Author: Emily Martin

Common Cast in Apple’s Sci-Fi Series Wool

Common, the grammy-winning rapper and star of John Wick 2, has joined the cast of Apple TV+’s sci-fi series adaptation of Wool, based on the trilogy by Hugh Howey. The story is set in a future world where people live in a silo hundreds of stories underground, where they believe they are protected from a toxic atmosphere. Common will play Sims, the silo’s head of judicial security. He joins an already star-studded cast, including Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, Rashida Jones, and David Oyelowo. No release date for the series has been announce yet.

Solange Knowles Launches Free Library of Rare Books by Black Authors

Solange Knowles, through her creative studio Saint Heron, is launching a public library of rare, out-of-print books spotlighting Black authors, poets, artists, and other creatives. As of today, readers are welcome to borrow one of the library’s 50 titles, completely free of charge. Shipping and return postage is also covered. Borrowers can enjoy the books for up to 45 days at no expense. Books are available to rent out at saintheron.com on a first come, first served basis starting today, October 18, at 12pm EST.

Milestone Animated Movie Based on Classic Black DC Superhero Characters in Development

A new animated movie based on comics from DC’s Milestone Media imprint is in development. Writer-producer Reginald Hudlin and Milestone co-founder Denys Cowan announced the new project at the DC FanDome event this past Saturday. The movie will be written by Brandon Thomas and produced by Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. While details of the film have yet to be announced, Cowan hinted that the movie would feature an ensemble cast, including characters like Static, Hardware, and Icon and Rocket. Cowan said, “This has been the thing that Milestone fans have been dreaming about for a long time, and we’re happy to give it to you, finally.”

Great New Nonfiction in Translation

There have been a lot of great nonfiction titles released in translation recently. Here are nine new translations from around the world.

Time is running out to grab Book Riot’s limited edition merch, celebrating our 10th birthday!

Virginia Beach School Board Fights to Ban Toni Morrison Book

School board members in Virginia Beach are fighting to ban work by Toni Morrison due to the “pornography” and “pedophilia” found in the book. Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye is on a list of novels being challenged for “pornographic” content, along with Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines, and Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. Two school board members, Victoria Manning and Laura Hughes, were the ones to question the books’ contents. Last week, Manning wrote in a letter sent to Virginia Beach City Public Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence, “It has been brought to my attention by some parents that there are some disturbing books in our district that are available to students.” In regards to The Bluest Eye, Manning said she didn’t read the whole book, but “just reading a few of the pages gives me utter disgust.” Superintendent Aaron Spence says that all of the schools’ physical and digital materials have been vetted by instructional staff with the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Will Poulter Joins the Guardians of the Galaxy Cast

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has added Will Poulter to its cast in the role of Adam Warlock. Sources say that multiple actors were considered to play the classic Marvel character, including Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page and 1917‘s George MacKay. James Gunn, who is the director for all three of the Guardians of the Galaxy films, tweeted, “Welcome to the Guardians family, Will Poulter. He’s an amazing actor and wonderful guy. See you in a couple weeks.” Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has a release date of May 3, 2023.

Here’s the Shortlist for the TS Eliot Prize for Poetry

Ten collections make up this year’s shortlist for the TS Eliot prize for poetry. This year’s contenders for £25,000 prize are: All the Names Given by Raymond Antrobus; A Blood Condition by Kayo Chingonyi; Men Who Feed Pigeons by Selima Hill; Eat or We Both Starve by Victoria Kennefick; The Kids by Hannah Lowe; Ransom by Michael Symmons Roberts; single window by Daniel Sluman; C+nto & Othered Poems by Joelle Taylor; A Year in the New Life by Jack Underwood; and Stones by Kevin Young. The winner of the 2021 prize will be announced in January.

School District Tells Teachers to Balance Holocaust Books with “Opposing” Views

Carroll school district has advised teachers to include books that have “opposing” perspectives on the Holocaust because of a new Texas bill.

