This New York Times podcast presents an in-depth review of Jeff Horwitz's book, 'Broken Code Inside Facebook and the Fight to Expose its Harmful Secrets'. It uncovers Facebook's grand failures, its prioritization of growth and engagement over user safety, the role it played in political fracturing, spreading disinformation, and even genocide. The complex narrative expands on the extraordinary cooperation of whistleblower Frances Hogan in unveiling Facebook's daunting issues and outlines the platform's crisis management. Detailed accounts of Facebook's dark underbelly reveal the disturbing reality of the social media giant's operations.

Delve into Barbara Streisand's incredible journey from humble beginnings in Brooklyn to stardom illumination. Discussing her memoir 'My Name is Barbara', this podcast highlights her determination, the obstacles she overcame, and significant relationships shaping her career. As an accomplished actress, singer, and director, this conversation outlines her passion to keep creating, her undying spontaneity and a unique offering for Streisand's avid fans, packing vivid storytelling and interesting trivia.

In this episode, we delve into the life and work of Willa Cather, comparing and contrasting various biographies written about her. We explore her influence and the lasting impact of her work on literature. Additionally, we discuss Benjamin Taylor's new book, 'Chasing Bright Meduses,' which provides a brief and clear introduction to Cather's life. This podcast is an excellent resource for both long-time fans of Cather, as well as those new to her work, providing an in-depth analysis of a celebrated and influential literary figure.

In this episode of the New York Times Book Review, host Nora Ami discusses 'The Picnic, A Dream of Freedom and the Collapse of the Iron Curtain' by Matthew Longo. The discussion probes into the detrimental effects of the Soviet Bloc and the powerful impact of ordinary peoples' actions in the summer of 1989 that led to the ultimate downfall of the Soviet Empire. The podcast examines this revolutionary moment, shedding light on the complex historical events surrounding the Iron Curtain's collapse, featuring in-depth analysis and vibrant discussion on the effects of this crucial period.

In this episode, we delve into Britney Spears' memoir, examining her rise to fame and her struggle with intense media scrutiny. We explore how sports in America transformed during the 1970s through Michael McCambridge's lens. Also discussed is a scrutiny of President Ulysses S. Grant's efforts during the Reconstruction era. Join us as we take a deep dive into these fascinating histories, in the context of their authors' perspectives and their lasting impact.

Join host Nora Ami as she reviews 'Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and the Marriage that Shook Europe' by historians John Guy and Julia Fox. This podcast delves into Anne's fascinating and emotion-filled life; her transformative years spent in austere European courts, her whirlwind romance with Henry VIII, and the events that ultimately led to her tragic execution. This riveting biography offers a fresh perspective, illuminating the political and cultural contexts that formed one of history's most enigmatic queens. Nora Ami shares her impressions and provides a captivating analysis on the sweeping narrative presented in Guy and Fox's work.

Join Nora Ami, host of the New York Times Book Review, as she explores the fascinating story behind the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Focusing specifically on the often overlooked contributors to the dictionary, this podcast takes listeners on a journey from the OED's conception in 1857 up to the present day, highlighting the tireless work of ordinary readers known as 'word-nerds', who helped make this linguistic monument possible. Through in-depth discussion of Sarah Ogilvie's book, 'The Dictionary People', we delve into the importance of language evolution, showcasing how these unsung heroes influenced the historical narrative of the English language.

In this New York Times podcast, we dive deep into the works of renowned author Jhumpa Lahiri, particularly her latest collection 'Roman Stories'. We explore Lahiri's unique linguistic journey as she ventures into writing in Italian, her third language, and the rich, melancholic, yet dynamic themes that pervade her narratives. Our focus is on the expansiveness of foreignness in her stories and the way they connect to her own life journey, which itself is a tale of transition and transformation.

