German tenor Max Lorenz had a voice that could move millions — though Lorenz will be most remembered as Hitler's (and Wagner's) favorite. A new documentary about The Life and Times of Max Lorenz, chronicles the conflict and triumph of his unlikely voice and paints an intimate portrait, according to critic Lloyd Schwartz. Full Story »
The author talks about her blockbuster novel, The Lovely Bones, which features a surprising device: its main character, a young girl who has been murdered, narrates the book from the afterlife. Sebold's book is the basis for a new film by director Peter Jackson. Full Story »
Excerpt: 'The Lovely Bones' Full Story »
During his decade as director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas Hoving is credited with transforming the museum from a somber monolith into a friendly and exciting place. Hoving died Thursday of cancer at his Manhattan home, according to his family. He was 78. Full Story »
Van Helsing rode it to his battle with Dracula. James Bond romanced a beautiful Russian aboard it. And Agatha Christie set one of the best-known murders in literary history aboard that train. Now the original Orient Express is itself about to become part of history. Full Story »
The latest in Sue Grafton's alphabetized mystery series, U Is for Undertow, debuts at No. 3. Wishin' and Hopin', a holiday tale and slice of life from the 1960s, is also new on the list this week. Full Story »
Inventory, the new book of pop-culture lists from the publishers of The Onion, celebrates and skewers topics like pretentious musical instruments and songs about the horrors of bus travel. A.V. Club Managing Editor Josh Modell talks about some favorite lists with Scott Simon. Full Story »
Stones into Schools, Greg Mortenson's follow up to Three Cups of Tea, debuts at No. 1. Half the Sky, by the Pulitzer Prize winning journalists Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, also debuts on the list, at No. 6. Full Story »
Holiday season have you feeling a touch homicidal? Critic Maureen Corrigan offers a selection of sleuth stories and hard-boiled whodunits to satisfy all your deepest literary desires. Full Story »
Every Christmas, Santa Claus uses advanced technology to accomplish his seemingly impossible duties. In the new book The Truth about Santa, science writer Gregory Mone explains. Full Story »
