Author: Emily Martin

Elizabeth Banks Directing & Co-Starring in RED QUEEN TV Series: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 25, 2021

Sponsored by HONEYCOMB, now on sale from Joanne M. Harris.

Elizabeth Banks Directing & Co-Starring in Red Queen TV Series

Elizabeth Banks is set to play a major supporting role and direct a Peacock TV drama series based on the best-selling YA fantasy novel Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. The novel imagines a near-future United States where democracy has been replaced by a monarchy ruled by those with super powers. Elizabeth Banks will also executive produce the project alongside Max Handelman through Brownstone Productions.

Kew & Willow Books Presents Neo-Noir at the Bar: A Night of Never Before Heard Crime Fiction

Kew & Willow Books, an independent bookstore based in Kew Gardens, Queens, is hosting Neo-Noir at the Bar: a night of never before heard crime fiction. Join the online event on Friday, 6/11 at 7pm, eastern time. Neo-Noir at the Bar boasts a talented panel of authors reading from new or upcoming titles. Panelists include: Melissa Ginsburg, Alex Segura, Kellye Garrett, Rob Hart, Elizabeth Little, Steph Cha, SA Cosby, Rachel Howzell Hall, PJ Vernon, Amina Akhtar, Lori Rader-Day, Ivy Pochoda, and Mia P. Manansala.

Graphic Novel About Freddie Mercury Coming This Fall

Queen frontman Freddie Mercury is getting a graphic novel this fall. The rock legend will be the subject of Freddie Mercury: Lover of Life, Singer of Songs, a graphic novel written by comic book author Tres Dean. Publisher Z2 Comics says in a press release posted on Queen’s official website: “For the first time in comics format, Freddie Mercury: Lover of Life, Singer of Songs will be a journey through Freddie’s life; from his childhood in Zanzibar and India, through his formative years in England, to become the rock star known and loved by millions around the globe. The story is told in his own words, with each chapter giving a glimpse into the many facets of his life.”

Haddonfield’s Drag Queen Story Hour Brings Criticism From Some Community Members

Haddonfield’s Drag Queen Story Time is one of several Drag Queen Story Hours across the country that promotes diversity and inclusion. But Haddonfield’s program is drawing some criticism for feared “sexual content.“

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Timothée Chalamet to Play Young Willy Wonka in a Movie Musical: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 24, 2021

Sponsored by Flatiron Books, publisher of Palace of the Drowned by Christine Mangan.

Timothée Chalamet to Play Young Willy Wonka in Upcoming Movie Musical

Timothée Chalamet will play a young Willy Wonka in the Warner Bros. prequel film Wonka, which follows the early life of the world’s most famous chocolatier. The plot details of the upcoming film are being kept under wraps, but we do know it is a musical, and that characters from the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory like Charlie Bucket will not be included.

Alexandra Huynh Named National Youth Poet Laureate

Eighteen-year-old poet Alexandra Huynh was named the new National Youth Poet Laureate this past Thursday. Since the announcement last week, Hyunh says she’s been “swimming in a pool of gratitude” and that she hopes her writing can inspire others to look to poetry to “process emotions and create change in communities.” The full National Youth Poet Laureate ceremony, including a reading of all of the finalists’ poems, can be viewed here.

Hulu Releases Love, Victor Season 2 Trailer and Key Art

Love, Victor is coming back for a second season on June 11, and Hulu has released a new trailer and key art from the show. In a press release, Hulu said that the second season would find “a newly out of the closet Victor entering his junior year at Creekwood High. But being out brings with it new challenges, as Victor faces a family struggling with his revelation, a heartbroken ex-girlfriend in Mia, and the difficulties of being an openly gay star athlete — all while navigating the excitement of his relationship with Benji.” The series is inspired by and set in the same world as Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and subsequent novels from the “Simonverse.”

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Books Like Mama Mia!

Mamma Mia! fans, summer is around the corner. And summer is the perfect time to read these books that are perfect for people who love Mama Mia!

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Get a First Look at Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra’s New Thriller THE RUMOR GAME: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 22, 2021

Netflix Announces 3D Adaptation of Mech Cadets

Netflix has announced that they are making a 3D animated adaptation of Mech Cadets. This show will be based on the original Boom! Studios comic book series Mech Cadets by writer Greg Pak and artist Takeshi Miyazawa. Boom! Studios will serve as the executive producer alongside Japanese studio Polygon Pictures, Inc. Aaron Lam will executive produce and write the series. No release date has been announced just yet.

Get a First Look at Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra’s New Thriller The Rumor Game

Did you love Tiny Pretty Things? Well, authors Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra are back with a new thriller entitled The Rumor Game, and you’re going to love it too. The authors’ new YA novel hits shelves on March 1, 2022, and the story follows students of an elite private school called Foxham Prep in Washington D.C. You can get a first look at the new novel now exclusively from Entertainment Weekly, including a cover reveal and a peek at some of the pages from chapter 3.

