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Illinois Set to Become the First State to End Book Bans: Today in Books

Christina Hendricks to Star in XYZ Films Thriller Reckoner

Christina Hendricks is attached to star in the upcoming psychological thriller Reckoner, based on the short story by the late Rachel Ingalls. The story will be adapted for the screen by Nissar Modi, who will also be stepping behind the camera for his directorial debut. The project will be produced by XYZ Films and Two & Two Pictures. Hendricks will play a rich woman whose affluent way of life is threatened when she encounters a young man with connections to a dark secret from her past. Nissar Modi called the story a “haunting tale of guilt, obsession and revenge.”

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal in Talks to Star in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet Adaptation

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are in talks to star in an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao. O’Farrell and Zhao will write the screen adaptation together. Liza Marshall of Hera Pictures and Pippa Harris and Sam Mendes are producing the film on behalf of Neal Street. Nic Gonda will be executive producing on behalf of Book of Shadows. 

Illinois Set to Become the First State to End Book Bans

Illinois might become the first state to punish public institutions for banning books. Democratic Governor JB Pritzker says he supports a House bill that would withhold state funding from any of Illinois’ 1,600 public or school libraries that remove books from their shelves. “In Illinois, we don’t hide from the truth, we embrace it and lead with it,” Pritzker said. “Banning books is a devastating attempt to erase our history and the authentic stories of many.” The House bill passed the state Senate 39 to 19 on Wednesday. Pritzker is now expected to sign the legislation.

Today is the First National Black Authors Day!

This May 4th is the first National Black Authors Day! The day’s founder spoke to us about the day’s purpose and how it came to be.