Terry Gross

Writer Dorothy Allison's new novel is called "Bastard Out of Carolina." It's about a poor South Carolina family's history of violence and incest, and is largely autobiographical. She says that she doesn't like most abuse literature out today because it tends to eroticize abuse. Allison has also written a book of short stories called "Trash" and a book of poems called "The Women Who Hate Me."

Band founded Full Moon Entertainment, which specializes in low-budget B-films of sci-fi, horror and fantasy. The movies go straight to video distribution. His older films include, "Re-Animator," "Ghoulies" and "Trancers." Some of the videos currently out include, "Demonic Toys," about a Jack-in-the Box, baby doll, and a teddy bear that come to life and terrorize adults trapped in a warehouse; and "Subspecies," about a demon hoard that come to life when a vampire breaks off his fingers at the joint.

Professor of English Joan DelFattore at the University of Delaware wrote the book "What Johnny Shouldn't Read," in which she examines several of the more publicized Federal court cases of the 1980s involving attempts to censor schoolbooks, looking at the resulting impact on publishers and on state education officials. She looks at efforts of both the right and the left to influence curricula.

One of America's best known literary figures, Gore Vidal was once called "the Gentleman Bitch of American Letters." He has two new books out, "Screening History," part memoir and part film commentary, and "Live from Golgotha," about what would happen if the crucifixtion happened in the age of television. Vidal is also starring in a new movie,"Bob Roberts," directed by Tim Robbins. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his frustration with current American politics.

Haden was part of saxophonist Ornette Coleman's legendary free jazz ensemble. Haden has also worked with John Coltrane and Keith Jarrett. Later, he formed the Liberation Music Orchestra with composer Carla Bley, and then the group Old And New Dreams. His latest ensemble is Quartet West. They have a new album "Haunted Heart," which is inspired by movies and music from the 1940s.

Rich got his start working with the Sun record label in the late 50s, writing tunes for Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. From there he began making records himself. In the 70s his songs, "The Most Beautiful Girl," and "Behind Closed Doors," were big country-pop hits. During the 80s he dropped out of sight. But he has a new album now, "Pictures And Paintings," of jazz and blues standards.

Director of the Crown Heights Youth Collective in Brooklyn, Richard Green. A year ago there were race riots in Crown Heights spurred by the accidental death of a young black boy, and the subsequent murder of a Yeshiva student. During the disturbances, Green was outside with a bullhorn trying to keep the peace in the streets. Since then, he has launched a program to bring black and Jewish youth together, called the Crown Heights Youth Collective.

Democratic candidate for the Pennsylvania U.S. Senate Seat, Lynn Yeakel. She is running against incumbent Republican Senator Arlen Specter. Yeakel has never served in elected office before, but says she was inspired to run because of Specter's treatment of Anita Hill during the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings. Yeakel helped found and has been President of "Women's Way," a coalition of organizations raising money to help women and their families. It's the first and largest regional women's fund in the U.S.

Theatre critic, director, and educator Robert Brustein is the founder and Artistic Director of the American Repertory Company, director of the Harvard Drama Center, and drama critic for the New Republic. He'll talk with Terry about how the arts are in peril because of government action by the left, the middle, and the right.

Sontag's new historical novel "The Volcano Lover: A Romance," is a well-reviewed, best-selling book. She's best known for her intellectually rigorous essayists.