Books
Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter of The Roots spoke at the Community College of Philadelphia about overcoming and growing from childhood trauma.
12 months ago
Listen 1:21Philadelphia’s Quintessence Theatre has produced the only adaptation of James Baldwin’s 1956 novel approved by his estate.
12 months ago
Listen 1:25From Dolly Parton to MrBeast, James Patterson is always learning
One of the best-selling authors of all time sat down with Terry Gross for an onstage interview as WHYY gave him its annual Lifelong Learning Award.
1 year ago
Listen 1:35The rise of the spicy book club
Spicy romance novel sales have jumped in the last few years. What's behind the all the buzz? Author Betty Corrello and Philly's Cupid's Bookshop owner Tina Long join us.
Air Date: May 8, 2025 12:00 pm
Listen 51:57Bucks County Book Festival draws hundreds of readers, authors to main event
The seventh annual Bucks County Book Festival drew crowds with author panels, book signings and a celebration of community, creativity and the joy of reading.
1 year ago
Listen 1:06Studio 2 Extra: The Roots’ Black Thought on ‘Upcycled: A Memoir’
Tariq Trotter's memoir, The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are, is the Free Library's selection for this year's One Book, One Philadelphia.
Air Date: April 17, 2025 1:00 pm
Listen 19:50Patti Smith takes another look back in a new memoir, ‘Bread of Angels’
In her new book, the poet-writer-musician reflects on her childhood in Philadelphia and South Jersey, her move to Michigan and her grief over the death of her husband.
1 year ago
‘We publish our books … because the ideas really matter to us’
Billy Penn’s series of Q&As with Philly’s independent publishers continues. This time: Malav Kanuga, of Common Notions.
1 year ago
The art and science of good conversation
A new book, Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, reveals the hidden architecture of good conversation and how we can become better communicators.
Air Date: March 21, 2025 12:00 pm
Listen 50:22‘The throughline is trying to publish underrepresented voices’
Billy Penn’s series of Q&As with Philly’s independent publishers continues. Today: Alison M. Lewis, of Frayed Edge Press
1 year ago
Since 2017, the small business has expanded as a hub for Black culture and community.
1 year ago
The memoir of The Roots’ Black Thought is this year’s selection for One Book One Philadelphia
Tariq Trotter’s 2023 memoir about growing up in Philadelphia will be the focus of the Free Library’s all-city reading program.
1 year ago
Philly’s UArts library has been sold to the Forman Arts Initiative
The 60,000-volume library in the University of the Arts’ Anderson Hall will be moved intact to Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood.
1 year ago
‘Destined’: Penn grad Aminata Sy’s story of resilience
Aminata Sy moved to Philadelphia when she was 21, and went from dropout to Ivy graduate. With a supportive family and now a position as a U.S. Diplomat, she defied the odds.
Air Date: January 31, 2025 1:00 pm
Listen 10:10African American Children’s Book Fair marks 33 years of championing literacy
The three-decade-old fair highlights Black authors and illustrators and serves young readers of color.
1 year ago