In this episode of The New York Times Book Review Podcast, we delve into the chilling novel 'A Haunting on the Hill' by Elizabeth Hand, a spooky tale featuring an imposing mansion and its new occupants. We also discuss 'A Day in the Life of Abed Salama', a tragic story unravelled by Nathan Thrall about a fatal bus collision involving Palestinian children. Join us as we explore the themes, strengths, and lessons from these gripping works that hold mere words captive to their narratives.

Our podcast explores the role of black history in American literature, drawing connections between Ayanna Mathis's novel 'The Unsettled' & the larger cultural narrative. Through the journey of the central characters, Mathis showcases the unshakeable influence of the past, the struggles of the marginalized, and unsuppressed resilience. This podcast probes deeper into the intricacies of history embedded in black literature, reminding listeners that history forever hovers over the present like an unrelenting shadow.

This New York Times Book Review podcast delves into Nathan Hills novel 'Wellness'. Offering a careful analysis of the narrative structure, the host explores themes of marriage, midlife malaise, polyamory, social media engagement, and the gimmickry of modern wellness trends. Drawing comparisons to works of Franzen and Dickens, the podcast paints an intricate picture of the novel's complex handling of contemporary white-collar life and its extensive plot lines that tie into the culture and society of the 21st century.

Join NYT's Nora Ami in this podcast as she reviews Michiko Aoyama's debut novel 'What You Are Looking For Is In The Library.' Delving deep into the book's themes, characters, and its portrayal of urban life in Tokyo's imagined Hattori Ward, the podcast offers an engaging literary analysis. The novel's relationships, its subtle thread about misremembering, and its sophisticated portrayal of civic life intrigue the listeners. This podcast is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts, critics, and lovers of Japanese fiction alike.

In this episode, we delve into Margaret Meyer's debut novel, 'The Witching Tide'. We explore the relevance of historical witch trials in our current socio-political climate. The story, inspired by the witch hunts of 17th century England, provides a captivating view of societal norms and beliefs, human vulnerability, as well as the struggle between mainstream and unconventional faith. We also briefly tackle Ariel Dorfman's 'The Suicide Museum', touching on themes of political turmoil and personal identities.

Discover 'The Good Virus,' and 'The Master Builder,' books that highlight the forgotten promise of phage therapy and delve into the new science of the cell. This podcast unravels stories of quirky scientists and transformative discoveries that are bringing attention back to old discoveries with the potential to combat stubborn ailments and reveal fascinating new truths about biology. Tune in as we explore the origins, the intriguing history, and the potential future of phage therapy, and discuss the ways it could help in fighting antibiotic resistance.

In this New York Times Book Review podcast, Nora Ami explores Anne Leary's novel 'The Foundling', providing an in-depth review and discussion. This historical fiction novel tells the story of 'The Nettleton State Village', an institution aimed at segregating 'unfit' women during the prime of eugenics practices. This review presents a critical dialogue on the motives behind such organizations, the concept of eugenics, and how these historical elements resonate in our present society. This podcast reveals the dark corners of our historical past, through the eyes of vivacious characters navigating the complex landscape of reproductive control and social reform.

NYT's Nora Ami reviews current novels exploring intriguing themes. Stephen Kearse's 'Liquid Snakes', a calculated tale of revenge-disguised-as-science, entertains with dark satire and social commentary while Paul Murray's 'The Beesting' presents an uncomfortably realistic exploration of a family's downfall amidst daily challenges and personal demons. Despite their unique approaches, both novels grapple with important contemporary issues such as mental health, technology, and racial trauma.

In this episode of The New York Times Book Review, host Nora Ami meticulously discusses 'Whale Fall' by Daniel Krauss, a suspenseful survival novel about a guilt-ridden teen Scuba diver trapped inside a whales stomach, and his tense confrontation with traumatic past experiences. The podcast progresses with a vivid exploration of the main character, the book's undersea setting, its captivating premise, and Krauss's skillful use of visceral and technical descriptions of the sea-world.