msnbc.com: Books

Ever try guiding 13-year-old girls going on 30?

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 19:55:38 GMT

In this excerpt from “It’s Not Me, It’s You,” Stefanie Wilder-Taylor recounts her hilarious misadventures attempting to serve as a counselor and mentor to girls between the ages of 9 and 13.

First look: ‘The Lost Symbol’ book cover

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 14:45:26 GMT

As first seen on TODAY this morning, the book cover of Dan Brown’s much-anticipated novel was revealed today and at least one thing is clear: “The Lost Symbol,” Brown’s third novel featuring protagonist Robert Landon, is set in Washington, D.C.

Family matters: Learning to love your in-laws

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 14:11:15 GMT

The in-laws we acquire through marriage can affect our quality of life, from long-term happiness to family balance. In “What Do You Want From Me?” psychologist Terri Apter offers advice on how to build healthy relationships with your spouse’s family. An excerpt.

Video: Helpful ways to achieve your goals

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 14:56:23 GMT

July 6: James Arthur Ray, author of the book “Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want,” has effective strategies to beat depression and help attain your goals. (Today Show)

Life’s a beach read! 6 tasty tales for summer

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:29:26 GMT

Stick your toes in the sand and curl up with one of these new books, handpicked by Cosmopolitan book editor John Searles.

Book: Obama turning slump into socialism

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:31:13 GMT

In their latest book, “Catastrophe,” Dick Morris and Eileen McGann say that President Barack Obama is in the process of implementing a radical political agenda. An excerpt.

‘Mortal Friends’: A murder mystery to die for

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:08:15 GMT

Want to escape this summer into the world of high society, political intrigue and crime in the nation's capital? Then “Mortal Friends,” a new murder mystery by Jane Stanton Hitchcock, may be just what you’re looking for. Here is an excerpt.

Buzz Aldrin’s journey from moon to alcoholism

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:32:57 GMT

In “Magnificent Desolation” Buzz Aldrin recounts his experience — from takeoff to splashdown — in breathtaking detail, and his harrowing return to normal life after the moon mission, when the astronaut battled depression and alcoholism.

Matthews reflects on early ‘Capitol Cop’ days

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:58:24 GMT

In "The Hardball Handbook," Chris Matthews explains to readers how to succeed in life, starting with their first job.

How ‘The Roof Caved’ on Wall Street

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:35:16 GMT

In his new book, CNBC reporter David Faber details what really happened to cause the greatest economic collapse since the Great Depression. An excerpt.

Martin Luther King Jr. books to be republished

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:00:45 GMT

Four books that have been long out of print by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. will be published again under a new deal with Beacon Press brokered by King's youngest son.

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Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:00:45 GMT

Video: Terry Martin Hekker on life, love

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:08:19 GMT

June 18: TODAY’s Hoda Kotb and Tamra Barney talk to author Terry Martin Hekker about her new book, “Disregard First Book.” (Today Show)

Bizarre serial killer out for blood in new novel

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:28:47 GMT

“Skeleton Justice” is a novel by forensic expert Dr. Michael Baden of the HBO series “Autopsy” and trial attorney Linda Kenney Baden. In the book, pathologist Dr. Jake Rosen investigates a killer who stalks his victims to extract their blood. An excerpt.

Video: Getting kids to read this summer

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:11:33 GMT

June 17: Francie Alexander, Scholastic’s chief academic officer, and psychologist Michele Borba discuss ways to get your kids reading this summer. (Today Show)

‘Queen Takes King’ in elite’s dirty divorce tale

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:03:54 GMT

What happens when a wealthy and powerful New York couple decides to call it quits? A high-stakes divorce as complex as a game of chess, of course. Author Gigi Levangie Grazer tackles this scenario in her new novel, “Queen Takes King.” An excerpt.

‘American Chopper’ star sobers up, starts over

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:10:23 GMT

The star of the hit TLC show “American Chopper,” Paul Teutul Sr. , who builds custom bikes, shares advice about running a business in his book, “The Ride of a Lifetime.” In this excerpt, he writes about battling alcoholism and finding the clarity of mind to develop his company.

Singer Thalia on the dirty truths of pregnancy

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:49:29 GMT

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but many women face postpartum issues. From cramping and bleeding to pooping after pregnancy, Thalia, along with obstetrician Andrew R. Kramer, provides a guide to help you deal with your body after the baby is born. An excerpt.

Melissa Gilbert’s complicated ‘Prairie’ life

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 14:48:43 GMT

In her new memoir, actress Melissa Gilbert of “Little House on the Prairie” shares her story of growing up in front of the cameras, dealing with a complicated family, overcoming addictions, and how she finally learned to move on.

