Book critic John Leonard reviews "Mariette In Ecstasy," (pronounced "mah-ree-ett") by Ron Hansen. It's the story of a young woman who enters a convent and then develops the Stigmata (published by Harper and Collins).
Actress Holly Woodlawn. Woodlawn was part of Andy Warhol's New York's scene in the 60s and early 70s. Perhaps her high point came when she starred in Warhol's movie "Trash." Woodlawn was born a boy, her career as a transvestite was immortalized in Lou Reed's song, "Take A Walk On the Wild Side." Woodlawn has a new memoir, called "A Low Life in High Heels: The Holly Woodlawn Story.." (It's published by St Martin's Press).
English professor Arnold Rampersad. He's just edited a new edition of the works of black writer Richard Wright. Wright's novel, "Native Son," was a breakthrough in African American literature when it was published in 1940. It also turns out many scenes dealing with the sexual activities of the main character were removed, to make the novel more palatable to Book Month Club subscribers. Those cuts have been restored in this new edition (by The Library of America).
Poet Linda McCarriston. Her new book of poems, "Eva-Mary," is up for a National Book Award. Many of the poems in the book are about how her father sexually abused her and her mother. (published by TriQuarterly Book/Northwestern University). The winner of the award will be announced tomorrow in New York.
Architectural historian Vincent Scully. Last spring he retired from regular teaching at Yale. His Modern Architecture class which he taught since 1947 was considered the most popular class in the school's history. He talks with Terry about his teaching technique, the necessity of new architecture in the inner cities, and the design of skyscrapers.
Writer Mark L. Pummer, co-author (with Charles Mann) of "The Aspirin Wars: Money, Medicine, and 100 Years of Rampant Competition." The book traces the history of aspirin from its discovery in Germany in 1897. Eventually it spread overseas and the competition began. Because all aspirins are essentially identical, companies had to use marketing and advertising to promote their product as better than another.
German Film Director Volker Schlondorff. His films include "The Tin Drum," and as "The Handmaid's Tale." He's also directed for television: "Death of a Salesman," starring Dustin Hoffman and "A Gathering of Old Men." His new film is "Voyager," starring Sam Shepard. He talks with Terry about the new film as well as how life has changed for he and his friends since the reunification of Germany.
World music critic Milo Miles discusses Cumbia (COOM-bia), the leisurely musical form that took shape in the northern regions of Colombia, and now influences bands in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. You may have already heard a Cumbia tune on TV, during a Colombian coffee commercial.
Television critic David Bianculli reviews last night's premiere of Michael Jackson's new music video, "Black Or White." He also discusses how Jackson has changed the world of music videos.
Restaurant critic John Mariani. He's written a book about the history of going out for a meal. "America Eats Out" (Morrow) portrays the origin and significance of every type of restaurant known to the American public, from the tavern to the automat to the golden arches.
Deputy General Counsel of Israel in New York, Mark Sofer talks with Terry about the possible arrest of Hanan Ashrawi, a spokesperson and advisor for the Palestinian delegation.
Arab scholar Edward Said ("sigh-eed") discusses the recent Middle East peace conference, and the changing leadership of the Palestinian movement. Said is a member of the Palestine National Council (the Palestinian government in exile) and a professor of English at Columbia University.
Today, we examine the Louisiana governor's race, and the controversy surrounding republican candidate David Duke.
First, we talk with Lance Hill, of the Louisiana Coalition Against Racism and Naziism. He discusses what he calls Duke's long term strategy to build mass appeal among voters.
Terry talks with Richard Baudouin ("BO-dwahn"), editor of the Times Of Acadiana, a weekly newspaper in Lafayette, Louisiana, the heart of Cajun country. He'll talk about how the Duke and Edwards campaigns are playing in his part of the state.
Soviet emigre, and Manhattan cab driver Vladimir Lobas. In 1977, Lobas was living in New York, and needed some quick cash, so he got a job driving a cab. His first day on the job was also the first time he had Ever driven an automobile. He's written about his experiences in a new memoir, called "Taxi From Hell." (It's published by Soho).
