Calvin Trillin discusses his book, “Too Soon to Tell,” a collection of essays from his syndicated newspaper column and pieces from “The New Yorker.” Trillin talks about technology and how the computer has transformed lives. He goes on to...
Carolyn Mary Kleefeld discusses her book, “The Alchemy of Possibility: Reinventing Your Personal Mythology.” She begins by explaining how she borrowed elements from many different cultures to create her own system for personal betterment. She...
African Americans - Biography - Anecdotes; Inspiration - Anecdotes; Social values - United States - Anecdotes; Spiritual life - Anecdotes; African Americans - Conduct of life - Anecdotes
Eric Copage discusses his book, “Soul Food.” He begins by explaining that the book is a compilation of inspirational stories, poems and fables written by and for African Americans. Some of the authors include, Nikki Giovanni, Oprah Winfrey,...
Southern States - Poetry Book; African American families - Poetry
Janice Harrington discusses her book, “Even the Hollow My Body Made is Gone.” She begins by explaining that her work received the 2008 Kate Tufts Discovery Award. She then discusses her career as a librarian before becoming a writer and...
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,...
African American families; African American poets - Biography; Poets, American - 20th century - Biography; Poets, American - 20th century - Family relationships; Jordan, June, 1936-2002 - Family; Jordan, June, 1936-2002 - Childhood and youth
June Jordan discusses her book, “Soldier.” She begins by explaining that the book is a collection of poems about her childhood. She discusses the difficulties she faced as the child of immigrants and growing up with the burden of their...
English literature - Irish authors; Ireland - Literary collections
Malachy McCourt discusses his book, “Voices of Ireland.” He begins by explaining his personal background being born in New York and his family moving back to Ireland when he was a child. He talks about starting his book with Jonathan...
Maya Angelou discusses her book, “Now Sheba Sings the Song,” with illustrations by Tom Feelings. Angelou recites poems from the book and says Feelings gave her the paintings because he believed they could be turned into a book. Angelou talks...
Maya Angelou discusses her book, “I Shall Not Be Moved,” a collection of poems. She talks about the age of 55 and its introduction to one’s mortality and contemporary women. Angelou recites two poems and goes on to discuss relationships and...
African Americans - Poetry; Women - United States - Poetry; African American women - Poetry
Nikki Giovanni discusses her book, “The Selected Poems of Nikki Giovanni.” Giovanni begins by explaining that the book contains 150 of her original poems arranged chronologically. She discusses how the poems reflect the changes she has endured...
Nikki Giovanni discusses her book, “Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea.” Giovanni explains the meaning of the title and talks about the poems in her book. She discusses Mars and its unfamiliarity, a commitment to humanity and not revenge, Rosa...
Rita Bregman and Barbara Michelman discuss their book, “On Amethyst Glass.” They begin by explaining how they came to collaborate on their poetry and how they decided to write a book together. Martinson asks Bregman to read a passage from the...
Poetry - Collections; Poetry - Translations into English
Robert Bly discusses his book, “The Winged Energy of Delight,” which is a compilation of translated poems from twenty-two different poets. He goes on to explain the difficulty of translating poetry that encompasses so many various places and...
Rod McKuen discusses his book, “Intervals.” He begins by explaining that the book is a collection of his newest poetry. He explains that the poems are an exploration of his life and his thoughts on love, family, and his career. In this...
Timothy Steele discusses his book, “Sapphics Against Anger & Other Poems.” Steele begins by explaining why he chose to write poetry rather than alternative forms of writing such as, short stories, novels and plays. He goes on to read several of...
Warren Campbell discusses his book, “Sometimes the Sun Shines in the Rain.” He begins by discussing one of his poems that compares rain to the teardrops of angels. He explains that he originally wanted to have that poem on the cover of the...
