Author: Emily Martin

Ada Limón Announced as the New Host of the Slowdown Podcast

Poet Ada Limón has been named the new host of the Slowdown podcast. The podcast is a collaborative effort between American Public Media and the Poetry Foundation, and its goal is to offer up a poem and a moment of reflection every weekday. The podcast will return for its third season on September 21st. Limón posted the news on Instagram, claiming this is the week “when all my secret projects get dragged into the light!” In addition to the upcoming premiere of season 3 of Slowdown, Limón’s got other projects in the works: her new book The Hurting Kind will be out in May 2022, and she’s just signed a new, three-book deal with Milkweed Editions. She’s also working on an anthology of animal poems called Beasts, which will be out in 2024.

Immortal Hulk #50 Will Be Joe Bennett’s Last Comic with Marvel

Marvel Comics has announced that they will no longer be working with Joe Bennett on any future Marvel projects. While Marvel did not explain the reason for the break in their statement, the news follows a statement from Bennett’s Immortal Hulk partner Al Ewing in which the writer called the artist’s work “reprehensible” and said he would no longer be working with him. The statement is in reference to bigoted artwork Bennett has drawn in the past, specifically a political cartoon, which caricatures some people as rats. “This isn’t the first issue with Joe that I’ve been made aware of,” Ewing said in a tweet. “I’ve spoken behind the scenes, but that’s no comfort to people at the sharp end of this kind of brutal propaganda.” Immortal Hulk #50 will be the last comic Joe Bennett creates with Marvel. He has been working with Marvel since 1994.

The Horror Writers Association Reveals Cover for Upcoming Inclusive Anthology

The Horror Writers Association has announced an upcoming inclusive horror anthology, coming out on July 19, 2022 from Mariner Books. And earlier this week, they revealed the cover for the upcoming book, featuring an illustration from Venezuelan graphic designer Pablo Gerardo Camacho. The anthology, entitled Other Terrors, is edited by Bram Stoker Award winners Vince Liaguno and Rena Mason. Other Terrors includes new works from Stephen Graham Jones, Alma Katsu, Tananarive Due, S.A. Cosby, Jennifer McMahon, Michael Thomas Ford, Ann Dávila Cardinal, and others.

8 TikTok Challenges and Book Trends to Join

New to BookTok and looking for ideas to get you started? A seasoned pro looking for new inspiration? TikTok book challenges are a great place to find that inspiration.

Steph Curry to Produce Adaptation of Black Brother, Black Brother

Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton’s Unanimous Media is teaming up with Netflix to make a feature film adaption of the YA sports novel Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Curry included the novel in his Underrated Book Club, which aims to highlight authors, stories, and characters who don’t get as much recognition. In a joint statement, Curry and Peyton said, “Jewell’s Black Brother, Black Brother is a powerful story that addresses prejudice, colorism and bullying through an amazing sports lens. We are thrilled to be partnering with Netflix, it is really the only place it belongs.”

Stacey Abrams Reveals Cover of New Children’s Book

On Twitter, Stacey Abrams revealed the cover of her first ever children’s book Stacey’s Extraordinary Words. In her tweet, Abrams thanked Kitt Thomas for the “fantastic illustrations.” Harper Children’s is releasing the book on December 28, 2021. You can preorder the book right now.

Karen Tei Yamashita Receives the 2021 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters

The National Book Foundation has announced Karen Tei Yamashita as the recipient of the 2021 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. The prize includes a $10,000 cash award. Yamashita is one of only two Asian Americans to receive this award in its 34-year history, the other Asian American recipient being Maxine Hong Kingston. Other previous winners include Toni Morrison, Robert Caro, and Walter Mosley. The National Book Foundation will honor Yamashita in an in-person ceremony in Manhattan on November 17th.

Students Protest Book Bans in Pennsylvania School District

Students at Central York High School are protesting a four-page list of banned materials by Black and Brown creators, leaders, and thinkers.

