Los Angeles (Calif.) - History - 20th century - Fiction; Murder - Fiction; Silent films - Fiction; Motion picture industry - History - Fiction; Motion picture actors and actresses - Fiction; Japanese Americans - Fiction
Nina Revoyr discusses her book, “The Age of Dreaming.” She begins by sharing the plot of her novel, which follows the character Jun Nakayama. Jun was a silent film star during the early days of Hollywood. Yet by 1964 he is living in total...
United States - Social life and customs - 1971- - Anecdotes, facetiae, satire, etc.
Martin Mull and Allen Rucker discuss their book, “The History of White People in America.” They begin by explaining that the book is a satire on white culture in America, and how some Caucasian customs can differ from other racial groups’. ...
World War, 1939-1945- United States;
World War, 1939-1945- Personal narratives, American;
United States - History - 1945- - Biography;
Japan - History - 1945- - Biography
Jerry Yellin discusses his autobiography, “Of War and Weddings.” He begins by explaining that he was a pilot during World War II who bombed Tokyo, and now his son is marrying a Japanese woman. He talks about how he got into the Air Force and...
Loraine Despres discusses her novel, “The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc.” She begins by explaining that her book is about a young southern belle whose family is falling apart. She talks how her main character Sissy meets a charming...
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...
Hollywood (Los Angeles, Calif.) - Fiction; Police - California - Los Angeles - Fiction
Joseph Wambaugh discusses his book, “Hollywood Station.” He begins by explaining that the book takes place in the present day Los Angles Police Department. The book’s plot follows the officers of Hollywood station as they deal with the...
New Orleans (La.) - Fiction; Free African Americans - Fiction; African American men - Fiction; January, Benjamin (Fictitious character) - Fiction
Barbara Hambly discusses her book, “Graveyard Dust.” She begins by explaining the local history of New Orleans, which serves as the backdrop for her novel. Hambly details the racial and cultural history of the antebellum period and the world in...
Legislators’ spouses - United States - Biography; African American legislators - Biography; Legislators - United States - Biography; United States. Congress. Senate - Biography; Bruce family; Bruce, Blanche Kelso, 1841-1898 - Family; Bruce,...
Lawrence Graham discusses his book, “The Senator and the Socialite.” He begins by explaining that the book is a biography of the first African American to serve a full term in the U.S. Senate, Blanche Kelso Bruce. Graham tells the story of...
Trey Ellis discusses his book, “Right Here, Right Now.” He begins by introducing the characters in the book and talking about the main character’s background as a motivational speaker turned cult leader. He talks about keeping the readers...
Permian High School (Odessa, Tex.) - Football; Football - Social aspects - Texas - Odessa
H. G. Bissinger discusses his book, “Friday Night Lights.” He begins by describing his time watching the 1988 Permian High School football team in the town of Odessa, TX. He talks about the culture of a small town and how everyone rallies for...
Norman Jewison discusses his autobiography, “This Terrible Business Has Been Good to Me.” He begins by talking about some films he has directed including “Fiddler On the Roof,” In the Heat of the Night,” “A Soldier’s Story,” and...
Women in the advertising industry - Fiction; Mothers and daughters - Fiction; Mentally ill women - Fiction; Missing persons - Fiction; Chagrin Falls (Ohio) - Fiction; South Africa - Fiction
Lynette Brasfield discusses her book, “Nature Lessons.” She begins by talking about how her novel is a mix between a mystery and a memoir. She describes what it was like growing up in South Africa and how her mother was constantly paranoid...
Civil rights - United States - History; Human rights - United States - History
Stewart Burns discusses the book that he co-wrote with his father, James MacGregor Burns, “A People’s Charter.” He begins by explaining several instances in history when people’s rights have not been upheld like the Red Scare during the...
Lisa Fugard discusses her novel, “Skinner’s Drift.” She begins by explaining that the book is about a young girl who grows up in South Africa in the 1980s and then comes back later in life. Fugard talks about her own personal experience...
Musicals - New York (State) - New York - History and criticism
Michael Kantor and Laurence Maslon discuss their book, “Broadway.” They begin by explaining that the book is a result of a 6 week PBS special on Broadway musicals. They talk about the early history of musicals, including the first performer...
