HILLEL ITALIE National Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Filmmaker Woody Allen, right, and Soon-Yi Previn arrive for an event in Cannes, southern France, May 15, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

Epstein emails show he helped arrange White House visit for Woody Allen

February 5, 2026

Woody Allen’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein has been known for years, but emails in the huge trove of records released by the Justice Department illustrate that relationship in new depth. The filmmaker, his wife and Epstein were neighbors in New York City. Records show the three dined together often. They also commiserated with each other about being accused of sexual misconduct. One year, Epstein used his connections to a former member of President Barack Obama’s administration to help Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, get a White House tour. A message sent to an assistant for Allen and Previn via email seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned.

FILE - Writer Malcolm Gladwell attends the screening of "Faces of America With Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr." inNew York on Feb. 1, 2010. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File)

Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘The American Way of Killing’ to be released in September

February 5, 2026

Malcolm Gladwell’s next book, “The American Way of Killing,” focuses on gun violence in the U.S. Little, Brown and Company announced the release for Sept. 29. The book argues for examining unexpected places to understand lethal violence in America. Gladwell explores the issue through various stories, including a young gunshot victim in Washington D.C., a 17th-century English knight and a professor in Alabama with a secret. Gladwell, 62, is a New Yorker staff writer and host of the podcast Revisionist History. His previous bestsellers include “The Tipping Point,” “Blink,” and “Outliers.”

Audrey Niffenegger to release long-awaited sequel to ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’

January 30, 2026

Audrey Niffenegger has completed the sequel to her bestseller “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” Hanover Square Press announced Friday that “Life Out of Order” will be released on Oct. 27. The new book follows Alba DeTamble, the daughter of time traveler Henry DeTamble, who shares his Chrono-Displacement Disorder. Niffenegger began writing in 2012 and found the story evolving through the pandemic and societal changes. “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” published in 2003, sold millions and was adapted into a film and an HBO series. Niffenegger has also written “Her Fearful Symmetry” and “Raven Girl.”

Ari Emanuel’s ‘fiery, furious’ memoir to be released this fall

January 29, 2026

Ari Emanuel, the Hollywood super-agent, has a memoir coming out this fall. “Roll the Calls” will be published on September 22, according to Alfred A. Knopf. Emanuel’s clients have included Martin Scorsese, Oprah Winfrey, and Donald Trump. He inspired the character Ari Gold on HBO’s “Entourage.” Emanuel will collaborate with J.R. Moehringer, known for working on memoirs by Prince Harry and Andre Agassi. The book promises a fiery, insider account of Emanuel’s successes and setbacks. Emanuel shares lessons from his rise in entertainment and politics, emphasizing persistence and defying doubters.

This combination of photos shows Tina Knowles, from left, Cher, and Reese Witherspoon. (AP Photo)

Cher, Tina Knowles and the late Rob Reiner are among Audie Awards finalists

January 29, 2026

Cher, Tina Knowles and the late Rob Reiner are among the finalists for the Audie Awards. These awards honor audio editions of fiction and nonfiction books. Cher’s narration of “Cher: Part One” earned her a nomination for best biography/autobiography. The Audio Publishers Association announced the nominees Thursday. Other finalists include Knowles for “Matriarch,” narrated with daughters Beyoncé and Solange, and the late Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, “Nobody’s Girl.” Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping” is a nominee for audiobook of the year. Winners in 27 categories will be announced March 2.

New Carnegie Medal winners Megha Majumdar and Yiyun Li love libraries

January 27, 2026

Novelist Megha Majumdar has won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction for her book “A Guardian and a Thief.” The American Library Association announced the award on Tuesday. Majumdar shares the honor with Yiyun Li, who won for her memoir “Things in Nature Merely Grow.” Both authors will receive $5,000 and be honored in June in Chicago. Majumdar is an immigrant from India and appreciates libraries as spaces for solitude and community. Li is originally from Beijing and discovered her love for libraries in the U.S. and now teaches at Princeton University.

FILE - 2018 Kennedy Center Honoree composer Philip Glass arrives at the State Department for the Kennedy Center Honors State Department Dinner, Dec. 1, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)

Philip Glass cancels Kennedy Center symphony premiere in protest of Trump’s leadership

January 27, 2026

Prize-winning composer Philip Glass has canceled the world premiere of his symphony about Abraham Lincoln at the Kennedy Center. Glass’ Symphony No. 15, titled “Lincoln,” was set to be conducted by Grammy winner Karen Kamensek on June 12 and 13. Glass stated that the Kennedy Center’s current values conflict with the symphony’s message. His decision is part of a broader trend of artists withdrawing from the venue. President Donald Trump’s influence over the center, including plans to rename it the Trump Kennedy Center, has sparked controversy and led to multiple cancellations.

Shelley Read’s debut novel ‘Go as a River’ becomes a global sensation

January 27, 2026

Author Shelley Read is amazed by the global success of her debut novel, “Go as a River.” Before its U.S. release, the book secured over 30 translations. Published in 2023, it has sold more than a million copies and is being adapted into a film. The novel spans from the 1940s to the 1970s, focusing on a Colorado farm girl’s romance with an Indigenous man. Read, a longtime educator, began writing the book after retiring. Despite initial rejections, her manuscript found a home with Spiegel & Grau. Read is now working on her second novel.

