Books & Literature

Writer Tim McLaurin. He has a new novel called Cured by Fire (Putnam). McLaurin is also the author of two other novels The Acorn Plan, and Woodrow's Trumpet. He has been a Marine, a Peace Corps volunteer, and a snake handler. He currently teaches writing at North Carolina State University.

Former New York Daily News reporter and author Lorenzo Carcaterra. His first book, A Safe Place: The True Story of a Father, a Son, a Murder, was about growing up in New York's Hell's Kitchen, the son of a violent, abusive man who none-the-less loved his son. Carcaterra learned as a teenager that his father had murdered his first wife. Carcaterra's newest book Sleepers, (Ballantine Books) is also about growing up in Hell's Kitchen and the bond of friendship between him and three friends.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Last House: Reflections, Dreams, and Observations, 1943 - 1991, (Pantheon) the third in a trilogy of books of unpublished essays, letters and journals by M.F.K. Fisher, published after her death.

Writer Michael Chabon. This 24 year old graduate student gained his fame when his master's thesis became a critical and commercial success. His book was not only on the New York Times bestseller list for for three months, but he was also featured in People Magazine's 50 most important people edition. CHABON has a new novel called Wonder Boys. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews "The Romantic Generation" (Music masters) by pianist Charles Rosen.

Writer Pat Conroy. He has written several novels including The Great Santini and The Prince of Tides. Both books were made into movies. "The Great Santini" about a powerful and abusive father starred Robert Duvall. "The Prince of Tides" starred Barbara Streisand and Nick Nolte. CONROY'S new novel is called Beach Music.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews a new edition of "The Postman," from which the new film of the same name was adapted.

Hockenberry spent more than a decade with National Public Radio as a general assignment reporter, Middle East correspondent, and program host. Until now, he made a point of never mentioning that he is paralyzed from the waist down. He writes of his life's obstacles and accomplishments in his new book Moving Violations (Hyperion).

Pagels has written four books including The Gnostic Gospels (which won both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award). She has a new book called The Origin of Satan, inspired in part by the loss of her husband and six-year-old son.

Lee is the creator of such Marvel comic book superheroes as Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, and The Fantastic Four. He joined Marvel comic books at the age of 16, more than 30 years ago. Lee is currently launching Excelsior Comics, an independent comic book division of Marvel Entertainment. He is also co-executive producer of several top rated television series including "X-Men." (REBROADCAST FROM 10/17/91)

Schine's new book is called The Love Letter, about how the titular object affects a single bookseller. Schine has written three previous novels: Alice in Bed, To the Bird House, and Rameau's Niece. She has also written for the New York Times Book Review, Vogue, and the Village Voice.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the new book, The Price of a Child (Knopf) by Lorene Cary. It's a historical novel about a black woman who escapes slavery with her children.

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.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Independence Day by Richard Ford, the sequel to his acclaimed novel, The Sports Writer, about a troubled divorcé.

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.

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."

At age 46, Foreman still retains the title. He is presently a preacher, community leader and dedicated child advocate. His new book By George: The Autobiography of George Foreman (Villard Books) written with Joel Engel, reveals the man behind the champion.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews No Ordinary Time (Simon and Schuster) by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Babe (University of Illinois Press) by Susan E. Cayleff.