This Is The Author

National Library Week 2026 is April 19-25, and it's the perfect time to share our love of libraries and our deep appreciation for the librarians who work to make them the vibrant and welcoming places that they are. In this special compilation episode of This Is the Author, hear Mychal Threets, Arthur C. Brooks, Tom Junod, Elizabeth Berg, Erin McGoff, Angela Buchdahl, Zachary Rubin, Dominic Hoffman, Chuck Klosterman, C .Thi Nguyen, and Susan Orlean share what they love most about their local libraries.

In this episode, meet therapist Nidhi Tewari, professor Arthur C. Brooks, and professor and behavioral scientist Julia Minson. Tune in to hear the science behind Nidhi Tewari’s deep dive into workplace burnout, discover what Arthur C. Brooks is most excited for listeners to hear in his audiobook, and hear Julia Minson on the art of disagreement – and why she loves listening to audiobooks on a long drive. Working Well by Nidhi Tewari, MSW, LCSW: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788782/working-well-by-nidhi-tewari-msw-lcsw-foreword-by-amy-cuddy/audio The Meaning of Your Life by Arthur C. Brooks: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/724315/the-meaning-of-your-life-by-arthur-c-brooks/audio How to Disagree Better by Julia Minson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/774525/how-to-disagree-better-by-julia-minson/audio

In this episode, meet artist and hip-hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy, journalist Tom Junod, and food writer Luke Barr. Tune in to hear how writing his memoir gave Fab 5 Freddy a way to share the context behind 40 years of living at the nexus of art and culture. Hear Tom Junod on the need to find a definition of masculinity other than what he had been taught as a child. And go behind the mic with Luke Barr as he explains what inspired his latest book on French cooking. Everybody's Fly by Fab 5 Freddy https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/775871/everybodys-fly-by-fab-5-freddy-with-mark-rozzo/9798217281770/ In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man by Tom Junod https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/89092/in-the-days-of-my-youth-i-was-told-what-it-means-to-be-a-man-by-tom-junod/9798217174065/ The Secret History of French Cooking by Luke Barr https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/602455/the-secret-history-of-french-cooking-by-luke-barr/9798217285600/

In this episode, meet hip-hop artist and Cookies CEO Berner, founder of AdviceWithErin Erin McGoff, and poet and essayist Camonghne Felix. Tune in to hear what inspired Berner to write his book, Erin McGoff on her mission to help people advocate for themselves in the workplace, and Camonghne Felix on the activism and organizing experiences that inspire her work. Becoming Legend by Berner: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/778154/becoming-legend-by-berner/audio/ The Secret Language of Work by Erin McGoff: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784182/the-secret-language-of-work-by-erin-mcgoff/audio Let the Poets Govern by Camonghne Felix: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671601/let-the-poets-govern-by-camonghne-felix/audio

In this episode, meet writer and musician Alicia Jo Rabins, writer and lecturer Nir Eyal, and mental health counselor Jay Stringer. Tune in to hear how spiritual memoirs inspired Alicia Jo Rabins’s writing, how Nir Eyal applied the practices outlined in his book to narrating his audiobook, and how Jay Stringer drew inspiration from his ancestors to write his book on human desire. When We're Born We Forget Everything by Alicia Jo Rabins https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/774429/when-were-born-we-forget-everything-by-alicia-jo-rabins/9798217174249/ Beyond Belief by Nir Eyal https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761993/beyond-belief-by-nir-eyal-with-julie-li/9780593852033/ Desire by Jay Stringer https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/742247/desire-by-jay-stringer/9798217064991/

In this episode, meet actor Andrew Keenan-Bolger, writer and professor Jordy Rosenberg, and novelist Elizabeth Berg. Hear about the queer history that inspired Andrew Keenan Bolger’s book, the real-life people that informed Jordy Rosenberg’s fictional characters, and the estate sale that began Elizabeth’s Berg’s inquiry into the meaning of life. Limelight by Andrew Keenan-Bolger: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768589/limelight-by-andrew-keenan-bolger/audio Night Night Fawn by Jordy Rosenberg: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/689017/night-night-fawn-by-jordy-rosenberg/audio Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710166/life-a-love-story-by-elizabeth-berg/

In this episode, meet psychiatrist Dr. Suzan Song, pediatrician and allergist Dr. Zachary Rubin, and founder of fashion company Tibi, Amy Smilovic. Tune in to hear Suzan Song’s experience of writing her book during the pandemic, what Star Wars has to do with Zachary Rubin’s research into allergies, and what item of clothing Amy Smilovic would bring into the studio if she had to record her audiobook again. Why We Suffer and How We Heal by Dr. Suzan Song https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726239/why-we-suffer-and-how-we-heal-by-suzan-song-md-phd/9798217279098/ All About Allergies by Dr. Zachary Rubin https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790561/all-about-allergies-by-zachary-rubin-md/9798217285624/ Almost Reckless by Amy Smilovic https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/773715/almost-reckless-by-amy-smilovic/9798217282081/

