Springsteen's label was about to drop him. Then came 'Born to Run' Biographer Peter Ames Carlin describes the making of Born to Run as an "existential moment" for Springsteen. Carlin's book is Tonight in Jungleland. Originally broadcast Aug. 7, 2025. Terry Gross
'Twice' author Mitch Albom asks: What if you could relive any moment of your life? Albom is the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, which chronicled Albom's relationship with Morrie Schwartz, his old college professor who died of ALS. Originally broadcast Oct. 13, 2025. Tonya Mosley
A classic Italian cookbook finally gets a full English translation NPR's Juana Summers speaks with publisher Michael Szczerban about the new full English translation of the classic Italian cookbook, The Talisaman of Happiness by Ada Boni. Juana Summers
The best audiobooks of 2025 As the year comes to a close, we take a look at some of the most popular audiobooks of 2025. Andrew Limbong
After John le Carré's death, his son faced the 'daunting' task of reviving George Smiley Nick Harkaway grew up hearing his dad read drafts of his George Smiley novels. He picked up le Carré's beloved spymaster character in the novel Karla's Choice. Originally broadcast Oct. 23, 2024. Sam Briger
Mahmood Mamdani on how Uganda's history shaped his belonging — and his son's moment NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Professor Mahmood Mamdani about his new book, "Slow Poison." The book is a firsthand report on the tragic unraveling of Uganda's struggle for independence. Leila Fadel
Zadie Smith's heads up to young people: 'You are absolutely going to become old' Smith was 25 in 2000 when she published her critically acclaimed first novel. Now 50, her latest collection of essays, Dead and Alive, reflects on middle age, climate change and generational gaps. Terry Gross
New biography shows how Octavia Butler deserved better early in her career The KUOW Book Club is reading "Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler" by Susana M. Morris this month. I'm your reading guide Katie Campbell. Let's get into the first half of the book and Octavia Butler's early career. Katie Campbell
Books We Love: NPR staff's top non-fiction picks of the year NPR staff share recommendations for non-fiction reading from our Books We Love list: "The War of Art," "Shattered Lands," "Toni at Random" and "Patchwork." Chloe Veltman
Was Michael Jordan NBA's GOAT? Phil Jackson reflects on the 'Masters of the Game' Legendary NBA head coach Phil Jackson and sports writer Sam Smith talk about the stars who helped define the sport, including Jordan, Kobe, Shaq and "bad boy" Dennis Rodman. Tonya Mosley
