U.S. Revolution Inspired Imitators, Fleetingly

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:20:00 EDT
In the late 18th century, revolutionary fervor gripped the world. Americans had just finalized their constitution, a history-making event that inspired other countries. In his new book, author Jay Winik explores the connections between world events in this pivotal era.

Clarence Thomas Takes a Chance on Memoir

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:56:00 EDT
Essayist John McWhorter reviews Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' new book, My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir.

Movie Boosts Traffic to 'Into the Wild' Shrine

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:26:00 EDT
Christopher McCandless, the subject of the book Into the Wild, lived -- and died -- in a bus outside Denali National Park in Alaska. The bus became a shrine to him -- but now, as a movie version of the book is released, a piece of that bus has been auctioned on eBay.

The Art of War: An Illustrated '1776'

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EDT
Paintings from the Revolutionary War provide historians with as much insight as the written word, author David McCullough says. In a new illustrated version of his best-seller 1776, he catalogues a sometimes flawed but earnest visual record of America's birth.

Bush Daughter Begins Book Tour

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:39:00 EDT
The president's daughter, Jenna Bush, is hitting the talk show circuit to tout her new book. Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope is about a teenage mother with HIV. Bush met Ana in Central America when the first daughter was an intern with UNICEF.

A Quotable, Pithy Guide to Aphorists

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:32:00 EDT
James Geary has gathered examples of what he calls the oldest and shortest literary art form on the planet -- the aphorism -- into a compendium, Geary's Guide to the World's Great Aphorists. He shares the rules he uses to identify an aphorism.

'Click:' One Book, 10 Authors

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EDT
When book editor Arthur Levine invited author Ruth Ozeki to team up with nine other writers to create a new novel, she thought he was nuts. The literary tag team came up with Click, the story of a globe-trotting photojournalist as viewed from a variety of perspectives.

Author Uncertain About 'Dark' Leap to Big Screen

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:43:00 EDT
Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising series of young-adult books was published more than 30 years ago. A Hollywood version debuts this week. But a recent visit with the author finds that fantasy doesn't always translate easily into film.

Alexie's 'Absolutely True Diary'

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:49:19 EDT
The multi-dimensional writer and filmmaker Sherman Alexie offers a novel for young adults. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian follows a 14-year-old from a reservation in the Northwest.

Harlequin Puts Erotic Pulp Online

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:27:00 EDT
Harlequin Books, which releases more than 120 titles a month, puts its catalog online as e-books. The romance genre controls more than half of the paperback fiction market, according to the Romance Writers of America. It's the fastest-growing area of women's fiction.

Justice Clarence Thomas' Memoir Hits Stores

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:24:00 EDT
The Supreme Court's new term begins just as one of the justices tells his life story. In a new autobiography, called My Grandfather's Son, Clarence Thomas unapologetically recounts the battle over his nomination in 1991.

Richard Russo's Small-Town America

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EDT
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo knows small towns well. He writes about them and grew up in one. His new novel, Bridge of Sighs, captures the dilemma of leaving -- or staying in -- a small town like his own.

Reclusive Philanthropist Steps into Spotlight

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 18:59:00 EDT
Once hailed as one of the richest men alive, Chuck Feeney transferred his billions to a foundation, which is giving it all away. The reclusive founder of the world's largest duty-free retail chain flew under the radar for years. But at 76, he's stepping into the spotlight.

Grisham Tackles Football Tale in 'Playing for Pizza'

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 08:00:00 EDT
In his latest work, author John Grisham departs from legal thrillers and heads for the world of sports. Based on a real-life league, Playing for Pizza tells the story of an aging American football player who joins an Italian team; the players are paid in food.

_{Copyright 2007 NPR - For Personal Use Only}