Categories
Today In Books

Anderson Cooper to Interview Prince Harry About Upcoming Memoir SPARE: Today in Books

Leslie Grace Reveals Peek at Batgirl Costume from the Canceled HBO Max Movie

In a look-back end-of-year video posted on Instagram, Leslie Grace gave fans a look at the Batgirl costume that could have been in the canceled HBO Max movie. “thank u for teachin’ me, 2022. you were singular in many ways that will stay with me,” Grace, who would have starred in the titular role in the Batgirl film, wrote on Instagram. “my gratitude and love for life is much deeper thanks to the experiences you brought me. i take your lessons with me as we part.” The film, which was also to star Brendan Fraser and Michael Keaton, was supposed to premiere in 2023. The film was in final stages of post-production when it was canceled.

Jenna Bush Hager Introduces Streaking with Jenna 2023 Challenge

In 2023, Jenna Bush Hager is inviting you to develop a reading habit with Streaking with Jenna. The goal is simple: read every day, no matter how little or how much. The program has shared trackers that you can print or post on social media to keep up with your reading goals. Throughout the year, Streaking with Jenna will also invite participants to join in activities. Readers who keep up with their reading streak will also be eligible to win giveaways. To keep readers motivated, TODAY.com will also be regularly sharing advice on how to read more.

Anderson Cooper to Interview Prince Harry About Upcoming Memoir Spare

On Sunday, January 8, Anderson Cooper will be interviewing Prince Harry on 60 Minutes on CBS. This will be Harry’s first television interview discussing his upcoming memoir Spare, which will be out on January 10 of this year. You can catch the interview on Sunday or watch it anytime streaming on Paramount Plus.

January 2023 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

New year, new you, new books! Check out your January 2023 horoscope for a look at the month ahead and a new book perfect for your sign.

Categories
Today In Books

George R.R. Martin Gives Update on Future of GAME OF THRONES Franchise: Today in Books

Twin Peaks Meets My Best Friend’s Exorcism in E.M. Roy’s Let the Woods Keep Our Bodies

E. M. Roy’s debut novel Let The Woods Keep Our Bodies is being pitched as My Best Friend’s Exorcism meets Twin Peaks. Fangoria has shared the cover of the upcoming horror novel, featuring art by Ryan Caskey. The novel, which will be out from independent published Ghoulish Books on October 10, is available for preorder now.

George R.R. Martin Gives Update on Future of Game of Thrones Franchise

Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin has offered another update on the future of the franchise on HBO Max. While House of the Dragon has been renewed for a second season, Martin says some spinoff projects has been shelved. Meanwhile, other spinoffs “are moving faster than others, as is always the case with development. None have been greenlit yet, though we are hoping…maybe soon.” As for the projects that have been shelved for now, Martin remains optimistic. The author wrote, “You can take something off the shelf as easily as you can put it on the shelf. [Though] all the changes at HBO Max have impacted us, certainly.”

Protestors and Supporters Clash Outside of Drag Story Hour in Queens, NY

On Thursday, supporters and protesters of Drag Story Hour at a library faced off from opposite sides of the street in front of the Queens Public Library in Jackson Heights. “In recent months, anti-LGBTQIA+ protesters have descended on these family events, attempting to get into our libraries to disrupt them while shouting homophobic and transphobic slurs at performers and attendees,” said City Council members Erik Bottcher, Adrienne Adams, Shekar Krishnan, Crystal Hudson said in a joint statement. “They have also vandalized the homes of three members of this City Council who support Drag Story Hour. It is particularly disturbing that these anti-LGBTQIA+ protesters have focused their harassment in Jackson Heights and Chelsea, two neighborhoods with historical importance as safe communities and centers of organizing for the LGBTQIA+ movement in New York City.” One arrest was made on Thursday, but the NYPD have not announced what the charges were or if the individual was a protestor or a supporter.

Black Romance Has Always Been Here

While there are more Black authors helping bring Black romance into the mainstream, Black romance has a long history.

Categories
Today In Books

AGATHA: COVEN OF CHAOS and ECHO Still Coming from Marvel Studios in 2023: Today in Books

Here Are the Best Books of 2022, According to Cultural Tastemakers

Yes, there are always plenty of best-of-the-year book lists at the end of every year, but CNN has compiled a list of the best books of the year, according to cultural tastemakers. These are the books that notable authors, artists, image-makers, and other significant cultural figures were reading this year. So if you’re wondering what people like Jennette McCurdy, Ottessa Moshfegh, Emily Ratajkowski, and Hank Willis Thomas read in 2022, check this list out.

