What Now? with Trevor Noah
Book Recommendations

What Now? with Trevor Noah

Trevor currently hosts a weekly podcast titled What Now? with Trevor Noah. In this new podcast, listeners get a chance to hear Trevor like never before. Trevor is joined each episode by celebrities, thought leaders, athletes, and friends to chat about the contemporary topics on everyone’s minds. He...

Episodes 142
Books 72

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1984 cover

1984

George Orwell

Mentioned 6 days ago

WORLD CUP Bonus Episode: Quarterfinals

The hosts referenced the novel to illustrate an "Orwellian" situation, suggesting listeners should not trust deceptive appearances.

I agree ... like when you talk about 1984, don't believe your lying eyes.

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The Godfather cover

The Godfather

Mario Puzo

Mentioned 3 weeks ago

WORLD CUP Bonus Episode: Entering the Knockouts

They compared the experience of watching football to the narrative of The Godfather, noting that just when they thought they were out, it pulled them back in.

The Sopranos or Godfather. Oh yeah, every time.

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The Wizard of Oz (Puffin in Bloom) cover

The Wizard of Oz (Puffin in Bloom)

L. Frank Baum

Mentioned 1 month ago

WORLD CUP Bonus Episode: First Week

They likened a violent Kansas storm during the England team's travel to the opening scene of The Wizard of Oz.

There was like a shooting near the grounds, which just became part of the news. Then there was a tornado warning that was issued. And so the players had to stay indoors. And it was like a violent storm in Kansas. You know, people were like, this is basically the beginning of The Wizard of Oz.

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Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare cover

Chokepoints

Edward Fishman

Mentioned 1 month ago

Eddie Fishman: Understanding Iran

Eddie explained that his book examines how economic warfare and strategic choke points shape global power, using Iran and the petrodollar as case studies.

the whole book I wrote about economic warfare

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The Death of Expertise: The Campaign against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters cover

The Death of Expertise

Tom Nichols

Mentioned 2 months ago

Katie Couric: Is Objectivity Dead?

The book was mentioned as a 2017 publication that examines why people distrust experts, arguing that the democratization of media has led everyone to consider themselves an authority on every subject.

I was reviewing this book by Tom Nichols. I think it was written in 2017. It was called The Death of Expertise and why people don't trust people who have a deep well of knowledge in a certain area because everyone is an expert now. Everyone has an opinion.

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The J CURVE cover

The J CURVE

Aditya Raj

Mentioned 2 months ago

Ian Bremmer: Who Is Actually Running the World?

Ian Bremmer said he had written *The J Curve*, a book examining how openness and stability of countries were linked, but noted that the original model had become outdated and now resembled a Ushape.

I wrote a book called the J Curve and it was about a relationship between the company countries openness and its stability.

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The Great Gatsby: The Original 1925 Edition (Booklover's Library Classics) cover

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Mentioned 3 months ago

Oobah Butler: The Digital Mirage

They compared a person to the novel's protagonist, calling him the "great Gatsby of football."

Who am I? You're the great Gatsby of... The Great Gatsby of football.

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Studies in Ethnomethodology cover

Studies in Ethnomethodology

Harold Garfinkel

Mentioned 3 months ago

Oobah Butler: The Digital Mirage

They mentioned Garfinkel's 1960s work on ethnomethodology as an example of a funny and absurd academic experiment.

What is it? There's that book, Harold Garfinkel book in the 60s, studies of ethno methodology or something.

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The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions) cover

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)

J. R. R. Tolkien

Mentioned 3 months ago

Atsuko Okatsuka: Can You Ever Really Go Home Again?

The book was mentioned in a comparison to a horror scenario, asking if the listener had seen the film adaptation of the story.

And I'm like, no, it's more like, have you seen The Ring? You know, like the, you know, the bitch that comes out of the TV.

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The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself cover

The Untethered Soul

Michael A. Singer

Mentioned 4 months ago

Emily McDonald: Can You Rewire Your Brain?

Emily McDonald said she had read the book and described it as really good, noting it had a significant impact on her thinking.

I read the book, The Untethered Soul. If you guys have ever heard of that, it's really good.

