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
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
Can the lessons of 1929 help us avert another economic crisis? New York Times financial columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin draws parallels between the stock market crash of 1929, which led to the Great Depression, and today's economic uncertainty. Dave Davies
'Placeless' author traces the roots and realities of mass homelessness in America Patrick Markee spent two decades walking through New York City's tunnels, armories and intake centers. His book asks: what if homelessness isn't a personal failing, but the result of policy choices? Tonya Mosley
Former White House chief usher reflects on his career in new book For decades, Gary J. Walters worked in the White House, including 20 years as chief usher. NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with him about his new memoir, "White House Memories." Steve Inskeep
In 'Wings,' Paul McCartney recounts the making of his post-Beatles band NPR's A Martinez speaks with Paul McCartney about his new book, "Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run," an oral history of the band McCartney formed after The Beatles broke up. A Martínez
In new book, Rep. Jim Clyburn highlights the Black politicians who paved the way for him NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., about his new book, "The First Eight," which tells the untold story of the first Black politicians elected to Congress from South Carolina. Michel Martin
Rabih Alameddine talks about his novel,'The True True Story of Raja the Gullible' Raja has been exhausted by his loving mother for six decades. NPR's Scott Simon talks with Lebanese writer Rabih Alameddine about his book, "The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)." Scott Simon