Evolution and the future of the human race are among topics in Carl Sagan's and Ann Druyan's book, "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors: A Search for Who We Are." Included is an excerpt of the astronomer Harlow Shapley speaking at the beginning. Carl Sagan also reads an excerpt from the book at the end.

Dorothy Parker’s thoughts as a critic and writer on the state of American literature.

Anna Deavere Smith discusses and demonstrates her unique character portrayals from her works "Fires in the Mirror" and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992."

Hortense Calisher discusses and reads excerpts from “Queenie: A Novel,” a coming-of-age story about Queenie, a teenage girl raised an unorthodox household. Terkel and Calisher discuss reoccurring themes like the relationship between sex and property and the preservation of beauty as one ages. Calisher comments on her unique writing style, and Terkel praises her writing, calling it elegant and euphemistic. The two dance around certain topics and language deemed inappropriate for public broadcast, bringing up the issue of censorship.

Erica Jong discusses the paperback release of "Fear of Flying," reading excerpts as well as several of her poems from her previous collections, "Half-Lives," and "Fruits and Vegetables."

Meridel Le Sueur discusses the publication of her selected works and her life as an activist, fighting for socialist ideals and women's rights. She goes on to discuss the time she spent with Native American Navajo tribes and their theory of nonlinear time.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing the book "Cat's Eye," (published by Bantam Books) with the author Margaret Atwood.

Best friends, white flight and racism are all apart of Lynda Barry's book, "The Good Times are Killing Me." Lorell Wyatt and Glenda Starr-Kelly reenact scenes from the play, which is playing at the Body Politic Theater. In the end, Barry's book showed power and privilege mattered more than friendship.

David Brokensha discusses African literature and writers. Brokensha also discusses African culture. David Brokensha reads an excerpt from "The Dark Child" by Camara Laye.