FILE - Workers add President Donald Trump's name to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, after a Trump-appointed board voted to rename the institution, in Washington, Dec. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Renée Fleming cancels Kennedy Center appearances

January 23, 2026

Renée Fleming is withdrawing from two May appearances at the Kennedy Center. This follows a wave of cancellations since President Trump ousted the previous leadership and announced the venue’s renaming. Fleming was set to perform with conductor James Gaffigan and the National Symphony Orchestra. A year ago, she resigned as “Artistic Advisor at Large” due to leadership changes. The Kennedy Center cites “a scheduling conflict” for her withdrawal. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bela Fleck, and Issa Rae have also canceled events. Trump has targeted the center in his attacks against “woke” culture.

Bruce Lee play and Vocal Arts DC join growing list of Kennedy Center cancellations

January 21, 2026

The producers of a Bruce Lee-inspired stage play and Vocal Arts DC have canceled shows at the Kennedy Center. This follows President Trump’s controversial decision to rename it the Trump-Kennedy Center, a change experts say requires Congress’s approval. Lin-Manuel Miranda and others have also withdrawn in protest. The Seattle Children’s Theatre announced on Instagram that it canceled “Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story” after discussions with artists and the Bruce Lee family. Vocal Arts DC cited low ticket sales and refund requests for canceling upcoming concerts. The Kennedy Center’s schedule no longer lists an April tribute to John Coltrane.

3 authors win $10,000 prizes for blending science and literature

January 21, 2026

Three authors have been awarded $10,000 prizes for blending scientific research with literary grace. The National Book Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation announced on Wednesday the winners of the fifth annual Science + Literature awards. The books include Kimberly Blaeser’s poetry collection “Ancient Light,” Anna North’s novel “Bog Queen” and Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian’s nonfiction work “Forest Euphoria.” Doron Weber of the Sloan Foundation praises the authors for highlighting nature’s beauty and terror. Ruth Dickey of the National Book Foundation emphasized the awards’ mission to showcase diverse voices in science writing.

FILE - Amanda Darrow, director of youth, family and education programs at the Utah Pride Center, holds a copy of Kabobe's graphic memoir "Gender Queer," on a stack of other books that have been the subject of complaints from parents on Dec. 16, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

We Need Diverse Books launches Unbanned Book Network to fight school bans

January 21, 2026

We Need Diverse Books has launched the Unbanned Book Network to counteract book bans in schools and libraries. The program announced Tuesday will donate banned books and appoint Author Ambassadors to school districts facing bans. It plans to start with 20 under-resourced schools in states where there are bans, including Texas and Florida. CEO Dhonielle Clayton says the initiative addresses both a literacy crisis and rising censorship. Authors Ellen Oh and Meg Medina, whose books have been banned, will be among the participants. PEN America reports a surge in book bans over the past four years, prompting various responses from publishers and advocates.

FILE - Writer and activist Arundhati Roy participates in a protest at the press club of India in New Delhi, India, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri, File)

Han Kang, Angela Flournoy, Arundhati Roy nominated for National Book Critics Circle awards

January 20, 2026

Novels by Nobel laureate Han Kang and Angela Flournoy, along with a memoir by Arundhati Roy, are finalists for the National Book Critics Circle awards. The critics association announced nominees in eight competitive categories and three honorary winners. Celebrated author-journalist Frances Fitzgerald will receive a lifetime achievement award. On Tuesday, NBCC President Adam Dalva praised the finalists for broadening creative and social horizons. Han’s “We Do Not Part” is a fiction finalist. Roy is nominated in autobiography for “Mother Mary Comes to Me.” Winners will be announced on March 26.

Lili Taylor, Keith McNally and Andrew Ross Sorkin are among Gotham Book Prize finalists

January 20, 2026

A book of essays by actor Lili Taylor, a memoir by restaurateur Keith McNally, and a bestseller from Andrew Ross Sorkin about the 1929 stock market crash are among the 10 finalists for a $50,000 literary prize. The Gotham Book Prize, launched in 2020 by Bradley Tusk and Howard Wolfson, honors fiction and nonfiction about New York City. Each nominated book explores a different facet of New York, from Taylor’s love for quiet moments in “Find the Birds” to the dining life in McNally’s “I Regret Almost Everything.” The winner will be announced in the spring.

American poet, novelist and visual artist, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, poses for a photograph on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

The pain, and joy, of Rachel Eliza Griffiths’ writing journey

January 19, 2026

Rachel Eliza Griffiths is releasing her memoir, “The Flower Bearers,” after enduring profound personal tragedies. Her best friend died on the day she married Salman Rushdie, and a year later, Rushdie was nearly killed in a stabbing. Griffiths initially struggled to write about these events but eventually embraced the memoir as a necessary expression. The book intertwines her experiences with Rushdie and her late friend, poet Kamilah Aisha Moon. Griffiths reflects on her journey through grief and resilience, finding grace amid adversity. She describes herself as transformed by these experiences, embracing the present with newfound joy.

Mattel and Alex Aster team up for Barbie young adult novel, ‘Barbie: Dreamscape’

January 15, 2026

Mattel Publishing is teaming up with bestselling author Alex Aster for a new Barbie young adult novel. “Barbie: Dreamscape,” set for release on July 28, takes Barbie on a journey across magical lands. This is the first novel for young adults from Mattel Publishing since its launch three years ago. The novel isn’t connected to the 2023 movie, and no screen adaptation is planned. Mattel describes it as a coming-of-age story where Barbie, declared “Fateless,” must find her destiny. Aster, known for her “Lightlark” series, says Barbie dolls were a formative part of her childhood.

