Book Excerpts

Read excerpts from a variety of fiction and nonfiction books.

A Dog's Life

This veterinary surgeon can't talk to his patients -- but they speak to him loud and clear.

Why We're Happy

Turns out, happiness has a lot to do with values -- and it's key to our prosperity as a nation.

A Cape Cod Tour

From Nantucket to Provincetown, experience the wonder of Cape Cod, Massachusetts through these breathtaking images from Jake Rajs' new book, Cape Cod and the Islands.

The Monthly Reader

A look at the books of June.

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The Latest in Book Excerpts
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1 Portrait of My Father as a Young Man
I remembered my father only in fragments. My mother re-created him for me.
2 A Father's Farewell
With his life drawing to a close, Randy Pausch reveals in an interview and a book excerpt what matters most.
3 As Time Goes By
Reflections on the surprises and joys of growing older.
4 Remembering Barbaro: A Book Excerpt
A jockey recalls the fight to the finish of America's favorite horse.
5 Book Bonus: The Fortune Cookie Chronicles
Why is Chinese food so all-American? One woman's delicious discoveries.
6 Return to Roots
Roots forever changed America. See photos from RD's extraordinary new book, Alex Haley: The Man Who Traced America's Roots.
7 The Death of My Father
Celebrity and comedian Steve Martin remembers his father's life and death.
8 My Big Audition
I knew I could sing. But now I had to prove it.
9 Dad Overboard
Confessions of a (way too) protective parent.