Author Jade Chang on the books she's reading to keep summer going
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, author Jade Chang discusses books that capture the spirit of summer. Chang and host Ailsa Chang explore why summer feels timeless—a respite from routine and mortality that draws readers toward classic, enduring narratives. They discuss journey-based stories that emphasize exploration over destination, including Naomi Mitchison's "The Corn King and the Spring Queen" and Sam Mao's "Stories of the Sahara."
The conversation also covers Kieron Millwood Hargrave's "What a Time to Be Alive," which follows a woman whose viral grief transforms her into an online spiritual leader. Chang examines why ordinary people become gurus and why audiences follow them, suggesting this reflects a universal desire to solve fundamental questions about authentic living. The episode explores the tension between private reality and public persona in self-help culture and the human fascination with those who offer guidance.
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1-Page Summary
Summer as Timelessness and Freedom
Jade Chang reflects that summer is fundamentally about the experience of time itself—how it seems to pause. This love for summer originates in childhood, when it meant freedom from school and routine. Ailsa Chang associates summer with boundless freedom tied to youth, while Jade Chang adds that summer offers a reprieve from the awareness of mortality and the pressure to stay current with every trend. This atmosphere of timelessness, she suggests, is why summer encourages a return to classic literature and enduring narratives that reconnect people with universal human experiences.
Summer Reading: The Appeal of Timeless, Journey-Based Narratives
Summer's sense of exploration makes journey-based narratives especially appealing. Jade Chang highlights that these stories aren't about destinations, but about "traveling through all these different lands... discovering different kinds of philosophy, different kinds of food, different kinds of ways of being." Ailsa Chang points to "The Corn King and the Spring Queen" by Naomi Mitchison as an ideal example, with its episodic structure that revels in the richness of exploration. Jade Chang expands this further by introducing "Stories of the Sahara" by Sam Mao—a Taiwanese woman's account of life in the Western Sahara Desert. Both celebrate how this translation by Mike Fu offers a fresh perspective rarely seen in English-language travel literature, embodying the spirit of exploration that defines summer's best stories.
Plot of "What a Time to Be Alive": Grief, Viral Fame, Private to Public Transformation
"What a Time to Be Alive" centers on Lola Treasure Gold as she navigates profound personal loss when her close friend Alex dies. This death marks a clear "before and after" in Lola's life, fundamentally altering her experience. Shortly after, a video of Lola speaking about her grief goes viral, transforming her from a private individual into a public figure overnight. As she becomes comfortable with her online celebrity status, Lola evolves into a self-help guru and spiritual leader, hosting moon-viewing parties for followers. The novel explores the tension between Lola's authentic, grieving self and the expectations placed upon her as a public figure, highlighting the negotiation between sincere vulnerability and the performance demanded by digital fame.
Ordinary People as Gurus: Public Persona vs. Private Reality
Jade Chang describes how spiritual leaders often appear as authorities publicly, but backstage they're "just like us"—ordinary and often goofy people. She suggests the appeal of ordinary people as spiritual leaders comes from the hope that anyone can access divine knowledge, making their teachings seem accessible. Ailsa Chang comments on how normal people can be elevated almost to deity status, demonstrating society's tendency to project authority onto relatable individuals, even when they lack traditional expertise.
Self-Help Culture and Philosophy: Seeking Guidance From Flawed Individuals
Ailsa Chang observes that people frequently turn to strangers online for advice, despite these figures having messy private lives. Jade Chang focuses on the human fascination with those who offer themselves as gurus, exploring why people desire to become or follow such personas. She suggests the appeal lies in the universal desire to believe that anyone can find answers to fundamental questions of existence. Chang asserts that the central human project is discovering how to live authentically, and the draw to guru narratives reflects this core impulse to solve the mystery of being a complete, authentic human being.
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Counterarguments
- The sense of timelessness attributed to summer may not be universal; for many, summer can be a period of increased work, stress, or responsibility, especially for those in seasonal industries or caretaking roles.
