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.
Books
Bill Clinton and James Patterson on their new thriller, "The First Gentleman"
Former President Bill Clinton and author James Patterson have teamed up for their third book, a thriller: "The First Gentleman," in which the commander-in-chief is a woman – and her husband stands accused of murder.
Bill Clinton and James Patterson on "The First Gentleman"
After collaborating on two #1 New York Times bestsellers, former President Bill Clinton and author James Patterson have teamed up for their third book: "The First Gentleman," in which the commander-in-chief is a woman – and her husband stands accused of murder. The two sat down with correspondent Tracy Smith to describe how their writing process, and their friendship, has evolved, and whether – at a time of so much political craziness – there is an appetite for a Washington-based thriller.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern on projecting "A Different Kind of Power"
At 37 she became the world's youngest female head of government. Now a fellow at Harvard University, Jacinda Ardern talks about the importance of exhibiting kindness and empathy in politics.
Jacinda Ardern on projecting "A Different Kind of Power"
Jacinda Ardern was 37 when she was elected prime minister of New Zealand, becoming the world's youngest female head of government. After leaving office two years ago, she moved to Boston, where she's serving as a fellow at Harvard University. She's also written a new book, "A Different Kind of Power." Ardern talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about her experience leading a nation (including passing a ban on semi-automatic firearms); the importance of exhibiting kindness and empathy in politics; and the challenges of being a working mother, after giving birth while in office.
Book excerpt: "The First Gentleman" by Bill Clinton and James Patterson
The former president and the bestselling author team up for their third novel, this time a thriller in which the husband of the president of the United States stands trial for murder.
The Book Report: Ron Charles on new summer reads (May 25)
The Washington Post book reviewer offers highlights from the season's fiction and non-fiction releases.
Anne Tyler on a writer's "selfish motive" to explore other lives
The Pulitzer Prize-winner's tales of lives shattered and mended by love have broken countless hearts. In her latest, "Three Days in June," Anne Tyler details a weekend in the life of a divorced school administrator, bookended by the loss of her job and her daughter's wedding.
Book excerpt: "Empire of AI" by Karen Hao
The tech journalist's new book examines Silicon Valley billionaire Sam Altman and his advocacy of artificial intelligence, which tech entrepreneur Elon Musk himself has called the "biggest existential threat" to humanity.
Book excerpt: "The Aviator and the Showman" by Laurie Gwen Shapiro
Using newly-uncovered sources, the documentary filmmaker and journalist explores Amelia Earhart's life and marriage to wealthy publisher George Putnam – a relationship that lifted love, publicity and especially risk to mythic heights.
Book excerpt: "Great Black Hope" by Rob Franklin
In his debut novel, author Rob Franklin follows a young African American man whose once-bright future feels anything but guaranteed, following an arrest for drug possession and the death of a close friend.
Book excerpt: "So Far Gone" by Jess Walter
The New York Times bestselling author of "Beautiful Ruins" is back with a new novel about a journalist living off the grid who is forced to rescue his grandchildren who are kidnapped by a right-wing militia.
Book excerpt: "A Summer for the Books" by Michelle Lindo-Rice
Michelle Lindo-Rice, the bestselling author of "A Fortune Thanksgiving" and "The Bookshop Sisterhood," returns with a new novel about former friends healing their relationship.
Book excerpt: "Three Days in June" by Anne Tyler
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author's latest novel – a New York Times bestseller – details a long weekend in the life of a divorced school administrator, bookended by the loss of her job and her daughter's wedding.
Barry Diller on baring his soul in new memoir, "Who Knew"
In his combination business memoir and personal journey, the former media exec opens up about topics he had vowed never to talk about, including his early relations with men, as well as his decades-long relationship with designer Diane von Furstenberg.
More From Sunday Morning
Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber on addressing challenges facing higher education
Universities have found themselves under pressure from President Trump – from blocked funds for research, to attacks on their admission policies and diversity programs. Princeton's president says, "The stakes are really high."
George Clooney on "Jay Kelly," fame and family
In his latest film, George Clooney plays a familiar role – one of the world's biggest movie stars – who nonetheless tries to reconcile professional success and his personal shortcomings.
Dealing with the crushing costs of child care
For some, the high cost of child care in the U.S. is a higher expense than rents and mortgages, or even in-state college tuition, and has pushed tens of thousands of women out of the workforce this year alone.
Salman Rushdie on "The Eleventh Hour" and free speech
The author talks about his first fiction published since the 2022 attack that nearly killed him; his own immigrant experience in the U.S.; and what happens when freedom of speech dies.
Ken Burns on America's origin story: "The most important event since the birth of Christ"
The documentary filmmaker, long a chronicler of the American experience, talks about his latest film for PBS, "The American Revolution," and why the end of the Revolutionary War did not mean the end of our nation's revolution.
The Book Report: Ron Charles' latest picks (Nov. 2)
The Washington Post book reviewer offers highlights from fall's fiction and non-fiction releases.
Book excerpt: "The Wayfinder" by Adam Johnson
The Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winner returns with an epic tale set in Polynesia a thousand years in the past.
Book excerpt: "1929" by Andrew Ross Sorkin
The New York Times financial columnist's new book looks back to Wall Street's most catastrophic market collapse.
Book excerpt: "Love, Sex, and Frankenstein" by Caroline Lea
The author of "The Glass Woman" returns with a gripping reimagining of how young Mary Shelley created her classic horror novel.
Book excerpt: "A Guardian and a Thief" by Megha Majumdar
A National Book Award finalist, Megha Majumdar's novel is set in India in a climate-ravaged near-future.