HILLEL ITALIE National Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Kirkus Prize finalists include Angela Flournoy, Kiran Desai and Megha Majumdar

August 27, 2025

Novels by Angela Flournoy, Kiran Desai and Megha Majumdar, along with a memoir by Arundhati Roy, are finalists for the Kirkus Prize. The award offers a $50,000 cash prize for winners in fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. Kirkus announced six nominees in each category on Wednesday. Desai’s novel is also shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Flournoy’s and Majumdar’s novels are their first releases in years. Other finalists include works by Allegra Goodman, Lucas Schafer and David Szalay. Winners will be announced on Oct. 8.

FILE - A book published by Simon & Schuster is displayed on July 30, 2022, in Tigard, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp steps down to launch new imprint

August 26, 2025

Jonathan Karp, CEO of Simon & Schuster, is stepping down to lead a new imprint at the publisher. He announced Tuesday that he wants to focus on authors and editing. Karp became CEO in 2020, following Carolyn Reidy’s sudden death. His tenure included navigating the pandemic and a blocked sale to Penguin Random House. In 2023, Simon & Schuster was sold to KKR for $1.62 billion. Karp will launch Simon Six, publishing six books a year, similar to his previous imprint, Twelve. A search for his successor is underway, and he will remain as CEO until one is chosen.

FILE - Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., participates in a debate with Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., not shown, at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, June 2, 2025, in Boston, as live-streamed on Fox Nation. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

The fall’s 10 most anticipated books, from Pynchon to (Priscilla) Presley

August 22, 2025

Fall is the time for publishers to release their most anticipated literary fiction, and this season will feature new books from Thomas Pynchon, Kiran Desai and Ian McEwan among others. But it’s also a moment for genres ranging from celebrity memoirs to crime novels to children’s stories. Some works, including Pynchon’s “Shadow Ticket,” were more than a decade in the making. Others will arrive quickly to catch readers up on the recent past. Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ “107 Days” is a campaign memoir that arrives just months after she left office.

This combination of images shows Robert Caro posing for a portrait in New York on Sept. 11, 2024, left, and Gustavo Dudamel at the 2023 Los Angeles Philharmonic Gala, on Oct. 5, 2023. (AP Photo)

Robert A. Caro named first-ever Founders Historian Laureate by The New York Historical

August 14, 2025

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Robert A. Caro has been named the first-ever Founders Historian Laureate by The New York Historical. The museum, where Caro’s archives are stored, also has a research room named after him. Caro, a lifelong New Yorker, is known for his work on Robert Moses and his Lyndon Johnson biographies. He is currently writing the final volume of the series. The honor will be formally presented at a gala on September 17th. Grammy-winning conductor Gustavo Dudamel will also receive a History Makers Award at the event.

Owner Michelle Souliere, left, chats with a frequent customer at the Green Hand Bookstore in Portland, Maine, on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

From Stephen King to New Jersey diners, History Press books cover local lore around the US

August 8, 2025

A writer from Maine, Sharon Kitchens has turned her passion for Stephen King’s books into a published work. Her book, “Stephen King’s Maine,” explores the real-life settings and inspirations behind King’s stories. Published by The History Press, it’s part of a series focused on regional and local histories. The History Press is now part of Arcadia Publishing and aims to make community histories accessible. Kitchens’ book gained attention after Stephen King endorsed it on Instagram. The History Press often works with local specialists who are passionate about preserving their community’s history, offering them a platform to share untold stories.

This combination of images shows author James Patterson during a portrait session in New York on Aug. 30, 2016, left, and Luigi Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, at a hearing in New York on Feb. 25, 2025. (AP Photo, left and New York Post Pool via AP)

James Patterson and Vicky Ward to write book on UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing

August 6, 2025

James Patterson and Vicky Ward are collaborating on a new book about the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The book will explore the hunt for his alleged killer, Luigi Mangione. Little, Brown & Company announced the project, which currently has no title or release date. Patterson and Ward plan to use exclusive interviews, firsthand reporting and court transcripts. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to a federal murder charge for the December shooting. Patterson describes the story as “the American Dream Gone Wrong.” The pair’s previous book, “The Idaho Four,” became a national bestseller last month.

Oprah Winfrey picks Richard Russo’s ‘Bridge of Sighs’ for her book club

August 5, 2025

Oprah Winfrey has selected Richard Russo’s novel “Bridge of Sighs” for her book club. The 2007 novel is set in a rural New York community. Winfrey announced the pick on Tuesday. Russo, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, often writes about small Northeastern towns. His works include “Nobody’s Fool” and “Empire Falls,” which won a Pulitzer in 2002. Russo expressed his excitement about introducing his work to a new generation. A conversation between Winfrey and Russo is available on her YouTube channel. Winfrey praised the book as a “classic summer read” filled with romance and family drama.