Philadelphia’s Oldest Black-Owned Bookstore Honored with a Blue Historical Marker

After 64 years of books and culture, Philadelphia’s oldest black-owned bookstore, Hakim’s Bookstore, is being commemorated with an official state historical marker. “[Hakim’s] is the first and the oldest African American bookstore opened in Philadelphia and on the East Coast,” said current owner Yvonne Blake, daughter of the bookstore’s original owner, Dawud Hakim. “We were a source of information and encouragement during the civil rights movement.” Blake says that the date for installing the blue and gold marker, part of the statewide program administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, has yet to be announced.

Agatha: Coven of Chaos and Echo Still Coming from Marvel Studios in 2023

Despite recent rumors that new Marvel Studios projects Agatha: Coven of Chaos and Echo might be delayed, a new promo from Marvel confirms both are still slated for 2023 releases. The promo features Marvel Studios’ projects from 2022 and shares a list of their slated projects for 2023. Agatha: Coven of Chaos has not started filming yet, but the streaming series is anticipated to premiere in late 2023.

The Worst-Rated Book-to-Movie Adaptations, According to Rotten Tomatoes

Here are the ten worst book-to-movie adaptations ever made, according to Rotten Tomatoes ratings, from a 44% approval rating to a measly 13%.

Categories
Today In Books

Guillermo del Toro PINOCCHIO Exhibit Opens at MOMA: Today in Books

Used Bookstore Helps Support Saratoga Springs Public Library

The Friends Books Shop in the Saratoga Springs Public Library offers residents a chance to find a new home for their used books, but the shop also benefits the library. All books sold in the shop go for about $1 to $6, and they’re all donations from community members. The bookshop’s mission is to help the library fund ongoing projects that go beyond their normal budget.

Guillermo del Toro Pinocchio Exhibit Opens at MOMA

While Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is currently streaming on Netflix and receiving rave reviews from critics, the Museum of Modern Art currently has a limited-time exhibit of the feature film. The exhibit includes clay puppets that brought the film’s story to life. Along with puppets in various stages of completion, museum goers can also check out handcrafted props and sets from the movie. Anyone visiting MOMA with a general admission ticket is welcome to see the exhibit, which runs now through April 15. Pinocchio will also be playing in the museum’s theater through January 4.

Dawn of the Jaguar: A Shadow Bruja Novel Gets A Cover Reveal

Read Riordan has an exclusive cover reveal of the upcoming second novel in J. C. Cervantes’ Aztec-inspired Shadow Bruja duology. This second novel, Dawn of the Jaguar, will finally give readers answers to what happened to Ren Santiago and her friends after Lords of the Night. Dawn of the Jaguar will be released on October 10.

Quiz: What Should Your 2023 Bookish New Year’s Resolution Be?

Trying to find the perfect bookish new year’s resolution to spice up your reading life? This quiz can help you find it!

Categories
Today In Books

WIRED Names Best Books of 2022: Today in Books

Otsego Library Transformed into Wonka Factory for Fundraiser

The Otsego Library in Michigan has transformed into the Wonka Factory from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for a fundraiser. Visitors can check out the Wonka Factory display during the library’s normal business hours. Donations will raise funds for children’s materials and the Rise & Shine Early Literacy Center. The event runs until Saturday, January 21st.

Brent C. Lambert Announces New Queer Sci-Fi Novella

Speculative fiction author Brent C. Lambert announced a new queer sci-fi novella, A Necessary Chaos. The author tweeted, “I’m particularly proud of having two queer Black people in a relationship with each other because we know how the industry do!” The novella is available for preorder now, and it will be out from Neon Hemlock in February 2023.

WIRED Names Best Books of 2022

WIRED named their picks for the 12 best books of 2022. The list includes fiction and nonfiction, speculative fiction, realistic fiction, books in translation, and more. Titles include The Employees: A Workplace Novel of the 22nd Century by Olga Ravn, Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung, and Tremors in the Blood by Amit Katwala. You can see the full list on their website.

The Best 2023 Bookish Wall Calendars

Make your 2023 calendar year bookish. Here are the best bookish wall calendars to hang in your home in 2023.

Categories
Book Radar

2023 is Going to Be a Great Year for Books and More Book Radar!

Happy almost New Year, friends!

I’m so excited for January and a new year. One of my big reading goals for 2023 is to buy fewer books and spend more time hitting my backlist so that I can stop telling people, “I have that, but I haven’t read it yet.” What are your big reading goals for this year? I’d love to hear about them. Feel free to reach out! In the meantime, let’s look back at the year in books and what’s coming soon!