Pranksters created a time loop in a Starbucks

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:18:15 GMT

Could pranksters successfully convince bystanders that the space-time continuum had been shattered? They sure tried! Their wild story of improvisation is among those shared in the new book "Causing a Scene."

Video: Scarborough on the conservative voice

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 11:40:07 GMT

June 9: TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s appearance at a GOP fundraiser and his new book, “The Last Best Hope.” (Today Show)

‘Hound Dog’ songwriters tell their tale of rock

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 15:41:32 GMT

Best known for writing the song "Hound Dog," which was eventually recorded by Elvis Presley, music pioneers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller share the fascinating story of their wild ride in the music industry in their joint memoir.

‘Gift to My Children’ teaches about money, life

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 01:19:47 GMT

Ever wish your dad had spelled out his biggest life lessons for you? In his new book "A Gift to My Children: A Father's Lessons for Life and Investing," investor and dad Jim Rogers shares a heartfelt guide to help people find success, happiness and prosperity.

Book: Obama marriage strained by House race

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 18:10:34 GMT

"Renegade," by U.S. journalist Richard Wolffe, reveals that Michelle Obama "hated the failed race for Congress in 2000, and their marriage was strained by the time their youngest daughter, Sasha, was born a year later."

My bank did what?! Take control of your money

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 15:09:00 GMT

In his book "1,001 Things They Won't Tell You," SmartMoney's Jonathan Dahl outlines exactly what you don't know, but need to, in order to become a savvier and smarter consumer.

Anti-aging products: What’s the catch?

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 17:56:38 GMT

In her book "The Mind-Beauty Connection," Dr. Amy Wechsler writes about what contributes to aging skin and how to fight it. In this excerpt, she explains why many anti-aging potions are more about packaging than product.

Boys 101: Writer offers teen girls a crash course

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 14:39:12 GMT

Relationships with boys are tricky — especially for teen girls who are still figuring out who they are themselves. In her book “Boyology,” Sarah O’Leary Burningham offers a crash course in understanding guys.

New York City gossip queen pens novel

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 14:24:20 GMT

In New York Post gossip columnist Paula Froelich’s debut novel, “Mercury in Retrograde,” reporter Penelope Mercury has a disastrous day that leaves her career in shambles. She must come up with a new plan while rolling with the punches in the Big Apple. An excerpt.

How to get a great deal ... on a husband

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:51:46 GMT

In “How to Shop for a Husband,” author and TODAY contributor Janice Lieberman uses her shopping and dating expertise to help you close the deal on the most important “purchase” of your life — your spouse. An excerpt.

Book traces rise of 44th U.S. president

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 02:49:24 GMT

Based on interviews with the commander in chief, trusted aides, friends and family, Richard Wolffe’s “Renegade: The Making of a President” examines the character of Barack Obama in order to understand what fueled his rise from freshman senator to leader of the free world.

Al’s Book Club pick: ‘Wolf Brother’

Fri, 29 May 2009 13:48:24 GMT

In this Al’s Book Club pick, author Michelle Paver takes readers back to the ancient world of a prehistoric clan society. A demon-bear is gaining power, and the only hope is a 12-year-old boy and his wolf-cub companion. An excerpt.

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Fri, 29 May 2009 13:48:24 GMT

Bon voyage! Author dishes on journey as a dad

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 13:42:03 GMT

“Moneyball” author Michael Lewis retells the events immediately following the birth of his three children in an unsparing account of daily home life from a man’s point of view.

Author Michael Lewis: ‘We’re too well read’

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 13:42:38 GMT

In this Q & A, the author of “Moneyball” and “Home Game” talks about his older work, his thoughts on the state of journalism and what’s he working on next.

Romance novels offer comfort in down economy

Thu, 28 May 2009 19:21:27 GMT

Love may not conquer all in real life, but its power in relatively inexpensive books is quite a comfort in this economy.

Tell us about children's literacy groups!

Thu, 28 May 2009 19:56:02 GMT

Do you know of nonprofit children's literacy groups doing great work? Al's Book Club For Kids would love to hear about these organizations from around the country.

Murakami's novel a hit in Japan before release

Thu, 28 May 2009 16:43:57 GMT

Everything has been kept secret, except the author and title. But the first novel in five years by Japan's Haruki Murakami has become a hit even before its official release Friday.

Puerto Rico’s ex-governor reveals book plan

Thu, 28 May 2009 17:22:16 GMT

Puerto Rico's former governor says he plans to write a book about his four years in office — but not the corruption case that followed.

‘American Idol’ director: Don’t limit yourself

Wed, 27 May 2009 19:38:37 GMT

“American Idol” music director Rickey Minor shares motivational wisdom and childhood memories in his new book, “There’s No Traffic on the Extra Mile.” In this excerpt, Minor reminisces about the early influences in his life and his start in the music business.