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National Entertainment Book News

New book uses food to explore Mandela's life

A new book examining Nelson Mandela's life was launched Saturday with a feast that included everything from the spaghetti casserole he was brought in jail to the soured milk he longed for while living underground.

Comic book artist Michael Turner dies at 37

Michael Turner, a comic book artist who drew covers for major titles such as "Superman/Batman," "The Flash" and "Civil War,'" has died. He was 37.

KARLA MASS: The week's most talked about book

Shenkman, an Emmy Award-winning, investigative reporter, bestselling author and historian, dissects the pathetic voter. His debate is opinionated, informative and thorough, but harsh. He believes that we're all in this together.

How patriotic are you?

This week's best-sellers from Publishers Weekly

Here are the best-sellers for the week that ended Saturday, June 28, compiled from data from independent and chain bookstores, book wholesalers and independent distributors nationwide.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST-SELLERS

HARDCOVER FICTION

USA TODAY BEST-SELLERS

Key: F-Fiction; NF-Nonfiction; H-Hardcover; P-Paperback

KARLA MASS: The week's most talked about book

It's the first day of school at Esther Percy, an all-girls facility in New England. Catherine, homely, but popular, and beautiful Skye Butterfield are friends within seconds after meeting. Personal privileges are scarce at the prestigious prep school chosen as a last resort by parents desperately seeking miracles.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST-SELLERS

HARDCOVER FICTION

USA TODAY BEST-SELLERS

Key: F-Fiction; NF-Nonfiction; H-Hardcover; P-Paperback

Musician Shawn Colvin working on memoir

Shawn Colvin, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, is working on a memoir, "A Few Small Repairs," named for her best-known album and tentatively scheduled to come out in the fall 2009.

'Shelter Stories' a howling success

Fans of the comic strip Mutts will find a lot to smile about in "Shelter Stories," Patrick McDonnell's new book about abandoned pets that are looking for love.

Margaret Atwood wins Spanish literary award

Canadian author Margaret Atwood has won Spain's Prince of Asturias literary prize.

'Valkyrie' portrait flap was mistaken photo ID

What looked at first like another PR blow to "Valkyrie," the twice-delayed Tom Cruise film based on the true story of a German officer who plotted to assassinate Hitler, turned out to be a case of mistaken photo identity.

New book coming from 'Marley & Me' author

"Marley & Me" author John Grogan is working on a prequel to the million-selling memoir about his dog.

Boston Herald to lay off printing plant workers

The Boston Herald plans to lay off 130 to 160 workers as the daily newspaper outsources its printing operations.

KARLA MASS: The week's most talked about books

Mystery, science fiction, fantasy and romance novels are on display. Shiny, new paperbacks, as well as discounted titles are neatly stacked on long rows of tables, stretching the length of an aisle. Creative book covers beckon; I can't write fast enough. Today, I'm a spy ... cruising local bookstores to find out what's hot in adult fiction.

BOOK REVIEW: Hill Harper defines your destiny

No one seems to notice the intense warmth in the crowded, book-filled room of Quail Ridge Books & Music located in Raleigh, N.C. All eyes are on Hill Harper, author of "Letters of a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny.” Its debut follows a lot of buzz and fans are eager to support it. How does it compare to the author's first best seller, "Letters to A Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny?"

KARLA MASS: The week's most talked about books

Celebrate summer's sizzling temperatures with some really cool books. Summer begins June 21, and what better way to jump start your carefree days than with fun, unassigned reading.

KARLA MASS: The week's most talked about book

Paul Coates, a hard-nosed, militant father, applies strict principles and dire consequences in raising all seven of his children who were conceived by four different women. But Ta-Nehisi is his greatest challenge … he’s awkward, offbeat and the exact opposite of his father when it comes to wooing the ladies.