Memoir

Chuck D founder of the rap group Public Enemy. With the group's emergence in 1987, they ushered in politically conscious rap, portraying the world of many young urban black men, of limited opportunity, drugs, guns, and violent death. Their song "Fight the Power" was featured Spike Lee's film, "Do the Right Thing." In 1989 the group was the focus of controversy when one of its members, the "minister of information" made anti-semitic comments. Other band members spoke out against the remarks.

Chimpanzee researcher Roger Fouts is the co-director of the Chimpanzee and Human Communications Institute. For thirty years, Fouts has worked with chimps, teaching them American Sign Language with great success. His new book, "Next of Kin: What Chimpanzees Have Taught me About Who We Are" (William Morrow) chronicles his studies and work, as well as his efforts to establish a sanctuary for the country's chimpanzees.

NPR correspondent Jacki Lyden has written a memoir, entitled "Daughter of the Queen of Sheba" (Houghton Mifflin). It's a tale of her mother, who suffered from manic depression, often imagining herself as various historical and fictional characters. The book also touches on how her mother's illness influenced Jacki's fascination with "exotic" places, including the Middle East. Lyden was stationed in Baghdad as a correspondent during the Persian Gulf War.

Anita Hill has written a book entitled "Speaking Truth to Power," (Doubleday) a reflection on the events surrounding the Hill-Thomas hearings of the fall of 1991. Hill addresses her difficult overnight transformation into a public figure, as well as the way her case has affected women and the work world as a whole. Hill is currently working on another book about sexual harassment, and lectures on civil rights and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Veteran rapper LL Cool J has written an autobiography, entitled "I Make My Own Rules" (St. Martin's). In it he talks about his evolving life, from violent beginnings to his entrancement with rhyme and rap in high school, an obsession that made him Def Jam records' first recording artist at age 15. Mostly recognized throughout his recording career as the one with the gold chains and floppy hat, LL is also a two-time Grammy winner, actor, husband, father of three, and role model for youth.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews "Miriam's Kitchen: A Memoir" (Viking) by Elizabeth Ehrlich.

Novelist Paul Auster has written a new memoir about his struggling years as a young writer, "Hand to Mouth: A Chronicle of Early Failure" (Henry Holt). Auster has written eight novels, including "The New York Trilogy" and the screenplay for the film "Smoke."

Derek Taylor, a former press agent for the Beatles, died Sunday at the age of 65. He is the author of It was 20 Years Ago Today He served two stints with the Beatles. Once in 1964 during their world tour and again in 1968. (Originally aired 6/4/87)

We'll hear from Steven Tyler and Joe Perry who are two of the original members of Aerosmith. They have collaborated with other band members on a new book Walk This Way (Avon) which traces the bands rise from the music scene in New England to become one of the most successful rock bands in America. Aerosmith had such hits as Dream On, Walk This Way, and Sweet Emotion.

National Correspondent for the New York Times Rick Bragg. He's written a new memoir about growing up poor in Alabama, "All Over But the Shoutin'" (Pantheon Books).