The Marvel Unlimited App Relaunches with Exclusive Comics

Marvel Unlimited, an app that gives readers access to almost every Marvel comic published with a monthly subscription, has relaunched with exclusive Infinity Comics from a stellar lineup of creators, including Jonathan Hickman. When the the app initially launched in 2007, there were some bugs and other technical issues, but the new app has fixed its technical problems and has made the user experience more streamlined. Marvel Entertainment president Dan Buckley said in a statement. “With this relaunch, we’re bringing fans an even richer experience with Marvel stories designed in a dynamic vertical format for the first time. Our new Infinity Comics give our creators a chance to tell stories in entirely new ways, and we’re looking forward to connecting our fans to those stories in the months to come.” You can find the new Marvel Unlimited in the app store.

Netflix Drops the Trailer for Baby-Sitters Club Season 2

The wait is almost over for the second season of The Baby-Sitters Club, and to get you even more excited, Netflix has dropped a trailer for the new season. Season 2, which comes to the streaming platform on October 11, will see the core five of the club add two junior members: Mallory Pike (Vivian Watson) and Jessi Ramsey (Anais Lee). This season also has Kyndra Sanchez taking over the role of Dawn Schafer. The new trailer also features Kate Nash’s cover of “Say Hello to Your Friends,” the theme song from the 1990 adaptation of The Baby-Sitters Club.

Columbia University Offers A Free Course on Dante’s Divine Comedy

Columbia University is offering a free course on Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, just in time to honor the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s death (September 14). Columbia professor Teodolinda Barolini has posted an online course for anyone looking to read Dante’s Commedia from beginning to end. Barolini’s course includes 54 recorded lectures, covering Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso.

The 25 Top Books of 2021 According to Goodreads

Here are the top 25 books of 2021, according to Goodreads users. These books all have an average rating of 4.25/5 or higher, ranked by 10,000 people or more.

Nancy Pearl Receives National Book Foundation’s 2021 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service

Earlier today, on September 8, the National Book Foundation announced that renowned librarian Nancy Pearl, who was once the executive director of the Washington Center for the Book at Seattle Public Library, is the recipient of the 2021 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. The award honors individuals who have worked to promote books and reading. Past winners include Maya Angelou and James Patterson. Recipients of the award receive $10,000 and a medal. The Washington Post‘s Ron Charles will present the award at the 72nd National Book Awards Ceremony on November 17.

Joan Allen to Narrate Audiobook Version of Hillary Clinton’s Upcoming Political Thriller

Academy Award-nominated actress Joan Allen will be narrating the audiobook version of the upcoming political thriller co-written by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny: State of Terror. In a statement issued through Simon & Schuster, Penny said, “I am such a fan of Joan Allen…She will brilliantly bring to life all the diverse characters and elements, from drama, to thriller, to humor and, best of all, make it all deeply human.” Clinton agreed, saying, “She will bring our characters and their adventures alive for listeners.” State of Terror is scheduled to come on on October 12.

The Scotiabank Giller Prize Presents Its 2021 Longlist

Elana Rabinovitch, Executive Director of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, announced the 2021 longlist earlier today via their website, their YouTube channel, and their Facebook page. The following 12 titles were chosen from 132 books submitted by publishers from across Canada: Astra by Cedar Bowers, What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad, Glorious Frazzled Beings by Angélique Lalonde, The Son of The House by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, A Dream of a Woman by Casey Plett, The Octopus Has Three Hearts by Rachel Rose, Swimming Back to Trout River by Linda Rui Feng, The Listeners by Jordan Tannahill, Em by Kim Thúy, Fight Night by Miriam Toews, The Strangers by Katherena Vermette, and We, Jane by Aimee Wall. The longlist was selected by a panel of five judges: Canadian authors Zalika Reid-Benta (Jury Chair), Megan Gail Coles, Joshua Whitehead, Malaysian novelist Tash Aw, and American author Joshua Ferris.

Quiz: Which Antiracist Book Should You Read Next?

Any of the books in this quiz would be a great antiracist book to read. The most important part is to make sure you follow through, and read with an open mind and a willingness to learn and change. And of course take action.

