After his mother's death, Ocean Vuong wrote his way out of grief Vuong's new novel, The Emperor of Gladness, is the first he's written, from start to finish, since his mother died in 2019. He says writing it was a way to honor her memory. Tonya Mosley
What makes the best kind of humor? Damon Young offers answers in new essay collection NPR's Juana Summers talks with Damon Young about That's How They Get You, his new humor anthology featuring essays by Black writers. Jeffrey Pierre
New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern broke the mold on leadership, motherhood and stepping down NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks to former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern about balancing leadership and motherhood. Erika Ryan
With 'I Love Lucy' and beyond, Desi Arnaz helped shaped TV as we know it The success of I Love Lucy is often credited to Lucille Ball's comedic talent, but biographer Todd Purdum says Arnaz was more than just "second banana" to Lucy. He also helped shape the modern sitcom. Terry Gross
A disabled mom's message to parents: We all need help, and it's OK to ask for it Raising two kids while living with an autonomic nervous system disorder taught Jessica Slice to embrace interdependence. Her story is a reminder to parents of the power of asking for help. Mara Gordon
Israeli writer Etgar Keret reflects on writing during difficult times NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with writer Etgar Keret about his new book, Autocorrect. Many of the short stories were written before the war began, but he says they've taken on new meaning since then. Ari Shapiro
Bestselling author James Patterson on the voices that keep him up at night Patterson's books have sold over 400 million copies worldwide. He says he often gets ideas for them late at night. His latest, The #1 Dad Book, offers advice for fathers. Terry Gross
In 'What Will People Think?,' a Palestinian American woman must hide her stand-up comedy career Sara Hamdan discusses her debut novel What Will People Think?, a story about a Palestinian American woman learning to chase her dreams and break cultural expectations. Gurjit Kaur
Madeleine Thien's new novel 'The Book of Records' explores the fluidity of time NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with author Madeleine Thien about her new novel, The Book of Records begins when a seven year old girl named Lina arrives with her father in an unusual place. Ari Shapiro
'The Trouble With Heroes' explores the healing power of hiking Kate Messner's new middle grade novel The Trouble With Heroes Is about a boy who gets into trouble with the law. Instead of juvie, he's tasked with hiking all 46 Adirondack peaks. Andrew Limbong
