Debut Novel 'The Leavers' Up For National Book Award

The National Book Awards will be awarded on Nov. 15, and Lisa Ko's debut novel "The Leavers" is one of the five finalists. The book centers around Deming Guo, whose mother Polly, an immigrant from China living in the U.S. illegally, disappears when he's 11 years old. It follows Deming's struggles as he's adopted by well-to-do parents, and reveals what happens to Polly when the two are parted.

Here & Now's Robin Young talks with Ko (@iamlisako) about the book.