Gwendoline Christie Narrates Audiobook for Brian Selznick

Game of Thrones actor Gwendoline Christie is narrating the audiobook for Brian Selznick’s latest novel. Selznick is best known for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, and his latest book, Kaleidoscope, is coming out later this month, on September 21. Scholastic is calling Selznick’s novel “a multi-layered and spellbinding story about love, loss and friendship.” The audiobook will feature narration from Christie and music from Obie winner Robert Een. Christie said she thinks the book is “captivating, wildly imaginative and thrillingly phantasmagorical.”

Teen Author and Creator of #1000BlackGirlBooks Encourages Children to Get Library Cards

16 year-old Marley Dias is the American Library Association’s honorary chair for “Library Card Sign-Up Month,” and she wants to encourage children to get library cards. Dias has long been a lover of libraries and books. When she was 10 years old, Dias started the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, a book drive for stories featuring Black main characters. Since starting the campaign, she has collected and donated over 13,000 Black girl books. She’s also written a book herself, Marley Dias Gets It Done: and So Can You.

Now Dias is joining the Orange County Library System and libraries nationwide to encourage children to sign up for a library card. For kids that are still hesitant about using the library, Dias wants to tell them, “The most valuable resource is the librarian. If you want to go on the computer and play games, if you want to look up something about your town’s history, or just borrow a book, they will support and help you along the way.”

Jason Momoa Reveals New Aquaman Costume

On Sunday, Jason Momoa shared a first look at the new Aquaman costume, which will be seen in his upcoming DC superhero sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Momoa posted an image of his costume from the first film alongside a picture of the new costume, with the caption: “Second round. New suit. More action. #aquaman Aloha,” on Instagram. The new Aquaman film is set to hit theaters on December 16th, 2022.

7 Audiobooks for Science September

It’s Science September, so here’s a list of audiobooks to satisfy all of your scientific curiosities. Whether you’re into biology or the cosmos, there’s a book on this list for you!

Poet Amanda Gorman is the New Face of Estée Lauder

Poet Amanda Gorman has partnered with Estée Lauder as the beauty brand’s first-ever Global Changemaker. As part of their partnership with Gorman, Estée Lauder is contributing $3 million to launch and support the Writing Change Initiative to promote literacy. Additionally, Gorman plans to participate in other philanthropic activities with the brand. In an Instagram post about the partnership, Gorman said, “Together we will advance equality and social impact through supporting literacy globally. I can’t wait for us to get started!”

Park Seojoon Joins the Cast of the New Captain Marvel Movie

South Korean star Park Seojoon is making his Hollywood debut in Marvel’s upcoming Captain Marvel sequel, The Marvels. Seojoon has starred in several K-dramas, including Itaewon Class, She Was Pretty, and Hwarang: The Poets Warrior Youth. The actor also had a starring role in the Academy Award-winning film Parasite. Details about Seojoon’s role in The Marvels have yet to be released. Awesome ENT announced on Friday, September 3 that the actor was flying to LA to start filming the movie. In their statement they also said, “We thank the many people who have shown interest and support for Park Seo Joon as he takes on this new challenge.”

Faber Opening A Pop-Up Shop to Celebrate New Sally Rooney Novel

Faber will be opening a pop-up shop in Shoreditch to celebrate the publication of Sally Rooney’s latest novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You. The pop up shop is a gallery space located at 17 Great Eastern Street. The shop will sell copies of Rooney’s new novel, her previous works, and some of her recommended reads. Waterstones Piccadilly will also host an event with the author the night before her book’s release.

Racism in the Dewey Decimal System

You may not have thought about racism in the Dewey Decimal System before, but unfortunately it exists. And despite the attempts to decolonize the system, problems remain.

