Fresh Air
Book Recommendations

Fresh Air

Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries. Subscribe to Fresh Air Plus! You'll enjoy...

Episodes 879
Books 1,286
Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie Cover

Muriel Spark

Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie

The host highlighted Maggie Smith's Oscarwinning performance in the film adaptation of the novel, noting its 1969 release and its significance in her career.

"

She won two Academy Awards for The Prime of Miss Jean Brody and California Suite.

— Episode: Remembering Maggie Smith and Kris Kristo...

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Episode: Remembering Maggie Smith and Kris Kristofferson

The host highlighted Maggie Smith's Oscarwinning performance in the film adaptation of the novel, noting its 1969 release and its significance in her career.

"

She won two Academy Awards for The Prime of Miss Jean Brody and California Suite.

Let's talk a bit about The Prime of Miss Jean Brody.

And that is our guest Maggie Smith in our performance that won her the Best Actress Oscar, the prime of Miss Jean Brody in 1969.

Pimps, Hos, Playa Hatas, and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends: My Life Cover

John Leguizamo

Pimps, Hos, Playa Hatas, and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends

My Life

Tanya asked John about the title of his memoir, and he confirmed it was titled Pimps, Hoes, Playahatahs and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends.

"

You wrote in your memoir a few years ago, and I got to say the name of your memoir because I also am just curious how you come up with titles. But your memoir was titled Pimps, Hoes, Playahatahs and A...

— Episode: John Leguizamo Gives The Untold Story Of...

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Episode: John Leguizamo Gives The Untold Story Of Latinos I...

Tanya asked John about the title of his memoir, and he confirmed it was titled Pimps, Hoes, Playahatahs and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends.

"

You wrote in your memoir a few years ago, and I got to say the name of your memoir because I also am just curious how you come up with titles. But your memoir was titled Pimps, Hoes, Playahatahs and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends.

The Message Cover

Ta-Nehisi Coates

The Message

Coates's latest work was described as a letterstyle nonfiction book that follows his journeys to Senegal, South Carolina, and Israel-West Bank, reflecting on race, nationalism and identity.

"

His new book, The Message, is about what he learned about race and identity visiting three different places.

— Episode: Ta-Nehisi Coates Explores Oppression in...

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Episode: Ta-Nehisi Coates Explores Oppression in 'The Messa...

Coates's latest work was described as a letterstyle nonfiction book that follows his journeys to Senegal, South Carolina, and Israel-West Bank, reflecting on race, nationalism and identity.

"

His new book, The Message, is about what he learned about race and identity visiting three different places.

His new book, The Message, is about his reflections on race, slavery, colonialism and identity on trips to South Carolina, Senegal and Israel and the West Bank.

His new book is called The Message. We'll be back after a short break.

The Essential New York Times Cookbook: The Recipes of Record Cover

Amanda Hesser

The Essential New York Times Cookbook

The Recipes of Record

Garten mentioned buying Craig Claybourne's NewYorkTimes cookbook as a pivotal resource when she first started cooking on her own.

"

I bought myself Craig Claybourne's New York Times cookbook which is a big deal at the time and I just started cooking my way through that book.

— Episode: Ina Garten's Biggest Hosting Fail

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Episode: Ina Garten's Biggest Hosting Fail

Garten mentioned buying Craig Claybourne's NewYorkTimes cookbook as a pivotal resource when she first started cooking on her own.

"

I bought myself Craig Claybourne's New York Times cookbook which is a big deal at the time and I just started cooking my way through that book.

Antisocial: Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation Cover

Andrew Marantz

Antisocial

Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation

The book examined how fringe political groups and online trolls exploited social media to influence the 2016 election.

"

You wrote a book called Antisocial. Online extremists, techno utopians and the hijacking of the American conversation, which explores how fringe political groups and online trolls exp...

— Episode: Could 'Uncommitted' Voters Sway The Elec...

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Episode: Could 'Uncommitted' Voters Sway The Election?

The book examined how fringe political groups and online trolls exploited social media to influence the 2016 election.

