The Book Report: Ron Charles' favorite novels of 2023
The Washington Post book reviewer offers his picks for the best fiction of the year.
Books
Harry Potter first edition found in bargain bin sells for $69,000 at auction
A mom bought a copy of the first Harry Potter book for her kids to read on vacation. More than 20 years later, it sold at auction for $69,000.
New book tells the story of Siskel and Ebert
Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel are two of the most influential film critics ever, often making or breaking movies with their reviews. Now, a new book by film critic Matt Singer takes a look at their impact and professional rivalry. CBS News' Dana Jacobson has more.
James Ellroy talks new novel
James Ellroy, the author of "L.A. Confidential" and over a dozen other novels, is out with a new book "The Enchanters." The story focuses on a private investigator looking into the death of Marilyn Monroe. CBS News' Jeff Glor has more in his interview with the "Demon Dog of Crime Fiction."
Barbra Streisand on her long-awaited memoir
In her newly-published autobiography, "My Name Is Barbra," the celebrated actress-singer-director writes of a life of heartbreaking deprivation and spectacular success, and of an artistic career lauded by critics and fans as peerless.
A reader's guide for "Let Us Descend," Oprah's book club pick
The questions, discussion topics and other material that follow are intended to enhance a group's conversation of "Let Us Descend."
Oprah chooses "Let Us Descend" by Jesmyn Ward as new book club pick
"Let Us Descend" by Jesmyn Ward, a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and the youngest person ever to be honored with the Library of Congress's Prize for American Fiction, chronicles the trials of Annis, an enslaved teenager.
Britney Spears says she "went along" with conservatorship for "good reason"
Britney Spears' new memoir, "The Woman in Me," comes out Tuesday.
Mitt Romney on today's Republican Party
The Utah Senator and one-time GOP presidential nominee says he is no longer at home within a party dominated by Trump. He also talks about examining his legacy, as the subject of a new biography, "Romney: A Reckoning."
The Book Report: Washington Post critic Ron Charles (October 22)
With Halloween creeping up on us, our book reviewer recommends some new novels haunted by ghosts and monsters of one kind or another.
Britney Spears details conservatorship in new memoir, People editor says
Exclusive excerpts from "The Woman in Me" will be available on "CBS Mornings" and People magazine's platforms this week, before Britney Spears' new memoir is released next Tuesday.
David Brooks on his mission: To counter our nation's spiritual crisis
The New York Times columnist believes it's not naïve to trust in others. In his new book, "How to Know a Person," he aims to help people divided by partisanship and social media better see and understand one another.
The reclusive Sly Stone returns, on the page
The music legend who invented his own kind of funky hybrid of rock 'n' roll and R&B with his '60s group Sly and the Family Stone has just penned a memoir, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)."
Rachel Maddow on "Prequel" and the rise of the fascist movement in America
Prior to World War II, antisemites and Nazi sympathizers in the U.S. plotted to set up a Hitler-style dictatorship in America. Rachel Maddow says we are seeing another threat to democracy from the ultra-right today.
Book excerpt: "Prequel" by Rachel Maddow
In her latest book, the bestselling author and MSNBC host writes about the rise of fascist sympathizers in the U.S. prior to World War II, and their goal to create a dictatorship in America.
"Trust" author Hernan Diaz on his love for "the music of English"
The novelist's Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller is a kaleidoscopic look at the world of the stratospherically rich. He talks about the influence of Edith Wharton on his work, and the miracle of validation that came after years of writing without recognition.
Book excerpt: "Enough" by Cassidy Hutchinson
The former White House staffer who testified about the actions of former President Donald Trump during the insurrection writes of her experience as a witness before the January 6 Committee.
A reader's guide for "Wellness: A novel," Oprah's book club pick
"Wellness: A novel," looks at a 20-year relationship between Elizabeth and Jack, from their initial meeting as lonely students in Chicago in 1993 to their turbulent marriage in 2014.
Oprah chooses "Wellness: A novel" by Nathan Hill as new book club pick
"Wellness: A novel" is Hill's second novel, following the success of his earlier work, "The Nix," released in 2016.
Anderson Cooper on the rise and fall of the Astor fortune
His latest book, "Astor," traces the fortunes of one of the most prominent New York City families in the 19th and 20th centuries, whose wealth was built on slums and beaver pelts.
The Book Report: Washington Post critic Ron Charles (September 17)
Recommendations from our book reviewer of new fiction and non-fiction titles, including a controversial new biography of Elon Musk.
Book excerpt: "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride
The award-winning novelist and memoirist returns with a tale of a Jewish and African American community that becomes the focus of a murder mystery.
Book excerpt: "The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray
The Irish novelist, the acclaimed author of "Skippy Dies," returns with a tragicomedy about the changing fortunes of a prosperous family.
Book excerpt: "The Fraud" by Zadie Smith
In her latest novel, the bestselling author of "White Teeth" revisits a real-life 19th century legal trial that divided England.
