Author Q&A;: Simon Tolkien
Simon Tolkien, grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, has written his fourth thriller, “Orders From Berlin.” He talks about his novels and his memories of his famous grandfather, author of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.”
Literary listings
Local book signings and literary events, Jan. 10-24.
Dick Wolf writes novel after 9/11 thwarted his miniseries
In September 2001, TV producer Dick Wolf was weeks away from starting principal photography on a miniseries about a terrorist attack on New York City. When the Twin Towers fell, he canceled the project, but it never curbed his craving to tell a story wrapped in domestic terrorism. Eleven years later, he’s releasing his debut novel, “The Intercept,” about a detective’s single-minded determination to thwart a New York City bombing.
Al Roker has healthy forecast for 2013
TV personality and “Today” show weatherman Al Roker has spent a lifetime battling his weight. Now, in his new memoir, “Never Goin’ Back,” he says all of us can win the weight-loss battle for good, starting now.
As Chicago icons write memoirs, some wonder: Will anyone care?
As local heroes including John Records Landecker, Walter Jacobson and Debbie Halvorson publish their life stories, they say they’re motivated more by catharsis than cash.
Best sellers 01.06.13
Publisher’s Weekly’s top 10s for the week of Jan. 6.
Book notes
What’s new in the world of publishing.
DePaul blessed with a Dickens archive strong on ‘Christmas Carol’
A first edition is among the university library’s collection of Ebenezer Scrooge volumes and memorabilia.
‘Life is a Gift’ for Tony Bennett
When you’ve been as successful as Tony Bennett over 60 years in show business, you gain some wisdom along the way. After selling millions of records, winning countless awards and earning the respect of his peers, Bennett shares some of the universal truths that guide him in his new book, “Life Is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett.”
Pope finishes Jesus trilogy
Pope Benedict XVI completed his trilogy on the life of Jesus Christ with a new book on Jesus’ birth, insisting on its significance for Christians today and lamenting that God is still considered by many an obstacle to their freedom. “Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives” is the third and final installment of a project the 85-year-old Benedict conceived a decade ago and began writing soon after he became pope in 2005.
Literary listings
Local book signings and literary events, Dec. 14-20.
Chicago Lit: Nothing supernatural about T.M. Goeglein’s YA universe
When author T.M. Goeglein decided to step into the growing world of young adult fiction, he wasn’t drawn to the futuristic rage of “The Hunger Games.” Nor was he into the vampire/supernatural leanings of the “Twilight” series. Instead, he concocted a clever story set in Chicago and built it around a family and its connections to the mafia underworld.