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Self-Reliance cover

Self-Reliance

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mentioned 4 months ago

Arthur C. Brooks: Are We Happy Yet?

Trevor asked Arthur if he had ever read Emerson's essay, noting it as a classic work on individualism.

Have you ever read Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson?

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Leisure: The Basis of Culture cover

Leisure

Josef Pieper

Mentioned 4 months ago

Arthur C. Brooks: Are We Happy Yet?

Trevor recommended Pieper's book, explaining that true leisure is a cultivated skill rather than mere idleness.

There's a great book that was written by a German philosopher in the middle of the 20th century named Josef Pieper. He wrote this book called Leisure, the Basis of Culture. You're like, okay, so he's going to write a whole book about chilling on the beach. No, no, no. Chilling on the beach isn't leisure. That's asedia, which means kind of a laziness. And there's nothing wrong with chilling on the beach from time to time, but that's not actual leisure. Leisure, you have to be excellent at. You have to be excellent at leisure.

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Most Recommended

Hip-Hop Is History Cover

Questlove

Hip-Hop Is History

The title was highlighted as a comprehensive chronicle of hip‑hop’s evolution, linking each musical era to the prevailing drug culture and drawing on Questlove’s role in curating the genre’s 50th‑anniversary Grammy showcase. Both Trevor Noah and Questlove urged listeners to read it, noting its action‑packed narrative and its unique perspective on hip‑hop’s machismo and anti‑hip‑hop lens. The discussion framed the book as essential for anyone wanting an in‑depth, culturally rich understanding of the movement.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Questlove Isn't Manif*cking Around [VIDEO]

Questlove's book, discussed in the podcast, details the history of hip hop, connecting musical eras to prevalent drugs of the time. His experiences curating the 50th anniversary of hip hop at the Grammy Awards are also described in detail.

"

I picked up your book and you jump into the book in maybe the most action-packed way ever.

The book lays it out and it's, man...

You've got to read the book.

I want people to read the book.

In the book you talk about almost experiencing hip hop through an anti-hip hop lens and not against hip hop, but rather the machismo in hip hop, the vibe.

This Is Your Mind on Plants Cover

Michael Pollan

This Is Your Mind on Plants

Trevor Noah highlighted the book as part of Michael Pollan's work that reshapes how we view everyday substances, from coffee to psychedelics. He praised Pollan for changing public perception and delivering beautiful accounts of our relationship with what we consume. The discussion positioned the title as a noteworthy exploration of mindset and plant-based experiences.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Tripping Past Your Ego with Michael Pollan [VIDEO]

It was mentioned as one of Michael Pollan's books exploring how we see the world and what we consume, with an example given of how we view coffee versus the perception of using substances like mushrooms.

"

He has single-handedly changed the perception of I mean like millions and millions of people when it comes to psychedelics and it's not only psychedelics you know he wrote the omnivores dilemma, This Is Your Mind on Plants, how to change your mind and he's written beautiful accounts of how we see the world of what we take.

How to Make a Killing: Blood, Death and Dollars in American Medicine Cover

Tom Mueller

How to Make a Killing

Blood, Death and Dollars in American Medicine

The host highlighted the book as an investigative expose of the dialysis industry, describing how it uncovered layers of corruption and profiteering that harmed patients. He noted that the findings were increasingly relevant to everyday discussions about healthcare and whistleblowers, and conveyed strong approval of its insights.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: The Most Dangerous Part of America’s Healthcare Sy...

The book was an investigation of the dialysis industry, detailing how corruption and profiteering led to poor patient outcomes, with one speaker noting it exposed many layers of a seemingly light topic.

"

Tom Mueller is the author of How to Make a Killing, an investigation of the dialysis industry.

when you're writing about the corruption in the olive oil industry, which seems like such a light topic. You know, so when I saw that I was like, huh, corruption in olive oil? Well, this is like a cute world to be in, you know, but you expose so many of the layers.

And then your next book you talk about whistleblowers and the role they play in society and how we don't protect them enough and what they've done to expose what we're experiencing.

And man, I feel like your latest book, I hate to say it, is more and more applicable every single day.