"

You wrote a book called Antisocial. Online extremists, techno utopians and the hijacking of the American conversation, which explores how fringe political groups and online trolls exploited social media to influence the 2016 election.

The Boys on the Bus: Riding with the Campaign Press Corps Cover

Timothy Crouse

The Boys on the Bus

Riding with the Campaign Press Corps

The book, about covering the 1972 presidential campaign, was cited as a source commenting on Connie Chung's work habits. It was referenced to illustrate a journalist's perspective.

"

Timothy Krause? He wrote in his book, The Boys on the Bus, which is about covering the 72 presidential campaign, that he says this about you...

— Episode: Best Of: Connie Chung / Demi Moore

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Episode: Best Of: Connie Chung / Demi Moore

The book, about covering the 1972 presidential campaign, was cited as a source commenting on Connie Chung's work habits. It was referenced to illustrate a journalist's perspective.

"

Timothy Krause? He wrote in his book, The Boys on the Bus, which is about covering the 72 presidential campaign, that he says this about you...

Tourist Season (The Seasons of Carnage Trilogy) Cover

Brynne Weaver

Tourist Season (The Seasons of Carnage Trilogy)

The 1986 book was highlighted as the first work about sex, murder, and corruption on the professional bassfishing circuit.

"

His novel Strip Tease was made into a film starring Demi Moore, and his 1986 book Tourist Season was described as the first book about sex, murder, and corruption on the professional...

— Episode: A Satire Of the Sunshine State

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Episode: A Satire Of the Sunshine State

The 1986 book was highlighted as the first work about sex, murder, and corruption on the professional bassfishing circuit.

"

His novel Strip Tease was made into a film starring Demi Moore, and his 1986 book Tourist Season was described as the first book about sex, murder, and corruption on the professional bass fishing circuit.

Death at the Sign of the Rook: A Jackson Brodie Book (Jackson Brodie Series) Cover

Kate Atkinson

Death at the Sign of the Rook

A Jackson Brodie Book (Jackson Brodie Series)

The latest mystery by Kate Atkinson was discussed as a playful, countryhouse style whodunit that draws on classic tropes while adding a modern, humorous twist.

"

Our critic at large John Powers is a big fan of these mysteries, and he's just read the latest one, Death at the Sign of the Rook.

— Episode: A Satire Of the Sunshine State

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Episode: A Satire Of the Sunshine State

The latest mystery by Kate Atkinson was discussed as a playful, countryhouse style whodunit that draws on classic tropes while adding a modern, humorous twist.

"

Our critic at large John Powers is a big fan of these mysteries, and he's just read the latest one, Death at the Sign of the Rook.

John says it draws on our memories of classic country house mysteries, and then gives it an amusing twirl.

The latest arrival in this neighborhood is Death at the Sign of the Rook, the sunny sixth entry in Kate Atkinson's addictive series about Jackson Brody.

On the contrary, Death at the Sign of the Rook strews loose ends all over the Yorkshire countryside.

The book flirts with and tweaks golden age mysteries like those of Agatha Christie.

A God in Ruins Cover

Kate Atkinson

A God in Ruins

The novel was identified as Kate Atkinson's 2015 literary work and called her masterpiece.

"

Of course, Atkinson also writes prizewinning literary fiction. Her masterpiece is 2015's A God in Ruins.

— Episode: A Satire Of the Sunshine State

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Episode: A Satire Of the Sunshine State

The novel was identified as Kate Atkinson's 2015 literary work and called her masterpiece.

"

Of course, Atkinson also writes prizewinning literary fiction. Her masterpiece is 2015's A God in Ruins.

Leave the World Behind: A Read with Jenna Pick Cover

Rumaan Alam

Leave the World Behind

A Read with Jenna Pick

The novel was described as a bestselling, awardfinalist work of suspense and social commentary set against an apocalyptic disaster backdrop.

"

Ruman Alam's popular novel, Leave the World Behind, was a finalist for the National Book Award and was made into a movie.

— Episode: Maggie Haberman On Trump's Turbulent 202...

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Episode: Maggie Haberman On Trump's Turbulent 2024 Campaign

The novel was described as a bestselling, awardfinalist work of suspense and social commentary set against an apocalyptic disaster backdrop.

