Books

In his latest book, economist Daniel Altman looks at a day in the lives of workers and businesses in the globalized economy. He talks with Kai Ryssdal about what works . . . and doesn't.

In his recent novel, author Christopher Buckley offers a modest proposal of sorts toward dealing with America's impending Social Security problem — government incentives for suicide. He discusses the idea with Kai Ryssdal.

Author Benjamin Barber says the American economy has taken a wrong turn toward encouraging consumption — and that's not what capitalism was supposed to be about. He talks with Kai Ryssdal.

You know those people in your office who love making your life miserable? Your boss? A co-worker? Author Bob Sutton says we should have a rule against them. They're bad for morale and business. He talks with Kai Ryssdal.

British Airways announced it's buying four new jets from Boeing — not Airbus — with the option to buy four more. John Newhouse, author of a new book on the Boeing-Airbus rivalry talks with Kai Ryssdal.

Cash Peters digs around inside JanSport to bring us a behind-the-scenes look at how the popular backpack maker made it happen.

Yale sociologist Rachel Sherman did some hands-on research into what it's like to work in a low-wage job at a five-star hotel. She talks with Kai Ryssdal about her experience.

Author Margaret Heffernan has researched women-owned businesses and come to the conclusion that they're doing a lot of things right - and, in some ways, better than their male counterparts.

Software projects like Microsoft's Windows Vista are notoriously late getting to market. Salon.com co-founder Scott Rosenberg has a new book on the perils of software programming. He talks with Kai Ryssdal.