FILE - Rachel Goldberg-Polin poses for a portrait on day 98 since her son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped by Hamas, in Jerusalem, Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s memoir recounts her journey after her son’s abduction by Hamas

January 15, 2026

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, known for her advocacy for hostages abducted by Hamas-led militants, has a memoir coming out this spring. Random House announced Thursday that “When We See You Again” will be published April 21. Goldberg-Polin, a Chicago-born educator living in Jerusalem, shares her journey of loss and resilience. Her son, Hersh, was taken during a music festival in southern Israel. She traveled the world calling for his release, meeting with leaders like President Joe Biden and Pope Francis. Despite the discovery of her son’s body, she continues to share her story of grief and love.

Min Jin Lee’s ‘American Hagwon’ to be released in September

January 14, 2026

Min Jin Lee’s new novel, “American Hagwon,” explores why Koreans are so focused on education. It’s her first book since her acclaimed “Pachinko” and is scheduled for September. Hagwons are private institutions where Koreans send their children to learn skills like English and math. Lee calls herself an “accidental historian.” Her 750-page novel is the third in a series about Korea and the Korean diaspora. The story follows a Korean family affected by the Asian financial crisis as they move from Korea to Australia and then to Southern California. Lee’s work is known for its deep research and reflection.

This Library of Congress provided image shows the title page of founding-father Thomas Paine's book "Common Sense." (Library of Congress via AP)

Supporters press for a DC memorial to Thomas Paine, whose writings helped fuel the Revolutionary War

January 10, 2026

British-born Thomas Paine helped inspire the 13 English colonies to declare independence and form the United States of America. Yet there’s no formal tribute to the author of “Common Sense” from his adopted country. A Washington memorial to Paine was authorized by a 2022 law, and today it awaits approval from the Department of Interior. If approved, the memorial would have a 2030 deadline for completion. Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the publication of “Common Sense.” It’s one of the milestones of a yearlong commemoration of America’s founding and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

FILE - A memorial wreath stands next to the bronze memorial bust by Robert Berks of President John F. Kennedy in the grand foyer at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Nov. 22, 2013, on the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's death. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Kennedy Center Christmas Eve jazz concert canceled after Trump name added to building

December 24, 2025

A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled. Musician Chuck Redd, the show’s host, says he called off the performance after the White House announced President Donald Trump’s name would be added to the facility. The building’s facade now reads The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Scholars say this violates the law. The law prohibits the board from making the center a memorial to anyone else. Numerous artists have canceled performances since Trump returned to office, including Issa Rae and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

FILE - Playwright Tennessee Williams sits at his typewriter in New York on Nov. 11, 1940. (AP Photo/Dan Grossi, File)

Haunted house and invisible demons: Tennessee Williams’ early radio play ‘The Strangers’ publishes

December 17, 2025

Tennessee Williams’ early radio play, “The Strangers,” is featured in The Strand this week. Written in the late 1930s while Williams was a student at the University of Iowa, the play showcases classic radio horror elements like storms and spectral beings. Strand managing editor Andrew Gulli says the play also hints at themes Williams would explore in later works, such as isolation and the blurred lines between imagination and reality. Williams scholar John Bak notes that Williams wrote radio dramas for both commercial reasons and personal exploration, influenced by his sister’s mental health struggles.

FILE - Norman Podhoretz receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award, from President Bush during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, June 23, 2004. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Norman Podhoretz, contentious and influential neo-conservative, has died

December 16, 2025

Norman Podhoretz, a leading neo-conservative and the former editor of Commentary magazine, has died. He was 95. His son John Podhoretz confirmed in a statement on Commentary’s website that he died “peacefully and without pain” Tuesday night. Podhoretz wrote the best-selling “Making It” and several works defending conservative ideas. He was a liberal as a young man and would eventually break with such friends as Norman Mailer, Allen Ginsberg and Lillian Hellman. He edited Commentary for more than 40 years and published works by everyone from Lionel Trilling to Jeane Kirkpatrick. He received a National Medal of Honor in 2004.

FILE - Virginia Giuffre holds a news conference outside a Manhattan court in New York, Aug. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

Virginia Roberts Guiffre’s memoir sells 1M copies worldwide

December 16, 2025

Virginia Roberts Guiffre’s posthumous memoir, “Nobody’s Girl,” has sold 1 million copies worldwide just two months after its release. Publisher Alfred A. Knopf announced Tuesday that over half the sales came from North America. The book, co-written by Amy Wallace, was published in early October. It has revived criticism of former Prince Andrew, whom Guiffre accused of sexual misconduct. Guiffre died by suicide in April at age 41. Her family expressed pride in her impact and sorrow over her absence. Following the book’s release, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his remaining titles.

Flowers cover the Walk of Fame star for Rob Reiner Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

The killings of Rob and Michele Reiner shatters family’s gentle legacy

December 15, 2025

The Reiner family, known for their positive influence in American culture, has faced a shocking tragedy. Los Angeles police announced Monday that 32-year-old Nick Reiner is in custody on suspicion of killing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, on Sunday. The Reiners were admired for their work in film and television, with Rob directing classics like “When Harry Met Sally” and Carl creating “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” Friends and colleagues, including Maria Shriver and Barack Obama, have expressed their shock and sadness. The family was known for their belief in the goodness of people and their commitment to justice.