Enniskillen Mounts Oscar Wilde Installation Inspired by THE HAPPY PRINCE

Enniskillen in Northern Ireland, where Oscar Wilde spent his youth, is honoring the author with an installation of gold-leaf sculpted swallows around the town. The gold-leaf swallows are a reference to one of Wilde’s most beloved stories The Happy Prince, in which a statue of a Prince asks a swallow to give his gold leaf and jewels to the poor people of the town. The installation is a literary tourism project from Arts Over Borders, which has mounted 150 gold-leaf sculpted swallows on 86 buildings around Enniskillen. Some of the swallows are positioned around town in places that were important to Oscar Wilde’s own life story. Many are places around the town center where a new mural of of The Happy Prince by Jordan Shaw was recently added.

Melinda Gates Starts Nonfiction Imprint

Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and founder of Pivotal Ventures, has formed a nonfiction imprint with Flatiron Books, a division of Macmillan. The new imprint, called Moment of Lift Books, will kick off with three nonfiction releases about women in girls, starting in 2023. In a statement, Gates said that while many advancements for gender equality have taken place in recent years, women’s lives and livelihoods were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gates said, “As the world works to advance an equitable recovery, Moment of Lift Books will publish visionaries who are helping ensure women’s voices and perspectives are not left behind. I hope their stories will inspire readers to join in the global fight for equality.” The first three release from the imprint include a book about refugee women by Jina Krause-Vilmar; and a book about allowing pregnant women attend school in Sierra Leone, by David Moinina Sengeh.

Tahereh Mafi Shares the Cover of Her New Novel, the Start of a New Trilogy

On Thursday, Tahereh Mafi posted the cover of her new novel on Instagram. Mafi’s new book, This Woven Kingdom, will be the start of a new trilogy inspired by Persian mythology. Mafi said in her Instagram post, “[I] really can’t wait to share this book with you all!” The cover for The Woven Kingdom features artwork by Alexis Franklin. The novel is available for preorder now and will be out on February 1st, 2023.

“Domestic Terrorists” Challenge Books in Texas, Indiana, Maine, and More

There are even more developments in censorship from this week, following book bans, challenges, and other attacks on intellectual freedom in the U.S.

Keke Palmer and Jasmine Guillory Collaborate on a Short Story Collection

Keke Palmer (who you can see soon in Jordan Peele’s highly-anticipated horror film Nope) has teamed up with romance author Jasmine Guillory to write a short story collection for Amazon Original Stories. The five short stories in Southern Belle Insults will be voiced by Palmer’s alter ego, Lady Miss Jacqueline. Palmer told Entertainment Weekly, “Anyone who has followed me on social media probably knows how unpredictable, fashionable, and feisty Lady Miss Jacqueline can be with her Southern Belle Insults. I am excited to share more of her complex world with her existing fans and introduce her to new readers on this journey filled with humor, inspiration, and self-discovery!” The stories will debut on November 9th and will be free to Amazon Prime members.

Cookbook by Elizabeth Haigh Withdrawn Due to Plagiarism Allegations

Cookbook publisher Bloomsbury Absolute has withdrawn Makan, Mei Mei owner Elizabeth Haigh’s debut cookbook, due to plagiarism allegations. Sharon Wee, the author of Growing Up in a Nonya Kitchen, claims Haigh’s book plagiarizes her cookbook, which came out in 2012. Wee issued a statement on Instagram, saying that she was “distressed to discover that certain recipes and other content from my book had been copied and paraphrased without my consent in Maken by Elizabeth Haigh… I am grateful that Bloomsbury has responded to my concerns by withdrawing Makan from circulation.” Further allegations followed Wee’s, which suggests that Haigh’s cookbook has pulled/plagiarized recipes from multiple sources.

Netflix’s You Has Been Renewed for a 4th Season

The third season of Netflix‘s popular series You is out Friday, October 15th, but the series has already been renewed for a fourth season. Showrunner Sera Gamble said, “We’re deeply grateful that Netflix has shown You such monumental support, and that people around the world have enjoyed watching Joe really get it all very wrong over the past three seasons. The whole You team is excited to explore new, dark facets of love in season four.” When the show will return for a fourth season and additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Gary Paulsen Has Died at Age 82

Beloved children’s author Gary Paulsen, winner of three Newberry Medals, and Margaret Edwards Award-winner, passed away on October 13, 2021.

