A thought-provoking collection of interviews of interest to all.
358760
Having bought the Terry Gross collection of interviews with writers, I looked forward to finding another collection, and this one was offered for review through the Vine program.

As a long-time interviewer myself, I've learned the hard way that if you want good answers, you must ask equally good questions. This is why, for example, most celebrity interviews fall short: they are to shallow, and often betray the interview's complete lack of knowledge about the subject.

Terry Gross -- she of the inquisitive mind, the curious nature, the probing questions, and fierce intellect -- is one of the best interviewers in the media, head and shoulders above most of her contemporaries, who simply haven't done their homework. Terry does her homework. You get the very distinct impression that, before she sits down for an interview, she's prepared. (She was probably an A+ student in high school and college, as well. Wouldn't surprise me in the least!)

This is a thought-provoking collection of interviews. No matter what your religious orientation, you will find this cross-section of interviews to do what good interviews do: make you THINK.

Terry is the impartial interviewer, patiently listening, tactfully probing with her questions, and as a result there's a balanced tone that I find refreshing. She has no axe to grind.

Some years ago, when the Mapplethorpe and Serrano controversy came up in regard to NEA funding, I edited a book called WAR OF WORDS: THE CENSORSHIP DEBATE. I didn't take sides; I interviewed fundamentalist Christians, including Ralph Reed, and well-known writers, and reprinted pieces that showed every possible spectrum. My notion was that the intelligent reader will want to make up his own mind, if given enough material to work with.

And so, too, does Terry: she gives you a lot to work with, interviewing a broad spectrum of people, with the result that this is an eclectic and eminently listenable collection of interviews.

I would have liked to hear what M. Scott Peck had to say, but his omission in no way diminishes this collection. It would have been icing on the cake for me, but the cake's what's really important, right?

I'm a crusty old curmugeon, but I give this one a well-deserved five stars rating.
2723937
A groundbreaking collection of thoughtful, intelligent, edgy articles.
1168433
There are many things to love about this collection of essays. The writing is honest and often times witty. As a long-time lover of classic and alt-rock, I can identify so much with Ms. Hopper's conflicted stance on the whole subject. As a genre that has largely been male-dominated and is rife with misogyny, it is only natural for our female population to ask the questions, "Where do we fit?" and "Where is our voice?" Thankfully here is a book that at least furthers the dialogue.
235097
This collection of interviews with the great 20th century Iconic American leader for civil and human rights is no exception. Playboy never seems to edit for the sound bite but offers real conversations with every statement within the context of the conversation. Makes their interviews more revealing of the true nature and character of the interviewee. I'm delighted to have several of these interviews with important figures of the 1960s, the decade I came of age. History can 'evolve' as events get whittled down to some historian's interpretation of an interpretation. For those who seek an accurate and honest 'feel' for the truth of the times and the character of the person, this is a great place to begin. And for those of us who were there and are dealing with memories of events from our distant past growing ever more hazy as they turn into memories of memories (a different thing), these words recorded then are helpful reminders of who we were and what we believed.
3903492
Great interviews with some of the greatest current scientific minds in their various genres. I would highly recommend it.
4717753
A collection of essays and lectures, gives much food for thought. Not too fluffy, not too serious, a good read.
4952727
This book is a wonderful collection of voices on the subject of creativity and mental health, on composing from within and as a process of defying stigma. I am biased because I have an essay in the book, but in truth I feel honored to be included among these authors. Thanks to the work of Stephanie Horton (and Marya Hornbacher who provides the introduction), this book provides thoughtful and gorgeous reflections on taboo topics that deserve to be brought to light.
2100121
A great collection of essays that examine multiple aspects of an often-misunderstood way of life, written by a host of insightful authors. The essays explore and analyze the history of Rastafari, Rastafari and gender issues, the Rastafari/Marcus Garvey connections and disconnections, and more. This represents an important contribution to those interested in the African diaspora in the Americas.
3973414
Ths book is composed of interviews of many different psychoanalysts around the world. It is lively and gives the reader an excellent opportunity to "meet" these people. A real treat!
4611124
A wonderful, diverse collection of essays that covers all of the angles. Witty and insightful. There is something for everyone - whether you have kids or not.
4904702
This is a collection of short fifteen stories that are both challenging and intriguing that cover a range of different subjects. Some of the stories I didn't like and some I did, although I would say they are all thought-provoking issues. Some of them are very dark/scary and some are uplifting, and evoke quite a cocktail of emotions.  Some of the twists in the stories are foreshadowed but still surprising none the less. I did like the way the author added a postscript after each story to give some context. Recommended.
1017907
Compelling and diverse essays. I usually dip into anthologies, but this one I read cover to cover. It's a wonderful under-written-about topic, and the range of "machines" and voices here is compelling. A well-curated collection.
453721
This is a great collection of essays that explore the diversity of the Black experience in America. As a white reader, it was incredibly helpful and important to engage with many different voices sharing their experience of what it's like to live as a Black American, as complex and challenging as it can be. No two pieces in this book are alike, and each brings an essential perspective to the conversation. I picked this up for a book club, and I think it's a great choice for discussion of the state of race in America, particularly as brutality against Black people is at the forefront of public discourse. I don't normally read book introductions (lazy, I guess?), but I read this one and am glad I did. Jesmyn Ward's explanation of her work in assembling this collection was a helpful orientation. Ward makes it clear why this book is a necessary addition to the American catalogue.
1823881
Really just a collection of interviews a reader might finish in a day. Yet it is s telling collection. The perspective of the German defender is one almost silent in history. Well worth the time.
3475244
I enjoyed this collection of stories a lot. Some of them appealed to me more than others, but overall I found them to present a very intimate and "true-feeling" perspective on childbirth and motherhood, which is (oddly) something that is not often represented. In particular for the first story, even as I just started to read it I had the feeling that I was sitting down with and old friend and listening to her tell me about her experience. A thought-provoking and enjoyable collection.
266633
Thought provoking collection of glimpses into the lives of everyday and not so everyday beings.  The characters throughout are densely layered and peak one's curiousity for more, more, more! Memento leaves one with thoughts on the means to an end while Existential Meltdown in Red reaffirms the imperfections and self doubt in us all.  Oh, and McAnear has much to say, much to say....
3334112
This anthology of short stories written by accomplished writers from around the globe is a compilation of the diverse experiences that people face in their daily lives. While the stories tug at the heart, the writing is thoughtful and provocative, the cultural insight rich, and the authors do an incredible job of transporting the reader to the various countries around the globe where these stories are set. I do not typically review books on Amazon, but felt the one review of this book is unjust in that it does not speak to the power of the stories or the immense amount of intercultural learning one gets out of reading this text.

As a professor of intercultural and comparative education, I plan to use this anthology in future courses as it speaks to realities that many people within Western cultures are not aware of or have not had exposure to. The stories are targeted and each chapter could serve as a basis for a different topic such as immigration and migration, gender and women's issues, poverty and inequality, and development.

Anyone who enjoys the writing of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Jhumpa Lahiri will get a great deal out of this selection of short stories by them and other writers.