FILE - Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami appears during a press conference at the Waseda University in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)

Haruki Murakami honored with awards and a jazzy tribute in New York

December 14, 2025

Haruki Murakami recently received two honors in New York for his contributions to literature and cultural exchange. On Tuesday, the Center for Fiction awarded him its Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award. Two days later, the Japan Society celebrated him with a jazzy tribute called “Murakami Mixtape” and gave him its annual prize for fostering U.S.-Japan relations. Murakami is known for novels like “Kafka on the Shore” and “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.” His interests in music and culture were highlighted during the events. Murakami reflected on his experiences in New York and the evolving global presence of Japanese culture.

James Patterson gives $500 checks to 600 booksellers

December 10, 2025

Author James Patterson has surprised hundreds of booksellers with $500 checks for the holidays. Melanie Moore, who runs the Ohio-based Cincy Book Bus, says this is her first paycheck, as all profits from her bookstore go to buying books for kids in need. Patterson’s publisher, Little, Brown & Company, announced the bonuses on Wednesday. Over the past 20 years, Patterson has donated millions to schools, libraries, and literacy programs. He has made it a tradition to send checks to 600 independent booksellers recommended by peers or patrons. Patterson emphasizes that booksellers save lives and acknowledges their crucial work.

Eric Dane’s emotional memoir, including his life with ALS, to be published in 2026

December 8, 2025

Eric Dane, known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” has announced a memoir titled “Book of Days.” The book, set to be published in 2026 by Maria Shriver’s The Open Field, will explore key moments in Dane’s life. These include his first day on “Grey’s Anatomy,” the births of his daughters and his ALS diagnosis. In a statement released Monday, Dane expressed his desire to capture meaningful moments and help others find meaning in their own lives. ALS is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells, often leading to death within three to five years.

FILE - Pope Leo XIV gestures as he boards a flight back to the Vatican, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Dec. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)

Pope Leo XIV’s first full-length US book, ‘Peace Be with You,’ to be released in February

December 4, 2025

Pope Leo XIV’s first full-length U.S. book is set to release next winter. HarperOne announced Wednesday that it has acquired the rights to “Peace Be with You! My Words to the Church and to the World,” scheduled for release on Feb. 26. The book includes sermons and addresses that Leo has given since his election in May. HarperOne describes it as a vision for peace, unity and reconciliation in a fractured world. The title refers to his first public remarks as pope when he appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Lauren Graham and Amy Sherman-Palladino to release ‘Gilmore Girls’ book in 2027

December 3, 2025

“Gilmore Girls” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and star Lauren Graham have teamed up for a new book about the beloved series. Celadon Books announced Wednesday that the book is set for release in the fall of 2027. The work promises sharp wit, personal reflections and never-before-shared stories from the dramedy set in Stars Hollow, Connecticut. Graham played single mother Lorelai Gilmore, with Alexis Bledel as her daughter Rory. Graham expressed excitement about collaborating with Sherman-Palladino. Sherman-Palladino, who returned for a 2016 revival, says she would jump at any chance to work with Graham.

10 notable books of 2025: A posthumous memoir about Epstein, ‘Hunger Games’ and reliving 2024

December 2, 2025

The publishing world’s notable releases this year included a new “Hunger Games” novel and a book by Thomas Pynchon. Suzanne Collins’ prequel “Sunrise on the Reaping” sold over 4 million copies despite her limited promotion. Mel Robbins’ self-help book, “The Let Them Theory,” topped bestseller lists, while David Szalay’s “Flesh” won the Booker Prize. Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, “Nobody’s Girl,” made headlines for its revelations. Rick Atkinson’s “The Fate of the Day” received acclaim for its history of the Revolutionary War. Books on the 2024 election, including Kamala Harris’ “107 Days,” also captured readers’ attention.

Rick Atkinson’s Revolutionary War trilogy to be adapted into graphic editions

November 25, 2025

Military historian Rick Atkinson, known for his Revolutionary War trilogy, is venturing into graphic books. Ten Speed Graphic plans to release a graphic edition of “The British Are Coming” next June, just before the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Five more graphic books are planned, with Nora Neus writing and Federico Pietrobon illustrating. Atkinson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, collaborates closely on the project. Initially skeptical, he changed his mind after seeing other adaptations. The aim is to reach a wider audience without simplifying the complex history.

FILE - Jamaican musician, singer and actor Jimmy Cliff performs during the Timbre Rock and Roots concert on Friday March 22, 2013 in Singapore. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)

6 notable songs from Jimmy Cliff, the reggae star who has died at 81

November 24, 2025

The story of Jimmy Cliff, who has died at age 81, is in part the story of reggae itself. He moved to Kingston in the early 1960s and joined a rising musical movement that would help give voice to the country’s independence from Great Britain. A decade later, he helped reggae ascend to the international stage with his starring role in the cult favorite “The Harder They Come” and his featured place on the film’s classic soundtrack. In the years following, his songs were covered by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to UB40 and confirmed the music’s power to inspire or just get you dancing.

FILE - Jimmy Cliff performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Friday, May 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of landmark film ‘The Harder They Come,’ dead at 81

November 24, 2025

Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached defiance, joy and endurance in such classics as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get it If You Really Want” and “Vietnam” and starred in the landmark movie “The Harder They Come,” has died at 81. Cliff was a native Jamaican with a spirited tenor and a gift for topical lyrics who joined Kingston’s emerging music scene in his teens and helped lead a movement in the 1960s that included such future stars as Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert and Peter Tosh.

