Trump suggested shooting D.C. protesters according to ex-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper in new bookVideo
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...
Pittsburgh’s Heinz History Center to host authors of book inspired by Fred Rogers
The book has been described as a “love letter to Pittsburgh.” “When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids” encompasses stories about people in this city who emulate the late Fred Rogers — everyone’s favorite neighbor — in their own way. Authors Ryan...
Remembering Rennerdale: In-progress book features Collier artist’s watercolors of homes
The sudden disruption of everyday life two years ago meant that practically everyone had to come up with a coping mechanism. For Kathleen Zimbicki, that was especially pertinent. “First, my husband died in ’19,” she said about Mike, to whom she had been married for 64 years. “I’m grieving over...
Super-valued: Special copy of Marvel Comics #1 fetches $2.4M
NEW YORK — A particularly prized copy of the first Marvel comic book fetched more than $2.4 million in an online auction, an auctioneer said Friday. Known as the Marvel Comics #1 “pay copy,” it’s “arguably one of the top three comic books in the world of comics collecting,” said...
Scott woman pens book about 20 years as cancer survivor
Beth Gardner looked up to her older brother, Todd. Born with cerebral palsy, scoliosis and a collapsed left lung, he leaned when he walked. He wore back and leg braces and had a speech impairment, making it hard for people to understand him. He died last year from a fall....
‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois’ wins book critics award
NEW YORK — Honorée Fanonne Jeffers’ “The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois,” her epic novel about racism, resilience and identity named for the influential Black scholar and activist, has received the fiction prize from the National Book Critics Circle. The critics circle praised Jeffers for “weaving several centuries’ worth...
Freeport resident lives dream by publishing books, working in theater
A creative writing class at Freeport Area Senior High School helped jump-start Britt Kolek’s interest in writing novels. At the time, she was interested in Marvel and DC comics. When her teacher tasked the class with writing a story, she decided to write hers about a superhero. She thought of...
Franklin Regional ‘pauses’ teaching of novel about Iranian Revolution after complaints
Franklin Regional School District is “pausing” use of a novel in a freshman honors English course after school board members asked administrators to review its use amid concerns from some residents in the district. “Persepolis,” Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel about growing up as a 10-year-old girl amidst the Iranian Revolution...
Review: ‘Sandy Hook’ is vital reading in the post-truth age
“Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for the Truth” by Elizabeth Williamson (Dutton) If you stand on a street corner all day yelling at passersby, you might reach a few hundred people. If you do the same thing on the internet, that number is comparatively limitless. “Sandy Hook:...
Dolly Parton, James Patterson — in words and music
LA VERGNE, Tennessee — Sometimes even Dolly Parton has a hard time keeping up with the legend of Dolly Parton. “I often go into my museum in Dollywood, you know, because I’m in the mood to be there or we’re in there doing something or putting something new in. And...
Penn Hills graduate, Upper Burrell resident publishes her own book
After living in others’ fantasy worlds, Penn Hills High School graduate and Upper Burrell resident Jenna E. Faas was ready to create her own. Writing has been a core passion for Faas, who remembers her mom reading books to her before bedtime at 5 years old. Although she was unable...
New Dr. Seuss-inspired books to feature diverse creators
Sketches of fantastic creatures by Dr. Seuss that have never before been published will see the light of day in new books being written and illustrated by an inclusive group of up-and-coming authors and artists, the company that owns the intellectual property rights to Dr. Seuss’ works announced Wednesday. The...
Books about war, poverty among finalists for Lukas awards
NEW YORK — Books about war, poverty and the rule of law are among the finalists for Lukas Prizes given for work that combines literary excellence, deep research and social consciousness. The nominees were announced Thursday for three categories: The $10,000 J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, the $10,000 Mark Lynton...
Review: ‘Scoundrel’ is a portrait of a con-man killer
“Scoundrel: How a Convicted Murderer Persuaded the Women Who Loved him, the Conservative Establishment, and the Courts to Set Him Free,” by Sarah Weinman (Ecco) In 1957, a 15-year-old girl named Victoria Zielinski never returned home after visiting a friend. Her body was found the next day in a sand...
Folklore expert: Original ‘Bambi’ was not a children’s story
The novel on which the Disney movie “Bambi” was based dealt with loss, loneliness and racism. If you thought it was rough to see Bambi’s mother die in the 1942 Disney film, you should read the original story. Before it became an animated classic movie for children, “Bambi” was a...
Book review: Political scientist who studies civil wars worries that U.S. is headed toward one
SAN DIEGO — Barbara Walter, a political scientist at UC San Diego, has been studying civil wars for 30 years. She understands the script they follow: how they ignite, how they escalate, how they end. The storm clouds she sees gathering now are over the United States. “If you were...
