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Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88
Ibram X. Kendi on preparing children for the realities of racism
LOS ANGELES — Ibram X. Kendi has spent years studying racism’s history, and he is intimately familiar with its violence, horrors and brutalities. So when he became a father six years ago, the thought of exposing his daughter to the legacy and realities of racism deeply troubled him. The issue...
Book review: ‘Elsewhere’ ponders the meaning of motherhood
“Elsewhere” by Alexis Schaitkin (Celadon Books) Sometimes it’s fun to read something that doesn’t fit in any particular category. “Elsewhere,” the new novel from Alexis Schaitkin (“Saint X,” 2020), is best described as a dark fairy tale, with elements of the supernatural, but with something very real to say about...
Book review: A hunting trip turns deadly when a blizzard strikes in ‘Outside’
“Outside” by Ragnar Jonasson (Minotaur) It’s reunion week in Iceland for Daniel, Armann, Gunnlaugur, and Helena, who were tight in college and like to get together every year or so to drink heavily and catch up. They all have issues. Daniel has been lying about how poorly his acting career...
Author James Patterson sorry for saying white writers face racism
NEW YORK — James Patterson is apologizing for saying that white male writers are being subjected to “just another of form of racism,” comments the best-selling author had made during an interview with The Sunday Times in London. Facing widespread criticism on social media, Patterson tweeted this week that “I...
‘How to Murder Your Husband’ author gets life in prison for killing her husband
PORTLAND, Ore. — A self-published romance novelist who once wrote an online essay called “How to Murder Your Husband” was sentenced Monday to life in prison with the possibility of parole for murdering her husband at his workplace in Portland four years ago. Nancy Crampton Brophy, 71, was convicted of...
Book celebrates the 50th anniversary of musical ‘Grease’
NEW YORK — On Valentine’s Day 1972, a musical opened off-Broadway needing a lot of love. It was already $20,000 in debt and the reviews were mixed to poor. A decision had to be made: Keep going or give it the kiss off? The choice to continue was a risky...
Faces of the Valley: Adam Matcho’s latest poetry collection offers thought-provoking take on everyday struggles, triumphs
You won’t need a primer on poetic pentameter to find enjoyment and meaning in Adam Matcho’s latest collection. Some might call it poetry for working stiffs. The 90 poems the Washington Township writer included in “Ask Your Undertaker” are simple, deftly crafted vignettes that immediately feel familiar. Big-box retail stores,...
Herminie native’s book details struggles of longtime friend, Army veteran
As Memorial Day draws closer each year, Ronald Kaiser of Franklin Park always thinks of Anthony Herbert. Kaiser and Herbert grew up together in Herminie. Kaiser went on to a career in advertising, and Herbert went on to become one of the most decorated enlisted veterans of the Korean War....
Book explores Sandy Hook, Alex Jones, and why modern conspiracy theories have been so contagious
In late April, one week before a trial began that would decide how much Alex Jones should pay the families of first-graders murdered in the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut, the conspiracy theorist filed a motion in federal bankruptcy court. Jones, at the helm of a multi-million...
Besties and former ‘Office’ co-stars write on friendship
NEW YORK — Spoiler alert: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey obviously knew how “The Office” ended its nine-year run on NBC, because, after all, they filmed it — but revisiting that time for their new book, “Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There,” was...
Henry Winkler gets book deal, memoir to come out in 2024
NEW YORK — Henry Winkler is as busy as ever these days, but the actor is still making time to write a memoir. Celadon Books announced Wednesday that it has a deal with Winkler to tell his life story. The memoir, currently untitled, is scheduled for 2024. Winkler, 76, became...
Lower Burrell author Tamara Girardi releases 1st children’s book, ‘Why, Daddy? Why?’
It was about the time Gabriella Girardi turned 4 that the questions started. “Research shows that age 4 is the age when we ask the most questions. No other age on the planet asks more questions than a 4-year-old,” said her mother, Tamara Girardi of Lower Burrell. But what made...
