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Books 121

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings cover

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou

Mentioned 5 months ago

NPR News: 02-08-2026 8AM EST

Maya Angelou's autobiography was banned by Utah's Davis and Granite school districts under a sensitive materials law, leading her estate to join a lawsuit challenging the legislation.

The update follows the banning of Angelou's autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Utah's Davis and Granite school districts.

Buy on Amazon
Heal Faster: Unlock Your Body's Rapid Recovery Reflex cover

Heal Faster

Victoria Maizes M.D.

Mentioned 5 months ago

NPR News: 02-02-2026 11PM EST

Physician Victoria Mazes was mentioned as the author of this book, which focuses on opportunities for people to make changes regarding heart disease prevention.

Physician Victoria Mazes is the author of Heal Faster.

Buy on Amazon
Explosives, matches and fireworks, cover

Explosives, matches and fireworks,

Joseph Reilly

Mentioned 5 months ago

NPR News: 01-27-2026 8AM EST

The segment mentioned Fireworks as a children's book illustrated by Katya Chen, about kids playing on a summer day that ends with a fireworks show.

The Caldecott Award for Illustration has been presented to Katya Chen for illustrating the children's book Fireworks. It's about children playing on a summer day culminating in a firework show.

Buy on Amazon
All the Blues in the Sky: Winner of the Newbery Medal cover

All the Blues in the Sky

Renée Watson

Mentioned 5 months ago

NPR News: 01-27-2026 8AM EST

The host noted that Renee Watson authored All the Blues in the Sky, describing it as a novel that deals with grief.

She authored All the Blues in the Sky, a novel dealing with grief.

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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas cover

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Hunter S. Thompson

Mentioned 5 months ago

NPR News: 01-24-2026 5PM EST

The counterculture figure, Hunter S. Thompson, was best known as the author of this book. Authorities reaffirmed that his death was a suicide, following a review requested by his widow.

The counterculture figure was best known as the author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

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AS I LAY DYING cover

AS I LAY DYING

WILLIAM FAULKNER

Mentioned 6 months ago

NPR News: 01-01-2026 8AM EST

It was noted that the novel entered the public domain after 95 years of copyright.

Books like William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying and the first four Nancy Drew detective novels.

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The Demon of River Heights (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective #1) cover

The Demon of River Heights (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels

Stefan Petrucha

Mentioned 6 months ago

NPR News: 01-01-2026 8AM EST

It was mentioned that the first four Nancy Drew detective novels have entered the public domain after 95 years.

Books like William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying and the first four Nancy Drew detective novels.

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The Let Them Theory: The Life-Changing Hack That Millions of People Cant Stop Talking About cover

The Let Them Theory

Mel Robbins

Mentioned 6 months ago

NPR News: 12-29-2025 11AM EST

It was highlighted as the sole nonfiction title in the top10 list, focusing on the art of not caring about other people's opinions.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins is about the art of not caring about other people's opinions.

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The Women: A Novel cover

The Women

Kristin Hannah

Mentioned 6 months ago

NPR News: 12-29-2025 11AM EST

It was noted as the numberone mostcheckedout book on the Libby library app in 2025, a novel about a U.S. Army nurse serving in Vietnam.

The Women by Kristen Hanna came out last year. It's about a U.S. Army nurse who serves in Vietnam. It was the number one most checked out book on Libby, the public library app, and in numerous libraries, including the one in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Harold Escalante works.

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Sweet Tooth: 100 Desserts to Save Room For (A Baking Book) cover

Sweet Tooth

Sarah Fennel

Mentioned 6 months ago

NPR News: 12-24-2025 8AM EST

It was identified as the biggestselling baking cookbook of the year, highlighted amid a notable boom in baking cookbook sales.

Now the biggest-selling baking cookbook of the year is called Sweet Tooth by online influencer Sarah Fennell.

Buy on Amazon
Waiting to Exhale cover

Waiting to Exhale

Terry McMillan

Mentioned 6 months ago

NPR News: 12-22-2025 11AM EST

The hosts mentioned they were revisiting the novel on the season finale of their program.

On the season finale of Books We've Loved, we're hanging out with four friends looking for love in all the wrong places. We are revisiting Terry McMillan's Waiting to Exhale with Brittany Luce from It's Been a Minute.

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The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging cover

The Connection Cure

Julia Hotz

Mentioned 1 year ago

NPR News: 07-15-2025 3PM EDT

The book was cited as a new work by journalist Julia Hotz that discusses social prescribing and its health benefits.

