Illinois celebrates its bicentennial in 2018, and two authors have suggestions on how to fix the funk in Illinois just in time for the celebration. Read an excerpt from Fixing Illinois: Politics and Policy in the Prairie State.

Nicholas Epley, Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago, joins us to discuss his new book, Mindwise: How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel and Want.

We are joined by author Peter W. Singer to talk cybersecurity, his new book and what you need to know to protect yourself online. Read an excerpt.

We talk with, Rebecca Eaton, the executive producer of Masterpiece and get the inside scoop on America’s beloved British dramas. We also check to see what’s to come next season on Downton Abbey. Read an excerpt from Eaton's book.

Congressman Luis Gutierrez joins us to talk about the government shutdown, his recent arrest, and his new book, Still Dreaming: My Journey from the Barrio to Capitol Hill.

Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich talks about her new book, a collection of columns called Even The Terrible Things Seem Beautiful to Me Now. Read some of her favorite columns.

We take a look at what Bill Daley was like inside the Obama administration. Read a book excerpt.

A new book takes a look at how Chicago became a leading lady on the silver screen. Hollywood on Lake Michigan looks at the city’s role in developing cinema throughout the past 100 years. View a slideshow and read an excerpt.

Jonathan Alter is an award-winning author, columnist, reporter and television analyst. Since 2011, he has written a column for Bloomberg View, a worldwide commentary site housed under Bloomberg News. The Chicago native joins us to discuss his new book, The Center Holds: Obama and His Enemies. Read an excerpt.

The Chicago Public Schools denies it banned the award-winning graphic novel Persepolis from classrooms and libraries for its depiction of torture. We have the latest on the controversy.

Tom Cruise stars as the Hollywood version of author Lee Child's character, Jack Reacher. We revisit a conversation with Child about his best-selling books, the new movie and the latest installment in the Reacher series.

Tom Cruise stars as the Hollywood version of author Lee Child's character, Jack Reacher. Child is here to talk about his best-selling books, the new movie and the latest installment in the Reacher series.

For decades, Chicago city leaders have been trying to forget Al Capone, but a new book keeps his memory very much alive. We talk with the niece of the infamous gangster about her book, "Uncle Al Capone."

How the Beatles evolved with "Revolver." We talk with a local author who argues the album was the Beatles' artistic high-water mark.

The author of a new book tells us how to keep kids safe in the digital age.

He took on Al Gore in the 2000 Democratic presidential primary. Former NBA great and U.S. Senator Bill Bradley joins us to talk about the economy, the upcoming election and his new book.