Books & Literature

Teenage mother Leticia Johnson (pseudonym). She's the main focus of a new book that deals examines one family with a legacy of teenage pregnancy. The book's called "Before Their Time: Four Generations of Teenage Mothers," by Joelle Sander. Sander uses oral history to look at the effect poverty and society has had on one family. It's published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Commentator Maureen Corrigan gives her argument for why poetry is still a viable art form by telling us about two new collections by two poets: "An Atlas of a Difficult World--Poems 1988-1991," by Adrienne Rich (published by Norton). And "Seeing Things," by Seamus Heaney (published by FSG).

British writer A.S. Byatt. Her book, "Possession," has become a bestseller. It's a literary mystery about a couple of scholars whose own lives begin to mirror the lives of two 17th century poets whose secret correspondence they are researching. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Novelist and doctor Ethan Canin. His first book, "Emperor of the Air," a collection of short stories was published when he was only 27 and was the winner of a Houghton Mifflin Literary Fellowship. His new novel is "Blue River," about two brothers who make new discoveries about their childhood when they are reunited after a long separation. (published by Houghton Mifflin Company). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Book critic John Leonard reviews "Mariette In Ecstasy," (pronounced "mah-ree-ett") by Ron Hansen. It's the story of a young woman who enters a convent and then develops the Stigmata (published by Harper and Collins).

Actress Holly Woodlawn. Woodlawn was part of Andy Warhol's New York's scene in the 60s and early 70s. Perhaps her high point came when she starred in Warhol's movie "Trash." Woodlawn was born a boy, her career as a transvestite was immortalized in Lou Reed's song, "Take A Walk On the Wild Side." Woodlawn has a new memoir, called "A Low Life in High Heels: The Holly Woodlawn Story.." (It's published by St Martin's Press).

English professor Arnold Rampersad. He's just edited a new edition of the works of black writer Richard Wright. Wright's novel, "Native Son," was a breakthrough in African American literature when it was published in 1940. It also turns out many scenes dealing with the sexual activities of the main character were removed, to make the novel more palatable to Book Month Club subscribers. Those cuts have been restored in this new edition (by The Library of America).

Poet Linda McCarriston. Her new book of poems, "Eva-Mary," is up for a National Book Award. Many of the poems in the book are about how her father sexually abused her and her mother. (published by TriQuarterly Book/Northwestern University). The winner of the award will be announced tomorrow in New York.

Architectural historian Vincent Scully. Last spring he retired from regular teaching at Yale. His Modern Architecture class which he taught since 1947 was considered the most popular class in the school's history. He talks with Terry about his teaching technique, the necessity of new architecture in the inner cities, and the design of skyscrapers.

Writer Mark L. Pummer, co-author (with Charles Mann) of "The Aspirin Wars: Money, Medicine, and 100 Years of Rampant Competition." The book traces the history of aspirin from its discovery in Germany in 1897. Eventually it spread overseas and the competition began. Because all aspirins are essentially identical, companies had to use marketing and advertising to promote their product as better than another.

Restaurant critic John Mariani. He's written a book about the history of going out for a meal. "America Eats Out" (Morrow) portrays the origin and significance of every type of restaurant known to the American public, from the tavern to the automat to the golden arches.

Soviet emigre, and Manhattan cab driver Vladimir Lobas. In 1977, Lobas was living in New York, and needed some quick cash, so he got a job driving a cab. His first day on the job was also the first time he had Ever driven an automobile. He's written about his experiences in a new memoir, called "Taxi From Hell." (It's published by Soho).

Musician Glen Matlock. Matlock was an original member of the British punk band, The Sex Pistols. He was kicked out of the band in 1977, and replaced by Sid Vicious. Matlock has written a new book about the band, titled "I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol." (It's published by Faber and Faber).

Book critic John Leonard reviews "The Runaway Soul," the long-awaited first novel from writer Harold Brodkey. (It's published by Farrar Strauss).

Dave Alvin is the former guitarist for the Los Angeles band The Blasters. He's just put out a new album called "Blue Blvd." (Hightone Records) After writing songs for others, he's now writing for himself.

Terry interviews writer Greil Marcus about his new book, "Dead Elvis: A Chronicle of a Cultural Obsession." (see above) Marcus has written a biography of Presley that begins at his death. He documents the many-faceted cultural obsession with Elvis that has arisen since his death.

Critic-at-Large Maureen Corrigan reviews Greil Marcus' new book, "Dead Elvis: A Chronicle of a Cultural Obsession." (Doubleday)

Talk show host Joan Rivers. Rivers has a new memoir, called "Still Talking." (It's published Random House).

Zoologist Alan Rabinowitz. He spends his time tracking and trying to protect endangered large cats in Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. He's written two books about his adventures, "Jaguar" and his latest, "Chasing the Dragon's Tail." (Both are published by Doubleday.)

Writer and radio performer Garrison Keillor. Keillor's weekly program, "The American Radio Company," is heard on many public radio stations. Keillor's now written a new novel, about the golden days of radio, titled "WLT." (It's published by Viking).