Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - All I Did Was Ask : Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians, and Artists

All I Did Was Ask : Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians, and Artists
All I Did Was Ask Conversations with Writers Actors Musicians and Artists
Author: Terry Gross
A fascinating collection of revealing and entertaining interviews by the award-winning host of National Public Radio's premier interview program Fresh Air. Over the last twenty years, Terry Gross has interviewed many of our most celebrated writers, actors, musicians, comics, and visual artists. Her show, Fresh Air with Terry Gr...  more », a weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues produced by WHYY in Philadelphia, is one of National Public Radio's most popular programs. More than four million people tune in to the show, which is broadcast on over 400 NPR stations across the country. Gross is known for her thoughtful, probing interviewing style. In her trusted company, even the most reticent guest relaxes and opens up. But Gross doesn't shy away from controversy, and her questions can be tough -- too tough, apparently, for Bill O'Reilly, who abruptly terminated his conversation with her. Her interview with Gene Simmons of Kiss, which is included in the book, prompted Entertainment Weekly to name Simmons its male "Crackpot of the Year." For All I Did Was Ask, Gross has selected more than three dozen of her best interviews -- ones of lasting relevance that are as lively on the page as they were on the air. Each is preceded by a personal introduction in which she reveals why a particular guest was on the show and the thinking behind some of her questions. And in an introductory chapter, the normally self-effacing Gross does something you're unlikely ever to hear her do on Fresh Air -- she discusses her approach to interviewing, revealing a thing or two about herself in the bargain. The collection focuses on luminaries from the art and entertainment world, including actors, comedians, writers, visual artists, and musicians, such as: --Conan O'Brien

--Chris Rock

--Michael Caine

--Dennis Hopper

--Dustin Hoffman

--Jodie Foster

--John Updike

--Mary Karr

--Mario Puzo

--Nick Hornby

--Chuck Close

--Eric Clapton

--George Clinton

--Sonny Rollins

--Samuel L. Jackson

--Johnny Cash

--Isabella Rossellini

--Divine

--Uta Hagen

--Carol Shields
ISBN-13: 9781401300104
ISBN-10: 1401300103
Publication Date: 9/8/2004
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 14

4 stars, based on 14 ratings
Publisher: Hyperion
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

bookaddicted avatar reviewed All I Did Was Ask : Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians, and Artists on + 131 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Great book for fans of Fresh Air or anyone interested in "celebrity" interviews. Loved the one she did with Jodie Foster (2002). Gross has such a way of questioning her guests that I read all the interviews regardless of my previous interest in the person.
sari-lynn avatar reviewed All I Did Was Ask : Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians, and Artists on + 207 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Although I've heard most of the interviews presented in this collection, it was an interesting read. Terry's short introductions - often just a paragraph long, really enhanced my appreciation. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the way multiple interviews with the same person were presented together. The excellent editing made it the perfect book to read just before bed, because each interview was only a few pages long, so there would be a good stopping point before too long.

Especially recommended for fans of NPR's Fresh Air.
reviewed All I Did Was Ask : Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians, and Artists on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a fascinating collection of interview snippets of even more fascinating artists. Gross is upfront about the fact that some of these are combined interviews from different times (i.e. Dennis Hopper interviews from 1990 and 1996 merged into one section), so don't expect that you're going to get the same experience reading the book as you might listening to her program. This takes the most insightful or interesting sections of those interviews and condenses them into bite-sized portions. It's a great introduction to Gross' style of interviewing as well as the people she talks to.
reviewed All I Did Was Ask : Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians, and Artists on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A collection of great interviews. The book is worth reading for Terry's interview with Gene Simmons all by itself. Gene was a complete misogynist, and Terry held her own!!
Read All 7 Book Reviews of "All I Did Was Ask Conversations with Writers Actors Musicians and Artists"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed All I Did Was Ask : Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians, and Artists on + 6 more book reviews
If you listen to Fresh Air, it's interesting to read these interviews - some I'd heard before, some I hadn't, but it gave me insight into Gross' interview style.


Genres: