Hailey, Kendall, 1966-;
Self-culture;
High school graduates - United States - Biography
Kendall Hailey discusses her autobiography, “The Day I Became an Autodidact.” She begins by explaining that an autodidact is someone who is self-taught. She talks about graduating high school and her decision not to go to college. She...
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919 - Childhood and youth; Presidents - United States - Biography
David McCullough discusses his book, “Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt.” McCullough explains the significance of the book title and talks...
Thomas Hine discusses his book, “I Want That!” He begins the interview by explaining consumer history and questioning the power that possessions have over people. He talks about the first department stores which began in the 1850s, and how...
Los Angeles (Calif.) - Social life and customs; Christmas decorations - California - Los Angeles; Christmas - California - Los Angeles; Skinner, George, d. 1978
Georja Skinner discusses her book, “The Christmas House.” She begins by explaining that the book tells the story of her father’s life. Her father, George Skinner, moved from Canada to Santa Monica with his father. When they left Canada he was...
Paris (France) - Fiction; London (England) - Fiction; Great Britain - History - 18th century - Fiction; Nobility - Fiction; Arranged marriage - Fiction
Karleen Koen discusses her book, “Through a Glass Darkly.” She begins by explaining her background in English literature and how it led her to write historical fiction set in the eighteenth century. She goes on to discuss her career before she...
Art patrons - United States - Biography; Art - Collectors and collecting - United States - Biography; Neuberger, Roy R.
Roy Neuberger discusses his book, “The Passionate Collector.” He begins by discussing his early life in Paris when he first started out as a young artist and how he later became a major art collector. He then reminisces about some of the first...
Motion pictures - United States - Marketing; Motion picture industry - Economic aspects - United States
Jonathan Bing and Dade Hayes discuss their book, “Open Wide.” They begin by explaining the genesis of the book, which came about through Dade Hayes' work for “Variety” as a reporter who covered new films’ opening weekend box office...
Motion picture actors and actresses - United States - Biography; McDaniel, Hattie, 1895-1952
Jill Watts discusses her book, “Hattie McDaniel.” She begins by explaining that the book tells the story of Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American to win an Academy Award. Born the youngest daughter of freed slaves, Hattie McDaniel sang...
Cixi, Empress Dowager of China, 1835-1908 - Fiction; Empresses - Fiction; China - History - Guangxu, 1875-1908 - Fiction
Anchee Min discusses her book, “Empress Orchid.” She begins by explaining that the book is historical fiction and follows the life of Tsu Hsi, also known as, Orchid. Orchid was born a poor girl in rural China, later she became a royal concubine...
Dan Barden discusses his novel, “John Wayne.” He begins by explaining that his father was a contractor who was hired to renovate John Wayne’s home, and the two men became drinking buddies. He says that he decided to write this novel because...
Mothers and daughters - Fiction; Jewish women - Fiction
Erica Jong discusses her book, “Inventing Memory: A Novel of Mothers and Daughters.” Jong tells the stories of four generations of Jewish women in America. Sarah, the matriarch, is born in Russia and comes to the United States and works as a...
Vardon, Harry, 1870-1937;
Ouimet, Francis;
Golf - History
Mark Frost discusses his book, “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” He begins by talking about one of the earliest golfers Harry Vardon and how he became the first British champion in golf. He discusses the life of another famous player, Francis...
Rosselli, Johnny;
Criminals - United States - Biography;
Mafia - United States - History - 20th century
Charles Rappleye discusses his book, “All American Mafioso.” He begins by explaining the early life of Johnny Rosselli, a hit man for the mafia. He talks about how Rosselli was born in Boston, moved to Chicago, and became friends with Al...
David Baldacci discusses his novel, “Absolute Power,” which takes place in Washington DC, where a character Luther is set out to rob a mansion, but accidentally witnesses the President of the United States having an affair with the lady of the...
Married women - Fiction; Spouses of clergy - Fiction; African American women - Fiction; African American clergy - Fiction
Kimberla Lawson Ruby discusses her book, “Casting the First Stone,” which is a book that is very universal and applicable in order that readers can relate to it. Her book describes the life of a minister’s family that loses their focus on...
McAuliffe, Terry;
Clinton, Bill, 1946- - Friends and associates;
Democratic Party (U.S.) - Biography;
Political consultants - United States - Biography;
Presidents - United States - Staff - Biography;
Political campaigns - United States;
United...
Terry McAuliffe discusses his autobiography, “What a Party!” He begins by explaining that he is an entrepreneur and started several businesses when he was young. He talks about his job doing fundraising for the Democratic Party. He discusses...
Kritsick, Stephen; Veterinarians - New York (State) - New York - Biography
Dr. Stephen Kritsick discusses his book, “Creature Comforts,” which talks about issues of pets. He speaks about the differences between purebred versus mixed-breed pets. He states that mixed-breed pets tend to be more tame and healthier in...
Wayne, John, 1907-1979;
Motion picture actors and actresses - United States - Biography
Pat Stacy discusses her biography of John Wayne, “Duke.” She begins by explaining that she started out as his assistant and became his lover. She talks about his other romances and how their relationship had began after he had separated from...
Dr. William A. Nolen discusses his book, “Crisis Time.” He begins by explaining that his book helps men deal with having a midlife crisis. He talks about his own midlife crisis at age 50 when his life became so overwhelming he couldn’t see...
Barzman, Norma;
Screenwriters - United States - Biography;
Journalists - United States - Biography;
Motion picture industry - United States;
Hollywood (Los Angeles, Calif.) - Biography
Norma Barzman discusses her autobiography, “The Red and the Blacklist.” She begins by explaining that her book is about communists, like herself, who were hunted down in Hollywood in the 1950s. She talks about her early life in Russia and...
