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10 best books of January, according to Amazon's editors

Amazon editorial director Sara Nelson shares her thoughts about the Amazon staff picks for the 10 best books of January 2013. 

J.R.R. Tolkien: 10 quotes on his birthday

10 memorable quotes on life by the author of the popular "Lord of the Rings" series. 

Fiscal deal will cost you: 8 tax changes

[Editor's note: This story was updated on Jan. 2 at 10:00 am ET.]

Congress has passed a fiscal deal that averts the worst of the tax increases under the "fiscal cliff." But most Americans will still end up paying more in federal taxes. Here are eight tax changes under the fiscal deal that may hit your pocketbook:   

Sports in 2012: here are some Monitor highlights

It’s impossible to list all the records set in 2012, but here’s a short rundown of some heralded highlights, plus 20 of our favorites, including some you might have missed.

9 chats with top true-crime authors

In 2012, writers pondered murder and mayhem across the globe and across centuries.

2012's 'good news' stories

2012 saw jobs returning to the US, health concerns improve in historic numbers, and more.

Six ways fleet operators save on gas (and you can, too)

While you may long for $2 gas, the truth is that higher prices – in the $3 to $4 a gallon range – are the new normal. Here are six money-saving tips, used by fleet operators, to save money on fuel:

Top 4 New Year's resolutions for your pocketbook

It’s resolution season, and with the continued economic recovery significant opportunity exists to improve your finances in the coming year. The question is how. Here are the four most important financial New Year’s resolutions that consumers can make:

Beyond the 'fiscal cliff': 6 reasons to be optimistic about America's future

As Americans take stock of 2012 and gear up for 2013, it's tempting to adopt "decline think" about the country, especially since there is still no deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" of steep budget cuts and tax increases. But here are six reasons Americans should still be optimistic about their future.

Oscars 2013: Will one of these movies win Best Picture?

Nominations for Best Picture won't be announced until Jan. 10, but these films stand the best chance of earning nods in the category.

'Les Misérables': 15 memorable quotes

To mark the Dec. 25, 2012, opening of new 2012 movie new movie adaptation of "Les Misérables," directed by Tom Hooper, here are 15 memorable "Les Mis" quotes. 

5 crowd-pleasing holiday specials

Looking for something holiday-themed that the whole family will enjoy? These five specials have stood the test of time and will be loved by young and old alike.

The top 5 things never to ask your child right after school

Talking to your child after school about their day can be difficult. How to quash the melodramatic sighs from your teenager and still be engaged with your kid's life at school? Check out the top 5 questions to avoid asking. (Hint: each question holds an expectation.)

Bestselling books the week of 12/20/12, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.

The top 25 celebrity baby names of all time

Many celebrities are creative people, but seldom does their creativity get more free rein than when they’re naming their own offspring. From Beyonce and Jay-Z's firstborn Blue Ivy to Frank Zappa's daughter's avante-garde moniker Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen, there are plenty of unusual names.

'Zero Dark Thirty': Top 3 controversies from the Osama bin Laden film

"Zero Dark Thirty," which tells the story of the hunt and capture of Osama bin Laden, is already garnering critical accolades – and plenty of criticism, too. Here are the top three controversies currently surrounding the film.

8 holiday tips for dealing with difficult relatives

You can’t change what your difficult relatives are going to do; you can only change yourself. But when you change, a relationship changes. Here are eight tips for doing that.

The Monitor's top 11 US stories of 2012

From storms to politics, the year was a wild ride. What are the most meaningful US stories of 2012? Here's the Monitor's list, in roughly chronological order.

Amazon's top 10 bestselling books of the year

Which books sold best in 2012? Check out Amazon's full list.

US gun industry by the numbers

As the debate over gun control rages on, the firearms industry in the United States is thriving. Here are seven key figures. 

Jane Austen: 10 quotes on her birthday

Here are 10 witty quotes by Jane Austen to mark her birthday.

Golden Globe Awards: The 2012 nominees

Who are the nominees for the prestigious Golden Globes? Check out our list.

America's 4 parenting cultures

What parenting culture do you belong to? Do you spank? Attend church regularly? Believe teens need birth control education? Let your belief in the inherent goodness of humans guide your parenting? There are "Four Family Cultures" or moral ecosystems in the US, say researchers at the University of Virginia's Culture of American Families Project. See where you fit in to the four cultures of Faithful, Detached, Engaged Progressive or American Dreamer.

–  Stephanie Hanes, Modern Parenthood Blogger

Ten great car-related gifts

Car-related gifts are a great way to say thank you during the holidays. Click through this list for some great ideas for all ages and budgets.

3 compelling photo books for gifting this winter

These photo books capture the world in images that are by turns amusing and heartbreaking.