FILE - South Korean author Han Kang speaks to the media during a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, on May 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)

Nobel laureate Han Kang’s first nonfiction book in English to be released next spring

November 21, 2025

Nobel laureate Han Kang’s first nonfiction book in English, “Light and Thread,” is set for release next spring. Penguin Random House will publish it on March 24 in the U.S., the U.K., and other English-speaking countries. The book, published in Korea this year, is translated by Maya West, e. yaewon, and Paige Aniyah Morris. It includes Han’s 2024 Nobel lecture, along with other writings and photographs. The title refers to a poem she wrote at age 8. Han is best known for her novel “The Vegetarian,” which won the International Booker Prize in 2016.

Novelist Rabih Alameddine and poet Patricia Smith win National Book Awards

November 20, 2025

The 76th annual National Book Awards have been presented by the nonprofit National Book Foundation, with winners including Rabih Alameddine for fiction, Patricia Smith for poetry, and Omar El Akkad for nonfiction. Hundreds of writers, publishers, editors and other industry professionals gathered Wednesday night to see the awards presented in downtown Manhattan. The event included honorary medals for writers George Saunders and Roxane Gay. Actor Jeff Hiller hosted, and Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae was the musical guest.

Han Kang, Megha Majumdar and Yiyun Li are among finalists for Andrew Carnegie Medals

November 18, 2025

Nobel laureate Han Kang’s “We Do Not Part” and Megha Majumdar’s “A Guardian and a Thief” are among the finalists for the Andrew Carnegie Medals. These fiction and nonfiction awards are presented by the American Library Association. Majumdar’s book, an Oprah Winfrey book club pick, is the only finalist originally written in English. Yiyun Li’s memoir about the suicides of her two sons is also a finalist. Winners will be announced on Jan. 27 and will receive $5,000. The awards were established in 2012 with help from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Ken Burns and Lin-Manuel Miranda offer history lesson to NYC students at Trinity Church

November 14, 2025

Hundreds of New York City high school students gathered at Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan for a lesson led by filmmaker Ken Burns and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The event Wednesday was tied to Burns’ new documentary, “The American Revolution,” which premieres Sunday on PBS. Burns emphasizes the importance of telling stories from all perspectives, not just from the top down. The documentary features an impressive cast of narrators and historians. Burns and Miranda, who have been friends for about 10 years, share a mission to educate through storytelling, aiming to broaden historical narratives.

Author Margaret Atwood appears during an interview in New York on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Margaret Atwood reflects on literature, feminism and luck

November 12, 2025

Margaret Atwood’s “Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts” offers a 600-page reflection on her personal and creative journey. Atwood is known for her dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.” In the new book, she explores her life from the Canadian wilderness to international acclaim. Despite her reluctance to write a memoir, she found value in sharing memories rather than a traditional biography. The book delves into her inspirations, including her childhood experiences and the influence of her parents. Atwood also discusses themes like feminism, mortality, and the impact of her work on societal issues.

Oprah Winfrey picks Ann Packer’s ‘Some Bright Nowhere’ for book club

November 11, 2025

Ann Packer’s novel “Some Bright Nowhere” is Oprah Winfrey’s latest book club pick. Published on Tuesday, the book tells the story of a long-married couple facing questions when the wife becomes terminally ill. She makes a dying wish for two close friends to care for her instead of her husband. Winfrey says the novel will make readers think about marriage, friendships, and how to spend one’s last days. Packer, known for “The Dive from Clausen’s Pier,” learned of the selection through an unexpected call. Winfrey and Packer discussed the book at a Starbucks in New York City.

New film ‘Nuremberg’ highlights psychiatrist who analyzed Hermann Göring

November 5, 2025

A new film, “Nuremberg,” starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, explores the interactions between Nazi leader Hermann Göring and army psychiatrist Dr. Douglas M. Kelley. Kelley’s task was to assess whether Göring and other Nazis were fit to stand trial for war crimes. Directed by James Vanderbilt, the movie is based on Jack El-Hai’s 2013 book, “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist.” Kelley found Göring to be clever and charming, yet unremorseful. The film highlights Kelley’s belief that dangerous ideologies could resurface, a message he felt was relevant upon returning to the U.S. after World War II.

Bruce Springsteen performs at New York Public Library gala

November 4, 2025

Bruce Springsteen surprised guests at the New York Public Library’s annual “Library Lions” gala. On Monday night, he was among six honorees recognized for outstanding achievements in arts and culture. Others honored included Shonda Rhimes and authors James Patterson and Louise Erdrich. The ceremony was brief, with no acceptance speeches. But NYPL President Anthony Marx promised a “special treat,” and Springsteen returned with a guitar for a soulful performance of “Thunder Road.” Known for surprise performances, Springsteen recently appeared at the New York Film Festival to sing after a biopic screening.

Author Salman Rushdie appears during an interview in New York on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Salman Rushdie’s new book is his first fiction since a brutal attack. He tells us why

November 4, 2025

Salman Rushdie’s new book, “The Eleventh Hour,” marks a creative reset for the author. It’s his first fiction work since being attacked on a New York stage in 2022. The book includes two short stories and three novellas, exploring themes of age, mortality, and memory. Rushdie’s recovery has been both physical and creative, with fiction being the last step. He describes the process as a door opening in his mind. Despite the attack, Rushdie has reemerged in public life. Speaking to the AP, he also reflects on the enduring impact of his work.