- Not all childhoods associate summer with freedom; some children experience increased hardship, lack of structure, or food insecurity during school breaks.
- The idea that summer offers a reprieve from mortality or social pressures may not resonate with individuals facing health issues, social isolation, or heightened anxiety during this season.
- The encouragement to engage with classic literature during summer may overlook the appeal and value of contemporary works or genres that do not fit the "timeless" label.
- Journey-based narratives are not universally appealing; some readers prefer stories with clear destinations, resolutions, or non-exploratory themes.
- The focus on exploration and discovery in summer reading may not account for those who find comfort in routine, familiarity, or introspective narratives.
- The elevation of ordinary people to guru status can be problematic, as it may lead to the spread of misinformation or unqualified advice.
- The accessibility of spiritual leaders does not guarantee the quality or safety of their teachings, and relatability can sometimes mask a lack of expertise or accountability.
- Seeking advice from flawed strangers online can expose individuals to harmful or exploitative influences, and may undermine the value of professional or evidence-based guidance.
- The fascination with gurus and the quest for authenticity may overlook the importance of community, tradition, or collective wisdom in addressing existential questions.
- The narrative that anyone can become a complete, authentic human being through self-help or guru-following may set unrealistic expectations and ignore structural or systemic barriers to self-actualization.
Actionables
- you can set aside one afternoon each week to intentionally do nothing scheduled or productive, letting yourself experience the sensation of time pausing and rediscovering the open-ended freedom often felt during childhood summers; for example, wander your neighborhood with no destination, nap in the park, or simply watch clouds drift by.
- a practical way to reconnect with the spirit of exploration is to pick a random spot on a map within walking or biking distance and journey there without planning your route, focusing on noticing unfamiliar details, people, and places along the way, and reflecting afterward on what surprised you or shifted your perspective.
- you can experiment with seeking advice on a small personal dilemma from a stranger in a public online forum, then compare their response to your own instincts, using the experience to observe how you project authority onto others and how it feels to weigh guidance from someone outside your usual circle.
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Summer as Timelessness and Freedom
Summer: A State of Timelessness and Distant Mortality
Jade Chang reflects that summer is more than just time spent by the pool or at the beach—it is fundamentally about the experience of time itself, how it seems to pause. The love for summer originates in childhood, when it meant months free from school, evoking a sense of escape and liberation. Ailsa Chang associates summer with boundless freedom, a feeling strongly tied to youth when periods away from routine gave space to roam and dream. Jade Chang agrees, describing summer as offering not only freedom from structure but also a reprieve from the awareness of mortality. In this season, individuals do not feel the need to be driven by urgency or the pressure to keep up with every new trend or societal imperative; summer becomes an interlude from constantly having to be current.
Summer's Spiritual Essence Revealed Through Timeless Art and Narra ...
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Summer as Timelessness and Freedom
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Counterarguments
- The association of summer with timelessness and freedom is culturally specific and may not resonate with individuals from regions where summer is a time of hardship, extreme weather, or increased labor.
- For many adults, summer does not represent a break from structure or routine, as work and other responsibilities continue regardless of the season.
- The idea that summer offers a reprieve from the awareness of mortality may not hold true for everyone; for some, the season can heighten awareness of aging, health concerns, or loss.
- Not everyone has positive childhood memories of summer; for some, it may have been a time of boredom, loneliness, or lack of resources.
- The notion that summer encourages a return to classic literature and enduring narratives may not reflect the experiences or preferences of all individuals, as some may prefer contemporary works or other ...
Actionables
- You can set aside one day each week as a “timeless day” where you intentionally avoid clocks, schedules, and digital notifications to recreate the feeling of unstructured summer freedom; spend the day moving from activity to activity only when you feel like it, letting curiosity and mood guide you rather than the clock.
- A practical way to evoke the sense of youthful escape is to create a “summer memory box” by collecting small objects, photos, or notes that remind you of carefree summer moments, then revisit the box whenever you want to reconnect with that feeling of liberation and timelessness.