Bono memoir ‘Surrender’ to be released in November
NEW YORK — The long-rumored memoir by Bono, U2’s frontman, is coming out Nov. 1. Alfred A. Knopf announced Tuesday that the book, first signed up in 2015 but not officially disclosed at the time, will be called “Surrender.” Reports that he had a deal date back to at least...
Geena Davis memoir ‘Dying of Politeness’ comes out in fall
NEW YORK — Oscar winner Geena Davis has a memoir coming out this fall, titled “Dying of Politeness,” and described by the actor as her “journey to badassery.” HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced Tuesday that the book will be published Oct. 11. According to the publisher, Davis will...
Inaugural Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books will bring stories to life
“Books take you to places you could never go. Books can also take you away from places where you don’t want to be. A book can be like a best friend.” That’s how Laurie Moser feels about the printed word — and what motivated her to serve as co-chair for...
Trump suggested shooting D.C. protesters according to ex-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper in new book 
Former President Donald Trump suggested shooting racial justice protesters when the demonstrations neared the White House, former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper writes in a new memoir. “Can’t you just shoot them? Just shoot them in the legs or something?” Trump asked the newly appointed Esper in a tense Oval...
Former reporter, Franklin Regional grad pivots from journalism to fiction writing
After majoring in computer science at Carnegie Mellon University, Sindya Bhanoo is quite literally living out the title of her debut book, “Seeking Fortune Elsewhere,” having pivoted to a career as a fiction writer. “I studied computer science at Carnegie Mellon, but even back then I was interested in storytelling,”...
‘Surfacing’ dives into secret deep state
“How do you do it, firing on your own people,” asks the newest recruit to a secret military division charged with eliminating traitors. “Kill one, save a thousand,” her sniper partner replies. “Surfacing” (Fiery Dawn), a new thriller by Andrew Dean, brims with secret military operations and what-if scenarios not...
Nonprofit calls research into recent U.S. book bans ‘shocking’ as Franklin Regional parents express support for restrictions, warnings
The graphic novel “Persepolis” might be back on the list of approved books for freshman honors English students at Franklin Regional, but the parents and residents pushing for its removal do not plan to stop there. “That, I believe, is only the tip of everything going on,” said Gretchen McGee....
Book about Pittsburgh dancers’ pandemic experience will support mental health
The shutdown that occurred during the pandemic adversely affected people from a variety of professions, especially those in the arts who had to stop performing for live audiences. Among those profoundly impacted were performers from a variety of Pittsburgh dance companies. Now, a new book is telling their stories. “Waiting...
Deer Lakes mom inspires Curtisville elementary students with her children’s book
When Brandy Donze’s daughter, Zoey, asked to take the children’s book she illustrated to school to share, Donze was delighted to say yes. That copy of “Willow Wings” didn’t make it home from Zoey’s school, Curtisville Primary Center in Deer Lakes School District in December. “I was like, ‘Oh, you...
Chicago ER doctor writes ‘Emergency’ about covid’s 1st year — and the time his own hospital failed his mother
Thomas Fisher figured he would end up in the very place he works, in the emergency room. Eventually, everyone passes through. Two springs ago, at the onset of the pandemic, he thought he might die of the thing he was treating in others. He updated his will, removed enough cash...
Ishmael Reed among winners of Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards
NEW YORK — Author, playwright and longtime champion of multiculturalism Ishmael Reed is receiving a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to literature. Reed is among this year’s winners of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, given for work that “confronts racism and explores diversity,” the Cleveland Foundation announced Tuesday. Percival Everett’s...
Readers recommend these mystery novels that are also funny
It’s a tall order to ask for a mystery novel that’s also funny, like wanting a dog who can both fetch and mix a cocktail. But such things do exist (the novels, not the dog, though surely you’ll tell me if I’m mistaken), and a number of you responded to...
Seton Hill to host signing of book collecting writings of Holocaust scholar
The writings of late Holocaust scholar Eva Fleischner, and a collection of her essays recently published by Seton Hill University’s National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education, will be the focus of an April 6 book signing. The public is invited to the 4 p.m. event in Cecilian Hall on the...


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