Discussing the book "Homestead: The Glory and Tragedy of an American Steel Town" (published by Times Books) with the author, journalist William Serrin.

Presenting "Hard Times: An oral history of the great depression": "Bonnie laboring boy" with Joe Morrison, Evelyn Finn and Jose Yglesias (program V).

Discussing the book "American journey" with the journalist-author Richard Reeves.

Poor people, welfare and egalitarianism are among the topics in Richard Elman's book, "The Poorhouse State: The American Way of Life on Public Assistance". Elman shares some people's individual stories and he points out the problems with the system. One of the many problems, who are the elite individuals deciding what's best for those people living in poverty.

Peter Lyon discusses the book "Success Story: The Life and Times of S. S. McClure." Includes recitation of "Immortality" by William Jennings Bryan.

Paul Wilkes discusses his book "Trying Out the Dream : a Year in the Life of an American Family", published in 1973 and the suburban life style of a white American family in the seventies.

Discussing the book "Angry middle-aged man" with Pat Watters.

Marya Mannes discusses her book But Will It Sell?, published in 1964. Mannes talks about American life and consumerism.

Marya Mannes talks about her book But Will It Sell?, published in 1964. Mannes talks about American life and consumerism.

Studs Terkel reads Marya Mannes' speech at a Planned Parenthood rally in 1964.

Author and journalist Mark Singer discusses and reads from his book “Funny Money.” This book, and interview, documents the events of the Penn Square Bank failure. Studs plays "Easy Come, Easy Go" - Johnny Green and His Orchestra (1934) and "Patriotic Diggers" - John Allison (ca. 1800).

Discussing the book "A Passion of Poland: From Solidarity Through the State of War" with the author Lawrence Weschler.

What started out as a 5-piece article on health care became Laurie Abraham's book, "Mama Might Be Better Off Dead: The Failure of Health Care in Urban America". Through her stories, Abraham points out the many hardships and catch-22 scenarios of some poor families. One woman, after caring for her mother all day, Julie, wanted to work part time in the evenings. However, she soon learned that she'd be making too much money and she'd no longer be eligible for Medicaid for herself and her children.

Family and family secrets like Ms. Nelson's bout with alcoholism or her sister's mental health issues are covered in the book. Working for the Washington Post, she thought would be the highlight of her career, however, she talks about losing her journalistic integrity while working at that environment.