In this episode, meet couples therapist Colette Jane Fehr, Harvard Business School professor Leslie John, and creator of the Big Talk communication method, Kalina Silverman. Tune in to hear each of these communication experts on how you can foster more meaningful connections in your own life, and learn what it was like for them to record their audiobooks. The Cost of Quiet by Colette Jane Fehr LMFT, LMHC: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763866/the-cost-of-quiet-by-colette-jane-fehr-lmft-lmhc/audio Revealing by Leslie John: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/724990/revealing-by-leslie-john/audio/ Big Talk by Kalina Silverman: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/779591/big-talk-by-kalina-silverman/audio

In this episode, meet professor of medicine Dr. Robert Wachter, journalist Norah O’Donnell, and venture capitalist Bill Gurley. Hear why Robert Wachter chose to narrate his audiobook, learn about the startling realization that inspired Norah O’Donnell to write We the Women, and hear why Bill Gurley wants you to chase your dreams. A Giant Leap by Dr. Robert Wachter https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776443/a-giant-leap-by-robert-wachter-md/9798217282074/ We the Women by Norah O'Donnell with Kate Andersen Brower https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746548/we-the-women-by-norah-odonnell-with-kate-andersen-brower/9798217176236/ Runnin' Down a Dream by Bill Gurley https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/769256/runnin-down-a-dream-by-bill-gurley/9798217175208/

In this episode, meet legal analyst Elliot Williams, writer and professor Daisy Hernández, and public defender and nonprofit director Emily Galvin Almanza. Tune in to hear about the “rabbit hole” that inspired Elliot Williams’s book, Daisy Hernández on her personal and public investigation of what citizenship means, and Emily Galvin Almanza on a blueprint for reforming America’s criminal courts. Five Bullets by Elliot Williams: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768052/five-bullets-by-elliot-williams/audio Citizenship by Daisy Hernández: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738467/citizenship-by-daisy-hernandez/audio The Price of Mercy by Emily Galvin Almanza: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763496/the-price-of-mercy-by-emily-galvin-almanza/audio

In this episode, meet founder of Becoming Minimalist Joshua Becker, social media influencer and co-host of the How Married Are You? podcast Yvette Henry, and writer Christopher Beha. Tune in to hear Joshua Becker on how the process of recording reconnected him with his book, Yvette Henry on where she most loves listening to audiobooks, and Christopher Beha on the intricacies of writing about personal beliefs. Uncluttered Faith by Joshua Becker https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788229/uncluttered-faith-by-joshua-becker/9798217278923/ Release, Rest, Remain by Yvette Henry https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/781835/release-rest-remain-by-yvette-henry/9798217159383/ Why I Am Not an Atheist by Christopher Beha https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/703237/why-i-am-not-an-atheist-by-christopher-beha/9798217282180/

In this episode, meet Grammy-nominated recording artist Lachi, journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace, and librarian and host of Reading Rainbow Mychal Threets. Hear how weaving in her original music made Lachi’s audiobook come to life, how Jennifer Breheny Wallace prepared for her time in the studio, and learn Mychal Threet’s favorite thing about his local library. I Identify as Blind by Lachi: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761599/i-identify-as-blind-by-lachi-with-tim-vandehey/audio Mattering by Jennifer Breheny Wallace: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/756179/mattering-by-jennifer-breheny-wallace/audio I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776025/im-so-happy-youre-here-a-celebration-of-library-joy-by-mychal-threets-illustrated-by-lorraine-nam/audio

In this episode meet writer Chuck Klosterman, philosophy professor C. Thi Nguyen, and founder of The Workspace for Children Lizzie Assa. Press play to hear how Chuck Klosterman began working on the book he’d been thinking about for decades, why C. Thi Nguyen describes his recording experience as “intense,” and what Lizzie Assa hopes parents will get from her audiobook. Football by Chuck Klosterman https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704152/football-by-chuck-klosterman/9798217282166/ The Score by C. Thi Nguyen https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735252/the-score-by-c-thi-nguyen/9798217163588/ But I'm Bored! by Lizzie Assa https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/775810/but-im-bored-by-lizzie-assa-msed/9798217160709/

In this episode, meet writer Daniyal Mueenuddin, cultural historian Hiroko Yoda, and naturalist and wildlife filmmaker Paul Rosolie. Hear Daniyal Mueenuddin on the rhythm of writing and the nuances of translating dialogue, Hiroko Yoda on what inspired her book and what she is most excited for audiobook listeners to hear, and Paul Rosolie on how his relationship to the Amazon rainforest has informed his life’s calling. This Is Where the Serpent Lives by Daniyal Mueenuddin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/591625/this-is-where-the-serpent-lives-by-daniyal-mueenuddin/audio Eight Million Ways to Happiness by Hiroko Yoda: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735293/eight-million-ways-to-happiness-by-hiroko-yoda/audio Junglekeeper by Paul Rosolie: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/783873/junglekeeper-by-paul-rosolie/audio

