Reagan, Ronald; Reagan, Nancy, 1923-; Presidents - United States - Biography; Actors - United States - Biography; Governors - California - Biography; Presidents’ spouses - United States - Biography
Bob Colacello discusses his book, “Ronnie and Nancy.” He begins by explaining that Nancy Reagan’s real name was actually Ann Francis and she was originally named after her aunt, but from a young age she was called Nancy. Colacello then...
Grant, Cary, 1904-1986; Motion picture actors and actresses - United States - Biography
Marc Eliot discusses his book, “Cary Grant.” He begins by discussing Grant's early childhood in Victorian England during which he was called Archie Leach. He then shares that when Grant first came to New York and was trying to get parts on...
Fuller, Samuel, 1912-1997; Motion picture producers and directors - United States -Biography; Motion picture actors and actresses - United States - Biography; Screenwriters - United States - Biography
Christa Fuller discusses the book, “A Third Face.” She begins by explaining why she decided to complete and publish her husband, Samuel Fuller’s autobiography after he passed away. She gives details of her own career as an actress and...
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...
Humorous poetry, American; Aging - Poetry; Women - Poetry
Judith Viorist discusses her poetry book, “Suddenly Sixty.” She begins by talking about what happens to your mind and spirit when you start to feel older. Martinson asks Viorist to read several poems from her book about grandchildren,...
Martin Amis discusses his book, “Yellow Dog." He explains that the novel charts the lives of five very different men. The central protagonist is Xan Meo, who in the beginning is depicted as a modern Renaissance Man, but later suffers a...
Culture diffusion; Human beings - Effect of environment on; Ethnology; Civilization - History; Social evolution
Jared Diamond discusses his book, “Guns, Germs, and Steel." Diamond explains that his book argues that geographical and environmental factors shaped the modern world. He elaborates by explaining that societies that historically had a head start...
Adler, Mortimer Jerome, 1902-2001;
Philosophers - United States - Biography
Mortimer J. Adler discusses his autobiography, “A Second Look in the Rearview Mirror.” He begins by talking about how he dropped out of Columbia University because he didn’t want to take physical education classes, but eventually got his...
Tim Guest talks about his book, “My Life in Orange.” He begins by explaining that he spent his childhood with his parents living in a commune. He talks about how his mother was devoutly religious but decided she wanted a more mystical...
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...
Erika Schickel discusses her book, “You’re Not the Boss of Me.” She begins by explaining that she used to be an actress and wrote the first chapter as a performance piece. Martinson asks Schickel to read a passage from the book about being...
Cabala; Spiritual life - Judaism; Mysticism - Judaism
Yehuda Berg discusses his book, “The Power of Kabbalah.” He begins by explaining what is Kabbalah, which originally began as an ancient wisdom. It later developed into different systems, which consists of more personal work, as well as a...
Dale Peck discusses his novel, “The Law of Enclosures,” that describes his life. The book opens with two characters, Beatrice and Henry, who met in college, and are completely in love with each other. It continues on with the story of their...
Hanks, Steve, 1949-; Painters - United States; Watercolor painting
Steve Hanks discusses his book, “Poised Between Heartbeats,” which discusses how he evolved into an artist. Beginning with his roots in Coronado, California, it is only when Steve moved to New Mexico that he truly blossomed as an artist. ...
Female friendship - Fiction;
Los Angeles (Calif.) - Fiction;
Television programs - Fiction
Teddi Sanford and Mickie Silverstein discuss their novel, “Number One Sunseet Boulevard.” They begin by explaining that their book is about two women who are co-anchors of a cable television show. They talk about the competition between women...
Interfaith marriage - United States;
Marriage - Religious aspects - Judaism;
Marriage - Religious aspects - Christianity
Paul Cowan and Rachel Cowan discuss their book, “Mixed Blessings.” They begin by explaining that they are an interfaith couple and decided to write their own wedding ceremony so they could incorporate both aspects of Judaism and Christianity. ...
Morris, Robert, 1734-1806;
Governors - Pennsylvania - Biography;
United States - History - Revolution, 1775-1783 - Biography;
United States - Politics and government - 1775-1783 - Biography
Charles Rappleye discusses his biography, “Robert Morris.” He begins by explaining that Robert Morris became famous after financing the American army during the Revolutionary War. He talks about how Morris managed the economy and saved the...
Gene Cartwright discusses his novel, “I Never Played Catch with my Father.” He begins by explaining that his book is about a family living in Texas with a strict father. He talks about his relationship with his own father, and discusses his...
Dr. Burton White discusses his book, "The First Three Years of Life." He begins by explaining that he wrote the first edition of this book 10 years ago, but added new information to the revised addition. He discusses changing family trends such...
Social isolation;
Single people - United States;
Loneliness - United States
Louise Bernikow discusses her book, “Alone in America: The Search for Companionship.” She begins by explaining that her book is about the loneliness and social isolation many people feel living in America. She talks about what to do when...
