Books

Writer and columnist Meghan Daum says she is a real estate addict. She talks with Kai Ryssdal about her new book, "Life Would Be Perfect if I Lived in that House," and her search for a home in L.A.

Social critic Andrew Potter talks with Tess Vigeland about his new book "The Authenticity Hoax," and calls into question why people shop organic, buy distressed jeans and make their own compost.

BBC sports commentator Matthew Syed talks with Tess Vigeland about his new book "Bounce," and what lies behind success and excellence in sports and other endeavors.

Author Josh Axelrad talks with Kai Ryssdal about his book "Repeat Until Rich," how he ended up as a professional blackjack player, and how card counting works.

The Democrats' push to overhaul the financial regulatory system could hit the Senate next week. But can Congress prevent another Wall Street bailout? Bill Radke talks to Roger Lowenstein, author of "The End of Wall Street."

Author Roger Lowenstein talks with Kai Ryssdal about his new book "The End of Wall Street," the roots of the financial crisis, and where we go from here.

Usually when people think ruins the mind teems with images of decaying ancient cities all over the world. But the U.S. has plenty of its own ruins to discover. Bill Radke talks to Nick Yablon, American Studies professor at the University of Iowa.

Author Bill McKibben talks with Kai Ryssdal about his book, "Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet," why he chose that title, and what we have to do cope with how we've changed our planet.

Google is making the push to digitize millions of books. Will these types of moves render librarians obsolete? Bill Radke talks to Marilyn Johnson, author of "This Book Is Overdue," about why librarians are vital now.

Producer, manager, sometimes actor and philanthropist Jerry Weintraub talks with Kai Ryssdal about his biography "When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead," how he revolutionized the concert business, and wound up working with Elvis Presley.