The latest in literature includes reviews for H.S. Cross's 'Amanda' and Woody Allen's 'What's With Baum?', a look into Fox News's success in publishing, an exploration of philosophy and psychedelics, Jen Hatmaker's memoir 'Awake', and a recap of this summer's favorite reads.

• Book Review: ‘Amanda,’ by H.S. Cross — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘What’s With Baum?,’ by Woody Allen — New York Times Books -
• Fox News Books Gives Fox News Authors a Path to the Best-Seller List — New York Times Books -

• Psychedelics Blew His Mind. He Wants Other Philosophers to Open Theirs. — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘Awake,’ by Jen Hatmaker — New York Times Books -
• The Books We Loved This Summer — New York Times Arts -

The arts world mourns the passing of Sonny Curtis, writer of the 'Mary Tyler Moore' theme, and inventive music video director Diane Martel, while celebrating William Christie, a titan of French Baroque revival.

• Sonny Curtis, Who Wrote the ‘Mary Tyler Moore’ Theme, Dies at 88 — New York Times Arts -
• Celebrating a Buffalo-Born Titan of the French Baroque Revival — New York Times Arts -
• Diane Martel, Inventive Director of Music Videos, Dies at 63 — New York Times Arts -

President Trump's recent threats to media outlets following the Jimmy Kimmel fallout are drawing comparisons to global autocrats, raising concerns about freedom of expression.

• Trump’s Threats to Media in Jimmy Kimmel Fallout Resemble World Autocrat — New York Times Arts -

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson offers a new kind of performance in 'The Smashing Machine', facing personal fears in this latest role.

• What Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Knows About Pain — New York Times Arts -

A new musical, 'Saturday Church,' based on Sia's music, receives a review for its story of a Christian teen discovering ballroom culture and queer expression.

• ‘Saturday Church’ Review: Saving Fabulous Souls to Sia’s Music — New York Times Arts -