Author Interviews

Obama's Former Ethics Czar Discusses Trump, And The Global Threat To Democracy

2:18pm September 06, 2018

by Terry Gross

Norm Eisen's new book, The Last Palace, tells the story of the mansion he lived in as America's ambassador to the Czech Republic and of Europe's ongoing struggle between democracy and illiberalism.

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An unmanned automobile competes in the i-VISTA (Intelligent Vehicle Integrated Systems Test Area) Autonomous Driving Challenge on August 18 in Chongqing, China.

What Happens When A.I. Takes The Wheel?

12:04pm September 06, 2018

by Jasmine Garsd

In his new book Autonomy, Larry Burns, formerly with General Motors, argues that self-driving, electric cars are inevitable. In an interview with NPR, he addresses the now — and the future.

From Poverty To Rocket Scientist To CEO, A Girl Scout's Inspiring Story

5:21pm September 05, 2018

by Elissa Nadworny

When she was a Brownie, Sylvia Acevedo was inspired to earn her science badge. In her new memoir, the Girl Scouts CEO says this experience led directly to her career at NASA.

Reporter April Ryan raises her hand during a press briefing at the White House in 2017. Her pointed questioning has often earned her the ire of the Trump administration's communications team, as she writes in Under Fire.

In The Trump Era, Journalist April Ryan Finds Herself 'Under Fire'

4:55pm September 05, 2018

by Audie Cornish

The longtime White House correspondent, one of the few black reporters in the press corps, has frequently clashed with the current administration's press officers — which she details in a new book.

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Secretary of State John Kerry speaks with the media after attending the Mideast peace conference in Paris on Jan. 15, 2017.

John Kerry Reflects On Smear Campaigns And Not Taking Anything For Granted

3:49pm September 05, 2018

by Terry Gross

During the 2004 presidential election, opponents used falsehoods to attack Kerry's military record. He reflects on that campaign — and on the current state of American politics — in a new memoir.

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Viola Davis has written a new children's book — a sequel to Corduroy, which stars a teddy bear and his young friend Lisa.

Books
Arts

Viola Davis Brings A New 'Corduroy' Book To Bear

4:57pm September 04, 2018

by David Greene

Inspired by her daughter, the Emmy, Tony and Oscar-winning actress has written a picture book. Corduroy Takes a Bow continues the adventures of a curious teddy bear and his young (black) friend Lisa.

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Khalida Brohi grew up Kotri, Pakistan, and was the first girl in her village to go to school.

Her Father Gave Her The Courage To Speak Out Against 'Honor Killings'

3:12pm September 04, 2018

by Terry Gross

Khalida Brohi grew up in tribal Pakistan, where her 14-year-old cousin was murdered by an uncle after she refused an arranged marriage. Her new memoir is I Should Have Honor.

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Books

New Book Takes On The Coddling Of American Minds

11:17am September 04, 2018

Rachel Martin talks to co-author Jonathan Haidt, who argues in a new book that a culture of "safetyism" — including safe spaces and trigger warnings — is setting up a generation for failure.

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Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh is about a teenage Syrian refugee whose father dies on the journey to Europe. He hides in a house in Brussels where an American family lives.

Books

A Syrian Orphan Alone In Brussels In 'Nowhere Boy'

4:54pm September 03, 2018

by Rachel Martin

Katherine Marsh's book Nowhere Boy is the story of a 14-year-old Syrian refugee in Brussels, and his friendship with an American boy. She talks with NPR's Rachel Martin.

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National

New Book Warns Of The Supreme Court's Power

5:22pm September 02, 2018

With the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh pending, NPR's Michel Martin interviews David A. Kaplan about his new book, The Most Dangerous Branch: Inside the Supreme Court's Assault on the Constitution.