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Author Michael Dorris Discusses His Life and Writings.

Author Michael Dorris. His work is wide-ranging in topic and emotional impact. In his earlier book "The Broken Cord" he wrote of his struggle to understand the severe health and behavior problems of an adopted son, Abel, who had Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Abel, a Native American, died in an accident after a difficult life. Dorris himself is part Modoc Indian. He founded the Native American Studies Program at Dartmouth College where he now teaches Anthropology. Dorris's new book is called "Paper Trail." It's a collection of some of his previously published writings. It includes essays on the problems facing Native Americans today, Dorris's own childhood, and his experiences as adoptive father of three children, all diagnosed with varying degrees of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

22:00

Other segments from the episode on May 17, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, May 17, 1994: Interview with Melba Beals; Interview with Michael Dorris.

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