Readin' and Rockin'

This is a short story about a poor, young, married couple who both sell their most prized possession in order to purchase a holiday gift for the other. A lesson in sacrifice and the true meaning of giving is beautifully told in this classic tale with a heart wrenching ending.

What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There's no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson. But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in digestible chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day.

The late Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Art Buchwald wrote over 30 books, including his two-part memoir, the best-selling Leaving Home, and I'll Always Have Paris. In 1986, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

One of the most remarkable autobiographies of our time, Manchild in the Promised Land is a seminal work of modern literature published during a literary era marked by the ascendance of black writers like Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, and Alex Haley. This thinly fictionalized account of Claude Brown’s childhood as a hardened, streetwise criminal trying to survive the toughest streets of Harlem has been heralded as the definitive account of everyday life for African Americans raised in the northern ghettos of the 1940s and ’50s.

Lewis Black may not be the last angry man, but he is certainly the funniest. The celebrated political comedian, master of comedic angst, New York Times best-selling author and Daily Show regular is back to discuss life, politics and his new book about his least favorite holiday, Christmas. In I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas. Connie Chung is an Emmy Award-winning network television anchor and reporter whose career has spanned NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN and MSNBC.

The recently passed award-winning author of the memoirs Angela'a Ashes and 'Tis discusses his writing, his life, and teaching as a profession. He reads from Teacher Man: A Memoir.

Janis Ian was catapulted into the spotlight in 1966 at the age of 15, when her soul-wrenching song "Society's Child" became a hit. But this was only the beginning of a long and illustrious career. In Society's Child, Janis Ian provides a relentlessly honest account of the successes and failures - and the hopes and dreams - of an extraordinary life.

Recently passed, George Carlin was a comedian famous for his "Seven Dirty Words" routine. To his credit are nearly 20 albums, five Grammy awards, and two Cable Ace Awards, and more HBO specials than anyone. He authored several books, including The New York Times best seller Brain Droppings and Napalm & Silly Putty. In this interview, he speaks with Judy Gold about his life and his comedy, and answers questions from the audience.

Do you know him best as Capt. James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise? As the over-the-top pitchman for Priceline.com? As Denny Crane on Boston Legal, or perhaps T.J. Hooker in the eponymous '80s TV show? However you know him, you haven't really gotten to know William Shatner, one of the most recognizable and durable television actors of the last 50 years.

Here is Neil Simon’s acclaimed semi-autobiographical Eugene Trilogy, including Brighton Beach Memoirs. In the first installment of the trilogy, 14-year-old Eugene is preoccupied by his passion for the Yankees and his lust for his beautiful cousin. Biloxi Blues, The second hilarious installment of the Eugene Trilogy follows our naïve hero and his sadistic drill sergeant through boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi.