Book excerpt: "These Precious Days" by Ann Patchett
The author of the acclaimed novels "The Dutch House" and "Bel Canto" offers a collection of essays that reflect on her life and the writers who have inspired her.
Books
Book excerpt: "The Lincoln Highway" by Amor Towles
The author of the bestseller "A Gentleman in Moscow" returns with a period story of four youngsters who embark on an epic journey from Nebraska to New York City.
Anderson Cooper on the Vanderbilt dynasty
In his new book, the CNN anchor and "60 Minutes" correspondent tells the story of the Vanderbilt family (which included his mother Gloria), of fortunes made and spent, and of how the family's wealth and privilege marked succeeding generations.
"Countdown bin Laden": Obama's pursuit of the 9/11 mastermind
John Dickerson sits down with Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, author of "Countdown bin Laden," to discuss the raid on the al Qaeda leader's compound, and President Obama's decision to go forward with the Navy SEAL operation that had a high possibility of failure.
Collecting the words of Jim Morrison
When the lead singer of The Doors died in 1971, he left behind boxes filled with poetry, journals and handwritten lyrics of what would become some of the era's most memorable songs – now compiled into a new book, "The Collected Works of Jim Morrison."
Book excerpt: "The Collected Works of Jim Morrison"
A new anthology features poetry, lyrics and journals by the frontman of The Doors. Listen to audio of Jim Morrison reciting his work.
The life lessons of "Three Little Engines"
Knowing life doesn't always bring success to those going it alone, Bob McKinnon authored a companion to "The Little Engine That Could," in which empathy and assisting others helps his characters overcome trouble they encounter on their tracks.
Alexander Vindman on truth and its consequences
The retired Lt. Col. who filed a complaint against Trump over his phone call with the Ukrainian president talks about duty and the firestorm that ensnared him for speaking out, as retold in his memoir, "Here, Right Matters."
The Book Report: Reviews from Washington Post critic Ron Charles (August 1)
Recommendations of new fiction and non-fiction titles.
Book excerpt: "Sound of the Sea" by Cynthia Barnett
A fascinating scientific and cultural history for anyone who's ever admired the ocean's most beautiful objects – a literal "beach read."
Book excerpt: "What Strange Paradise" by Omar El Akkad
The author of "American War" offers a heartbreaking novel that puts a face on the staggering statistics of the tens of millions of people displaced from their homes as the result of persecution and violence.
Book excerpt: "Intimacies" by Katie Kitamura
In a new novel by the acclaimed author of "A Separation," a woman is assigned to be the interpreter for a politician on trial at The Hague for war crimes, forcing her into the mind of a man who terrifies her.
Book excerpt: "Damnation Spring" by Ash Davidson
In this epic debut novel, set in the redwood forests of northern California, a lumberman takes a gamble on a parcel of land that could set up his family for years.
Quentin Tarantino: From the screen to the page
The Oscar-winning filmmaker has fulfilled a new dream, by publishing his first novel: "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," an adaptation of his acclaimed period epic.
Book excerpt: Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"
The Oscar-winning filmmaker's first novel is an expansion of his 2019 film, a tale of a fading star wading through a turbulent period of change in the movie and TV industry in 1969.
More From Sunday Morning
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 28)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. "Sunday Morning" pays a visit.
Sean Ono Lennon on being caretaker of the legacy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono
The musician-songwriter-producer, who says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, talks about the animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko."
Pentatonix: Friendships and harmonies
The a cappella quintet has won three Grammys and sold 10 million albums. Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee talk about bringing their heavenly voices to the sounds of Christmas.
Remembering the treasured films of Rob Reiner
Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz looks back at the work of actor and director Rob Reiner, whose films became part of our shared cinematic language because of their humor, drama, and aching belief in humanity.
The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that's said to have inspired the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life," a film that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings, and which still has a powerful hold on our imagination.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 21)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
A guide to "Made in America" holiday gifts, state by state
The Made in America Holiday Gift Guide, promoting products made in the U.S., includes more than 150 companies from all 50 states. For small business owners, being included in this year's gift guide feels close to a Christmas miracle.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson on the musical alchemy of "Song Sung Blue"
In their new movie, "Song Sung Blue," Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson play Mike and Claire Sardina, the real-life musical impersonators from Milwaukee who sang as the Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning & Thunder.
Fear of flying: Faith Salie on Secretary Duffy and the pajama resistance
When Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy admonished air travelers who didn't "dress up" for their flights, flyers responded – by wearing pajamas. Faith Salie looks at what travelers think of the Secretary's flight of fancy.