Terry Gross

Writer Tom Wolfe, known for his "New Journalism" style of reporting in the 60s and 70s. His books from that period include The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test, Radical Chic and Mau Mauing the Flak Catchers and The Right Stuff. His new book, his first novel, is titled The Bonfire of the Vanities. It is the number two book on the New York Times Bestseller list; it has been on the list for 23 weeks. (Rebroadcast. Original broadcast Thursday, October 29, 1987.)

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Beetle Juice," the supernatural comedy about a couple that moves into a Victorian home hoping to remodel it only to find it's inhabited by ghosts who abhor their chic urban tastes. It stars Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O'Hara and Alec Baldwin.

Irish rock musician Pierce Turner. His first band, The Major Thinkers, became popular with New York's East Village crowd and had a hit song in "Avenue B." Turner's debut album, "It's Only a Long Way Across," was produced by minimalist composer Phillip Glass.

Writer Pat Conroy, author of the autobiographical novels The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini and The Lords of Discipline. They all tell the story of growing up in the South in a large family headed by an abusive Marine father. (Rebroadcast. Original broadcast 1.27.87)

Travel writer Mary Morris. Her new book, Nothing to Declare: Memoirs of a Woman Traveling Alone, recounts her travels, alone, through Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala, and what it means for a woman to travel alone. Her earlier works include Vanishing Animals & Other Stories and The Bus of Dreams.

Novelist, journalist and columnist Nicholas Von Hoffman. He's the author of 10 books, including Organized Crimes and Make-Believe Presidents. He's written for The Washington Post, The Chicago Daily News, and almost every major magazine. His latest work is titled Citizen Cohn, The Life and Times of Roy Cohn.

Film director Fran Rubel Kuzui. She's just completed her first film, "Tokyo Pop," about a young American punk singer who moves to Japan in the hopes of reviving her stalled career. (Interview by Faith Middleton)

New Orleans pianist Mac Rebbenack pays tribute to James Carroll Booker, III - his pick as the greatest New Orleans pianist. This is part four of a seven-part performance series with Rebennack, also known as Dr. John.

Illustrator Ralph Steadman. Best known for his collaborations with the journalist Hunter S. Thompson (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas), Steadman's cartoons feature an America brainwashed by the mass media and manipulated by its leaders. His ink blob-splattered illustrations lampoon President Reagan, AIDS hysteria, the specter of nuclear annihilation and, of course, Richard Nixon. (Interview by Faith Middleton)

British child development expert Penelope Leach. Leach is considered one of the foremost authorities on child care. Leach has said of her work that it is for the moments "when love is impossible ... the seventh time that night that you've woken up and you wonder `is it mine or do all babies behave like this?'" Her books include Your Baby & Child: From Birth to Age Five, Babyhood, Your Baby and Child and The First Six Months. (Interview by Faith Middleton)