Book excerpt: "Astor" by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe
The bestselling authors of "Vanderbilt" return with a history of one American dynasty's rising and falling fortune.
Entertainment
Entertainment
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Mick Jagger on music and politics
Mick Jagger spoke with The New York Times recently about the role of politics in his music. Political strategists Erin Maguire and Dan Kanninen join "The Takeout" to discuss.
"Jurassic Park" star dies at 78
Actor Sam Neill, who starred in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at the age of 78, his family said in a statement. Neill had been battling cancer, but his family said he had beaten it and his death was unexpected.
Extended interview: Sean Evans
Vladimir Duthiers speaks with Sean Evans about how he came to host "Hot Ones," his interview with Conan O'Brien, who he would like to see on the show and more.
Sam Neill, "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano" star, dies at 78
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
7/12: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Tracy Smith. Featured: The only successful coup in U.S. history; Behind the scenes of "The Pitt"; Trump's monumental reimagining of Washington, D.C.; singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams; "Take Me Home, Country Roads"; and a Tuscany tradition: wine barrel races.
Milepost: David Attenborough
This week, British documentarian Sir David Attenborough, who turned 100 years old in May, broke the record for oldest nominee for a Primetime Emmy Award, earning two nominations this year.
Grace notes: Art as a reverie of gentle sounds
French artist and composer Céleste Boursier-Mougenot's "Clinamen," at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City, is a mesmerizing installation in which porcelain bowls floating in giant basins of water collide, producing chiming sounds that reverberate in the 55,000-square-foot hall, to foster a state of grace. Tracy Smith reports.
Behind the scenes of "The Pitt"
The Emmy-winning HBO Max drama "The Pitt" immerses viewers in the hour-by-hour struggles faced by the overworked-yet-superhuman emergency room staff at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook visits the series' hyper-realistic set at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, Calif. (where cast members undergo a two-week medical boot camp), and talks with star, writer, director and executive producer Noah Wylie about why the former "ER" actor returned to the medical drama genre. (The series just received 25 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, the most of any program.) [Originally broadcast Jan. 4, 2026.]
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" actress Louise Lasser, and singer Bonnie Tyler, best known for "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
Gracie Abrams: Now center stage
At 26, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams has won praise from critics and fans for her intimate songs – whispered words that become anthems. She talks about her latest album, "Daughter From Hell."
Extended interview: Gracie Abrams, Aaron Dessner
In this web exclusive, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams and producer Aaron Dessner talk with correspondent Tracy Smith about their latest album, "Daughter From Hell."
Gracie Abrams: Now center stage
At 26, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams has won praise from critics and fans for her intimate songs – whispered words that become anthems, and which the shy girl-turned-superstar now performs to sold-out arenas. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Abrams about how she worked up the nerve to post her early songs online. Abrams also discusses being the opening act for Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift, and recording her latest album, "Daughter From Hell."
The universal nostalgia for "Take Me Home, Country Roads"
A song about a longing for home, John Denver's first hit in 1971 has been embraced by West Virginia in a big way, and has been appropriated by singers around the world looking for their very own "place I belong."
"Take Me Home, Country Roads"
"Take Me Home, Country Roads," a song about a longing for home (co-written by a songwriter who had never even been in West Virginia), has been embraced by the Mountain State in a big way, and has since been appropriated by singers around the world looking for their very own "place I belong." Correspondent Conor Knighton looks into the genesis and global impact of John Denver's first big hit; and with country star Brad Paisley about the special pull the song has for him. (Originally broadcast Dec. 26, 2021.)
U.S.
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Maps show extreme heat and flood threats across U.S.
Much of the U.S. is facing either extreme heat or excessive rainfall and potential flooding on Tuesday. Here's where the greatest threats are expected.
Inflation eased more than expected in June, CPI report shows
Lower gasoline prices slowed inflation in June, though many household costs remained stubbornly high.
Trump says Reflecting Pool has been drained for repairs
President Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained for repairs, after weeks of railing against alleged vandals.
New York enacts nation's first statewide moratorium on building new data centers
Building new data centers in New York will be paused for a year in order to allow state officials to establish guidelines protecting residents and the environment, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Why gaining full control of Strait of Hormuz has proven so hard for U.S.
Restoring oil tanker traffic in the vital Middle East shipping corridor to prewar levels likely will require a much bigger armada of U.S. warships if not tens of thousands of American troops on Iranian soil, experts say.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Inflation eased more than expected in June, CPI report shows
Lower gasoline prices slowed inflation in June, though many household costs remained stubbornly high.
States call out big businesses with employees on Medicaid
With the federal Medicaid work requirement looming in January, Democrats are considering state legislation to call out big companies that employ workers enrolled in the safety net health program.
AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
12 states sue to block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
The suit poses a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies.
Millions of Americans take on debt and drain savings to afford food
A quarter of working-age adults use credit cards to purchase groceries but struggle to repay their debts, a new study finds.