- You can hos ...
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Summer Reading: The Appeal of Timeless, Journey-Based Narratives
Summer evokes a sense of exploration and wandering, making journey-based narratives especially appealing for seasonal reading. These stories offer more than destinations; they focus on experiences, discoveries, and the process of traveling through diverse worlds—emphasizing the essence of summer as a time for imaginative journeying.
Journey-Focused Narratives Capture Summer's Essence, Emphasizing Exploration Over Destination
Jade Chang highlights the allure of journey stories, noting, "It's not about the destination, right? It's about traveling through all these different lands... discovering different kinds of philosophy, different kinds of food, different kinds of ways of being." Such narratives mirror the spirit of summer—free, wandering, and open to new experiences. Ailsa Chang points to "The Corn King and the Spring Queen," a 1931 novel by Naomi Mitchison, as an ideal example. The book’s episodic structure spans Greek worlds, offering readers immersive voyages across time and place. Rather than focusing solely on where characters end up, the novel revels in the richness of their exploration, granting it a timeless quality.
Non-western Travel Writing Expands Summer Reading Beyond Western Narratives
Summer reading can become even more expansive by stepping beyond Western perspectives. Jade Chang introduces "Stories of the Sahara" by Sam Mao, a Taiwanese woman who chronicled her life in the ...
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Summer Reading: The Appeal of Timeless, Journey-Based Narratives
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Counterarguments
- While journey-based narratives are often associated with summer, some readers may prefer other genres—such as mysteries, romances, or thrillers—for their seasonal reading, finding them equally or more engaging.
- Focusing on exploration and process over destination may not appeal to readers who prefer tightly plotted stories with clear resolutions or goals.
- The idea that journey-focused narratives uniquely capture the essence of summer could be seen as subjective, as the "essence" of summer varies greatly among individuals and cultures.
- Emphasizing non-Western travel writing as inherently more expansive or enriching may unintentionally diminish the value of Western narratives, which can also offer diverse perspectives and insights.
- The as ...
Actionables
- you can create a summer exploration journal where you document small, everyday journeys—like trying a new walking route, sampling unfamiliar foods, or visiting a local cultural event—and reflect on what you discover about different ways of living, thinking, or eating in your own community
- (for example, jot down observations after visiting a neighborhood market you’ve never explored, or write about the experience of attending a festival from a culture different from your own).
- a practical way to broaden your perspective is to swap summer reading lists with someone from a different cultural background and commit to reading at least one book or story they recommend, then discuss your impressions together
- (for example, ask a coworker or online pen pal from another country to suggest a favorite journey-based story, and set up a casual chat or email exchange to share what surprised or intrigued you).
- you can map out a “philosophy walk” by choosing a theme—like ope ...
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Plot of "What a Time to Be Alive": Grief, Viral Fame, Private to Public Transformation
"What a Time to Be Alive" centers on Lola Treasure Gold as she navigates the aftermath of profound personal loss and the complexities that emerge when private grief collides with public attention.
Lola Gold's Life-Altering Moments: Friend Alex's Death and Viral Video
Alex's Death Marks a Pivotal Shift in Lola's Life, Fundamentally Altering Her Experience
Lola's life is irrevocably changed by the death of her very close friend, Alex. This event stands as a clear "before and after" in her existence, marking a foundational shift in how she experiences the world and processes her own emotions. It is a moment that alters her path, launching her into a period of intense grief.
Viral Video Makes Lola a Public Figure, Offering New Visibility Choices
Shortly after Alex's death, a video of Lola speaking about her grief is posted online by someone else and unexpectedly goes viral. This incident transforms Lola from a private individual into a public figure virtually overnight. With her newly found visibility, Lola faces the pivotal choice of how, or whether, to embrace the possibilities presented by her sudden fame. The viral video doesn’t just expose her pain, but also offers her an opportunity—it asks her whether she will step into this new limelight and shape its narrative or retreat from it.