FILE - People visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History on the National Mall in Washington, April 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

The Smithsonian removes a Trump impeachment reference from an exhibit but says it’s temporary

August 1, 2025

The Smithsonian Institution has removed a reference to President Donald Trump’s impeachments from an exhibit. It says it’s temporary. This decision comes as the White House presses for a more positive view of American history. A label about impeachment was added in 2021 to the National Museum for American History’s exhibit on presidential power. Smithsonian spokesperson Phillip Zimmerman said the section needed an overhaul. Trump is the only president impeached twice, in 2019 and 2021. Zimmerman says the impeachment reference will be restored after revisions. Since January, Trump has demanded changes across Washington cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, and the Kennedy Center.

Pulitzer-winning novel ‘James’ is up for another major honor

July 14, 2025

Percival Everett’s Pulitzer-winning novel, “James,” is a nominee for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. The book is a retelling of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and has already won the National Book Award and Kirkus Prize. The Dayton prize, established in 1995, honors works promoting peace and includes a $10,000 award. The Dayton prize foundation announced Monday that David Greenberg’s biography “John Lewis” about the late civil rights activist and congressman is a nonfiction finalist. Other fiction nominees include works by Priscilla Morris and Kristin Hannah. The nonfiction list features titles by Sunil Amrith and Wendy Pearlman. Winners will be revealed in September.

FILE - Author Martin Cruz Smith appears at his home in Mill Valley, Calif., on Aug. 13, 1999. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

Martin Cruz Smith, acclaimed author of ‘Gorky Park,’ dies at 82

July 14, 2025

Mystery novelist Martin Cruz Smith, known for such Arkady Renko thrillers as “Gorky Park,” has died at age 82. His publisher, Simon & Schuster, confirmed that he died Friday in San Rafael, California, surrounded by loved ones. Smith, who had Parkinson’s disease, gave the same condition to his famous protagonist, Renko. His final Renko novel, “Hotel Ukraine,” will be published this week. Smith’s career spanned decades, with honors including a Gold Dagger award for “Gorky Park,” which became a bestseller and a film. His works often explored Soviet and Russian history, and were praised for blending sharp characters with compelling plots.

Stephen King to narrate ‘Hansel and Gretel’ audiobook with Maurice Sendak’s illustrations

July 10, 2025

Stephen King narrates a new audiobook version of “Hansel and Gretel,” blending his storytelling with Maurice Sendak’s illustrations. The Maurice Sendak Foundation announced Thursday that King’s reading adds captivating depth to the classic fairy tale. The audiobook releases on Sept. 2, alongside the new picture book. This reimagining is based on Sendak’s sketches for a 1997 opera about two children lost in a forest. Sendak, who died in 2012, was known for such classic books as “Where the Wild Things Are.” King’s many novels include “Carrie” and “The Stand.”

FILE - George Harrison performs at a concert in London on April 6, 1992. (AP Photo/Max Nash, File)

George Harrison’s Beatles-era photos to be released in new book

July 10, 2025

A new book of Beatles-era photographs by George Harrison will be released in Fall 2026. Random House announced Thursday that “The Third Eye” features over 250 images, many unpublished, taken between 1963 and 1969. The book was compiled by Harrison’s widow, Olivia Harrison. It captures moments from Liverpool to India and Shea Stadium. Olivia says the photos reflect George’s unique perspective during the Beatles’ early years. The book includes essays by Olivia, Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, and American author George Saunders, along with George’s own words. Fellow Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have also published photo books.

‘Hostage,’ Eli Sharabi’s memoir about life in Hamas captivity, is coming to the US

July 8, 2025

An Israeli man’s memoir about being held captive by Hamas is set for U.S. release. Eli Sharabi’s *Hostage,” originally written in Hebrew, has already become a bestseller in Israel. Harper Influence announced Tuesday that the English edition will be published on Oct. 7, marking the two-year anniversary of the 2023 attack. Sharabi, released in February, shares his harrowing experience of abduction and captivity in Gaza. The memoir details his bond with fellow hostages and how his faith helped him endure. Sharabi hopes his story sheds light on life in captivity and inspires humanity.

