Anya is only 8 years old, but she's already got the weight of a nation on her shoulders. The protagonist of Winterland lives in an isolated Arctic town, where she's immersed in the world of 1970s Soviet gymnastics. In today's episode, author Rae Meadows tells NPR's David Folkenflik about her long-lasting fascination with that era of competitive sports, and how it shapes her main character's journey into womanhood.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Kultur & Gesellschaft
NPR's Book of the Day Folgen
In need of a good read? Or just want to keep up with the books everyone's talking about? NPR's Book of the Day gives you today's very best writing in a snackable, skimmable, pocket-sized podcast. Whether you're looking to engage with the big questions of our times – or temporarily escape from them – we've got an author who will speak to you, all genres, mood and writing styles included. Catch today's great books in 15 minutes or less.
Folgen von NPR's Book of the Day
1028 Folgen
-
Folge vom 12.01.2023In 'Winterland,' a Soviet Union gymnast navigates a grueling responsibility
-
Folge vom 11.01.2023In 'Song of Silver, Flame Like Night,' Chinese mythology teaches lessons about powerAmélie Wen Zhao's fantasy novel, Song of Silver, Flame Like Night, is rooted in the Chinese genres of xianxia and wuxia. It follows a young girl uncovering the secrets of her tumultuous kingdom with the help of a magician. In today's episode, the author talks to Here & Now's Kalyani Saxena about how her imperfect characters make difficult choices in their search for power. Zhao draws clear comparisons between the themes of anti-imperialism and history depicted in the book to real world battles being fought today, including anti-Asian racism.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
-
Folge vom 10.01.2023'Meredith, Alone' explores mental health, isolation and friendshipThe titular protagonist of Meredith, Alone has not left her home in three years. In today's episode, author Claire Alexander tells NPR's Scott Simon about the character's self-imposed isolation, and how trauma from earlier in life can leave long-lasting impacts on a person's mental health. And yet Meredith's trauma doesn't define her – so Alexander explains why she wanted to write a story that provided a full scope of what it means to overcome mental and emotional wounds.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
-
Folge vom 09.01.2023A new biography of Janet Yellen offers a personal look at the trailblazing economistJanet Yellen's career has shattered several glass ceilings; she was the first female head of the Federal Reserve, and she's now the first woman serving as Secretary of Treasury. In this episode, author and journalist Jon Hilsenrath discusses his new biography of her, Yellen, and how her upbringing and marriage reveal a lot about her professional path. Hilsenrath explains to Here & Now's Scott Tong that the love story of Yellen and her husband actually offers insight into the delicate line between democracy and capitalism, and how in a time of economic upheaval, policymakers are bound to make mistakes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy