The All Of It Summer Reading Challenge has entered the second month! Producer Jordan Lauf provides recommendations specifically for the U.S. history or historical fiction category. Plus, listeners share what books they are reading for the Challenge. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Set in 1930s New York, A historical fiction novel follows two women on opposite sides of the law, a prosecutor and a madam, who form an unlikely partnership to take down a notorious mob boss. Authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray discuss their new book, A Pair of Aces.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

George McKenzie Jr. grew up around violence in Brooklyn before becoming one of the few Black wildlife photographers for National Geographic. Now, he shares his story in the short documentary film "The Book of George" McKenzie discusses the film and his career.

Image courtesy of LA Times Studios: George McKenzie Jr from "The Book Of George"

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Friday, June 19th, the National Library of France announced the discovery of a 44-page notebook containing lessons and compositions written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The notebook, which belonged to one of the composer's pupils, yielded seven previously unknown works for flute and harp - a musical duo that is not well represented in classical music repertoires. Emi Ferguson, a flute player, composer, and host on WQXR discusses the significance of this discovery and what it may mean for musicians and the classical music world at large.

Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP via Getty Images: An original fragment from a recently discovered piece of instructional music composed by Mozart.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The new documentary "Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World" reflects on the life and work of the esteemed poet, who published more than 30 collections over the course of her career. Director Sasha Waters discusses the film, and poet Gabrielle Calvocoressi shares what Oliver's poetry means to them. "Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World" premieres at the IFC Center on July 2, and will air on PBS on August 25. 

Photo by Rachel Giese Brown

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Seaport Museum's latest full-floor exhibition traces how the nation's founding ideas have evolved over time through rare defining documents and pivotal moments in history. Captain Jonathan Boulware, president of the South Street Seaport Museum and Martina Caruso, curator and Director of Collections and Exhibitions, discuss “The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation,” which is now on view at the historic 1868 A.A. Thomson & Co. building on 213 Water Street.

Illustration published in Harper's Weekly, November 27, 1875: “Projected Statue of Liberty for New York Harbor”  publisher. Courtesy of the Seaport Museum

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When you think of the Revolutionary War, you may think of Philadelphia or Boston. But if you want to be where the fighting actually happened, head to New Jersey, where armies crisscrossed the state, neighbors were divided, and Washington's army turned things around. Sara Cureton, the executive director of the New Jersey State Historical Commission, and Mark Texel, the administrator of state historic sites for the NJ Dept of Environmental Protection, talk about the Garden State's rich revolutionary history and where to the landmarks and artifacts associated with it today. 

Painting by John Trumbull: The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton January 3 1777

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writer and food columnist Yewande Komolafe discusses her mission to rediscover and reconnect with New York City as a wheelchair user, and listeners offer recommendations for accessible spots in the city. 

Photo by Courtney Yates, courtesy of the New York Times

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Janet Fash became a lifeguard at Rockaway Beach in 1979, working her way up the male-dominated ranks to become the first-ever female chief lifeguard in NYC history. Fash shares her memories of her 40 year tenure in the new memoir Lifeguard: A Love Story. 

Image courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This summer, All Of It will feature a guide for making the most of the nice weather in all five boroughs. Today Katie Honan from The City Reporter kicks off the series with the top attractions that Queens, also known as the World's Borough, has to offer this season, especially outdoor spaces like parks and beaches. Plus, listeners share their favorite summer spots in Queens.

Photo by Kate Hinds/WNYC: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, June 2026

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.