Terry Gross

Author and Jungian analyst, Christina Middlebrook. Her new book, "Seeing the Crab: A Memoir of Dying" (Basic Books) describes how she and her family came to terms with her breast cancer diagnosis. In 1991, Middlebrook had a mastectomy and doctors told her she had a fifty percent chance of living two years. Her book honestly details the physical and emotional rigors of cancer treatment, as well as the changes it has caused in relationships with her family and friends.

Auto mechanic Lucille Treganowan. Her book, "Lucille's Car Care," (Hyperion) is an easy-to-understand guide to auto maintenance and repair. She began as a bookkeeper in an auto repair shop in 1960 and became involved in every aspect of the business. Eventually, her strong communication skills and grasp of repair theory led to a partnership in the shop. By 1973, she had opened her own shop. Today, she is one of the foremost experts on auto repair and has her own cable show, "Lucille's Car Clinic." (Home and Garden Network) (Interview by Barbara Bogaev)

Author Barbara Grizzuti Harrison. Her new book is "An Accidental Autobiography (Houghton Mifflin). In this unconventional memoir, Harrison arranges the chapters alphabetically because she says "the path of memory is circular and coherent." Harrison grew up in Brooklyn and was converted by her mother to Jehovah's Witness, a source of much pain and a major influence in her writing. Also a journalist, essayist and short story writer, she has traveled extensively in Libya, India, Guatamala and Italy. Harrison has seven other non-fiction books and one novel.

Guitarist Carl Finch. His band, Brave Combo, just released "Girl" (Rounder) in conjunction with the legendary Tiny Tim. Brave Combo is a Texas world beat polka band and the members weren't sure what to expect when they began working on this project with the eccentric Tiny Tim eight years ago. The CD features many familiar tunes (including "Bye Bye Blackbird," "Hey Jude" and even "Stairway to Heaven") like they've never been performed before.

Singer and performer Tiny Tim. Born Herbert B. Khaury, Tim began performing in the 1950s. He is best known for his performances on Laugh-In, especially his croonings of "Tip Toe Through the Tulips." At 65, the long-haired, white-faced TIM is as passionate about old songs as ever... and as odd as ever.

Host of Comedy Central's "Politically Incorrect," Bill Maher. The former stand-up comic's new book is "Does Anybody Have a Problem With That: Politically Incorrect's Greatest Hits," (Villard) With panelists of diverse ideologies (Patty Hearst to Al Sharpton to G. Gordon Liddy...) and sometimes explosive conflicts, the show has been described as "the McLaughlin Group on acid." Beginning in January, "Politically Incorrect" will air right after Nightline on ABC.

The nation's most trusted source on proper etiquette, Judith Martin... better known as Miss Manners. Her new book is "Miss Manners Rescues Civilization: From Sexual Harassment, Frivolous Lawsuits, Dissing and Other Lapses in Civility" (Crown Publishers). Coinciding with the release of her new book, Martin has declared June 24 the start of "National Civility Week," in an effort to liberate society from problems caused by the rejection of etiquette.

Fresh Air Producer Amy Salit interviews singer Alejandro Escovedo. He's formerly with the band True Believers. Escovedo is esteemed for his songwriting ability and described as "poet of the ordinary event." His new solo release is "With These Hands," (Rykodisc)

Nigerian journalist Dapo Olorunyomi... He is the editor of five of the country's leading opposition publications. His work uncovering corruption in the Nigerian Government helped him win the World Press Review 1995 Editor-of-the-Year Award. Olorunyomi is now in exile in the United States. It's the third anniversary of the democratic elections annulled by the military.

Former U.S. Senator George McGovern. He has a new book called "Terry: My Daughter's Life and Death Struggle with Alcoholism." (Villard) After a night of drinking in December of 1994, Terry was found dead in a parking lot near her home in Madison, Wisconsin. Terry's addiction plagued her almost her entire life, despite countless efforts at rehabilitation. The book draws upon Terry's letters and journals, interviews with loved ones, and medical and police records.