Ovidia Yu’s Historical Murder Mystery Series is Being Adapted for TV

Singaporean writer Ovidia Yu’s historical murder mystery series have been optioned for television by international production company Poisson Rouge Pictures. Producer Christopher Granier-Deferre says he was first drawn to Yu’s series when he glimpsed the colorful bright orange cover of The Betel Nut Tree Mystery. He said, “I read it immediately and knew it was everything I had been looking for.” The plan for the series is to adapt Yu’s first six novels across two seasons. While the show is still in development stages, Granier-Deferre says he hopes the show will be out in 2023.

Netflix Announces A New Book Club

Netflix has announced a new one-of-a-kind book club! The Netflix Book Club will cover upcoming Netflix adaptations. The club’s inaugural host is Uzo Aduba, three-time Emmy Award winner and the star of the hit series adaptation Orange Is the New Black. Each month, Uzo will announce the book club selections based on what adaptations are making their way to Netflix. The club will include conversations about the adaptation process with the show creators, actors, and book authors. The first book club selection will be Passing by Nella Larson. This selection coincides with the upcoming adaption of the novel, which will be out on Netflix in November.

Alberta Wildlife Group Saves Calgary Bookstore Bat

An animal story perfect for the Halloween season: a tiny bat was discovered living outside Calgary bookstore The Next Page. When the bat was found, it was too cold to fly away. Thankfully, the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) was dispatched to rescue the bat, and now it’s doing just fine. Although the bat, which was identified as a Little Brown Myotis, is in good health now, AIWC says it will be keeping the bat for now because they’re unsure of where it hibernates and are concerned about its ability to find food. In a tweet, Alberta Bats said, “Thank you to The Next Page bookstore in Calgary, Ab. For taking steps to protect this little guy.”

The Best Books for Beginner Witches

‘Tis the season to delve into witchcraft. If you’re looking to learn the practice of witchcraft, we have you covered with these 7 books for beginners.

Here’s A First Look at Akwaeke Emezi’s Romance Novel

New York Times bestselling author Akwaeke Emezi is releasing their first romance novel, and you can get a first look at You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty on Entertainment Weekly’s website. “After spending most of my teenage years buried in romance novels, I always wanted to write one myself,” Emezi said. “You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty [is] a love letter to the brave choices we make in the name of love, the costs we pay for it, and the glory of the reward at the end.” Not only is this Emezi’s first romance novel, it’s also the first book with publisher Simon & Schuster, under the Atria Books imprint. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty is out on May 24, 2022.

Sally Rooney Will Not Release Her New Novel in Israel

Best-selling Irish author Sally Rooney will not release her new novel Beautiful World, Where Are You in Israel. Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper has reported that the book will not be published in Israel because Rooney is participating in a boycott. Tali Tchelet, a spokeswoman for Modan, the Hebrew-language publisher of her two previous novels, said in a statement, “When we asked about [Rooney’s] third book, the answer was that she is not interested to publish it in Israel.” In a statement, Rooney explained, “The Hebrew-language translation rights to my new novel are still available, and if I can find a way to sell these rights that is compliant with the BDS movement’s institutional boycott guidelines, I will be very pleased and proud to do so.” Rooney is one of several authors who have refused publication of an Israeli edition of a work. In 2012, Alice Walker cited “apartheid and persecution of the Palestinian people” as the reason she would not publish The Color Purple in Hebrew.

Stratford Library is Taking Steps to Remove Offensive Colonial Language from Its Catalogue

The Stratford Library in Ontario is working to remove outdated colonial language from the subject headings in its catalogue. This is part of a growing effort of many Canadian libraries to work towards better representing Indigenous people in their collections. Library catalogues have long had problems with the terms used to cover Indigenous subject matter. Sherri Bennewies, a library technician in Stratford, said these institutions “have a colonial bias, and many of [their subject headings] are seen today as racist, discriminatory and just plain incorrect. For instance, Native American creation stories get sorted with folklore or fairytales, while Biblical tales are in the nonfiction section.” The changes in the catalogue are just the beginning of what needs to be done to address the systemic issues within the system, but it is a start. X̱wi7x̱wa Library’s head librarian Sarah Dupont said, “It is a very helpful starting place that will have huge impacts across the country, but there is so much work to do locally and with different types of physical and digital collections.”

The Quiet Disappearance of Queer Stories in Nebraska: The Golden Sower Award List Draws Criticism

Quiet censorship has been happening in the discussions to select the 2022–2023 Golden Sower Award nominees. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s going on in Nebraska.

