sep 23
The Cartoonist Liana Finck Picks Three Favorite Children’s Books
Liana Finck is a cartoonist and an illustrator who has contributed to The New Yorker since 2015. She is the author of several books, including the graphic memoir “Passing for Human.” Like many of her forebears at the magazine, Finck has also published works for children, and her ... Show More
11m 38s
Jul 21
361. Zora and Nora vs. the Math Monsters
The forest monsters, Scushroom and Crabimedes, need your help in this fully improvised story. Just remember, math and magic don’t mix! Lessons include: When you make up a story with a friend, treat every detail as a gift. Please Subscribe and show your Support! New supporters can ... Show More
17m 32s
Aug 2024
In the Art Room with Rebecca Sugar
Rebecca Sugar changed the world of animation with their hit Cartoon Network show, Steven Universe. It redefined what stories children deserve to experience with themes of self love and family trauma. And it was groundbreaking for its representation of queer, nonbinary characters ... Show More
42m 24s
Apr 2024
Ep. 166: Andrew Boryga (Author of Victim) + Book Recommendations
In episode 166, author Andrew Boryga joins me to discuss his debut novel, Victim, a funny and gripping satire about success and identity. Through the adventures of Javier, Victim explores what “diversity” means, why society loves a victim narrative, and the pitfalls of chasing fa ... Show More
48m 29s
Apr 2025
153. Liv asks: What if clocks were bananas and monkeys ate time?
Today, we learn about Mr. Eric as he travels back in time. Can he stop the Time Monkey, or will he get stuck in his past? Lessons include: Our past helps shape who we are today, even the parts that aren’t so great; new challenges are always scary, but they can help us learn about ... Show More
18m 30s
Jul 7
Episode 27: Music amidst trauma - a conversation on life in a war with Aya Korem and Adam Ben Amitai
There are many ways to process and manage painful and difficult times. After the massacre of October 7 and the multi-front war that ensued, many Israelis turned to music, and often to the powerful ballads and melodies of singer-songwriter duo (and married couple) Aya Korem and Ad ... Show More
55m 31s
Jun 2025
359. Adopt-A-Fred Part 2: Khaki Attacky
It’s Molamo’s turn to tell a story (or two). Can he and Abacus P. Grumbler the wizard learn to face their problems? Also, a pair of pants has taken over the world. Lessons include: We need to face our problems to grow; not everyone will like your art, but how you feel about it ma ... Show More
22m 35s
Oct 2024
How Cascatelli Ended Up In A German Museum
In honor of National Pasta Month, Dan shares the story of how his pasta shape, cascatelli, ended up in a design museum in Germany. When he travels with his family to see the exhibition, al dente: Pasta & Design at the HfG Archiv-Ulm, he finds it’s more incredible, and powerful, t ... Show More
39m 18s