Ms. Messud, 46, is married to the book critic James Wood.

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' " Says San Francisco lawyer Robert W. Wood, author of a recent book on lawsuits and taxes: "I don't think calling legal fund contributions 'gifts' flies.

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Chris thought I was losing my mind until he started reading some book where the protagonist starts chopping wood to keep from losing her mind.

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His idea was to find a book about bass making, locate some spare wood and see how far he could progress.

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Upstairs in the Town Hall with Ms. Wood, Thurman's supervisor, Ms. Cameron opened a handwritten book, dated 1906.

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There were no more than 30 guests at the luncheon, which took place in a ceremonious, wood-paneled dining room overlooking Central Park, but everyone seemed to have a book they wanted signed and a photo taken.

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In his book Pieces of My Heart, Wagner acknowledged that there had been an argument with Wood before she had disappeared, but authorities have said the actor is not a suspect in his wife's death.

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