Book excerpt: "The Satisfaction Café" by Kathy Wang
In her search to overcome loneliness and build connections, a woman from Taiwan creates a new life for herself in California, in a gently witty new novel from the author of "Family Trust."
Books
Book excerpt: "The Slip" by Lucas Schaefer
This debut comic novel, set in and around a boxing gym in Austin, Texas, pounces on issues of race, sex and gender identity in America today.
Book excerpt: "I Regret Almost Everything: A Memoir" by Keith McNally
The phenomenally successful New York City restaurateur's irreverent memoir recounts a life that was battered by a stroke, followed by an almost-successful suicide attempt.
Book excerpt: "Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change"
Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan, a lifelong introvert, set out to change aspects of her personality she didn't like by forcing herself outside of her comfort zone. How about trying improv comedy?
From the archives: Martin Cruz Smith on writing mysteries
Martin Cruz Smith, author of such bestsellers as "Gorky Park" and "Polar Star," died on July 11, 2025, at age 82. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that aired Oct. 20, 2002, Smith talked with correspondent Anthony Mason about how he continued writing mysteries featuring Moscow detective Arkady Renko, despite being blacklisted by the Soviet Union. He also discussed the "boring" aspects of writing, and the research he conducted in Japan for his novel "December 6," set in Tokyo on the eve of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Ron Chernow on the life of Mark Twain
The Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer's latest book delves into the life, complexities and sardonic humor of a man who remains a vital presence in American culture.
Book excerpt: "Mark Twain" by Ron Chernow
The latest book from the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Ulysses S. Grant examines the life of one of America's greatest and most beloved writers.
William Buckley and his drive to propel America to the right
The political commentator - subject of a new biography, "Buckley: The Life and The Revolution That Changed America" - had a vital role in elevating McCarthy, Goldwater and Reagan, catalyzing a conservative movement that reshaped the GOP – and the country.
Book excerpt: "Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America"
Sam Tanenhaus' new biography examines the life and influence of the political commentator, magazine editor and TV debater who catalyzed America's conservative movement.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski on navigating Washington under Trump
In a polarized Washington, Alaska's senior senator is a moderate in a Republican Party dominated by President Trump. She writes about her political challenges in a new memoir, "Far from Home."
"Break on Through": How The Doors began
Sixty years ago, a new band came together in Venice, Calif., and lit the music world on fire. "Sunday Morning" joins John Densmore and Robby Krieger on a tour of where it all started for The Doors, who are being celebrated with a new book, "Night Divides the Day."
Book excerpt: "Far From Home" by Lisa Murkowski
In her memoir, Alaska's senior senator offers a message to Americans about how to get an increasingly partisan government back on track: "It's your responsibility."
Desi Arnaz: Singer, husband, dad, and the man who "invented" TV
The Cuban-born entertainer broke conventions when he co-starred with wife Lucille Ball in "I Love Lucy," playing a straight-man sitcom dad. Now, a new biography reveals his lesser-known contributions to television.
Book excerpt: "The Fate of the Day" by Rick Atkinson
Volume Two of the bestselling historian's "Revolution Trilogy" details the middle years of the War for Independence, in which George Washington's Army barely escaped annihilation by the forces wielded by King George III.
Book excerpt: "Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television"
Todd S. Purdum's biography explores the impact on American culture by the Cuban-born entertainer who (as husband and business partner of Lucille Ball) changed the rules of TV.
More From Sunday Morning
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.
What are the prospects for laid-off workers?
In 2025, more than 1.1 million Americans were laid off from their jobs, the most since the COVID pandemic, even as corporate profits remain high. Business experts discuss the reasons why companies resort to layoffs.