The author of “The Moviegoer” and other distinguished novels was also an occasional book reviewer and commentator for America, and his prose in our pages shone as well.

The news that Maus, a graphic novel about the Holocaust, had been removed from school curricula was a reminder of one of our nation’s favorite pastimes: book bans.

Jim Forest, who died on Jan. 13, was a lifelong peace activist and the author of numerous books, including biographies of Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton and Daniel Berrigan, S.J.

The beatification of Rutilio Grande, S.J., this weekend in San Salvador reminds us of the power of Christian witness and courage in the face of oppression.

“Bob Dylan is in the tradition of great writers stretching back to the biblical prophets—there’s something in his songs that is so resonant that people will be trying to figure the songs out for generations.”

John LaFarge, S.J., left an indelible mark on America—particularly in his unflagging devotion to the cause of racial justice for African Americans.

Joan Didion was capable both of conjuring up the horrors of modern life and of offering solace that there was still a point to it all.

In a year filled with good news and bad, more than a few Catholics stood out in the crowd (for better or for worse).

John Updike, long one of the nation's finest novelists and short story writers, also wrote extensively about the Christian imagination (and once on his misgivings about Santa Claus).

Charles R. Morris, who died on Dec. 13, was a prolific author with a broad range of interests and expertise. He also wrote a two-part history of America Media for our 100th anniversary.