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Writer Lucy Grealy on Finding Her Face.

Lucy Grealy had cancer in her jaw as a child, for which she underwent 5 years of treatment. The surgery and other therapy left her disfigured. Over the next 15 years she had about 30 reconstructive operations. Her memoir Autobiography of a Face is about her illness, and about the pain from feeling ugly, which she says made cancer seems minor in comparison. Her memoir is expanded from an article which won a National Magazine Award when it was published in Harpers. (Originally aired 9/26/94)

22:55
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Other segments from the episode on August 11, 1995

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, August 11, 1995: Interview with Lucy Grealy; Interview with Edmund White; Review of the film "Clueless."
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16:10

Writer Edmund White.

Edmund White has written about American gay culture for over two decades. White, who himself is gay, discusses the loss of a lover to Aids. White says he has tested positive for HIV. His essays chronicle the gay rights movement from the 1969 Stonewall riots to the present. His newest book, Skinned Alive was published last month by Knopf. White's next book is due out in November titled Our Paris: Sketches from Memory.

Interview
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03:41

"Clueless" is a Lot of Fun.

Film Critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Clueless." The film stars Alicia Silverstone and was written and directed by Amy Heckerling who Schiff considers one of the top two female directors in Hollywood. Heckerling's other films include "Fast times at Ridgemont High," and "LookWho's Talking."

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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22:53

Writer Lucy Grealy on Finding Her Face

As a child, Lucy Grealy spent five years being treated for cancer, which left her face disfigured. She has since had over thirty reconstructive procedures and years of living with a distorted self-image. She's just written "Autobiography of a Face," her memoir about coming to terms with looking less than perfect in a society that values female beauty.

Interview
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22:37

Director David Lynch on His Fascination with the Body

Lynch is the director of several critically acclaimed films, including "Eraserhead," "The Elephant Man," "Dune" and "Blue Velvet." He is also the creator of the popular but short-lived TV series, "Twin Peaks." Lynch has published a book of photographs of his movies and his art, called "Images."

Interview

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34:41

Paperwork, lines, hours on hold: There's a 'Time Tax' on Americans who need help most

Journalist ANNIE LOWREY is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where she covers economic policy. Her new book is The Time Tax: How the Government Wastes Our Time, and How to Fix It. She argues that the red tape in American life isn't an accident. It's a policy choice, one that determines who gets food assistance, health care, even the ability to vote. Her previous book is Give People Money about universal basic income. (INTERVIEW BY TONYA MOSLEY) (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).

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23:07

'Pluribus' star Rhea Seehorn says no thanks to a world dictated by groupthink

(2.) Actor RHEA SEEHORN<RAY Seehorn>. The former co-star of “Better Call Saul” is nominated for an Emmy for her starring role in “Pluribus,” the Apple TV series created by Vince Gilligan. Terry Gross spoke with RHEA SEEHORN last year about the “Pluribus”. “Pluribus” is nominated for eighteen Emmys, including one for SEEHORN as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The Emmys are scheduled for September 14th. (THIS INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY AIRED 12.09.2025)

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