Illuminating conversations and lively photographs capture the character of seventeen of America's most accomplished and admirable men and women, including former senator Bill Bradley, gay activist Larry Kramer, and opera diva Beverly Sills. Original. YA. Diamonstein conducted interviews from 1995 to 1996 with 17 leaders, pathfinders, and prominent contributors to American life. Her carefully crafted questions elicit answers to such questions as: What and who are the main influences (positive and negative) in your life? Who are your role models? Who are your heroes? What are the obstacles you had to overcome? How do you keep believing in yourself and/or your dream when adversity knocks you down? Authors (Edward Albee, Larry Kramer, William Styron, and Elie Wiesel) and public figures (Jimmy Carter, Bill Bradley, and Gloria Steinem) are among those interviewed, but other names may be unfamiliar to YAs. The conversations are lively and engaging, and the contributors' words inspire, instruct, and occasionally caution. The book is highly recommended for YAs with career or biography assignments, and for journalism students to see how to conduct the exemplary interview.?Judy Sokoll, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. Lively, expansive interviews with 17 influential figures, having in common both success and a fierce commitment to a cause or career. Diamonstein, who herself has done much public service in the area of landmark preservation (Buildings Reborn, 1978), notes somewhat sweepingly that she went looking for ``men and women who have made substantial contributions to the enhancement of American life.'' Among those she found are Edward Albee, Bill Bradley, Jimmy Carter, Gloria Steinem, Elie Wiesel, Larry Kramer, Beverly Sills, Twyla Tharp, and astronaut Ellen Baker. Because her subjects are bright, articulate figures, accustomed to talking about themselves, they provide some vivid anecdotes about their lives and the genesis of their careers. However, because most are public figures, there are few revelations, though there are some moving passages, including the recollections of Ruth Simmons, the president of Smith College, of what it was like growing up the daughter of sharecroppers. Generally, though, this is an entertaining, often gossipy, but not particularly original or startling work. -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Barbaralee Diamonstein was the first Director of Cultural Affairs of New York City.