Book excerpt: "Paradise Bronx: The Life and Times of New York's Greatest Borough"
New Yorker writer Ian Frazier takes readers on a twisty and entertaining tour of the Bronx's rich history, landscape and people.
Books
Steve Guttenberg talks the L.A. wildfires, and caring for his hero dad
As the Palisades Fire exploded in his hometown, the actor was moving abandoned cars so emergency vehicles could get through. He spoke about the importance of making a difference; and about caring for his late father, Stanley, whom he calls his "anchor."
Perle Mesta, the renowned social queen of Washington
Socialite Perle Mesta used her fortune to host inclusive dinner parties in Washington, D.C., becoming one of the most famous women in the world – "The Hostess with the Mostes' on the Ball."
Book excerpt: "Time to Thank: Caregiving for My Hero" by Steve Guttenberg
In his memoir the actor writes of his father and the relationship they shared, through their final years together, when Guttenberg dedicated himself to becoming a caregiver after his dad was diagnosed with kidney failure.
Book excerpt: "The Party: A Guide to Adventurous Entertaining" by Sally Quinn
In her 1997 book, the Washington Post columnist writes about the social imperatives for entertaining, and how the role of host and hostess in the nation's political capital has remained vitally important.
Book excerpt: "Fire Weather" by John Vaillant
This 2023 National Book Award finalist recounts the rise of climate science and the increasing dangers from climate change, including the devastation brought by today's wildfires.
Book excerpt: Washington hostess Perla Mesta, "The Woman Who Knew Everyone"
Bestselling author Meryl Gordon's biography tells the story of the socialite and political savant, whose gift for hosting parties in the nation's capital made her one of the most famous women in America.
Brooke Shields on aging: "I'm at the beginning of a new, really exciting stage"
Now nearly 60, the model and actress was recently elected president of Actors' Equity, and launched Commence, her beauty brand for women over 40. She's also written her fourth book, "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old,"
Book excerpt: "Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old"
The actress and New York Times bestselling memoirist returns with a new book about the empowerment that comes from calling out society's callous and short-sighted expectations of women as they age.
The Book Report: Ron Charles on the best books of 2024
The Washington Post book reviewer offers his picks for some of "the best of the best" fiction and non-fiction of the year.
Book excerpt: "I Heard Her Call My Name: A Memoir of Transition" by Lucy Sante
A brave and timely memoir that describes Lucy Sante's life and the struggle to be true to herself, and her decision - at age 66 - to announce that she was transgender.
Book excerpt: "The Hidden Globe: How Wealth Hacks the World" by Atossa Araxia Abrahamian
The journalist-editor explains how special economic zones, tax havens, and free ports are carving up the planet for the highest bidders – and leaving millions of people worse off.
Werner Herzog keeps working, predicts: "You'll have to carry me out from a set feet first"
The visionary director talks about his recent memoir, "Every Man for Himself and God Against All"; the epic making of his 1982 classic, "Fitzcarraldo"; and why he likes playing villains.
Angela Merkel on Putin, Trump, and a post-Cold War world still divided
After a childhood behind the Iron Curtain, Angela Merkel served as Chancellor of a united Germany for 16 years, becoming the most powerful woman in the world while dealing with its most powerful men. She talks about her new book, "Freedom: Memoirs 1954-2021."
"The Barn," on the lynching of Emmett Till, and an evil hiding in plain sight
In his new book, author Wright Thompson examines the site of the notorious 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till, and a Mississippi Delta culture that, he says, has spent decades trying to erase a horrible crime.
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.