FILE - Poet laureate Elizabeth Alexander speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington on April 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

The new $50M Literary Arts Fund will support independent publishers and nonprofits

October 28, 2025

A coalition of seven charitable foundations has established a Literary Arts Fund to support independent publishers and nonprofit organizations. The fund will distribute at least $50 million in grants over the next five years. The Mellon Foundation initiated the idea, with president Elizabeth Alexander highlighting literature’s importance. Participants include the Ford Foundation and the Poetry Foundation. The application process begins Nov. 10. Alexander noted that planning for the fund began before recent cuts by the National Endowment for the Arts. The grants will likely support a range of recipients, from poetry festivals to small publishers.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, accompanied by his wife Lori Shapiro, speaks during a news conference after Cody Balmer plead guilty to attempted murder and other charges, on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s memoir is coming out in January

October 21, 2025

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s memoir is coming out in January. It touches on his political rise and the trauma of his home being set on fire. HarperCollins announced Tuesday that “Where We Keep the Light: Stories From a Life of Service” will be released Jan. 27. Shapiro was elected governor in 2022 and has become a prominent national Democrat. He was on Kamala Harris’ shortlist as a running mate in last year’s presidential election. A man set fire to his official residence in April. The family was safely evacuated, and the man pleaded guilty and was sentenced last week.

Harlan Coben appears at a photocall for the series "Missing You" in London on Nov. 6, 2024, left, and Reese Witherspoon appears at the 29th Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., on Jan. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, left, and Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

A character wouldn’t leave Reese Witherspoon alone. It led to her first novel

October 15, 2025

Reese Witherspoon has co-authored her first adult novel, “Gone Before Goodbye,” with Harlan Coben. The story revolves around Maggie McCabe, an Army combat surgeon who takes on a suspicious plastic surgery job. This leads her into a world of murder and mystery. Witherspoon and Coben discussed their collaboration this week in Manhattan. Witherspoon, known for her acting and producing, has long admired Coben’s work. They met years ago and decided to collaborate on this project. Both authors emphasize that the book is meant to be enjoyed as a novel, with no immediate plans for a film adaptation.

Oprah Winfrey picks Megha Majumdar’s ‘A Guardian and a Thief’ for book club

October 14, 2025

Megha Majumdar’s novel “A Guardian and a Thief” is now Oprah Winfrey’s book club pick. The book is already a finalist for the National Book Award and Kirkus Prize. Set in the near future, it explores themes of drought, flooding, crime and food shortages. The story contrasts a family trying to emigrate from India to the U.S. with a thief who has stolen their papers. This is Majumdar’s first novel since her acclaimed debut, “A Burning,” in 2020. Winfrey praised the book for its captivating storytelling. Her conversation with Majumdar is available on Winfrey’s YouTube channel.

Kirkus Prize winners include a novel on identity, a history of Iran and an ode to belly buttons

October 8, 2025

Kirkus Prize judges have announced their winners for this year, awarding $50,000 in each of three categories. Lucas Schaefer’s novel “The Slip,” about a man’s search for his missing nephew, won for fiction. Scott Anderson’s “King of Kings,” which explores the Iranian Revolution, took the nonfiction prize. Thao Lam’s picture book “Everybelly,” celebrating belly buttons, won for young readers’ literature. The prizes, established in 2014, are overseen by Kirkus Reviews. Editor-in-chief Tom Beer praised the winners for their messages on community, self-transformation, and history. Finalists included works by Angela Flournoy, Nicholas Boggs and Arundhati Roy.

National Book Award finalists announced: Alameddine, Majumdar, Li and Russell are among the nominees

October 7, 2025

Fiction by Rabih Alameddine, Megha Majumdar, and Karen Russell, along with a memoir by Yiyun Li, are among this year’s National Book Award finalists. On Tuesday, the National Book Foundation announced five nominees in each of five categories. Winners will be revealed on Nov. 19 in Manhattan. Honorary awards will go to George Saunders and Roxane Gay. Majumdar’s novel “A Guardian and a Thief” is a fiction finalist. Li’s memoir “Things in Nature Merely Grow” is a nonfiction finalist. Other categories include poetry, translated literature and young people’s literature. Each winner receives $10,000.

US book publishers honor Russian dissident house Freedom Letters

October 3, 2025

The Association of American Publishers is honoring a Russian publishing house for its fight against censorship. The group announced Friday that Freedom Letters and its founder, Georgy Urushadze, will receive the International Freedom to Publish Award. Urushadze fled Russia in 2022 after opposing the invasion of Ukraine and being labeled a “foreign agent.” Freedom Letters, established over two years ago, operates mainly out of Ukraine, Latvia, and Georgia. It publishes works by anti-war writers and opponents of President Putin. The house is banned in Russia, but Urushadze says he continues to sell books there online.

Stephen King is the most banned author in US schools, PEN report says

October 1, 2025

A new report on book bans in U.S. schools finds Stephen King as the author most likely to be censored. PEN America’s “Banned in the USA,” released Wednesday, tracks over 6,800 instances of books being pulled for the 2024-2025 school year. This number is down from over 10,000 in 2023-24. Around 80% of these bans originated in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Meanwhile, states like Maryland and New Jersey have laws limiting book removals. According to PEN, King’s books were censored 206 times, with “Carrie” and “The Stand” among the affected works. Reasons for bans often include LGBTQ+ themes and depictions of race.