Announcing TorCon 2021 Schedule of Events

Get ready to stay home and geek out. TorCon is back for another virtual convention, from June 10 through June 13. On these dates, Tor Books, Forge Books, Tordotcom Publishing, Tor Teen, and Nightfire will present 10 panels featuring more than 30 of your favorite authors. Guests include Gillian Flynn, Charlie Jane Anders, Holly Black, and many more! You can register for panels here.

The StoryGraph Review: Is It Worth Replacing Goodreads?

There are plenty of Goodreads alternatives out there, but could The StoryGraph possibly be the one that will replace Goodreads? Here’s your Book Riot review of The StoryGraph.

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Stacey Abrams Signs Deal for 2 More Political Thrillers: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 21, 2021

Rebecca Ferguson to Star in Adaptation of Hugh Howey’s Wool

Rebecca Ferguson, star of Dune and Mission: Impossible, is set to executive produce and star in an Apple TV+ series adaptation of Hugh Howey’s Wool. Howey’s Wool trilogy is set in a future world where a community lives in a giant silo deep underground. Graham Yost (Masters of the Air) will write the script, and Morten Tydlum (Defending Jacob) is directing the series.

Stacey Abrams Signs Deal for 2 More Political Thrillers

Doubleday and Anchor Books announced Thursday that Stacey Abrams has signed a deal for two more political thrillers to follow up her latest book While Justice Sleeps. That means the return of law clerk Avery Keene for two more books. “I am thrilled to continue the story of Avery Keene – an exciting and brilliant protagonist – with Doubleday,” Abrams said in a statement. “Avery began her adventures in While Justice Sleeps, and now we can follow her as she discovers what’s next for her and those she loves in the years ahead.”

Storytel Audiobooks Will Be Available on Spotify Later This Year

Spotify has announced a new partnership with Storytel, one of the world’s leading audiobook streaming services. Later this year, Storytel users will be able to enjoy Storytel audiobooks on the Spotify platform by linking their accounts. Spotify promises that this is only the beginning of what they plan to offer on Spotify’s Open Access Platform. Stay tuned for more details on additional partners and ways to access the program, which is launching later this year.

3 New and Upcoming Diverse YA Contemporary Romances

Romance is in the air when it comes to Young Adult books. Here are three new and upcoming diverse YA contemporary romances to swoon over.

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Kentaro Miura, Creator of Bestselling Manga BERSERK, Dies at 54: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 20, 2021

Sponsored by Not Our Summer by Casie Bazay.

The Drama Book Shop Reopening in June

The Drama Book Shop will be reopening on June 10 at its previously announced new location: 266 West 39th Street. The shop—which had been a major part of the theatre community in New York—was going to close permanently. But The Drama Book Shop was saved in a last minute purchase in 2019 by Hamilton collaborators Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Jeffrey Seller, and James L. Nederlander. The new location was designed by Hamilton scenic designer David Korins, paying homage to 20th century European cafes and reading rooms. If you’re planning a visit to the shop, you can book a priority entrance time at DramaBookShop.com. The store will be open 9 AM–8 PM on weekdays, 10 AM–8 PM on Saturdays, and noon–6 PM Sundays.

Game of Thrones’ Nathalie Emmanuel to Star in Dracula-Inspired Horror Film

Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones) and Garret Hedlund (Tron: Legacy) are starring in The Bride, a new Dracula-inspired horror film, directed by Jessica M. Thompson (The Light of the Moon). There’s no word yet as to what characters the two lead actors will play, but the story is a contemporary horror film inspired by the Bram Stoker classic Dracula, with perhaps a little Rebecca thrown in as well.

Kentaro Miura, Creator of Bestselling Manga Berserk, Dies at 54

Kentaro Miura, the creator of the dark fantasy manga Berserk, has died at the age of 54. Miura wrote and drew Berserk, which is one of the bestselling manga series of all time. His US publisher Dark Horse Comics, described Miura as a “master artist and storyteller.” They said, “He will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”

13 Movie and TV Adaptations of Horror Books and Where to Stream Them

Here are 13 horror movies and TV shows based on books, including information on where you can stream them right now. Grab your popcorn, turn down the lights, and get ready to be scared.

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Marvel Announces New Black Panther Series: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 19, 2021

John le Carré’s Final Novel Silverview to be Published in October

Silverview, the final novel written by John le Carré before his death in December at the age of 85, will be published this October. Le Carré gave his blessing to publish the novel, which follows the story of Julian Lawndsley, a bookseller who becomes embroiled in a spy leak. Le Carré’s youngest son Nick Cornwell, an author who publishes under the pen name Nick Harkaway, said of Silverview, “The book is fraught, forensic, lyrical, and fierce, at long last searching the soul of the modern Secret Intelligence Service itself. It’s a superb and fitting final novel…This is the authentic le Carré, telling one more story.”