DC’s New Superman Jon Kent Comes Out As Bisexual

DC has revealed that the current Superman, Jon Kent, will come out as bisexual in the upcoming Superman: Son of Kal-El #5. The recently-launched comic series follows the adventures of 17-year-old Jon Kent, son of Kal-El/Clark Kent, as he grapples with the huge responsibility of taking up the mantle as Superman. Jon will be entering into a romantic relationship with hacktivist Jay Nakamura in the upcoming issue. Writer Tom Taylor told IGN, “When I was asked if I wanted to write a new Superman with a new #1 for the DC Universe, I knew replacing Clark with another straight white savior could be a real opportunity missed. I’ve always said everyone needs heroes and everyone deserves to see themselves in their heroes. Today, Superman, the strongest superhero on the planet, is coming out.”

Reginald Dwayne Betts’ Freedom Reads Offers Inmates Access to Books

Lawyer, poet, and recent MacArthur Grant recipient Reginald Dwayne Betts is opening 1,000 micro-libraries in prisons across the country through his non-profit, Freedom Reads. Betts says the name for the initiative comes from the idea the books “give you access to possibility, they reveal worlds to you,” and therefore they offer freedom. So far, Freedom Reads has shipped over 15,000 books to prisoners across the United States. Additionally, the organization has organized 49 reading circles in 14 states, begun development of curated reading lists for Freedom Libraries, and brought numerous authors to prisons to meet inmates.

Britney Spears Says She’s Writing A Book

Britney Spears is being released from her conservatorship, and now she’s telling her Instagram followers that she’s working on a new book. The famous pop singer said, “I’m writing a book📚 about a girl⁣ who was murdered 👀 … yet her ghost 👻 gets stuck in limbo because of trauma and pain and she doesn’t know how to cross over to the world she use to know 🌎 !!!!” In the comments, many of Spears’ followers noted the similarities between Britney’s book and her own personal story. Only time will tell if the book will be published, but there are plenty of Britney Spears fans who would love to read it!

Friends Forever: 11 Books Like The Baby-Sitters Club

Today is the day! Season 2 of The Baby-Sitters Club has come to Netflix! After you marathon the whole second season, here are 11 books like the Baby-Sitters Club that you’ll love to read next.

Poet Sonia Sanchez Wins the Gish Prize

Philadelphia poet Sonia Sanchez has won the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize. The prize, which is one of the country’s most prestigious and generous arts honors, includes a $250,000 cash award. The Gish Prize Trust announced on Thursday that they’ve awarded the prize to Sanchez “in recognition of her ongoing achievements in inspiring change through the power of the word.” Sanchez has written over 20 books, including Collected Poems, which was published earlier this year. “What an honor it is to receive this award, most especially since we as a country are attempting to answer the most important question facing us: what does it mean to be human?” Sanchez said in a statement. “I promise, as other artists do, that I will continue to write and talk about the importance of answering this question — the importance of celebrating the beauty of the world and its people.”

Yen Press is Bringing the Hit Webcomic The Beginning After the End to Print

Yen Press tweeted on Friday that they will be publishing the hit webcomic The Beginning After the End as a print comic. The manga series, written by TurtleMe and illustrated by Fuyuki23, follows the story of King Grey, who has been reincarnated into a new world filled with magic and monsters and given a second chance to live his life. King Grey questions his role in this new world and his reason for being brought back again.

Apple Renews Sci-Fi Epic Foundation for a Second Season

Apple TV+ is renewing its sci-fi epic series Foundation for a second season. Foundation is from showrunner David S. Goyer and Skydance Television and is based on Isaac Asimov’s trilogy of novels by the same name. Goyer said in a statement, “With season two, our audience will get to visit more of Asimov’s indelible characters and worlds, including Hober Mallow, General Bel Riose, and all the Outer Suns. I’m thrilled that a whole new generation of fans are reading Asimov’s brilliant masterwork.” Goyer has previously said that he envisions the show running for eight seasons.

Sue Grafton’s Alphabet Series Coming to TV, Contradicting Author’s Wishes

Sue Grafton’s alphabet series is being adapted for television. But this is a direct contradiction of what the author wanted.