Books

Book critic John Leonard reviews "The Spyglass Tree" (published by Pantheon) the new novel by Albert Murray. It's the sequel to his critically acclaimed book, "Train Whistle Guitar."

Michael Jacobson, the executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. The center's just issued the second edition of their "Fast Food Guide." (published by Workman Publishing).

Book critic John Leonard reviews "The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception," by Michael Baigent ("baa-gent") and Richard Leigh. The authors contend that the interpretation of the scrolls has been deliberately slowed by scholars that want to protect their religious views. (It's published by Summit Books).

Reporter Pete Earley. Earley spent two years observing life at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was given complete access to the prisoners, guards, staff, and the warden. He tells about life in Leavenworth in his new book, "The Hot House." (published by Bantam) (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Popular culture junkie Michael Barson's latest book is a collection of postcards. The pictures are the covers from vintage romance comic books. It's called "Boy Loves Girl, Girl Loves Boy."

Writer Nik Cohn (pronounced "cone"). Cohn walked the length of Broadway in New York City, talking with the various characters along the Great White Way. His chronicle of that experience is "The Heart of the World." (published by Knopf).

Writer Eddy L. Harris. Like many African Americans, Harris felt a kinship to the continent of his ancestors. He went to Africa, traveled throughout the continent, and came away feeling disillusioned and feeling that he was not an African at heart after all. He's written about his journey in the new book, "Native Stranger" (published by Simon and Schuster). Harris' earlier book was the critically acclaimed "Mississippi Solo."

Book critic John Leonard reviews "To The End of Time," by former Time magazine journalist and executive Richard Clurman. The book is an account of the big stakes merger between Time Inc and Warner Communications.

Critic Maureen Corrigan reviews "Strong Motion," Jonathan Franzen's new novel that mixes thriller, science fiction, feminism, and romance. (It's published by Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux).

Book critic John Leonard reviews Andre Brink's novel of political intrigue in South Africa, "An Act of Terror."