Taraji P. Henson and Gabrielle Union to Adapt SORCERORITY

Taraji P. Henson and Gabrielle Union are teaming up with producer Effie T. Brown to adapt Mikhail Sebastian and George Watson’s graphic novel Sorcerority. The story follows Melanie, a young girl who enrolls in an African American coven and university of magic. The first three chapters of Sorecerority are available to be read through the website sorcerority.com. “Sorcerority’s depiction of Black girl magic and sisterhood offers such a fresh and unexpected perspective, and we can’t wait to bring Mikhail and George’s beautiful graphic novel to life,” Effie T. Brown said in a statement. Further details about casting and production have yet to be announced.

Tordotcom Publishing Reveals the Cover of Nghi Vo’s New Novel

Award-winning author Nghi Vo has a new novel coming out on May 10, 2022, and earlier this week, Tordotcom Publishing revealed the cover. Vo’s latest novel, Siren Queen, is a coming of age story that follows Luli Wei, a beautiful, talented Chinese American girl who longs to be a star. But Hollywood is filled with monsters, and not just the ones on screen. Luli is ready to do whatever it takes to make it in the cutthroat world of show business, even in it means becoming a monster herself.

LeVar Burton’s Reading Rainbow to be Celebrated in a New Documentary

A new documentary film from XTR, Butterfly in the Sky, will chronicle the story of Reading Rainbow, the legendary children’s television program helmed by LeVar Burton. Reading Rainbow is a PBS program that ran for 26 years, became the most-watched PBS program in the classroom, and won over 250 awards. Butterfly in the Sky seeks to celebrate the beloved show’s legacy and take a behind-the-scenes look at how Reading Rainbow came to be. The film will feature archival footage and interviews LeVar Burton along with others involved in the show.

Do Romance Novels Ruin Relationships?

Do romance novels ruin relationships? Absolutely not. Here’s what the science says about how romance novels affect (or don’t affect) romantic relationships.

Salman Rushdie Serializing New Novella on Substack

Salman Rushdie is launching a newsletter with Substack, where he will publish new fiction exclusive to the platform. It’s all starting with a new novella, The Seventh Wave, which will be published in his newsletter, Salman’s Sea of Stories. In first post, Rushdie explained, “The point of doing this is to have a closer relationship with readers. To speak freely, without any intermediaries or gatekeepers. There’s just us here, just you and me, and we can take this wherever it goes.” The newsletter will be free, but paying subscribers will have access to additional content, including more newsletters, “personal stories” and “the stories behind the stories I’ll be telling,” according to Rushdie. There will also be private forums where Rushdie can interact directly with readers.

Season 3 Will Be the Last Season of Dickinson

Apple announced earlier today that the third season of Dickinson will be its last, which is just as creator Alena Smith envisioned. The 10-episode final season will include guest stars Ziwe as Sojourner Truth, Billy Eichner as Walt Whitman, and Chloe Fineman as Sylvia Plath. Creator/showrunner Smith said, “When I set out to make Dickinson, I envisioned the show as a three-season journey that would tell the origin story of America’s greatest female poet in a whole new way, highlighting Emily’s relevance and resonance to our society today…I can’t wait to share our epic final season with the world, and to bring our audience along with us to the conclusion of Emily’s coming-of-age saga.” The first three episodes of Dickinson‘s final season will be available on November 5th, and then the show will release new episodes weekly, with the series finale set for December 24th.

School’s Book Ban Targets Authors of Color

Central York High School has released a list of banned books, movies and other teaching materials. One teacher, who requested anonymity, responded to the four-page list by saying, “This is disgusting. Let’s just call it what it is — every author on that list is a Black voice.” The ban was the product of a school board decision in response to social studies curriculum inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. Banned books include Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad and So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo. You can see a full list of banned books, documentaries, and other materials here. “They’re banning material from ‘Sesame Street,’ but not David Duke. They’re banning PBS, but not the KKK,” Lauri Lebo, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Education Association, said in an email. “They’ve even banned the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators’ statement on racism — which acknowledges that racism exists and is bad.” Another teacher who wished to remain anonymous stated her concerns with the ban: “This targets Black people, and now my concern is you have teachers afraid to teach.”

Is DC Really Making Superman Gay?

Are the rumors true? Is DC really making Superman gay? Here’s how that rumor got started and the truth behind it.