NPR's Book of the Day • NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

Explore the intersection of life, art, and legacy in NPR's Book of the Day, where host Andrew Limbong together with guests Scott Simon and author Xochitl Gonzalez delve into the fictional world of an artist who transcends the boundaries of creative expression. The narrative journey follows Raquel, a Brown University student, as she discovers the unapologetic authenticity within art. Reflecting on the contrasting artistic narratives of Anita DeMonte and Jack Martin, this episode uncovers how art shapes perceptions and prompts societal discourse, highlighting its capacity to reflect the artist's true self and societal messages.

Examine the ripples caused by an artist's life and the echoes of their work that resonate beyond their existence. Gonzalez's novel, featured in this episode, intertwines the life and mysterious death of artist Ana Mendieta with the fictional DeMonte, creating a poignant commentary on unacknowledged artistry and the quest for recognition. The conversation touches upon Mendieta's influence and the philosophical ponderings of an artist's posthumous legacy, inviting listeners to consider how an artist's contributions may continue to inspire, challenge, and shape conversations long after their departure. This episode offers a blend of fiction and reality, scrutinizing how stories of artists like Mendieta are woven into the fabric of current artistic expression and cultural reflection.

Dive into the literary universe where the essence of urban Native American life is fervently captured in NPR's Book of the Day, where speakers including Andrew Limbong, Lynn Neary, Tommy Orange, and others traverse the path of a bookseller-turned-author, Tommy Orange. The episode sheds light on Orange's transformation from a degree holder in sound engineering to a passionate storyteller, sparking a crucial discourse on the seldom narrated lives of the 70% of Native Americans residing in urban landscapes. His dedication to this underrepresented demographic crafts a fresh narrative lens, revealing how impactful fiction can be in dispelling entrenched stereotypes and illuminating the nuanced diversity of urban Native experiences.

Tommy Orange's literary journey is further explored through his acclaimed debut, "There, There," a novel that threads a tapestry of individual quests for identity set against the backdrop of Oakland, California. The follow-up discussion on his subsequent work, "Wandering Stars," fortifies the connection between historical atrocities and contemporary struggles of addiction and identity within Native American communities. The episode delves into how Orange's storytelling ambitiously bridges the past and present, showcasing the resilient spirit of Native peoples as they contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of cultural identity. Through the conversation, the speakers articulate how Orange's novels craft a compelling counterpoint to the forgotten or misrepresented stories in America’s cultural history.

Dive into the latest episode of NPR's Book of the Day, where host Andrew Limbong sits down with Kara Swisher to delve into her memoir. Swisher's 'Burn Book' is not only a reflection on her career but an incisive critique of the tech industry's most influential personalities. Join them as they dissect the psychological traits of tech leaders like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs and explore how their wealth leads to self-created realities where truth and criticism struggle to penetrate.

Swisher, renowned for her role as an opinion columnist, doesn't hold back in her assessment of the tech moguls' reliance on government support, despite a public facade of entrepreneurial self-sufficiency. The episode also sheds light on Swisher's journalistic approach, highlighting her fearless commitment to challenging tech leaders with pointed observations—the mark of her unique contribution to technology journalism. Gain an insider's perspective on what drives Silicon Valley and the dichotomy between the industry's self-perception and the hard-hitting realities Swisher has witnessed first-hand.

Delve into the contemporary economic challenges facing China with NPR's Book of the Day as host Andrew Limbong and guests Scott Tong and Yasheng Huang unpack the complex layers of 'The Rise and Fall of the EAST'. The episode scrutinizes China's slumping real estate sector, the decline in stock market confidence, and the rising unemployment—factors that are contributing to a nationwide restriction in consumer spending and investment, painting a vivid picture of an economy in flux.

In their discourse, the speakers explore the broader implications of China's financial struggles, including the potential inundation of inexpensive Chinese exports on the U.S. market. The episode also contemplates the country's rigid civil service exam system as a double-edged sword—enhancing administrative unity while restricting innovation. As the conversation turns towards the necessary reforms under Xi Jinping's leadership, the importance of decentralization, private sector revitalization, and global openness are highlighted as potential keys to revitalizing China's once vigorous economic growth.

Dive into a heartfelt episode of NPR's Book of the Day, where Andrew Limbong, Advertisement, Don Gonyea, and Lucy Sante delve into a deeply personal topic. Sante shares her story of transitioning as a transgender woman in her later years, providing a unique perspective on the emotional complexities and societal challenges that accompany such a transformative experience. Her candid discussion encompasses the poignant sense of lost time in living her earlier years in a gender that didn’t align with her identity, while also revealing the unexpected advantages of the invisibility that can come with age.

Sante's interaction with FaceApp became a turning point in her journey, catalyzing her decision to transition by allowing her to visualize her true self. In this powerful narrative, she also addresses the broader socio-political issues, tackling the contentious issue of the political weaponization against the trans community. Her insights suggest a strategic diversion aimed at upholding traditional power structures, rather than fostering the safety and inclusivity for all societal members. Listeners will gain an understanding of the intersection between personal transition stories and the wider political discourse.