This approach is called social prescribing, says journalist Julia Hotz, who's written about this in her new book, The Connection Cure, The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, and Belonging.

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Most Recommended

Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology - Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook Cover

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department

The Anthology - Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook

The title was briefly referenced in a news segment when the album it accompanies returned to the number one spot after its deluxe vinyl and CD release. The host mentioned the chart success without offering any recommendation or critique of the book itself.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 12-10-2024 11PM EST

Taylor Swift's album returned to the number one spot on the albums chart following the release of its deluxe edition on vinyl and CD.

"

And Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department returns to number one thanks to the release of its supersized deluxe edition on vinyl and CD.

The Hunt for Red October: A Novel Cover

Estate of Thomas L. Clancy

The Hunt for Red October

A Novel

James Earl Jones was noted for playing an Admiral in the film adaptation of the novel.

"

Playing roles from boxer Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope to a garbage man in Fences which won him his second Tony to an Admiral in The Hunt for Red October.

— Episode: NPR News: 09-10-2024 1AM EDT

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 09-10-2024 1AM EDT

James Earl Jones was noted for playing an Admiral in the film adaptation of the novel.

"

Playing roles from boxer Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope to a garbage man in Fences which won him his second Tony to an Admiral in The Hunt for Red October.

The Color Purple (Penguin Vitae) Cover

Alice Walker

The Color Purple (Penguin Vitae)

The book was referenced when Jeff London noted that Cynthia Erivo burst onto Broadway in 2015 playing Sealy in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple.

"

After playing many theater roles in London, Cynthia Erivo burst on the Broadway scene in 2015 as Sealy in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple.

— Episode: NPR News: 02-19-2025 8PM EST

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 02-19-2025 8PM EST

The book was referenced when Jeff London noted that Cynthia Erivo burst onto Broadway in 2015 playing Sealy in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple.

"

After playing many theater roles in London, Cynthia Erivo burst on the Broadway scene in 2015 as Sealy in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood Cover

Marjane Satrapi

Persepolis

The Story of a Childhood

It was described as a graphic novel about a young girl's coming of age during the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and it was noted that it was released about twenty years ago.

"

The author of World Rennown graphic novel Persepolis about a young girl's coming of age during the Islamic revolution in Iran has published another work.

— Episode: NPR News: 03-20-2024 12AM EDT

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 03-20-2024 12AM EDT

It was described as a graphic novel about a young girl's coming of age during the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and it was noted that it was released about twenty years ago.

"

The author of World Rennown graphic novel Persepolis about a young girl's coming of age during the Islamic revolution in Iran has published another work.

20 years after Persepolis, French Iranian author and illustrator Majan Satrapi thought she'd set aside graphic novels.

Explosives, matches and fireworks, Cover

Joseph Reilly

Explosives, matches and fireworks,

The segment mentioned Fireworks as a children's book illustrated by Katya Chen, about kids playing on a summer day that ends with a fireworks show.

"

The Caldecott Award for Illustration has been presented to Katya Chen for illustrating the children's book Fireworks. It's about children playing on a summer day culminating in a firework show.

— Episode: NPR News: 01-27-2026 8AM EST

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 01-27-2026 8AM EST

The segment mentioned Fireworks as a children's book illustrated by Katya Chen, about kids playing on a summer day that ends with a fireworks show.

"

The Caldecott Award for Illustration has been presented to Katya Chen for illustrating the children's book Fireworks. It's about children playing on a summer day culminating in a firework show.

From Beirut to Jerusalem: Revised Edition Cover

Thomas L. Friedman

From Beirut to Jerusalem

Revised Edition

It was highlighted as a highly thoughtprovoking book about the Middle East and was noted to be newly released as an unabridged audiobook with a new preface read by the author.

"

One of the most thoughtprovoking books about the Middle East, Thomas L. Friedman's From Beirut to Jerusalem is now available as an unabridged audiobook featuring a new preface read by...

— Episode: NPR News: 05-05-2024 6AM EDT

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 05-05-2024 6AM EDT

It was highlighted as a highly thoughtprovoking book about the Middle East and was noted to be newly released as an unabridged audiobook with a new preface read by the author.

"

One of the most thoughtprovoking books about the Middle East, Thomas L. Friedman's From Beirut to Jerusalem is now available as an unabridged audiobook featuring a new preface read by the author.

The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free Cover

Pete Hegseth

The War on Warriors

Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free

The book was cited as the source for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's criticism that General Brown should be fired for pushing diversity programs.

"

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote in his book War on Warriors that Brown should be fired because he was pushing diversity programs and also wondered whether Brown got the top job because of the col...

— Episode: NPR News: 02-22-2025 10AM EST

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 02-22-2025 10AM EST

The book was cited as the source for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's criticism that General Brown should be fired for pushing diversity programs.

"

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote in his book War on Warriors that Brown should be fired because he was pushing diversity programs and also wondered whether Brown got the top job because of the color of his skin or his skill.

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2) Cover

Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)

It was referenced as the sequel to a topselling 2024 romanticy novel.

"

They include A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and its sequel, A Court of Mist and Fury.

— Episode: NPR News: 12-30-2024 8AM EST

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 12-30-2024 8AM EST

It was referenced as the sequel to a topselling 2024 romanticy novel.

"

They include A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and its sequel, A Court of Mist and Fury.

Iron Flame (The Empyrean, 2) Cover

Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame (The Empyrean, 2)

It was referenced as the sequel to a popular romance novel, noted as a big seller in adult fiction.

"

the big seller, namely Rebecca Yaros' book Fourth Wing and its sequel Iron Flame.

— Episode: NPR News: 05-31-2024 8PM EDT

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 05-31-2024 8PM EDT

It was referenced as the sequel to a popular romance novel, noted as a big seller in adult fiction.

"

the big seller, namely Rebecca Yaros' book Fourth Wing and its sequel Iron Flame.

Their Eyes Were Watching God Cover

Zora Neale Hurston

Their Eyes Were Watching God

The book was mentioned as the 1937 novel that immortalized the town of Eatonville, highlighting its historical significance.

"

The town is Eatonville, immortalized in the 1937 Zora Neale Hurston novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. It was one of the first self-governing all-black towns in the United States.

— Episode: NPR News: 05-01-2024 3PM EDT

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 05-01-2024 3PM EDT

The book was mentioned as the 1937 novel that immortalized the town of Eatonville, highlighting its historical significance.

"

The town is Eatonville, immortalized in the 1937 Zora Neale Hurston novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. It was one of the first self-governing all-black towns in the United States.

Code Noir: Afro-Caribbean Stories and Recipes Cover

Lelani Lewis

Code Noir

Afro-Caribbean Stories and Recipes

Andrew Limbong highlighted the debut fiction title, noting it won the Carol Shields Prize and comprises 59 interconnected short stories inspired by the French laws that regulated slavery. He explained that judges praised it as a virtuoso collection that breaks new ground in short fiction. The discussion conveyed strong enthusiasm for the book's innovative storytelling.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 05-02-2025 10AM EDT

This debut fiction book, a collection of 59 connected short stories, won the Carol Shields Prize for fiction. The stories took inspiration from French King Louis XIV's laws that legalized and regulated slavery in France and the French colonies.

"

Her debut fiction book, Code Noir, won her the prize, though. It's a collection of 59 connected short stories taking inspiration from French King Louis XIV's laws legalizing and regulating slavery in France and the French colonies.

Judges for the Carol Shields Prize called it a, quote, virtuoso collection that breaks new ground in short fiction.

Code Noir: Afro-Caribbean Stories and Recipes Cover

Lelani Lewis

Code Noir

Afro-Caribbean Stories and Recipes

The debut fiction title was highlighted as a prize‑winning collection of 59 interconnected short stories inspired by the historical Code Noir. The host noted that judges described it as a virtuoso work that breaks new ground in short fiction, emphasizing its innovative approach and cultural relevance. The discussion conveyed strong enthusiasm for the book’s literary merit.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 05-02-2025 12AM EDT

This debut fiction book by the Canadian writer, known more for her poetry, is a collection of 59 connected short stories. The stories took inspiration from French King Louis XIV's laws that legalized and regulated slavery in France and the French colonies.

"

Her debut fiction book, Code Noir, won her the prize, though. It's a collection of 59 connected short stories taking inspiration from French King Louis XIV's laws legalizing and regulating slavery in France and the French colonies.

Judges for the Carol Shields Prize called it a, quote, virtuoso collection that breaks new ground in short fiction.

Code Noir: Afro-Caribbean Stories and Recipes Cover

Lelani Lewis

Code Noir

Afro-Caribbean Stories and Recipes

The book was highlighted as the author's debut fiction collection, praised for its 59 interlinked short stories that draw on the historic French laws regulating slavery. A guest noted that it won a prize and was described by judges as a virtuoso work that breaks new ground in short fiction.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 05-01-2025 9PM EDT

This was Kinesia Lubin's debut fiction book, which was a collection of 59 connected short stories. The collection took inspiration from French King Louis XIV's laws that legalized and regulated slavery in France and the French colonies.

