Jill explains how growing up in an alcoholic and abusive household influenced her early works, specifically the book of poetry “How To Be Lucky.”

When talking about his book, "Chi-Town," Norbert Blei said all the communities in Chicago offer everyone the groups' separate ethnic cultures. Blei also talks about riding the Douglass Park El and the old man sitting on a bench, who he encounters at Grant Park. Lastly, Blei talks about writers who have influenced him.

Even while spending four years in a labor camp, Irina Ratushinskaya managed to write her poems on bars of soap. Ratushinkaya explained that one must keep their sense of humor while in the labor camps because there is nothing else. Other women in the camps helped Ratushinkaya smuggle her poems to the outside world.

Discussing the book of poetry "The Garden of Earthly Delights" with poet Paul Carroll, winner of the 1985 Chicago Poets Award.

Friar Tuck, as he was also known, was very active in socialist causes in Chicago. In the sweatshops, working fourteen or fifteen hours was the norm. Carolyn Ashbaugh's book "Lucy Parsons" goes over Parsons' movement for the 8-hour work day.

N. Scott Momaday, a Kiowa author and poet, discusses his collection of poetry in "The Presence of The Sun" and Native American history. Momaday also talks about horses, Native American shields, Billy the Kid, and Native American culture.

Alfred Alvarez, poet and author, talks about his new book, "The Savage God," and how depression and suicide affects people. He talks about his past experience with his friend Sylvia Plath and the end of her life. The two men also discuss the history of suicide including the Greeks, Judas, Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Alvarez also talks about famous artists who have committed suicide and why the 20th century may have caused so many suicides. Alvarez reads the opening passage and epilogue of his book.

Dr. Richard Selzer, a surgeon, reads essays from his book, "Mortal Lesson: Notes on the Art of Surgery." Dr. Selzer recalls moments of his profession that stuck with him including the removal of a diabetic women's leg and the removal of a botfly larvae. He also takes a poetic look at the liver and the skin, including a story about Henry Moss. Dr. Selzer finishes his interview with a story about his first time witnessing an abortion. A comedy skit by Mike Nichols and Elaine May is also played.