FILE - Portraits of a red-headed Thomas Jefferson, left, and John Dickinson, right, by by Charles Willson Peale are seen at the refurbished Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia on Nov. 26, 2004. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma, File)

A year before declaring independence, colonists offered ‘Olive Branch’ petition to King George III

July 3, 2025

Millions of protesters have denounced President Donald Trump as a would-be autocrat and marched under the banner “No Kings.” But at the same point 250 years ago, in the summer of 1775, the mood was more cautious. Even after the bloodied conflicts of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill, many Americans were not ready to break from King George III and call for independence from Britain. Almost exactly a year to the day before the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress ratified the “Olive Branch Petition,” a plea for peace with “the Mother country”

Colonial soldiers prepare to face the British during a reenactment in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Gloucester, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The US commemorates 250th anniversary of the ‘great American battle,’ the Battle of Bunker Hill

June 21, 2025

As the U.S. marks the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, it might take a moment — or more — to remember why. Start with the very name. “There’s something percussive about it: Battle of Bunker Hill,” says prize-winning historian Nathaniel Philbrick. Much of the world looks to the Battle of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, as the start of the American Revolution. But many scholars cite Bunker Hill and June 17 as the real beginning, the first time British and rebel forces faced off in sustained conflict over a specific piece of territory.

FILE - Author Edmund White appears in his New York apartment on April 24, 2006. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

How groundbreaking gay author Edmund White paved the way for other writers

June 6, 2025

Edmund White, a pioneer of contemporary gay literature, died this week at age 85. He left behind such widely read works as “A Boy’s Own Story” and “The Beautiful Room Is Empty” and a priceless gift to countless younger writers. Validation of their lives, the discovery of themselves through the stories of others. Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Sean Greer says “Ed invented so many of us.” A National Book Award finalist and other authors speak of White’s work as more than just an influence, but as a rite of passage to read.

FILE - White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Ex-White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre left Democratic Party, publisher of her book says

June 4, 2025

Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has a book out this fall that promises a close look at President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for reelection and calls for thinking beyond the two-party system. Legacy Lit says Jean-Pierre has switched her affiliation to independent after working in two Democratic administrations. The Hachette Book Group imprint will publish “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines” on Oct. 21. Jean-Pierre was the first Black woman and openly gay person to hold the position of White House press secretary.

FILE - Former CIA director William Burns speaks during a hearing, March 11, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Former CIA Director William Burns has a book deal for the memoir ‘Diplomat Spy’

June 3, 2025

Former CIA director and Biden cabinet official William J. Burns is working on a book about his years leading the intelligence agency. Random House announced Tuesday that it would publish Burns’ “Diplomat Spy: A Memoir of Espionage in Revolutionary Times.” The release date is still to be determined. Burns headed the CIA from 2021-25 and was elevated by President Joe Biden to a cabinet position. A veteran diplomat, he was a key adviser to Biden on Ukraine and other parts of the world. Random House is calling his book a “riveting firsthand account” about working in intelligence.

Former Creedence Clearwater front man John Fogerty celebrates 80th with show in Manhattan

May 29, 2025

As he turned 80 this week, John Fogerty was in a mood to honor his past and to revise it. Fogerty played a rowdy 100-minute set Thursday night to an adoring, near-capacity audience at Manhattan’s Beacon Theatre. Crowd members spanned from those likely to remember “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son” and other Creedence Clearwater Revival hits when first released a half-century ago to those looking young enough to have heard about them through their grandparents. At least from a distance, Fogerty didn’t look or sound much different from his prime with Creedence.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Kenyan author and dissident who became a giant of modern literature, dies at 87

May 28, 2025

One of the world’s most acclaimed writers, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, has died at 87. A publicist for his U.S. publisher confirmed the death Wednesday. The Kenyan man of letters wrote dozens of fiction and nonfiction books that traced his country’s history from British imperialism to home-ruled tyranny and challenged not only the stories told but the language used to tell them. Whether through novels such as “The Wizard of the Crow” or “Petals of Blood,” or his landmark critique “Decolonizing the Mind,” Ngũgĩ embodied the very heights of the artist’s calling. He was a truth teller, rule breaker and explorer of myth.

FILE - Susan Brownmiller poses on the streets of lower Manhattan in New York, Oct. 18, 1975. (AP Photo/Suzanne Vlamis, File)

Susan Brownmiller, author of the landmark book on sexual assault, ‘Against Our Will,’ dies at 90

May 25, 2025

Susan Brownmiller, a prominent feminist and author of the 1960s and ’70s whose “Against Our Will” was a landmark and debated bestseller about rape, has died. She was 90. A journalist, anti-war protester and civil rights activist before joining the feminist movement in its formative years, Brownmiller was among countless women radicalized in the ‘60s and ’70s and part of the much smaller circle that included Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan and Kate Millett who helped radicalize others. “Against Our Will,” published in 1975 and widely read and taught for decades after, documented the roots, prevalence and politics of rape.

HILLEL ITALIE National Writer.