Terry Gross

British writer Fay Weldon. She's most famous for her book, "The Life and Loves of a She-Devil," which was recently made into a movie. Weldon's novels deal with certain aspects of the female experience. In her first novel, "Fat Women's Joke" (1967), an over-weight middle-aged woman leaves her husband and struggles for self-respect in a world where youth and sex appeal count. And the heroine of "Down Among the Women," is an unwed mother. In all, Weldon has written fourteen novels and story collections.

Film Critic Steven Schiff reviews the new comedy, "I Love You to Death," starring Kevin Kline, Tracy Ullman, and William Hurt.

Scientist Barry Commoner, founder and director of the Center for the Biology of Natural Systems in New York. For years Commoner has been at the forefront of the ecology movement. "Time" magazine once dubbed him the "Paul Revere of Ecology." Early on he crusaded about the dangers of nuclear fallout. In 1970 he helped organize the first Earth Day, and a year later published "The Closing Circle," an examination of the affect of technology on the environment.

Pianist Jimmy (or Jimmie) Rowles joins the show to discuss Sarah Vaughan, who recently died of lung cancer.

Basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Abdul-Jabbar is unquestionably one of the greatest players to ever take the court, and has been honored with selections to numerous All-Star games and as well as being named Sports Illustrated "Sportsman of the Year." (His pending selection to the Basketball Hall of Fame is a certainty). Abdul-Jababr put in 20 years in the NBA before retiring from the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of last season.

Comedian Imogene Coca. Coca is a television legend, co-starring with Sid Caeser on the groundbreaking comedy series, "Your Show of Shows," in the 1950s. Since then, Coca's had numerous roles on TV, on stage, and in movies. Imogene Coca is teeming up with Sid Caesar once again, for a series of appearances at Michael's Pub in New York City, beginning April 17th.

Journalist and mountain climber Jon Krakauer. His first book, "Eiger Dreams," is a collection of his articles from magazines such as Outside and Smithsonian. (Eiger Dreams is published by Lyons & Burford)

A cappella vocalist Bobby McFerrin. He's best known for his recording, "Don't Worry Be Happy," one of several records that's earned McFarrin Grammy awards. Another was for the title track from the film "Round Midnight," in which he used his voice to sound like a trumpet. McFerrin's newest project is "Voicestra," a 10 member vocal ensemble, with a background that ranges from classical music and jazz to theatre and dance. The group has its debut in Los Angeles, April 10-15.

Critic-at-large Laurie Stone reviews "Cinema Paradiso," winner of this year's Academy Award for best foreign film.

Writer Paul Auster. Auster began his writing life first as a poet and translator. In a review of his fifth novel, "Moon Palace," Jane Smiley said, "Auster's style is continually surprising and arresting...the characters are drawn with precision and wit...with great generosity and love." Auster's other books include City of Glass, Ghosts, and a memoir, The Invention of Solitude. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)