Book Deals and Reveals

the cover of Ice by Amy Brady

With all of the icy weather across the country, now seems like a good time to share the cover reveal of this book: Ice by Amy Brady. Yes, this book covers the history of ice and how it has transformed our nation. It’s out from Putnam Books in June 2023.

Starz has released the first teaser for the 7th season of Outlanderand the premium cable outlet has announced the series will return in summer 2023. 

Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Books & Books bookstore chain in Miami, has launched HUBB (Helping Ukrainian Books and Booksellers) to support the Ukrainian literary community.

Cassandra Clare, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Shadowhunter Chroniclesis coming out with an adult fantasy novel in October 2023.

Donald Glover is attached to star in and produce a feature film set in Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man universe of Marvel Comics characters. The movie will focus on Spider-Man villain Hypno-Hustler. 

Patti LuPone has joined the cast of Disney+’s WandaVision spinoff Agatha: Coven of Chaos in a mystery role.

Nick Cutter’s underwater thriller The Deep is getting a series adaptation at Amazon. The series comes from C. Henry Chaisson, writer of Antlers and Apple series Servant.

Last week, Barack Obama shared his favorite movies, music, and (most importantly) books from 2022

Let’s keep the best of the year lists “rolling”: Rolling Stone has named their picks for the best music books of 2022.

What are some of the best YA books of 2022 and ones you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss? Here’s our roundup of the best YA books of 2022!

Book Riot published thousands of posts in 2022. Here are the top ten you were most interested in, from space operas to bedtime stories.

Book Riot’s 2023 reading log is here! It can help you track your reading stats and generate infographics to help you achieve your reading goals.

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Best Books of 2022

It’s time to look back at the books that really left an impression on me in this last year. These are my picks for the best books released in 2022. Which ones were your personal favorites? Let me know, and give me more books to add to my TBR in 2023.

cover of The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings

The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings — I loved Gidding’s Lakewood, so I was expecting to enjoy this one. But this was still so surprising. I think what surprised me the most was how funny this one was. I loved it.

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson — Tiffany D. Jackson was on my list last year for White Smoke, and now she’s done it again! This retelling of Stephen King’s Carrie was, dare I say it, even better than the original.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy — No offense to anyone, but when I pick up a celebrity memoir, it’s more to learn about the author than it is about reading a well-written book. But Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died is not just a well-written memoir; it felt like an incredibly important book. I would recommend this one to everyone, even if you’ve never even heard of McCurdy before.

The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes — This YA novel really had all the things: a heart-warming story of a family, a coming-of-age tale of a teen girl becoming more confident in herself and her sexuality, and a really adorable romance.

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey — It’s probably no secret that horror is one of my favorite genres, and this was for sure the scariest horror novel I read this year. Also, if you said you saw that ending coming, you’re lying.

Most Anticipated Books of 2023

And now that we’ve looked back, let’s look ahead. It was hard to narrow this down to just five, but here are five books I cannot wait to read in 2023.

cover of chain gang all stars

Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah — If you’ve read Friday Black, then you’re probably just as excited for Adjei-Brenyah’s debut novel as I am. I think we can expect this to be highly imaginative, maybe a little shocking, and incredibly thought-provoking.

Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez — This is Enriquez’s first novel to be translated into English, and it’s about dang time! I’m already enamored with the world Enriquez has created in her short story collections. I can’t wait to get lost in a full novel.

How to Sell A Haunted House by Grady Hendrix — I can’t believe I’ve gone a full year without a new Grady Hendrix book! The world is hungry for this one, and I’m right there with them.

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert — Somehow I’ve gone this long without reading a Talia Hibbert novel, even though she comes highly recommended. But now that she’s releasing her debut YA novel with Nicola and David Yoon’s imprint Joy Revolution? I’m ready to become a Talia Hibbert reader.

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones — This is the sequel to My Heart is a Chainsaw, which I also loved. I’m so excited to return to this story and, most importantly, the protagonist Jade Daniels, who is so beautifully vulnerable and flawed.

Want to read books from this newsletter? You can, for free! Get three free audiobooks with a trial to Audiobooks.com. Claim your 3 free audiobooks now!