"

Ruman Alam's popular novel, Leave the World Behind, was a finalist for the National Book Award and was made into a movie.

Ruman Alam's bestselling novel, Leave the World Behind, was an inspired swirl of suspense, social commentary and apocalyptic disaster story.

Given that it was published in the early fall of 2020, the novel eerily coincided with the first year of the pandemic.

Entitlement Cover

Branden Blinn

Entitlement

Alam's new novel was noted for exploring the dangerous allure of the New Gilded Age, focusing on money, race, identity, privilege, class and consumption.

"

Alam's new novel is called Entitlement, and it focuses on the dangerous allure of what's been called our New Gilded Age.

— Episode: Maggie Haberman On Trump's Turbulent 202...

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Episode: Maggie Haberman On Trump's Turbulent 2024 Campaign

Alam's new novel was noted for exploring the dangerous allure of the New Gilded Age, focusing on money, race, identity, privilege, class and consumption.

"

Alam's new novel is called Entitlement, and it focuses on the dangerous allure of what's been called our New Gilded Age.

Entitlement is about money, race, identity, privilege, class and consumption.

The Boys on the Bus: Riding with the Campaign Press Corps Cover

Timothy Crouse

The Boys on the Bus

Riding with the Campaign Press Corps

The book described covering the 1972 presidential campaign and included a passage that referenced Connie Chung.

"

He wrote in his book, The Boys on the Bus, which is about covering the 72 presidential campaign that he says this about you, quote, TV correspondents would join the We Our Poker games...

— Episode: Connie Chung Regrets Being A Good Girl

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Episode: Connie Chung Regrets Being A Good Girl

The book described covering the 1972 presidential campaign and included a passage that referenced Connie Chung.

"

He wrote in his book, The Boys on the Bus, which is about covering the 72 presidential campaign that he says this about you, quote, TV correspondents would join the We Our Poker games or drinking Connie Chung, the pretty Chinese CBS correspondent, occupied the room next to mine.

Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success Cover

Russ Buettner

Lucky Loser

How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success

The authors revealed how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and fabricated an illusion of success through detailed investigative reporting.

"

Now they've written a new book called Lucky Loser, how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created the illusion of success.

— Episode: How Trump Created The Illusion Of Succes...

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Episode: How Trump Created The Illusion Of Success

The authors revealed how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and fabricated an illusion of success through detailed investigative reporting.

"

Now they've written a new book called Lucky Loser, how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created the illusion of success.

Their new book is called Lucky Loser, how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created the illusion of success.

Their new book is called Lucky Loser, how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created the illusion of success.

Suzanne Craig and Russ Buetner are the authors of the new book, Lucky Loser.

Their new book is called Lucky Loser, how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created the illusion of success.

Inside Out (Disney/Pixar Inside Out) (Little Golden Book) Cover

RH Disney

Inside Out (Disney/Pixar Inside Out) (Little Golden Book)

She said she titled her memoir "Inside Out" to describe a pathway toward joy, happiness and wellbeing, reflecting on her personal growth and struggles.

"

I titled my memoir Inside Out because I really feel that is the pathway to the greatest joy, happiness and wellbeing.

— Episode: Demi Moore's New Beginning

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Episode: Demi Moore's New Beginning

She said she titled her memoir "Inside Out" to describe a pathway toward joy, happiness and wellbeing, reflecting on her personal growth and struggles.

"

I titled my memoir Inside Out because I really feel that is the pathway to the greatest joy, happiness and wellbeing.

Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success Cover

Russ Buettner

Lucky Loser

How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success

The hosts introduced the new nonfiction book "Lucky Loser," which investigates how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created an illusion of success.

"

authors of the new book, Lucky Loser, how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created the illusion of success based on eight years of their investigation into Trump's fin...

— Episode: Demi Moore's New Beginning

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Episode: Demi Moore's New Beginning

The hosts introduced the new nonfiction book "Lucky Loser," which investigates how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created an illusion of success.

"

authors of the new book, Lucky Loser, how Donald Trump squandered his father's fortune and created the illusion of success based on eight years of their investigation into Trump's finances.

