Posted inNPR

Bob Odenkirk loved how the world looked after his heart attack: “Beautiful and astounding.”

Bob Odenkirk says he was never supposed to be an action hero, but he’s grateful for the way his career has turned out. Starting out as a sketch comedian, he never could have foreseen roles like Saul Goodman in “Better Call Saul” or Sheriff Ulysses in his newest film, “Normal.” He tells Rachel he takes none of it for granted, as he retraces his path from his humble Illinois roots. 
To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Posted inNPR

For her new novel about boy bands, Emma Straub took a page from New Kids on the Block

A few years ago, author Emma Straub saw a story about New Kids on the Block hosting a tropical cruise for their fans. That planted the seed for Straub, whose new novel, American Fantasy, is about a fictional, aging boy band called Boy Talk that sets sail for five days of nostalgia. In today’s episode, the author speaks with NPR’s Justine Kenin about the 50-year-old female fan at the center of the novel. Straub also shares her experience receiving feedback on a draft from New Kids member Joey McIntyre.

To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR’s book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday

Gift this article