What I Loved Watching in 2022

And just for funzies, I thought it would be cool to look back on the TV and movies that really stuck with me in 2022, especially those that are adaptations of books! Of course, I will never forget the final seasons of Atlanta or White Lotus season 2. But in terms of 2022 book adaptations, these were some of my faves:

What I’m Excited to Watch in 2023

Lots of adaptations are coming out in 2023, and probably my most anticipated one of the whole year is M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin, based on Paul Tremblay’s novel The Cabin at the End of the World. I am so, so, so pumped for this one! Seems unfair to even put anything else, so I’ll just leave it at that and see how the rest of the year unfolds.

And Here’s a Cat Picture!

a photo of a white and brown cat sleeping in front of bookshelves and a Christmas tree

Is this not the vibe this week, the week between Christmas and the New Year? There’s a sleepy Cersei, there are all the books I’m trying to read in 2023, and there’s our Christmas tree looking on, holding strong.

Well, that was really fun, friends! I’m so excited for the new year, and I hope you are too. Talk soon!

Emily

Categories
Today In Books

Barack Obama Shares His Favorite Books of 2022: Today in Books

Outlander Season 7 Gets Premiere Date & First Look

Starz has released the first teaser for the 7th season of Outlander, and the premium cable outlet has announced the series will return in summer 2023. This season will cover the sixth and seventh books in author Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series — A Breath of Snow and Ashes and An Echo in the Bone. Leads Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan are returning for the seventh season, along with Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, John Bell, David Berry, Caitlin O’Ryan and Paul Gorman. Joining the cast are Charles Vandervaart (playing William Ransom) Izzy Meikle-Small (as Rachel Hunter) and Joey Phillips (playing Denzell Hunter).

Hugh Jackman Teases Details About Deadpool 3

Hugh Jackman is teasing some details about the upcoming Deadpool 3 film, specifically information about the relationship between his character Wolverine and the character Deadpool. “Ten being really close, zero being the reality, we’re zero, we’re opposites, hate each other,” Jackman said on The Empire Film Podcast. “I’m just talking from my perspective, [Logan’s] frustrated by him, wants to be a million miles away from him or wants to punch him in the head. Unfortunately, he can’t be a million miles away from him in this movie, so I’m probably going to punch him in the head a lot.” Deadpool 3 is scheduled to be released on November 8, 2024.

Barack Obama Shares His Favorite Books of 2022

Last week, Barack Obama shared his favorite movies, music, and (most importantly) books from 2022. Although Obama admitted that he might be a little biased, the former president included his wife Michelle Obama’s 2022 book The Light We Carry at the top of his list. Also included: Trust by Hernan Diaz, Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel, The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams by Stacey Schiff, The Furrows by Namwali Serpell, South to America by Imani Perry, The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton, An Immense World by Ed Yong, Liberation Day by George Saunders, The Candy House by Jennifer Egan, and Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah.

Introducing the 2023 Reading Log!

The 2023 reading log is here! It can help you track your reading stats and generate infographics to help you achieve your reading goals.

Categories
Today In Books

Aubrey Plaza and Dan Murphy Return to Delaware to Promote New Book: Today in Books

Rolling Stone Announces Their Picks for Best Music Books of 2022

Rolling Stone has named their picks for the best music books of 2022. Included in the list is Joe Coscarelli’s Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story, Hua Hsu’s Stay True: A Memoir, and Danyel Smith’s Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop. You can see the full list — which was chosen by Rolling Stone reporters Jonathan Bernstein, David Browne, Andy Greene, Jeff Ihaza, Angie Martoccio, Michelangelo Matos, Mosi Reeves, Rob Sheffield, and Lisa Tozzie — at Rolling Stone.

Aubrey Plaza and Dan Murphy Return to Delaware to Promote New Book

Aubrey Plaza and her creative partner Dan Murphy, both Delaware natives, returned to their home state this week to promote their new children’s book The Return of the Christmas Witch. This picture book is a sequel to last year’s The Legend of the Christmas Witch. Despite the dreary weather, over 300 people showed up for the duo’s book reading and signing. As for the future of the series, Plaza and Murphy said at the event that they’d like to write a third book, and they would love to see the film get a live-action adaptation someday. “I just think it’s fun…and maybe I could get a part,” said Plaza.

Joely Richardson Joins Cast of Netflix’s One Day Adaptation

Joely Richardson has joined the cast of Netflix’s drama adaptation of David Nicholls’s bestselling novel One Day. Previously announced cast members in the series include Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall, and Eleanor Tomlinson. Mod and Woodall play leads Emma and Dexter. The story follows Emma and Dexter’s on-again/off-again relationship throughout their lifetime. Tomlinson plays Sylvie, one of Dexter’s exes. Richardson’s role in the series has yet to be announced.