Politics
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Trump says Reflecting Pool has been drained for repairs
President Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained for repairs, after weeks of railing against alleged vandals.
Why gaining full control of Strait of Hormuz has proven so hard for U.S.
Restoring oil tanker traffic in the vital Middle East shipping corridor to prewar levels likely will require a much bigger armada of U.S. warships if not tens of thousands of American troops on Iranian soil, experts say.
States call out big businesses with employees on Medicaid
With the federal Medicaid work requirement looming in January, Democrats are considering state legislation to call out big companies that employ workers enrolled in the safety net health program.
Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Sources: FBI fires 2 analysts who raised concerns about Georgia 2020 election probe
The two analysts expressed concerns that the 2020 election investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, was thin on evidence, sources said.
HealthWatch
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States call out big businesses with employees on Medicaid
With the federal Medicaid work requirement looming in January, Democrats are considering state legislation to call out big companies that employ workers enrolled in the safety net health program.
Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Common knee surgery may do more harm than good, 10-year study shows
A Finnish study followed patients for 10 years after they had a popular knee surgery. For many, the pain continued or even worsened.
New Jersey works to destroy firefighting foam laced with cancer-linked PFAS
New Jersey is one of more than a dozen states that are working to collect, remove and destroy all of their aqueous film-forming foam.
Departments getting rid of firefighting foam
Fire departments across the U.S. are changing how they extinguish fires. For decades, they used foam that contained so-called "forever chemicals" that are now linked to cancer. More than a dozen states are now working to collect, remove and destroy all of it. Mark Strassmann has more.
World
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Man describes harrowing escape from wildfire that killed wife and friends
A last minute decision meant Malcolm Timbrell survived one of Spain's deadliest wildfires ever, but his wife and friends were trapped by a wall of flames.
U.S. uses sea drones in combat for first time to attack Iranian port
The U.S. military shared video of what it said was its first use of sea drones in combat, to attack an Iranian submarine and ship maintenance facility.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Why gaining full control of Strait of Hormuz has proven so hard for U.S.
Restoring oil tanker traffic in the vital Middle East shipping corridor to prewar levels likely will require a much bigger armada of U.S. warships if not tens of thousands of American troops on Iranian soil, experts say.
Climbers found dead in Italian Alps week after going missing
The two climbers had not made contact since leaving a mountain refuge on July 9, according to authorities.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Mick Jagger on music and politics
Mick Jagger spoke with The New York Times recently about the role of politics in his music. Political strategists Erin Maguire and Dan Kanninen join "The Takeout" to discuss.
"Jurassic Park" star dies at 78
Actor Sam Neill, who starred in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at the age of 78, his family said in a statement. Neill had been battling cancer, but his family said he had beaten it and his death was unexpected.
Extended interview: Sean Evans
Vladimir Duthiers speaks with Sean Evans about how he came to host "Hot Ones," his interview with Conan O'Brien, who he would like to see on the show and more.
Sam Neill, "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano" star, dies at 78
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
Technology
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Technology
Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI
Apple is suing OpenAI over apparently stolen trade secrets that may be linked to hardware ambitions. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Family says they're forced to sell home to help power data centers
Georgia Power says building a new transmission line will require acquiring more than 300 parcels of land, including residential properties.
Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
Science
More Science
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Crime
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Crime
Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI
Apple is suing OpenAI over apparently stolen trade secrets that may be linked to hardware ambitions. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
Witnesses on ICE shooting in Maine
Witnesses are describing what they saw during the moments after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man in Maine. One source with knowledge of the investigation says Joan Sebastian Guerrero was killed during the encounter. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Judge's stunning rebuke of Trump, DOJ
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams slammed President Trump, his lawyers, and the Justice Department over a lawsuit against the IRS, saying it was filed for an "improper purpose." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Latest news on fatal ICE shooting in Maine
Protests erupted in Maine after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot 26-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. CBS News' Michael George reports.
Deputy U.S. marshal shot dead serving arrest warrant in Louisiana, agency says
A deputy U.S. marshal was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Louisiana, authorities say. The suspect is in custody.
Space
More Space
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI
Apple is suing OpenAI over apparently stolen trade secrets that may be linked to hardware ambitions. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
Wildfires are roaring near Paris
Extreme weather conditions are keeping dangerous wildfires alive near Paris, France. CBS News' Chris Livesay reports.
Witnesses on ICE shooting in Maine
Witnesses are describing what they saw during the moments after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man in Maine. One source with knowledge of the investigation says Joan Sebastian Guerrero was killed during the encounter. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Astronomers find type of sugar in space
Astronomers have found a type of sugar, called erythrulose, in space. CBS News' Errol Barnett reports.
Judge's stunning rebuke of Trump, DOJ
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams slammed President Trump, his lawyers, and the Justice Department over a lawsuit against the IRS, saying it was filed for an "improper purpose." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.