Since 2012, Ta-Nehisi Coates has been a staple in  journalism. Known most recently for writing “The Case for Reparations” and being a senior editor at The Atlantic, Coates frequently writes essays on race, history, politics and social issues.

For the past few months, many have awaited his second published book, titled Between the World and Me. Toni Morrison is quoted on the cover, stating that the book is “required reading.” According to the New York Times, it was inspired by James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time. Coates opens Between the World and Me as a letter to his 14-year-old son and discusses what it means to travel through America in a black body.

In an interview with Michele Norris for NPR, Coates discusses his soon-to-be-released book, fear and ultimately what it means to be black in America.

Listen to the full interview below to quench your Coates thirst.

Click here to read an excerpt from his book on NPR’s website. It will be released tomorrow, July 14.