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’. ...
Ralph M. Kovel and Terry H. Kovel discuss their book, “Kovel’s Know Your Collectibles.” They begin by explaining that antique collectors should collect out of passion, not for money. They talk about their other book about putting a monetary...
Levant, Oscar, 1906-1972;
Musicians - United States - Biography
Nancy Schoenberger and Sam Kashner discuss their book, “A Talent for Genius.” They begin by explaining that their book is a biography of musician Oscar Levant. They talk about Levant’s relationship with composer George Gershwin....
Blacklisting of entertainers - United States; Screenwriters
Ben and Norma Barzman discuss their book, “Rich Dreams.” The Barzmans talk about Ben's previous writings and explain the reasons for writing their book. They say they left Hollywood in 1949 to go to England to help individuals that had been...
Jews - Politics and government; Antisemitism - History; Christianity and antisemitism; Judaism - Apologetic works; Jews - Intellectual life
Arthur Hertzberg and Aron Hirt-Manheimer discuss their book, “Jews: The Essence and Character of a People.” They talk about the historical figures Abraham and Elijah, and believe that Judaism has always been preserved by a small minority. They...
Interviews - United States; Talk shows - California; Radio broadcasting - California
Larry Mantle discusses his book, “This is AirTalk.” He begins by sharing that he is a fourth generation Angelino and what it was like being raised by young parents. Mantle discusses his life and career as a radio talk show host for KPCC, for...
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...
Jennifer Allen discusses her book, “Better Get Your Angel On,” which consist of a series of short stories. Jennifer is the daughter of the famous football coach George Allen, who taught her resilience. Jennifer spent much time alone as she...
Blythe Holbrooke discusses her book, “Gossip” which she describes as informal communication. Blythe states that people gossip, but do not truly understand the politics of talk. Ultimately, bad rumors can destroy lives. The book describes how...
Irish - English-speaking countries - History; Civilization, Modern - Irish influences; Irish - Foreign countries - History; Ireland - Civilization - 19th century; Ireland - Emigration and immigration - History - 19th century
Thomas Keneally discusses his book, “The Great Shame: And the Triumph of the Irish in the English-Speaking World.” Keneally describes Australia as a place for British and Irish dissidents. He shares that women were sent to Australia for...
Clark, Jim, 1944-; Businessmen - United States - Biography; Computer software industry - United States - History
Michael Lewis discusses his book, “The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story.” Lewis describes the early life of Jim Clark, founder of Silicon Graphics, Netscape, and Healtheon. He then talks about “conspicuous production,” individuals...
Holman, Libby; Singers - United States - Biography
Jon Bradshaw discusses his book, “Dreams that Money Can Buy.” He begins by explaining that his book is a biography of the singer and actress Libby Holman. He talks about her Broadway aspirations at a young age. He discusses how her husband...
Marriage - United States; Family - United States; United States - Social conditions - 1980-
James Q. Wilson discusses his book, “The Marriage Problem: How Our Culture Has Weakened Families." Wilson talks about cohabitation and the likelihood of divorce for individuals who cohabit before marriage. He also discusses the children of...
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...
Wolff, Tobias, 1945- - Childhood and youth; Authors, American - 20th century - Biography
Tobias Wolff discusses his book, “This Boy’s Life: A Memoir.” Wolff describes his mother and their travels to the Utah uranium mines and her abusive partners. He talks about his brother, Geoffrey, and fabricating documents when he was...
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...
Motion picture industry - Fiction; Husbands - Fiction; Hollywood (Los Angeles, Calif.) - Fiction
Jackie Collins discusses her book, “Hollywood Husbands.” Collins describes the three male characters consisting of: a movie star, a studio executive, and a television talk-show host. She goes on to talk about one of the character’s...
T.C. Boyle discusses his book, “World’s End.” The book is set during the 1960s, 1940s, and 1600s. It follows the arrival of the Dutch and political unrest during various time periods. Boyle goes on to talk about the biological father,...
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...
Americans - Germany - Fiction; Runaway teenagers - Fiction; Fathers and sons - Fiction; Male friendship - Fiction; Teenage boys - Fiction; Cold War - Fiction; Widowers - Fiction; Berlin (Germany) - Fiction
James Carroll discusses his book, “Secret Father.” He describes the characters, Paul, and his son, Michael, and Michael’s friends Ulrich and Katharine. Carroll says the book is framed around the
Cold War and the erection and dismantling of...
