Books

John Leonard reviewed the new William Gibson novel, "Virtual Light" (Bantam).

Bioethicist George Annas and Director of the Law, Medicine & Ethics Program, Boston University Schools of Medicine, Public Health and Law. "Standard of Care," (Oxford University Press) is his new book which examines how the law has shaped medical practice. ANNAS believes the law has a bigger impact on medical ethics than does philosophy or medicine. For instance, he says because doctors are afraid of litigation, they often don't use sound medical judgement.

Book critic John Leonard reviews "Henry James' Midnight Song" by Carol De Chellis Hill.

Maureen Corrigan reviews Donald Hall's new book, Life Work and the Mechanical Brides exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York which runs through January 2nd.

Educator Deborah Meier. She's a nationally known authority on education, and the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation "genius" award. She developed and directed three alternative elementary schools in East Harlem and later a Secondary School. The schools accept students on a first-come, first-serve basis. Classes are small and personalized, and the emphasis is on academic learning and inquiry. MEIER wanted to create an atmosphere where students learn democratic values, where teachers can hold kids accountable, and parents can become involved.

Medical ethicist Daniel Callahan. His new book is "The Troubled Dream of Life: Living with Mortality." (Simon & Schuster). In it he looks at how our society views death: If death is a "part of life," why do we have such trouble accepting it? And how do our attitudes about death affect medical and social policy?

Book critic John Leonard reviews "The Girl Who Trod on a Loaf," by Kathryn Davis.

Commentator Maureen Corrigan reviews, "The Bridges of Madison County," by Robert Kincaid (Rant) and acknowledges the 100th anniversary of Dorothy Parker's birth.

Dr. Dean Ornish. He, along with other researchers, has developed a "lifestyle" program for reversing heart disease. Working with a group of heart patients, Ornish, has reversed the disease, thru diet, moderate exercise, and stress reduction. He recommends the program for everyone, not just those at risk for heart disease. Ornish relies on data from seven years of study on this group of patients. Recently the "lifestyle" program qualified for reimbursement by a major insurance company. It's the first time such a program has qualified.

Book critic John Leonard reviews, "In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead," by James Lee Burke.