Author: Emily Martin

C.L. Polk’s Kingston Cycle is Being Adapted for Television and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date September 1, 2021

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s the cover reveal for an exciting new YA anthology. Game On, edited by Laura Silverman, features new works from Sona Charaipotra, Kathleen Glasgow, Gloria Chao, and more!

C.L. Polk’s award-winning Kingston Cycle (Witchmark, Stormsong, and Soulstar) is being adapted for television.

The 2021 Anthony Award winners have been announced.

MacArthur Genius Grant winner Jacqueline Woodson is publishing two new picture books for kids ages 5-8 in 2022, and here’s the cover reveal for one of them, The Year We Learned to Fly.

B.B. Alston’s Supernatural Investigations series will continue with Amari and the Great Game, out on April 5, 2022. Here’s the cover reveal!

Batwoman season 3 is adding Agent Carter’s Bridget Regan to the cast as Poison Ivy.

The first Cowboy Bebop comic, written by Dan Watters with art by Lamar Mathurin, is out in December.

New Line’s feature adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot has added Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, and Spencer Treat Clark to its cast.

H.E.R. will be making her acting debut in the upcoming musical feature film adaptation of The Color Purple.

Monday, August 30, 2021, marked the launch of a new literary prize, the Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Presses.

LeBron James has written a new children’s book, entitled We Are Family.

Here are 20 upcoming releases from small and university presses that you won’t want to miss.

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!

Can’t Wait for This One

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James (Riverhead Books, February 15, 2022)

Earlier this week, Marlon James announced the details of his upcoming follow-up to Black Leopard Red Wolf, and everyone is very excited. So the pick for the book I’m anticipating the most this week was an easy one. Moon Witch, Spider King is the second book in James’ Dark Star trilogy. This is a series that people keep comparing to Game of Thrones, which… fair enough. If you love fantasy and you’re looking for a new series to fill the Game of Thrones-shaped hole in your heart, then I absolutely encourage you to pick up this series. But I want to stress that James’ series is definitely doing its own thing, and the characters, world-building, and general feel of this story is unlike anything you’ve read before.

So what is this second book going to be about, you ask? Rather than being a linear sequel to the first book in the series, Moon Witch, Spider King takes place at the same time as Black Leopard, Red Wolf, but this time, we’re getting the story from a different perspective. While the first novel was told from the perspective of Tracker, this one is told by Sogolon the Moon Witch, who was Tracker’s adversary in the first novel. Of course, this means she’s going to see the story much differently. And it also means you can absolutely pick up this new novel and enjoy it before or after reading the first book in the series.

In fact, Marlon James encourages readers who haven’t read Black Leopard, Red Wolf to try out this one first. In his interview with Gizmodo, James said, “Because this is not a linear trilogy, the reader who has not yet read Black Leopard, Red Wolf could absolutely start with Moon Witch, Spider King. In fact, I’m looking forward to hearing their take on the BLRW, having gotten to Sogolon first.”

So now, basically, this means you have no excuse to not pick up this book when it comes out in February.

Literary Words of Wisdom

“People often felt the need to prepare a side of themselves to display to passers-by – as they might in a store window – and that such a display needn’t be taken so seriously.”

— Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

What’s Up in the Bookish Community?

My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing… I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.

This week, I’ve got more of just a general recommendation to keep you informed while you wait for me to come back in a week. I know. What will you do without me? (since I’m new here, I want to clarify that this was sarcasm… but I do really have a general recommendation for you)

If you’re wanting to keep up with all of the online book community gossip, Jess Owen‘s “Book CommuniTEA” YouTube videos are so informative and entertaining. Here’s a link to the most recent episode. Or if you’re looking to catch up on everything you’ve missed so far, here’s a playlist of all the videos so far.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

No playlist for you this week, but here’s an awesome music video, in honor of Beyoncé’s birthday this weekend. Our girl is turning 40!

Let’s keep Purrli going. What’s your favorite purr setting at the moment? Right now, I’m into a sleepy but lively purr on the “purrfect” end of things. Around one meow every four minutes just to keep things interesting.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Murray is sending us off for a long weekend here in his favorite pose, with his cute little paws folded under his chest in the perfect cat loaf position.

Murray is having deep thoughts about all the toys he’s going to play with this weekend and all the treats he’s going to try to steal.

And that’s this Thursday’s Book Radar! I’m going to miss checking in with everyone on Monday, but I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend. I hope you stay safe. And I hope you have a moment to rest and read. See you next Thursday!

❤️ Emily

Today In Books

Alicia Keys Adapts GIRL ON FIRE Into YA Graphic Novel: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date September 1, 2021

Sponsored by The Manningtree Witches by A.K. Blakemore

C.L. Polk’s Award-Winning Kingston Cycle is Being Adapted for Television

C.L. Polk’s award-winning Kingston Cycle is being adapted into a television series! 1212 Entertainment has acquired the rights to the series, which consists of Witchmark, Stormsong, and Soulstar. Alyssa Clark (Teen Wolf, Dominion, Servant, The 100) will write the screenplay. Polk said in a statement that the upcoming adaptation is a “dream come true,” adding, “I am delighted by the prospect of watching the story of Kingston unfold one episode at a time. I’m excited by this team’s vision and I’m looking forward to every minute of it.” A date, cast, and crew has not been announced as of yet.