Jane Fonda revives Cold War-era activist group to defend free speech

October 1, 2025

Jane Fonda has revived an activist group from the Cold War era, originally backed by her father, Henry Fonda. On Wednesday, she announced the launch of a modern version of the Committee for the First Amendment. This group was initially formed in 1947 to support screenwriters and directors targeted for alleged Communist ties. The new mission statement is signed by Florence Pugh, Sean Penn, Billie Eilish, Pedro Pascal and hundreds of others. The Fondas have a long history of activism, with Jane opposing the Vietnam War and Henry supporting Democratic candidates.

Powerhouse attorney Robert B. Barnett, known for representing the Obamas and Clintons, dies

September 26, 2025

The Washington attorney who brokered book deals for Barack Obama, George W. Bush and dozens of other government leaders has died at age 79. Robert B. Barnett was a fixture in the political and publishing worlds for decades and had a client list like no other. He represented everyone from Hillary Clinton and Edward M. Kennedy to Dick Cheney and Mitch McConnell. He embodied an era when it was possible to work freely with both Democrats and Republicans and embodied the maxim that politics stops at the edge of a good book deal.

FILE - Mystery novelist and screenwriter Raymond Chandler appears in 1946. (AP Photo, File)

A piano, a pregnant woman and a prison: Raymond Chandler’s ‘Nightmare’ is revealed

September 23, 2025

Raymond Chandler’s “Nightmare,” a rarely seen sketch, has been published this week in The Strand Magazine. The piece imagines Chandler in prison for a murder he can’t remember committing. His cellmates include strangers, a pregnant woman, and a piano that must be played lying down after nine o’clock. The story becomes even darker as Chandler learns of his likely execution. “Nightmare” was found among the papers of Chandler’s assistant, Jean Vounder-Davis, and was purchased at auction by Strand Managing Editor Andrew F. Gulli. Chandler scholar Tom Williams finds the piece intriguing, especially its reference to rejection.

George Takei to lead Banned Books Week, urging the fight against censorship

September 22, 2025

Actor and activist George Takei is taking on a new role as honorary chair of Banned Books Week. The American Library Association announced Monday that the 88-year-old will lead the event, which runs from Oct. 5-11. Banned Books Week highlights censored works like “Gender Queer” and “The Bluest Eye.” Takei, who spent part of his childhood in a Japanese internment camp, emphasizes the importance of access to books. He will share leadership with Iris Mogul, a student active in anti-banning campaigns. Previous chairs include Ava DuVernay and LeVar Burton.

FILE - Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami sits for photos during a news conference at the Waseda University in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)

Haruki Murakami to be celebrated with an evening of words and music in New York City

September 18, 2025

Haruki Murakami will be honored in December with an evening of words and music. The Japan Society and The Town Hall are presenting “The Murakami Mix Tape,” featuring readings from his books and performances by jazz artist Jason Moran and others. The event draws from the many musical references in Murakami’s works. Murakami is expected to give opening remarks at the Dec. 11 event at The Town Hall. Japan Society President Joshua W. Walker expressed excitement about celebrating Murakami in New York City. Murakami, a perennial Nobel Prize candidate, is known for novels like “IQ84” and “Norwegian Wood.”

Robert Caro reflects on childhood as he receives New York Historical’s Historians’ Laureate Medal

September 17, 2025

Robert Caro has received the first-ever Historians’ Laureate Medal from The New York Historical. Speaking Wednesday night, Caro reflected on his childhood visits to the institution. A native New Yorker, he shared how special this award is to him. Caro turns 90 next month and is known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Robert Moses and his Lyndon Johnson series. His career is celebrated at the institution with a permanent exhibition. Also on Wednesday, the History Makers Award went to conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Dudamel expressed excitement about his new role with the New York Philharmonic.

Music Review: ‘Buckingham Nicks’ is an engaging blueprint for the classics to come

September 17, 2025

The long-awaited digital reissue of “Buckingham Nicks” offers two perspectives on the 1973 pre-Fleetwood Mac album by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. For newcomers, it’s a taste of vintage Los Angeles singer-songwriter pop with folkish stylings and well-crafted melodies. Songs like “Crying in the Night” and “Races Are Run” stand out. For longtime fans, it’s a treasure trove of clues and portents, hinting at future Fleetwood Mac hits. The Associated Press’ Hillel Italie writes that the reissue enhances the sound quality, bringing a welcome clarity, but it lacks the anchor that Mick Fleetwood and John McVie later provided.

FILE - Actor Robert Redford, left, and director Sydney Pollack appear at the Cannes Film Festival before the presentation of their film "Jeremiah Johnson" in Cannes, France, on May 6, 1972. (AP Photo/Jean Jacques Levy, File)

Robert Redford remembered for his deep legacy in environmental activism and Native American advocacy

September 16, 2025

Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, was known for his deep commitment to activism, especially for Native American rights and the environment. In the 1970s, while starring in films like “The Sting,” he became involved in the environmental movement. He successfully opposed a power plant in Utah and supported landmark bills like the Clean Air Act. He was a guiding force on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Fellow actors and activists praised his humility and dedication. Leonardo DiCaprio called him a staunch environmental leader, highlighting his significant legacy in Hollywood and beyond.