Marvel Announces New Black Panther Series

Marvel has announced a new Black Panther series launching this August. The new series, helmed by 12 Years A Slave’s John Ridley and Marvel’s Stormbreaker artist Juann Cabal, will be an “action-packed espionage series” where many secrets from T’Challa’s past will come to light. In an exclusive interview with The New York Times, Ridley explained, “It’s a hybrid espionage-Super Hero thriller, but at its core, it’s a love story.” The first issue hits stands August 4th.

New Imprint Legendary Comics YA Launches with 5 Original Graphic Novels

The new Young Adult graphic novel imprint Legendary Comics YA is launching with five original graphic novels. The imprint states that it’s “dedicated to telling original and character-driven stories across a wide array of genres. With a commitment to amplify new voices, spotlight diverse perspectives, and seek out passionate talent telling authentic stories, the imprint gives emerging and veteran artists a platform to share stories never told before and retell classics from a new point of view, in hopes to transport readers to other worlds that span a range of genres, from fantasy to historical fiction, and beyond.” The imprint’s first graphic novel, Championess by Kelly Zekas, Tarun Shanker, and Amanda Perez Puentes, is in stores now. The Heart Hunter by Mickey George and V. Gagnon will be out August 3rd of this year. The remaining three titles will be out towards the end of 2021/beginning of 2022.

20 Must-Read Books You May Have Missed Because of the Pandemic

Hey, 2020 and 2021 have been wild rides. If you’ve missed some of the must-read books of the past year or so, that’s understandable. Here are 20 must-read novels you might have missed that were published at the height of the pandemic.

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Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Summer Reading Camp is Back: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 18, 2021

Sponsored by Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica, from Park Row Books.

Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Summer Reading Camp is Back

Pizza Hut is bringing back its summer reading program Camp BOOK IT! for a second year. The free, virtual camp is open to kids ages 4-12 and runs from June to August. Parents can track their children’s reading goals via a digital dashboard, and when kids meet their goals, they will receive a voucher for a free one-topping personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. Sorry, grown-ups. This reading program is just for the kids. But if you’re feeling nostalgic for your childhood BOOK IT! days, Pizza Hut is selling vintage-style T-shirts with the retro logo for $10.

DPLA Signs Agreement to Make Amazon’s Ebooks Available to U.S. Libraries

Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) has announced that they signed an agreement with Amazon Publishing to make Amazon’s roster of approximately 10,000 ebooks and audiobooks available to U.S. public libraries. This marks the first time Amazon ebooks have been available to libraries. Titles will start to become available this summer, and DPLA expects for libraries to be able to access all of the Amazon Publishing titles by the end of the year.

Main Street Books to Host Lin Manuel Miranda Virtual Book Launch Event

Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina, is hosting a virtual book launch event for Lin Manuel Miranda’s new book In the Heights: Finding Home. At the June 15th launch, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara Alegria Hudes, and Jeremy McCarter—the creative team behind the musical In the Heights—will discuss creativity, community, and of, course, their new book about the show. Tickets for the Zoom event cost $40 and include a hardcover copy of the book.

6 Audiobooks By Palestinian Women Writers

Here are six audiobooks by Palestinian women authors who each tackle different topics around their Palestinian identity and perspective.

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Cover Reveal for Tochi Onyebuchi’s New Novel GOLIATH: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 17, 2021

Sponsored by One World, publishers of ANGEL & HANNAH by Ishle Yi Park.

“Household Book” of Jane Austen’s Favorite Recipes to be Published

Have you been dying to try Jane Austen’s favorite cheese toastie? Well, now you can. The cheese toastie recipe, among many others, will be published in a “household book” written between 1798 and 1830 by Martha Lloyd. Lloyd was a close friend of Austen’s, and she lived with Austen, her sister Cassandra and their mother for many years. Jane Austen loved Lloyd’s cheese toastie recipe, and she was also a big fan of Lloyd’s white soup, a recipe also included in the book. This white soup is mentioned in Pride and Prejudice by Mr Bingley, who says he will host ball at Netherfield, “and as soon as Nicholls has made white soup enough I shall send round my cards.” Additionally, this book includes a recipe for mead, Austen’s favorite drink, and also has the only surviving recipes written by Austen’s mother.

