For nearly two decades as CenterStage's host, Kay has conducted hourlong conversations with American pop culture's most intriguing personalities. Here he has gathered the conversations that best exemplify the show's distinctive blend of humor, inspiration, and self-revelation. Kay also includes behind-the-scenes stories. -- adapted from jacket

The 20 essays in this volume are based on public lectures at Princeton on the broad sweep of American diplomatic history since World War II. The book does not limit itself to U.S.-Soviet relations, but includes essays on America's role in the postwar international economy as well as U.S. relations with Third World regions. Some of the essays deal with individuals such as Kennan, Dulles, and Kissinger, and some with concepts and functions. ISBN 0-8419-1265-3: $49.50; ISBN 0-8419-1270-X (pbk.): $24.95.

Lucy and her friends land internships with a local summer theater group.

Ellis is a sad boy - caught up in his daydreams, abandoned and beaten by his family, teased and bullied at school. It seems nobody listens to him and nobody shares his fears and sadness. One evening he meets the girl Natalie, who is the same age. She makes him feel like he finally has a true ally. Natalie takes Ellis on imaginary journeys, enabling him to have sweet dreams again and be happy despite his sad situation... until one day Ellis realizes that Natalie is not real, just an imaginary character. When Ellis ends up in an orphanage after a devastating family incident, he meets a real girl who is identical to Natalie. She seems to change his life. Can Ellis now find his way and face his trials better?