Lola's Ease With Her Online Celebrity Status Highlights Navigating Private Grief and Public Performance Tension
As Lola becomes more comfortable with her status as an online celebrity, she evolves into a ...
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Plot of "What a Time to Be Alive": Grief, Viral Fame, Private to Public Transformation
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Counterarguments
- The narrative may overstate the transformative power of viral fame, as not all individuals who go viral are able or willing to leverage that attention into lasting influence or a new identity.
- The depiction of Lola's transition from private grief to public spiritual leadership could be seen as unrealistic or overly simplified, as such transitions often involve more complex psychological and social challenges.
- The story may romanticize or glamorize the idea of becoming a self-help guru or spiritual leader through personal tragedy, potentially overlooking the ethical and emotional pitfalls of such a path.
- The portrayal of followers seeking guidance from internet personalities might underplay the skepticism and critical thinking that many people apply when choosing whom to trust online.
- The tens ...
Actionables
- you can create a private audio diary where you record your thoughts and feelings after a significant loss, then listen back weeks later to notice how your perspective and emotions shift over time; this helps you recognize your own "before and after" moments and track your personal growth.
- a practical way to explore the tension between authenticity and public perception is to write two versions of a social media post about a personal experience—one that feels completely honest and another that feels more curated—then reflect on which feels truer to you and why, without posting either.
- you ca ...
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Ordinary People as Gurus: Public Persona vs. Private Reality
Jade Chang describes attending events where spiritual leaders present themselves as authorities, but when seen in private or backstage, it becomes clear that they are "just like us"—ordinary and often goofy people. This contrast between their public facade and behind-the-scenes reality underscores their ordinariness, despite the aura of wisdom and authority projected in public.
Spiritual Leaders Often Live Privately Messy Lives Contradicting Their Teachings
Spiritual Leaders: Public Facade vs. Backstage Reality Reveals Ordinariness
Chang observes that those claiming to have spiritual answers often appear no different from anyone else when not performing for an audience. The backstage view reveals their human flaws, habits, and quirks, which contradicts the polished or enlightened persona presented to followers.
Ordinary People as Gurus Reflects Belief in Attainable Spiritual Insight
Chang suggests the appeal of ordinary people as spiritual leaders comes from the hope that anyone, even a "regular fallible human," can access divine knowledge. This belief makes their spiritual teachings seem accessible and attainable, fueling the phenomenon of elevating everyday individuals to guru status.
Deification of Individuals Shows Humanity's ...
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Ordinary People as Gurus: Public Persona vs. Private Reality
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Counterarguments
- The ordinariness or flaws of spiritual leaders in private does not necessarily undermine the value or authenticity of their public teachings; human imperfection can coexist with genuine insight or wisdom.
- The distinction between public persona and private reality is common to many roles (e.g., teachers, doctors, politicians) and does not uniquely discredit spiritual leadership.
- The accessibility of spiritual insight through ordinary people can be seen as democratizing and empowering, rather than as a flaw or contradiction.
- Expertise in spiritual matters is not always measured by formal qualifications; lived experience and personal transformation can be valid sources of authority in spiritual contexts.
- Followers may be aware of the hum ...
Actionables
- You can keep a private journal where you record moments when you notice yourself putting someone on a pedestal, then write down ordinary, humanizing details about them to remind yourself of their complexity and fallibility.
- A practical way to balance admiration with realism is to intentionally seek out and note stories or anecdotes that reveal the everyday, imperfect sides of people you admire, whether from interviews, social media, or casual conversations.
- You can create a personal checklist to use when y ...
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Self-Help Culture and Philosophy: Seeking Guidance From Flawed Individuals
Seeking Advice From Strangers Online Overlooks Their Private Contradictions
Ailsa Chang observes that people frequently turn to strangers for advice, particularly in the era of social media. These strangers, often public figures, can have very messy and conflicted private lives, yet still gain trust and influence over how others choose to live. This reliance on individuals with complicated personal realities highlights a disconnect in modern culture between public perception and private truth. Despite not truly knowing these figures, many still allow them to shape their decisions and beliefs.
The Core Human Endeavor Is About Authentic Living and Understanding One's Place Among Others, Explaining Our Draw To Narratives About Gurus and Spiritual Seekers
Jade Chang focuses on the human fascination with those who offer themselves as self-help gurus or spiritual authorities. She notes her interest in exploring the perspective of the guru—not the follower or the skeptic, but the one who assumes the role of advisor, projecting knowledge and certainty. This raises broader questions about why ordinary people desire to become, or follow, such personas.
Chang suggests that the appeal lies in the universal desire to believe that anyone—even an ordinary, ...
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Self-Help Culture and Philosophy: Seeking Guidance From Flawed Individuals
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Clarifications
- Public perception is how people appear or are seen by others, often shaped by media or social interactions. Private truth refers to the reality of a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are hidden from public view. These two can differ because individuals may present an idealized or controlled image publicly while experiencing contradictions or struggles privately. This gap can lead to misunderstandings about a person's true character or situation.
- Social media public figures often present curated versions of their lives that highlight success and positivity, which can create idealized images. Their large followings give them significant influence, making their opinions and lifestyles seem aspirational or trustworthy. People may adopt advice or behaviors from these figures without fully verifying their credibility or understanding their private complexities. This dynamic can lead to decisions based more on perception than on informed, personal judgment.
- "Authentic living" means being true to your own values, feelings, and identity rather than conforming to external expectations. It involves self-awareness and making choices that reflect your genuine self. This is considered a "core human endeavor" because people naturally seek meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging in life. Striving for authenticity helps individuals feel whole and connected to others.
- A "guru" is traditionally a spiritual teacher or guide in Indian religions who imparts wisdom and helps others achieve enlightenment. In modern culture, the term often extends to anyone seen as an expert or mentor in personal growth or self-help. Gurus symbolize authority and insight, offering answers to life's complex questions. Their cultural significance lies in their role as figures who promise guidance toward meaning, purpose, and authentic living.
- Ordinary people may desire to become or follow gurus because they seek certainty and guidance in a complex, uncertain world. Gurus often symbolize wisdom and stability, offering clear answers to life's challenges. Following or becoming a guru can fulfill a psychological need for meaning, purpose, and connection. This dynamic also reflects a social tendency to look for role models who embody ideal qualities or solutions.
- The phrase "the central human project" refers to the fundamental and ongoing effort of humans to find meaning and purpose in life. Philosophically, it involves questions of identity, authenticity, and how to live well in relation to others. This concept draws from existentialist and humanistic traditions that emphasize self-discovery and personal growth. It suggests that living authentically is a core challenge and goal for all people.
- Narratives about self-help and spiritual seekers serve as symbolic journeys that mirror our own search for meaning and identity. They provide frameworks to understand complex emotions and life challenges by illustrating personal growth and transformation ...
Counterarguments
- Seeking advice from strangers online can sometimes provide valuable perspectives precisely because the advice comes from outside one's immediate social circle, offering fresh or unbiased viewpoints.
- The fact that public figures have "messy" private lives does not necessarily invalidate the usefulness or truth of their advice; wisdom can coexist with personal imperfection.
- Many individuals are aware that public figures are flawed and still choose to engage with their advice critically, rather than blindly trusting them.
- The disconnect between public perception and private truth is not unique to modern culture; historical figures and traditional authorities have also presented curated public personas.
- The desire to follow or become a guru may also stem from social, economic, or psychological factors, such as the need for community, validation, or financial gain, not solely from existential searching.
- Not everyone is drawn to self-help or guru narratives; some people find meaning ...
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1-Page Summary- Summer as Timelessness and Freedom
- Summer Reading: The Appeal of Timeless, Journey-Based Narratives
- Plot of "What a Time to Be Alive": Grief, Viral Fame, Private to Public Transformation
- Ordinary People as Gurus: Public Persona vs. Private Reality
- Self-Help Culture and Philosophy: Seeking Guidance From Flawed Individuals
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