Here’s the Cover Reveal for Tochi Onyebuchi’s New Novel Goliath

Tochi Onyebuchi, author of Riot Baby, is releasing his second adult novel Goliath on January 22, 2025. And earlier today, Tordotcom Publishing shared the cover for the upcoming science fiction epic novel. The cover includes a blurb from author Leigh Bardugo that says, “Onyebuchi sets fire to the boundary between fiction and reality, and brings a crumbling city and an all too plausible future to vibrant life. Riveting, disturbing, and rendered in masterful detail.”

P.E.I. Writer’s Guild Hosting Online Self-Publishing Series

During May and June, the P.E.I. Writer’s Guild is offering a series of webinars covering various aspects of self-publishing. The series will kick off this Wednesday with self-publishing 101, facilitated by C.E. Flores. All sessions will take place online and cost from $20 to $30. To register or for more information, visit peiwritersguild.com.

The Expanded Star Wars Universe, Explained by Someone Who Has Never Seen a Star War

One star wars n00b takes a stab at explaining the wide universe of Star Wars and its books, including A New Dawn.

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Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill Returning for Sequel to Last Year’s Hit Netflix Film ENOLA HOLMES: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 15, 2021

Sponsored by Bookfinity - Start reading, stop searching!

Raven Leilani Wins Dylan Thomas Prize for Her Debut Novel Luster

30 year-old author Raven Leilani has won this year’s £20,000 Dylan Thomas Prize for her debut novel Luster. Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Indian author Namita Gokhale called Leilani’s work “accomplished,” and said, “This is an important, uncomfortable book, in turns funny and angry, and always compelling…Raven Leilani is an astonishingly original new voice.” Leilani’s novel was the unanimous choice for the award, which is given to the best published literary work in the English language by an author aged 39 or under.

Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill Returning for Sequel to Last Year’s Hit Netflix Film Enola Holmes

Millie Bobby Brown is returning to solve more mysteries as the titular teenage super-sleuth in the sequel to last year’s hit Netflix film Enola Holmes. Also returning are director Harry Bradbeer, writer Jack Thorne, and of course actor Henry Cavill, who will reprise his role as Enola’s older brother Sherlock Holmes. The films are based on the Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer, a six-book series focused on Sherlock Holmes’ rebellious teenage sister. Announcing the franchise’s new installment, Mille Bobby Brown said, “Enola holds a special place in my heart — she’s strong, fearless, intelligent and brave. I look forward to fans seeing how her journey continues!”

Here Are the Winners of the 33rd Annual Triangle Awards

The Publishing Triangle has announced the winners of the 33rd annual Triangle Awards. The awards honor the best LGBTQ fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and trans literature published in 2020. Awards are given out across many genres, including fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. For a full list of winners, see the announcement here, and check out all the finalists in every category here.

20 of the Best New Psychological Thrillers

Get your heart racing with these 20 new psychological thrillers. These are the 10 best from 2020, and the 10 best ones coming in 2021.

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Stacey Abrams’ WHILE JUSTICE SLEEPS Will Be Adapted for TV: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 14, 2021

Stacey Abrams’ New Novel While Justice Sleeps Will Be Adapted for TV

Working Title Television has acquired the rights to Stacey Abrams’ latest novel While Justice Sleeps, and it will be adapted for a television series. Abrams will executive produce the project with Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. Abrams, a two-time New York Times bestselling author and political leader, said, “I created While Justice Sleeps to unravel a political mystery about power and secrets through the eyes of a protagonist dealing with her own demons. I am excited about the book’s release today, and I look forward to working with Working Title Television and Universal Studio Group to bring the intriguing world of Avery Keene to television.”

Richard Osman Wins Author of the Year at the British Book Awards

Richard Osman was named Author of the Year at the British Book Awards following the release his debut novel The Thursday Murder Club. The book follows a group of residents in a retirement village who work together to solve cold cases, but then find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery of their own. Osman told BBC News, “I am genuinely thrilled that people have loved The Thursday Murder Club, and this award is the cherry on the cake.” Other winners of the British Book Awards, which were held virtually, included Maggie O’Farrell for her novel Hamnet and Douglas Stuart for Shuggie Bain. You can see the full list of winners here.

Oprah Winfrey and Keanu Reeves Join Publishers Weekly’s New U.S. Book Show

Publishers Weekly’s new virtual book publishing trade show, the U.S. Book Show, has announced that Oprah Winfrey will be its opening keynote speaker, and Keanu Reeves will be on a panel speaking about his new graphic novel. Oprah and Keanu are just the latest celebrity speakers to be announced for the Book Show’s lineup. Other speakers include Elizabeth Warren, Ijeoma Oluo, Padma Lakshmi, Anthony Doerr, Stevie Van Zandt, and Brian Selznick. The U.S. Book Show will be live-streamed May 25-27 and will be available on demand through August 31.

Better Rating Systems Than the Goodreads System

The Goodreads rating system is far from perfect. Here are some suggested alternatives to the current Goodreads rating system.