Topic: Thomas Mann

Prime literary real estate

They like to imagine themselves living in grand fictional homes – or even humble ones.

'Project X': 5 famous found-footage movies

'Project X,' a found-footage teen movie, is performing strongly at the box office – here are 5 of the most well-known movies of the genre

Six Picks: 'The Cosby Show,' CD tribute to John Lennon, and more

Remake of vintage cold-war TV miniseries, new Bill Frisell CD tribute to John Lennon, online photography project and more.

US debt crisis: Is Obama's leadership style suited to the moment?

Despite Obama's use of the bully pulpit in the showdown over the debt limit, he is not a direct party to negotiations. How much has his cautious leadership style contributed to his predicament?

Reader recommendation: Buddenbrooks

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.

Reader recommendation: Buddenbrooks

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.

In Motion: The Experience of Travel

How the art of “Deep Travel” can transform even our mundane trips into something transcendent.

Top Picks: Brian Wilson, 'Prime Suspect,' Canada's Garrison Keillor, and more

Brian Wilson sings Gershwin, 'Prime Suspect' comes out on DVD, Stuart McLean's storytelling is like Canada's answer to Garrison Keillor, and more recommendations.

Carte Goodwin to succeed Senator Byrd - for now

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) appointed his former general counsel, Carte Goodwin, to the late Robert Byrd’s Senate seat. But it is widely believed that Governor Manchin has his eye on winning the seat in special elections.

Obama and recess appointments: He's not the only one to make them often

Recent presidents have made more recess appointments because of partisan gridlock in the Senate, where nominations are held up, analysts say. Obama has made 18 so far. Bush made 171 in his eight years in office.

Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Harding: It's like being hit by a 'tidal wave'

The 5/4/10 Monitor books podcast includes an interview with Paul Harding, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Tinkers."

Do we really want to curl up with an e-book?

E-books and e-readers work well with page-turners, best-sellers, and text-heavy tomes -- not so well when a book needs images or a book-lover needs the look and feel of ink and paper.

FROM OUR FILES: Andrew Wyeth - show probes the man and his art

Andrew Wyeth, who died today, was one of the best-known American artists of the 20th century. His intuition and allusive paintings were the focus of this 1976 exhibit review.

The life and work of John Leonard

New Lives

A novel in letters offers a lens on the reunification of Germany.

A new era for campaign finance

Obama’s fundraising record could signal the end of public funding for major candidates.

Paulson crafts his new role

In essence, Congress is telling him to create his own financial recovery plan.

"Lost in Uttar Pradesh"

A collection of short stories about those who "take a peek at the world."

A good-hearted comedy of manners

This debut novel plays cleverly with romantic comedy conventions.

'Beginner's Greek': Guy gets girl, then loses phone number...

James Collins's first novel gives romantic comedy a gentle tweak.

In State of the Union, Bush to begin framing legacy

Monday's address is expected to highlight improvements in Iraq, but not reforms for immigration or Social Security.