Joy Reid speaks during the during the TIME 100 Summit, April 23, 2019, in New York, left, and Percival Everett appears at the Booker Prize award dinner in London, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (AP Photo)

Joy Reid and Percival Everett are among winners of the 46th annual American Book Awards

September 15, 2025

Former MSNBC host Joy Reid and authors Percival Everett and John Edgar Wideman are among this year’s recipients of the American Book Awards. The awards announced Monday celebrate diversity in American art and culture and are presented by the Before Columbus Foundation. Reid, who left MSNBC in February, received the foundation’s anti-censorship prize. Wideman won a lifetime achievement award. Honorees for current works include Everett for “James,” his Pulitzer Prize-winning retelling of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”; Kaveh Akbar for “Martyr!”; Danzy Senna for “Colored Television” and Claire Messud for “This Strange Eventful History.” The awards aim to recognize literary excellence without limitations, reflecting diversity naturally.

National Book Awards longlists include new works by Angela Flournoy, Susan Choi and Yiyun Li

September 12, 2025

The National Book Foundation has announced the longlists for the National Book Awards. New fiction by Angela Flournoy and Susan Choi, a tragic memoir by Yiyun Li and a historical novel by Nobel laureate Han Kang are among the nominees. The foundation revealed 10 books in each of five categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translation and young people’s literature. The categories will be narrowed to five finalists on Oct. 7, with winners announced at a Nov. 19 ceremony in Manhattan. Honorary awards will also be presented to author George Saunders and author-publisher Roxane Gay.

Dan Brown on his new book, ‘The Secret of Secrets,’ and how he manages the writing process

September 10, 2025

Dan Brown’s latest thriller, “The Secret of Secrets,” has been published this week. Known for “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels & Demons,” Brown, in his new book, explores themes of consciousness and what happens after we die, inspired by his personal reflections following his mother’s death. Brown once again combines suspense, codes, and secret societies. This time, protagonist Robert Langdon is in Prague, racing to uncover the key to ultimate wisdom. Brown explains that writing a thriller requires a detailed plan to keep the complex plots organized. He writes daily and uses a wall of notes and diagrams to track the story. Brown says his views on mortality have evolved, influenced by conversations with philosophers and scientists.

Oprah Winfrey selects Elizabeth Gilbert’s new memoir for her book club

September 9, 2025

Oprah Winfrey’s new book club pick is Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, “All the Way to the River.” In the book, published this week, Gilbert shares a consuming love affair with a self-destructive, terminally ill woman named Rayya. Gilbert left her husband for Rayya. She continues her history of transformation since her million-selling phenomenon, “Eat, Pray, Love.” Winfrey praised the memoir as powerful and healing. Last week, New York magazine published an excerpt. And The New Yorker reviewed it, sparking online discussion. Gilbert expressed surprise and honor at receiving Winfrey’s endorsement, calling it an extraordinary moment.

From slaughterhouse worker to literary giant: George Saunders wins National Book Award

September 5, 2025

George Saunders has been named this year’s winner of the National Book Award for Distinguished Contributions to American Letters. The National Book Foundation announced the honor on Friday. Saunders, known for his bestselling short story collection “Tenth of December,” is celebrated for his unique blend of humor, poignant narratives and social commentary. At 66, he is the youngest recipient since 2004. His work often combines dark humor with a deep faith in humanity. Saunders’ first novel, “Lincoln in the Bardo,” won the Booker Prize in 2017. His next novel, “Vigil,” is set for release early next year.

Brothers of Virginia Giuffre, Daniel Wilson, left, and Sky Roberts, second from left, Amanda Roberts, second from right, and Annie Farmer, right, listen during a Stand with Survivors Rally on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Publisher agrees to changes in Virginia Giuffre’s memoir after family objections

September 3, 2025

The publisher of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, “Nobody’s Girl,” has finalized a draft with her family after they raised concerns. Giuffre, an accuser of Jeffrey Epstein, died by suicide in April. Her family worried the book portrayed an overly positive view of her marriage, which ended before her death. Knopf, the publisher, says they worked with Giuffre’s family to ensure her voice is heard. The book is set to be released on October 21. Giuffre had alleged she was part of Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring and was exploited by powerful men, including Prince Andrew.

FILE - Patrick Hemingway, son of famed author Ernest Hemingway, stands for a photo in Tanzania on Feb. 28, 1969. (AP Photo/Nair, File)

Patrick Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway’s last surviving child, dies at 97

September 3, 2025

Patrick Hemingway, the last surviving child of Ernest Hemingway who in emulation of his father lived for years in Africa and later oversaw numerous posthumous works by the Nobel laureate, has died. He was 97. As an executor of his father’s estate, he approved reissues of such classics as “A Farewell to Arms” and “A Moveable Feast,” featuring revised texts and additional commentary from Patrick Hemingway and others. While brother Gregory Hemingway had a deeply troubled relationship with his famous father, Patrick Hemingway spoke proudly of his heritage and welcomed the chance to bring up the family name.

Children's book author Maurice Sendak appears at his home in Ridgefield, Conn., on Sept. 6 2011, left, and author Stephen King appears at the premiere of "The Life of Chuck" during the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo)

Stephen King reimagines ‘Hansel and Gretel’ with Maurice Sendak’s unpublished drawings

September 2, 2025

Stephen King has collaborated on a new project, a retelling of “Hansel and Gretel” using unpublished drawings by Maurice Sendak. The book, which comes out this week, was a healing project for King after a painful hip replacement. He says fairy tales are meant ‘to be scary’ and offer “children a taste of adult emotions” with a happy ending. King stayed true to the original story but added a dream sequence and removed a plot about a duck. He enjoyed the challenge of fitting his words to Sendak’s illustrations and is open to trying new projects in the future.

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.