Writer Carl Hiaasen.

Novelist Russell Banks. In his new novel, "The Sweet Hereafter," Banks explores the aftermath of one of those tragedies that occasionally appear in the news and then quickly fade away. Banks' story revolves around a school bus crash that kills 14 children in a rural New York town. (It's published by Harper Collins). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

World music critic Milo Miles checks out "Dig," the new album from The Burning Flames, a Caribbean band that started out playing soca, added a strong rock beat, and came up with some of the most infectious dance music anywhere. (It's on Island Records).