"

Her debut fiction book, Code Noir, won her the prize, though. It's a collection of 59 connected short stories taking inspiration from French King Louis XIV's laws legalizing and regulating slavery in France and the French colonies.

Judges for the Carol Shields Prize called it a, quote, virtuoso collection that breaks new ground in short fiction.

Industrial Society and Its Future: Unabomber Manifesto Cover

Theodore John Kaczynski

Industrial Society and Its Future

Unabomber Manifesto

In the episode, the host noted that a murder suspect had posted on social media expressing fascination with the Unabomber's ideas, citing the manifesto and the belief that political violence might be necessary. The discussion highlighted the suspect's interest without endorsing the content.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 12-10-2024 11AM EST

The suspect in a murder case was noted to have writings on social media expressing fascination with the Unabomber's ideas, including the belief that political violence might be necessary.

"

And Mangione's writings on social media also include one post about the Unabomber Ted Kaczynski.

Mangione expresses fascination with some of Kaczynski's ideas, including the belief that political violence may be necessary.

Technological Slavery: Enhanced Edition (1) Cover

Theodore John Kaczynski PhD

Technological Slavery

Enhanced Edition (1)

In one episode, the host noted that a Goodreads account bearing the suspect's name had posted a positive review of the author’s writings. The mention was limited to this observation and did not include a detailed discussion or endorsement of the title. The overall tone was neutral, simply reporting the existence of the review.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 12-10-2024 5AM EST

The writings of Theodore Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, were mentioned as having received a positive review on a Goodreads account belonging to the suspected gunman.

"

A Goodreads account in his name also left a positive review for the writings of theater Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber.

Heal Faster: Unlock Your Body's Rapid Recovery Reflex Cover

Victoria Maizes M.D.

Heal Faster

Unlock Your Body's Rapid Recovery Reflex

In the episode, Allison Aubrey noted that physician Victoria Mazes authored the book, which highlighted ways people could make changes to prevent heart disease. The discussion simply identified the author and the book's focus without offering a strong endorsement.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 02-02-2026 11PM EST

Physician Victoria Mazes was mentioned as the author of this book, which focuses on opportunities for people to make changes regarding heart disease prevention.

"

Physician Victoria Mazes is the author of Heal Faster.

The Nickel Boys: A Novel Cover

Colson Whitehead

The Nickel Boys

A Novel

In the episode, Mandelita Labarco referenced the book while noting that it centered on a brutal reform school. The discussion was brief and did not include a recommendation, serving only to acknowledge its subject matter.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 03-01-2025 2PM EST

The show mentioned the novel as being about a brutal reform school.

"

So is Nickel Boys about a brutal reform school

The Wizard of Oz (Puffin in Bloom) Cover

L. Frank Baum

The Wizard of Oz (Puffin in Bloom)

The title was referenced in a news segment about the infamous ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland, noting that a federal judge dismissed charges against a man accused of hiding the stolen shoes. The mention served only to provide context for the legal story and did not include any recommendation or critique of the book.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 03-18-2025 3AM EDT

The book was referenced as the film in which actress Judy Garland wore the infamous ruby slippers that were later stolen and recovered.

"

A federal judge has dismissed charges against a Minnesota man accused of hiding a pair of stolen red sequined slippers that actress Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz.

Sweet Tooth: 100 Desserts to Save Room For (A Baking Book) Cover

Sarah Fennel

Sweet Tooth

100 Desserts to Save Room For (A Baking Book)

The title was highlighted as the year's best‑selling baking cookbook, noted amid a surge in baking book sales, with Netta Ulibi pointing out its popularity as an influencer‑driven hit. The discussion emphasized its standout market performance and relevance to current baking trends.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 12-24-2025 8AM EST

It was identified as the biggestselling baking cookbook of the year, highlighted amid a notable boom in baking cookbook sales.

"

Now the biggest-selling baking cookbook of the year is called Sweet Tooth by online influencer Sarah Fennell.

Sweet Tooth: 100 Desserts to Save Room For (A Baking Book) Cover

Sarah Fennel

Sweet Tooth

100 Desserts to Save Room For (A Baking Book)

The title was highlighted as the year's biggest‑selling baking cookbook, with host Sarah pointing out its popularity among readers. This mention underscored the book's strong market performance.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: NPR News: 12-23-2025 5PM EST

It was identified as the biggest-selling baking cookbook of the year.

"

Now the biggest-selling baking cookbook of the year is called Sweet Tooth by online influencer Sarah Fennell.

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