First Words

Many kids write stories, but only a few of them grow up to be successful authors. Before there was Carrie, there was "Johnathan and the Witchs." And before there was Rabbit Angstrom, Toyota dealer, there was Manuel Cirarro, famous detective. Could we have seen the seeds of success in Stephen King's and John Updike's juvenilia? These young writers are the same people who dominated the best seller lists and occupy the most celebrated spots on bookshelves in our stores, libraries, and homes. Here is a funny and surprisingly informative gathering of childhood creations by celebrated writers— authors who were amused by and happy to share their own early efforts. • Kevin McCarthy reads Allan Gurganus • Judith Ivey reads Margaret Atwood • Andre Braugher reads Amiri Baraka • Alfre Woodward reads Gloria Naylor • Elliott Gould reads Pat Conroy • Susan Anspach reads Joyce Carol Oates • Roger Rees reads Gore Vidal • Daphne Zuniga reads Susan Minot • Nana Visitor reads Ursula K. Le Guin • Kevin McC