The Dignity of Difference: How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations Cover

Jonathan Sacks

The Dignity of Difference

How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations

The host praised the book as a recommended read, noting that its author, a respected Jewish rabbi, explored the transition from broadcasting to narrow casting. He encouraged listeners to explore the author's works, emphasizing this title's relevance to discussions on cultural differences. The overall tone was enthusiastic and supportive.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Prime Minister Mia Mottley: Climate, Immigration,...

The book was highlighted as a recommended read, noted for discussing the shift from broadcasting to narrow casting.

"

the Jewish rabbi who I really truly respected, Jonathan Sachs, his chief rabbi in London, wrote a series of books and I encourage you to read them all. But one is The Dignity of Difference, which is where he talks about moving from broadcasting to narrow casting.

Dataclysm: Who We Are (When We Think No One's Looking) Cover

Christian Rudder

Dataclysm

Who We Are (When We Think No One's Looking)

In the episode, the host praised the book for its innovative synthesis of dating data that uncovered hidden patterns of attraction, race, and behavior previously unseen. The author himself highlighted how the work offered poignant insights into human interaction when no one was watching. The discussion conveyed strong enthusiasm for the book’s unique perspective.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: The Perfect Algorithm for Finding Love? with Chris...

The book was highlighted for its innovative synthesis of dating data, revealing hidden patterns about attraction, race, and behavior that were previously unseen.

"

You took data that really no one had taken before. And you didn't just look at the data, you synthesized it. And I, you know, in your book, Dataclysm, you wrote something really poignant for me and you said, ...

Basically right after Dataclism came out.

Unmasked: A Memoir Cover

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Unmasked

A Memoir

Washington's memoir details a shocking family secret she kept for most of her life, and her process of coming to terms with it and sharing it publicly. It was discussed extensively, with many quotes highlighting its emotional depth and impact on her family.

"

Now she's letting it all out. And I'm like, oh my gosh, this is intense. Yeah. But you know what's interesting is she's letting it out, but still within... How can I put it? It's almost like it's a wo...

— Episode: Kerry Washington

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Episode: Kerry Washington

Washington's memoir details a shocking family secret she kept for most of her life, and her process of coming to terms with it and sharing it publicly. It was discussed extensively, with many quotes highlighting its emotional depth and impact on her family.

"

Now she's letting it all out. And I'm like, oh my gosh, this is intense. Yeah. But you know what's interesting is she's letting it out, but still within... How can I put it? It's almost like it's a world of letting it out.

It's one thing to write a book. It's another thing for the book to be out.

I wanna share this in front of the house.

I cannot wait to hear how she feels this has affected her family.

Now I'm speaking to you as a bestseller.

Abundance Cover

Ezra Klein

Abundance

In the episode, the author highlighted the book’s bestseller run and noted that Barack Obama had named it among his top summer reads, while also emphasizing its adoption by mayors and progressive policymakers. Trevor Noah echoed this, pointing out its influence on city-level policy decisions. The discussion presented the title as a highly regarded work shaping contemporary politics.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Ezra Klein: America At Its Breaking Point

Klein discussed his own book Abundance, noting its bestseller status, praise from Barack Obama, and its influence on progressive policymakers.

"

I was looking at the book, Abundance, and it has been on the bestseller list for weeks, and Barack Obama even named it one of his five books of the summer.

Your book, Abundance, is being used by mayors and local leaders to shape policy in their cities.

More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity Cover

Adam Becker

More Everything Forever

AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity

In the episode, Kara Swisher referenced the title, noting it captures the tech industry's unrealistic belief in limitless abundance and suggesting that such a premise is unattainable. She highlighted the book as an illustration of this mindset without offering a formal endorsement.

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Episode: Kara Swisher: Tech, Power, and Why You Should Get...

Kara Swisher noted that Adam Becker had written a book titled More Everything Forever, commenting on tech people's unrealistic desire for endless abundance.

"

he wrote a book called - his name's Adam Becker, wrote More Everything Forever, which is the sort of motto of tech people, which is not - you can't have More Everything Forever, right? But they think that.

