Journalist Kelsey McKinney breaks down the pull and power of gossip in new memoir NPR's Juana Summers speaks with journalist Kelsey McKinney about her new book, You Didn't Hear This From Me: (Mostly) True Notes on Gossip. Lauren Hodges
In 'Idle Grounds', an idyllic summer with cousins takes a mysterious turn NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks to author Krystelle Bamford about her new novel, "Idle Grounds," which tells the story of young cousins facing grownup truths. Ayesha Rascoe
Kenneth Turan discusses his new book tracing the history of MGM Film NPR's Scott Simon speaks to author and film critic Kenneth Turan about his new book, "Louis B. Mayer & Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation." Scott Simon
In 'Life Hacks for a Little Alien', a little girl finds comfort in an unlikely source NPR's Scott Simon speaks with author Alice Franklin about her debut novel, Life Hacks for a Little Alien. Scott Simon
A pro dominatrix and novelist says empathy, curiosity and bravery are key to both jobs After publishing her first novel when she was 21, Brittany Newell started working as a dominatrix. The job gave her time to write — and plenty of material to draw from. Her new novel is Soft Core. Tonya Mosley
From Buffy to Mariah, pop culture got Ira Madison III through his teens NPR's Juana Summers speaks with cultural critic, TV writer and podcast host Ira Madison III about his new memoir, Pure Innocent Fun. Vincent Acovino
Virginia Feito discusses her darkly funny new novel 'Victorian Psycho' Virginia Feito gets inside the twisted, bloodthirsty, and often comical head of a killer-posing-as-a-governess in the new book "Victorian Psycho." Ayesha Rascoe
Ali Smith discusses the authoritarian themes in her new novel 'Gliff' In Ali Smith's latest novel, "Gliff," a brother and sister befriend a horse in a dystopian future. NPR's Scott Simon explores the issue of authoritarianism with the novelist and playwright. Scott Simon
How Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star Author Ricky Riccardi says Armstrong's innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist helped set the entire soundtrack of the 20th century. His new book about Armstrong's early life is Stomp Off, Let's Go. Terry Gross
New novel digs into generations of love and heartache of an African American family NPR's Juana Summers speaks with author Charmaine Wilkerson about her new book, Good Dirt. Justine Kenin