In this episode, meet gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, dietitian and women’s health expert Cory Ruth, and cognitive scientist and host of the podcast A Slight Change of Plans, Maya Shankar. Tune in to hear Dr. Will Bulsiewicz on what he’s most excited for listeners to hear (and learn the scientific name for a growling stomach), Cory Ruth on what she would bring into the studio with her next time, and Maya Shankar on what inspired her to write her audiobook. Plant Powered Plus by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676469/plant-powered-plus-by-will-bulsiewicz-md/9798217345724/ PCOS Is My Power by Cory Ruth https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/796666/pcos-is-my-power-by-cory-ruth-rdn/9798217279180/ The Other Side of Change by Maya Shankar https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729180/the-other-side-of-change-by-maya-shankar/9798217163502/

In this episode, meet comedian Chris Duffy, educator Laura Danger, and psychotherapist Lauren LaRusso. Hear Chris Duffy on how comedy can make life better and why he would describe recording his audiobook as “bliss,” Laura Danger on how the labor of household carework impacts our wellbeing and our relationships, and Lauren LaRusso on creating a toolkit for surviving infidelity. Humor Me by Chris Duffy https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/744561/humor-me-by-chris-duffy/9798217174027/ No More Mediocre by Laura Danger https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737921/no-more-mediocre-by-laura-danger/9798217160877/ Beyond Infidelity by Lauren LaRusso https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/775988/beyond-infidelity-by-lauren-larusso-lpc-lmhc/9798217160693/

In this episode, meet journalist Marion Winik, botanist and biochemist Diana Beresford-Kroeger, and endocrinologist Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen. Tune in to hear Marion Winik talk about why recording her audiobook was both thrilling and a dream come true, Diana Beresford-Kroeger on the poetry of the Irish Gaelic language, and Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen on how her patients' stories inspired her book. First Comes Love by Marion Winik https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/192274/first-comes-love-by-marion-winik/9798217290604/ The Global Forest by Diana Beresford-Kroeger https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/305528/the-global-forest-by-diana-beresford-kroeger/9798217296057/ Weightless by Rocio Salas-Whalen, MD https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/806992/weightless-by-rocio-salas-whalen-md/9798217280285/

In this episode, meet journalist Susan Orlean, inclusion strategist and speaker Ruchika T. Malhotra, and researcher and crossword constructor Natan Last. Listen in as Susan Orlean shares how orchid enthusiasts in Florida inspired her to write her book, Ruchika T. Malhotra reflect on why the last chapter was her favorite to record, and Natan Last on the more intimate side of crossword puzzles and how they’ve served as a source of comfort and connection for so many people. The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/124844/the-orchid-thief-by-susan-orlean/9798217294756/ Uncompete by Ruchika T. Malhotra https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/753092/uncompete-by-ruchika-t-malhotra/9798217163847/ Across the Universe by Natan Last https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796/across-the-universe-by-natan-last/9798217165407/

In this episode, meet psychic medium Laura Lynne Jackson, manifestation coach and speaker Matt Cooke, and clinical psychologist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish. Hear Laura Lynne Jackson discuss how she prepared to record her audiobook, Matt Cooke share his excitement for listeners to hear his personal stories with manifesting, and Dr. Tracy Dalgleish talk about the lack of resources available to help daughters-in-law build healthy relationships with their mothers-in-law and spouses. Guided by Laura Lynne Jackson https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735734/guided-by-laura-lynne-jackson/audio/ Beyond Wanting by Matt Cooke https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/773553/beyond-wanting-by-matt-cooke/audio/ You, Your Husband, and His Mother by Tracy Dalgleish https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/780894/you-your-husband-and-his-mother-by-dr-tracy-dalgleish/audio/

In this episode, meet CEO & founder of beauty brand Anastasia Beverly Hills, Anastasia Soare, co-hosts of The War on Cars podcast Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, and host of the Sanctuary Stirrings podcast, Lori G. Melton. Tune in to hear Anastasia Soare talk about what inspired her to write her book and how she hopes to empower others, Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon on the negative impact of cars on our society, and Lori G. Melton on why she chose to narrate her audiobook. Raising Brows by Anastasia Soare: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/776754/raising-brows-by-anastasia-soare/audio Life After Cars by Sarah Goodyear, Doug Gordon, and Aaron Naparstek: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/757609/life-after-cars-by-sarah-goodyear-doug-gordon-and-aaron-naparstek/audio Journey with a Giant by Lori G. Melton: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/764110/journey-with-a-giant-by-lori-g-melton/audio