The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir Cover

Roy Wood Jr.

The Man of Many Fathers

Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir

The book was highlighted as an insightful, humorous, and heartfelt memoir that delved into Roy Wood Jr.'s relationship with his own father and his evolving role as a parent. Both Eugene and Trevor Noah noted that its central message seemed to revolve around the author's commitment to being a good father, praising its authenticity and emotional depth.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Roy Wood Jr. Gets Real About Fear, Fame, & Fatherh...

The memoir was discussed as an insightful, humorous, and heartfelt exploration of Roy Wood Jr.'s relationship with his own father and his journey into fatherhood.

"

Because your book, and you correct me if I'm wrong, but like when I look at your book, you know, The Man of Many Fathers, the intention behind the book and the message behind it almost feels like your only goal now in life is to be a good father.

your book, The Man of Many Fathers, the intention behind the book and the message behind it almost feels like your only goal now in life is to be a good father.

The Wild Robot (Volume 1) Cover

Peter Brown

The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

At the close of the episode, the hosts briefly noted that the title had just been released, with Trevor acknowledging its availability and Lupita pointing it out. The book was mentioned in passing without any detailed recommendation or critique.

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Episode: What’s In An Accent with Lupita Nyong’o [VIDEO]

At the close of the episode, Lupita mentioned that the book "Wild Robot" was released, indicating its relevance to the discussion.

"

I know Wild Robot is out as well.

The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation's Fight Over Its Future Cover

Carter Sherman

The Second Coming

Sex and the Next Generation's Fight Over Its Future

The episode highlighted that the title compiled interviews with over 100 young people to examine Gen Z's relationship with sex, shame, and intimacy, showing how fear, politics, and the internet shape their attitudes. The hosts praised its nuance and breadth, noting that it forced listeners to question whose sex is being obsessed over and why. They expressed strong encouragement for everyone to read the book.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: How Shame Became the New Sex Ed with Carter Sherma...

The book compiled interviews with over 100 young people to explore Gen Z's relationship with sex, shame, and intimacy, highlighting how fear, politics, and the internet shape sexual attitudes.

"

Carter Sherman, reproductive health and justice reporter at The Guardian, who interviewed over 100 young people for her new book. It's called The Second Coming.

What I love about your book is... we'll go through like, you know, all the different topics that you get into in every single one of the chapters.

I appreciate more than anything how nuanced your book is. I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't be seen in this book. And I hope everyone reads it.

We've been looking at your book and it's clear you've forced us to ask the question--who is obsessed with whose sex and why? What does it mean?

You wrote it in the book that the changes in the landscape around sex have added so much anxiety and fear that it is, for young people, easier to opt out.

The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again Cover

Robert D. Putnam

The Upswing

How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again

In the episode, Eugene highlighted the less‑known follow‑up by Putnam, noting that the book centered on a chart tracking the level of inequality in the United States and explored its social consequences. He mentioned that it examined rising inequality and its impact on society, positioning it as a relevant context for the discussion on democracy and the economy.

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Episode: The Broken Promise: Democracy, the Economy & What...

They mentioned the lessknown followup where Putnam examines rising inequality and its social impacts.

"

He wrote another book, co-wrote another book that's less famous called The Upswing, which basically the whole book is written around a chart that is the level of inequality in this country.

Sister, Sinner: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson Cover

Claire Hoffman

Sister, Sinner

The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson

The hosts described the book as a fun, detail‑rich account of Aimee Semple McPherson’s life and mysterious disappearance, noting that it contained many juicy stories they couldn’t fit into the episode. Roman Mars highlighted the author Claire Hoffman’s storytelling and urged listeners to check it out.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: 99% Invisible and the Megachurch (featuring Gillia...

The hosts described the book as a fun read packed with juicy details about Amy Semple McPherson's life and disappearance, and they urged listeners to check it out.

"

This is Claire Hoffman, author of Sister Sinner, The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Amy Semple McPherson.

Claire Hoffman's book is called Sister Sinner, The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Amy Semple McPherson. It is such a fun read. It's packed with lots of juicy details that we couldn't fit into this episode, so you should definitely check it out.

