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Patti Thorn

Columnist

Patti Thorn is the books editor for the Rocky.

Recent stories

THORN: Thanks to Travis, 'Cheeta' won't prosper

February 26, 2009

What turns a chimp book into a chump? An ill-timed news story about a rampaging pet, just before that aforementioned book hits the shelves.

THORN: Troubled? Turn to 'Casanova'

February 20, 2009

A new book about Casanova has its flaws, but when you're trying to banish bad news from your brain, few subjects are better than the famous 18th century rake for lose-yourself amusement.

THORN: Columbine books will test our emotions

February 12, 2009

Nearly 10 years later, the word "Columbine" still has the power to take my breath away.

THORN: Nothing says love like six words

February 6, 2009

When we asked readers to send us their own six-word memoirs, they fired off enough one-sentence snippets to fill a Hemingway novel.

John Updike: Prolific man of letters had run short of creative fuel

January 27, 2009

Two years ago, a writer in the New York Times Magazine imagined a future for books in the digital age that nearly made John Updike's famous shock of white hair stand on end.

THORN: Updike was wary of the digital age

January 27, 2009

Rocky books editor Patti Thorn remembers a literary lion who was puzzled by the implications of the digital era on writing.

Lafayette writer wins honor for young adult novel 'Savvy'

January 26, 2009

Mere hours after Lafayette author Ingrid Law won a prestigious writing honor Monday, she went grocery shopping - not because her cupboard was bare, but because her heart was overflowing.

Lafayette author wins Newbery accolade

January 26, 2009

Lafayette author Ingrid Law’s young adult novel, Savvy, has been named a runner up for the prestigious Newbery award.

THORN: Six-word memoirs leave book lover speechless

January 23, 2009

A new book series has struck fear in my heart: Six-Word Memoirs.

Author's quest for wisdom of aged a profound letdown

January 9, 2009

It's the new year, and let's just say 2009 is bringing a few teensy challenges to your friendly books editor. So the time seemed right to read Henry Alford's new book: How to Live: A Search for Wisdom From Old People.