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Novelist Nicholson Baker on the Banality of Idle Thought.

Writer Nicholson Baker. His debut novel, "The Mezzanine," published in 1987, received enthusiastic critical reviews. Though thin on plot - man breaks shoelace, goes to CVS on his lunch hour to replace it, rides escalator back to work - the novel was praised for the unexpected magnitude of the hero's everyday thoughts, and for the way Baker's technique examined the minutiae that form the often undocumented daily texture of our lives. (originally broadcast on 3/24/89).

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Other segments from the episode on February 5, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, February 5, 1900: Interview with Michael Dorris; Review of Von Freeman and Chico Freeman albums; Interview with Nicholson Baker; Commentary on the television show …
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22:43

Michael Dorris Discusses Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Writer Michael Dorris. He and his wife, Louise Erdrich, have written several novels together, including "Love Medicine" and "Yellow Raft in Blue Water." Both are part Native American, and Dorris spent several years of his childhood on an Indian reservation. He has adopted many children, one of which he later discovered was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. Dorris's book, "The Broken Cord," is about this syndrome, and also his personal story of dealing with it in his family. (originally broadcast 7/20/89).

Interview
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07:51

Father and Son Albums.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the music of two tenor saxophonists, who are father and son. Von Freeman from the Chicago blues style, plays with his son, Chico Freeman, on the album "Freeman & Freeman," (on the India Navigation label). Whitehead also reviews Von Freeman's album "Walkin Tuff!" (on Chicago's "Southport" label).

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Writer Nicholson Baker.

Terry talks phone sex with writer Nicholson Baker. Baker's new novel "Vox" is one long, erotic, expensive conversation between a man and a woman on a 900 talk line. (Random House).

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22:58

Science Writer Timothy Ferris.

Science writer Timothy Ferris. In his new book, "The Mind's Sky," Ferris explores the relationship between the universe and how our brains' see the universe. Ferris's earlier books include the best-seller, "Coming Of Age In The Milky Way."

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