What I Learned from Reading an Awards Longlist for the First Time

What happened when a reader who likes a good challenge set out to read the entire National Book Awards Longlist for Fiction?

Categories
Today In Books

HUNTER x HUNTER Manga on Hiatus Again: Today in Books

Perverted Book Club Hosts Readings in Surprising Locations

People are reading erotica in surprising places in New York City as part of a new series called the Perverted Book Club. The concept comes from creators Matt Starr and Zack Roif. Artists and writers read aloud selected works of erotica, including everything from Amazon sex toy reviews to Beatles fan fiction, to raunchy vintage love letters. Starr and Roif aim for each reading to take place in a “nontraditional reading space,” such as the Sbarro in Pennsylvania Station, or Blue Door Video, an old porn shop in the East Village of Manhattan. “To be clear, this is not at all ironic,” said Starr. “We wanted to take something that people typically do or read in private and bring it into a public, shared setting.”

Hunter x Hunter Manga on Hiatus Again

While the Hunter x Hunter manga briefly resumed serialization in October 2022, creator Yoshihiro Togashi will need to take a hiatus once again due to health complications. According to a note in the latest issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, this will be a temporary hiatus, but there is no word on when we can expect the manga to return. When Hunter x Hunter does return, it will no longer be a weekly serialization. The Weekly Shonen Jump editorial department will announce the publication dates and methods in the future. This will go into effect for Chapter 401 and beyond.

Barnes & Noble Taking Over Former Amazon Books Spots

For years chain bookseller Barnes & Noble has struggle to compete with online retailers like Amazon. But now B&N is actually growing its physical stores footprint, including two stores in places that used to be Amazon Books locations. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the company’s store expansion is leading a “big-box real-estate revival” in 2023. Barnes & Noble peaked at 726 locations nationwide in 2008, but the chain is now down to 600 stores. The Wall Street Journal reports that B&N looks to grow that number by 30 in the next year.

The Best YA Books of 2022

What are some of the best YA books of 2022 and ones you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss? Here’s our roundup of the best YA books of 2022!

Categories
Today In Books

WANDAVISION’s Spinoff Series Adds Patti LuPone in Mystery Role: Today in Books

Booksellers, Friends Raise Money for Ukraine

Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Books & Books bookstore chain in Miami, has launched HUBB (Helping Ukrainian Books and Booksellers) to support the Ukrainian literary community. Many of Kaplan’s literary friends are also joining in to help the effort, including translator and novelist Askold Melnyczuk from the University of Massachusetts, Boston; novelist Jane Unrue of Harvard’s Scholars and Artists at Risk Program; poet and memoirist Christopher Merrill, director of the University of Iowa International Writing Program; and poet and memoirist Carolyn Forche. HUBB has also received support from bookstores and booksellers, such as Brookline Booksmith in Brookline, MA; Bookends and Beginnings in Evanston, IL; and the Grolier Poetry Book Shop in Cambridge, MA. “When I heard just how devastating this war has been to its very rich literary community…I felt like supporting them was an undeniable undertaking that needed to happen,” Kaplan said. “We’re just beginning, but I feel a groundswell beginning and I know we can make a difference in so many brave souls‘ lives as they try to keep books and literature alive until the ravages of war are reversed.”

WandaVision‘s Spinoff Series Adds Patti LuPone in Mystery Role

Patti LuPone has joined the cast of Disney+’s WandaVision spinoff Agatha: Coven of Chaos in a mystery role. LuPone is a Tony Award-winning musical theater legend, and she joins the cast alongside Kathryn Hahn, who is reprising her WandaVision role as Agatha Harkness. Also starring in the new series are Aubrey Plaza, Joe Locke, and Emma Caulfield Ford. Coven of Chaos has yet to announce a premiere date, but it’s expected to debut in the winter of 2023-24 as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 5 rollout.

Black Adam 2 Not Moving Forward as Part of New DC’s “First Chapter”

Actor Dwayne Johnson announced earlier this week that Black Adam 2 would not be moving forward. This news comes as new DC Studios runners James Gunn and Peter Safran work to reshape the entire DC slate. “James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not be in their first chapter of storytelling,” Johnson wrote in a statement Tuesday. “However, DC and Seven Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters.” Gunn has also shared that he can’t wait to collaborate with Johnson soon.

Book Riot’s Most Popular Posts of 2022

Book Riot published thousands of posts in 2022. Here are the top ten you were most interested in, from space operas to bedtime stories.