Terry Gross

Ford's book Independence Day (Knopf), the sequel to The Sportswriter (Vintage), has recently been released. It follows the life of Frank Bascombe, a father, divorcé, and insurance agent. Ford is also the author of Wildlife, The Ultimate Good Luck, A Piece of My Heart, and Rock Springs.

Karr has two volumes of poetry The Devil's Tour, and Abacus. She won Pushcart Prizes for both poetry and essays, and her work appears in such magazines as Granta, Ploughshares, and Vogue. She has a new memoir called The Liars' Club, about growing up with her eccentric and secretive mother.

Journalist Ken Auletta wrote the book Three Blind Mice: How the TV Networks Lost Their Way (Random House), and is currently a writer for the New Yorker. He will talk about the new telecommunications bill which the Senate just approved.

Mackenzie commanded the United Nations Peacekeeping force in the former Yugoslavia until he retired in 1993. Since then, Mackenzie has been critical of the UN's ability to command and control its forces. He talks about the state of humanitarian efforts in Sarajevo.

Starr is back with his third All Starr Band. Produced by David Fishof, (who created and produced the first two tours), a world tour begins in Japan in June, and will be in America in July and August. Starr will talk to Terry about his life before, during and after the Beatles.

A New Jersey reporter turned freelance naturalist, Montgomery developed a fascination for Bengal tigers. Her book Spell of the Tiger takes a fascinating and frightening look at those animals -- and the people who worship and fear them.

Love is the founding member of the Breast Cancer Coalition and founding director of the UCLA Breast Cancer, which is one of the world's leading breast treatment facilities. Her book Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book (Addison Wesley) is said to be one of the most important books in women's health in the last decade. A new, updated edition has just been published.

Williams is best known as the bell-bottomed-clad hippie cop on the "The Mod Squad." He's noted as a theater actor and Tony Award nominee. In addition, he has appeared in numerous TV shows such as "The Cosby Show" and "Hill Street Blues", and films such as "Purple Rain" and "Sugar Hill." Williams plays a mortician in the new action horror film "Tales From The Hood."

During the 1970's Stephen J. Cannell was one of television's most successful writers, penning scripts for such hits as "The Rockford Files," "Barretta," and "Black Sheep Squadron." Cannell later established his own production company, Stephen J. Cannell Productions. His productions include such programs as "The A-Team", "Stingray", and "Hardcastle and McCormick." He has a new novel called "The Plan."

Auster has been called "America's most spectacularly inventive writers." He recently "broadened his creative reach" with his work on two films, "Smoke" and "Blue in the Face,"in a double collaboration with director Wayne Wang , who also directed "The Joy Luck Club.” Auster's novels include "Moon Palace," "The Music of Chance," "Leviathan," and "Mr. Vertigo."