Lions and Scavengers: The True Story of America (and Her Critics) Cover

Ben Shapiro

Lions and Scavengers

The True Story of America (and Her Critics)

Ezra Klein referenced the title during his episode, noting that he had read it in preparation for interviewing its author, but he did not express any endorsement or critique of its content.

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Episode: Ezra Klein: America At Its Breaking Point

Klein mentioned Ben Shapiro's new book, Lions and Lions versus Scavengers, without expressing a clear endorsement.

"

If you read Ben Shapiro's new book, which I am because he's coming on my show, it's Lions and Lions versus Scavengers.

The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma Cover

Mustafa Suleyman

The Coming Wave

Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma

In an episode about AI, Trevor Noah discussed the book, noting it was written during the COVID pandemic and examined how technology enters society, the incentives that drive its rapid spread, and the broader implications for humanity. He expressed strong enthusiasm and said he would recommend everyone read it as soon as possible.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Will AI Save Humanity or End It? with Mustafa Sule...

The book was written during the COVID pandemic and explored how technology arrives in society, the incentives that drive its rapid proliferation, and the broader implications for humanity.

"

In COVID, when I started writing The Coming Wave, my book, I was really motivated by that question. That was actually one of the core questions is how does technology arrive in our world and why? What are the incentives, the system level incentives that default to proliferation, that just produce more and more?

Thank you for writing the book. I'll recommend everybody read it like as long as they can.

Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow Cover

Lenore Skenazy

Free-Range Kids

How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow

In the episode, Jonathan Haidt referenced the title, noting that it advocated granting children greater independence and unsupervised play to build confidence and resilience. The conversation highlighted how the book’s ideas related to concerns about the anxious generation.

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Episode: The Anxious Generation with Jonathan Haidt [VIDEO]

The book advocates for giving children more independence and unsupervised play to foster confidence and resilience.

"

Lenore Skenazy who wrote a book called Free Range Kids.

Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference Cover

Rutger Bregman

Moral Ambition

Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference

The book was introduced when the guest announced his upcoming title, describing it as a blend of activist idealism and entrepreneurial drive. No specific recommendation or critique was offered, and it was noted mainly as a forthcoming project.

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Episode: Human-Kind or Human Evil with Rutger Bregman [VIDE...

Rutger announced his upcoming book titled Moral Ambition, which he said would combine activist idealism with entrepreneurial drive.

"

my next book is called Moral Ambition.

The Little Prince Cover

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Little Prince

During the episode, Khaya Dlanga briefly noted that he had read the title as part of his early reading habit. He simply recalled the book without offering a recommendation or critique, indicating it was a personal childhood favorite. The mention was casual and anecdotal.

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Episode: Meet Khaya Dlanga – One of My Favorite People [VID...

He mentioned that he had read The Little Prince as part of his early reading habit.

"

Okay, The Little Prince. Yeah.

Life is like that sometimes Cover

Khaya Dlanga

Life is like that sometimes

During the episode, the host introduced Khaya Dlanga and noted that he announced his latest book was heading to the printer. No specific endorsement or critique was offered, and the mention served mainly as an announcement of the upcoming title.

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Episode: Meet Khaya Dlanga – One of My Favorite People [VID...

He announced that his newest book, titled Life is like that sometimes, had just gone to the printer.

"

My latest book which is coming out now is called Life is like that sometimes.

Women of the Klan: Racism and Gender in the 1920s Cover

Kathleen M. Blee

Women of the Klan

Racism and Gender in the 1920s

During the episode, a host recalled reading the book, noting that it examined the prominent role women played in the Ku Klux Klan. The discussion highlighted the book's focus on gender dynamics within a historic extremist organization, tying it to broader conversations about DEI. The mention was brief and presented as an informative reference rather than a strong endorsement.

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Episode: RIP… D.E.I. with Ruha Benjamin [VIDEO]

They mentioned having read the bookWomen in the Klan, which examines the prominent role women played in the Ku Klux Klan.

"

I remember reading a book called Women in the Klan that was talking about women's very prominent role in the Ku Klux Klan. And you know, I

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