James Earl Jones, Voices and Silences Cover

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones, Voices and Silences

The memoir was noted as having been published by Jones in 1993, and it was mentioned that he allocated only a brief paragraph to his work as Darth Vader.

"

Terry Gross spoke with Jones in 1993 when he had published his memoir Voices and Silences.

— Episode: Remembering Actor James Earl Jones

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Episode: Remembering Actor James Earl Jones

The memoir was noted as having been published by Jones in 1993, and it was mentioned that he allocated only a brief paragraph to his work as Darth Vader.

"

Terry Gross spoke with Jones in 1993 when he had published his memoir Voices and Silences.

In your memoir, Voices and Silences, you devote a total of about a paragraph to Star Wars, to your voice as Darth Vader.

I Don't Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony Cover

Nick Corasaniti

I Don't Want to Go Home

The Oral History of the Stone Pony

The host introduced the book as a new oral history about the Stone Pony club, noting that Bruce Springsteen wrote the introduction and that it chronicles the venue's role in music history.

"

I was also surprised and delighted to find he's also the author of a new book about the club in Asbury Park ... The book is called I Don't Want to Go Home, the Oral History of the Sto...

— Episode: Gearing Up For A Post-Election Legal Fig...

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Episode: Gearing Up For A Post-Election Legal Fight

The host introduced the book as a new oral history about the Stone Pony club, noting that Bruce Springsteen wrote the introduction and that it chronicles the venue's role in music history.

"

I was also surprised and delighted to find he's also the author of a new book about the club in Asbury Park ... The book is called I Don't Want to Go Home, the Oral History of the Stone Pony. Springsteen wrote the introduction.

He's also the author of the new book I Don't Want to Go Home, The Oral History of the Stone Pony.

He covers elections and voting for The New York Times, and he's the author of the new book I Don't Want to Go Home, The Oral History of the Stone Pony.

Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter Cover

Kate Conger

Character Limit

How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter

The hosts introduced the new nonfiction work by Conger and Mack that examined Musk's takeover of Twitter and its fallout. It was repeatedly referenced as the central source for the interview.

"

My guests are two New York Times tech reporters who are the authors of the new book Character Limit How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter.

— Episode: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter

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Episode: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter

The hosts introduced the new nonfiction work by Conger and Mack that examined Musk's takeover of Twitter and its fallout. It was repeatedly referenced as the central source for the interview.

"

My guests are two New York Times tech reporters who are the authors of the new book Character Limit How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter.

My guests are the authors of the new book, Character Limit, How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter.

new book, Character Limit, How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter. We'll be right back.

The authors of the new book, Character Limit, How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter.

The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy Cover

Jessica Pishko

The Highest Law in the Land

How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy

The book examined the unchecked power of sheriffs and how it threatens democracy.

"

Jessica Pischko's new book is called The Highest Law in the Land, How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy.

— Episode: The Unchecked Power Of Sheriffs

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Episode: The Unchecked Power Of Sheriffs

The book examined the unchecked power of sheriffs and how it threatens democracy.

"

Jessica Pischko's new book is called The Highest Law in the Land, How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy.

She's written a new book called The Highest Law in the Land, How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy.

Jessica Piszczko, author of The Highest Law in the Land, How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy.

The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy Cover

Jessica Pishko

The Highest Law in the Land

How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy

Tonya mentioned the journalist's new book, stating that it examined how constitutional sheriffs have become a flashpoint in current politics.

"

In her new book, The Highest Law in the Land, she writes that a growing group of constitutional sheriffs have become a flashpoint in the current politics of toxic masculinity, guns, w...

— Episode: Taylor Tomlinson Is Ready To Joke About...

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Episode: Taylor Tomlinson Is Ready To Joke About Her Bipola...

Tonya mentioned the journalist's new book, stating that it examined how constitutional sheriffs have become a flashpoint in current politics.

"

In her new book, The Highest Law in the Land, she writes that a growing group of constitutional sheriffs have become a flashpoint in the current politics of toxic masculinity, guns, white supremacy, and rural resentment.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.