Studs Terkel discusses literature, Judaism, and the Holocaust with the novelist, poet, journalist, and teacher Richard M. Elman (1934-1997). Their discussion revolves around Elman's recently published work of historical fiction, "The 28th Day of Elul", much of which takes place in the village of Clig, Hungary, during the time of the Nazi occupation of Hungary during World War II. Topics include Jewish identity, The Holocaust, persecution of The Jews, feelings of guilt and social prejudice among Holocaust survivors.

Interviewing writer and editor Sylvia Kronstadt.

Discussing the book "The Crimes of Patriots: A True Tale of Dope, Dirty Money, and the CIA" (published by Norton) with the author, investigative journalist Jonathan Kwitny.

Author Madeleine L’Engle discusses her book “A Wrinkle in Time”, a young adult novel that wrestles with spirituality, science fiction, and fantasy. L’Engle discusses how difficult it was for publishers to see her writing as young-adult, as she was often told adolescence would not be able to handle these challenging topics. This program includes an excerpt of a 1961 interview with Madeleine L’Engle in which she discusses the difference between fact and fiction, or lack thereof, in children’s literature.

Newberry Award winner Madeleine L'Engle did not set out to write good literature when she wrote "A Wrinkle in Time". Children's book publisher Elizabeth M. Riley also said of L'Engle's book, it's a good story for both children and adults. L'Engle shared her experience that when she writes, often times, she'll read what she's written to her children & if they say, "get back to the typewriter and write more," she knows she's onto something good.

Discussing the book "Rank and File Rebellion: Teamsters for a Democratic Union" (published by Verso) with the author, labor activist and historian Dan La Botz.

The Israeli Army is the backbone of Israel and refusing to serve is something worse than taboo, according to Stephen Langfur's "Confessions from a Jericho Jail: What Happened When I Refused to Fight the Palestinians". While sentenced to jail for 21 days, he witnessed guards deprive prisoners of water, and he questioned what had made these Israeli guards become so inhumane.

Discussing the book "Money and Class in America: Notes and Observations on Our Civil Religion" (published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson) with author and editor and chief of Harper's magazine Lewis Lapham.

Discussing the book "World Hunger: Twelve Myths" (published by Grove Press) with author and world hunger policy analyst Frances Moore Lappe.