Alicia Keys Adapts “Girl On Fire” Into YA Graphic Novel

Alicia Key’s 2012 hit single “Girl On Fire” is now the inspiration for a young adult graphic novel set to release next year. HarperCollins Publishers announced the project on Tuesday, stating that the graphic novel would tell the story of 14-year-old Lolo Wright who has telekinetic powers. Alicia Keys cowrote the book with Andrew Weiner, and it is illustrated by Brittney Williams. Keys said in a statement, “When Andrew and I came up with the idea of translating the song into a young adult graphic novel, I knew that I wanted it to be about a girl coming to realize the strength she’s always had. There’s a little Lolo in all of us — we all have the power inside to do what we never even thought we could — and I’m so proud and crazy excited to be able to share her story with you. You’re going to fall in love with Lolo.” The graphic novel will be on on March 1, 2022.

Family of Ducks Waddles Through University of Nottingham Library

Who needs a little bit of cute animal news to get through your Wednesday? Earlier today, a family of ducks waddled into the University of Nottingham Library. The duck family made their way into the library through an open door and appeared “totally calm and unflustered” as they waddled around the atrium of the library. Senior library advisor Stuart Warren said, “You often come across ducks in seemingly odd places around campus, but that was definitely the oddest place I’ve seen them.” The ducks were eventually ushered safely out of the library.

Billions of Dollars in Library Funding Hang in the Balance During Congressional Budget Negotiation

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a $3.5 trillion federal funding package for fiscal year 2022 (FY22). Here’s how library advocates are fighting for increased federal funding–and what you can do to help.

Today In Books

There’s A New NANCY DREW Spin-Off Series Coming: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 31, 2021

Sponsored by James Patterson’s MAXIMUM RIDE: HAWK series

Batwoman Has Cast Agent Carter’s Bridget Regan as Poison Ivy

Batwoman season 3 is adding Poison Ivy, a.k.a. Pamala Isley, to its recurring cast of characters, and Bridget Regan has been cast in the role. Regan’s previous credits include Agent Carter, Jane the Virgin, Grey’s Anatomy, and White Collar. Also joining the series in this upcoming season are Robin Givens as Jada Jet, Nick Creegan as Jada’s son Marquis, and Victoria Cartagena as Renee Montoya. Batwoman season 3 premieres October 13th on the CW.

The 2021 Anthony Award Winners Have Been Announced

The 2021 Anthony Award Winners were announced over the weekend during a virtual celebration of Bouchercon, the world mystery convention. The award for best hardcover novel went to Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby; Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden won for best first novel; best paperback/e-book/audiobook original novel went to Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey; the award for best short story went to “90 Miles,” by Alex Segura, from Both Sides: Stories From the Border; Holly Hernandez and the Death of Disco by Richie Narvaez won for best young adult novel; the winner for best critical nonfiction work was Unspeakable Acts: True Tales of Crime, Murder, Deceit, and Obsession, edited by Sarah Weinman; and best anthology or collection went to Shattering Glass: A Nasty Woman Press Anthology, edited by Heather Graham. You can see the full list of nominees and winners here.

There’s A New Nancy Drew Spin-Off Series Coming: Tom Swift

More news from the CW! The television network has announced a new Nancy Drew spinoff, Tom Swift. Like Nancy Drew, the new series Tom Swift is based on an early 20th century book series from the Stratemeyer Syndicate. The television series will star Tian Richards as Tom Swift, a Black, gay billionaire inventor who finds himself entangled in sci-fi conspiracy and unexplained phenomena after the disappearance of his father. Richards made his first appearance as Tom Swift in a May episode of Nancy Drew. The premiere date for the new series is still to be determined.

Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Presses: A New American Literary Award

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Presses, which was just launched this week.

Today In Books

New Marlon James Novel MOON WITCH, SPIDER KING Out in February: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 30, 2021

Sponsored by Flatiron Books, publisher of Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

H.E.R. to Make Acting Debut in Upcoming The Color Purple Musical Film

Last week, we reported on the first cast member of the upcoming The Color Purple musical film adaptation to be announced—Corey Hawkins. Now, Oscar and Grammy winner H.E.R., aka Gabriella Wilson, has also been added to the cast. H.E.R., who won an Oscar for “Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah, will be making her acting debut as Squeak in the upcoming movie. The Color Purple—directed by Black Is King director Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones—is set to be released on December 21, 2023.

New Marlon James Novel Moon Witch, Spider King Out in February

Booker prize winner and best-selling author Marlon James has announced the release date for the second novel in his Dark Star trilogy, Moon Witch, Spider King. The book will be out on February 15, 2022. In an exclusive interview with Gizmodo, Marlon James explained that the trilogy is not linear, which means someone could read Moon Witch, Spider King before reading Black Leopard, Red Wolf. In fact, James says that he’s looking forward to the perspectives of those who read the new novel before 2019’s Black Leopard, Red Wolf. The new story is parallel to James’ 2019 novel. It follows the character of Sogolon the Moon Witch, who is a rival to Tracker, the protagonist of Black Leopard, Red Wolf. “I’ve always been interested in how two people seeing the same thing can come to very different conclusions,” James said of his decision to tell the same story from multiple perspectives. “I’m leaving the burden of truth up to the reader, so it will be interesting when this trilogy is done, seeing whose story they count as true.”

Padma Lakshmi Releasing Children’s Book with a Message This Week

Indian American author, activist, model, and television host Padma Lakshmi is releasing her first children’s book this Tuesday, and it includes a powerful message. Tomatoes for Neela mixes together Lakshmi’s memories of family cooking with practical food advice and also a couple of recipes. Lakshmi says that the book is “just really about teaching children how to cook from an early age, respecting Mother Nature and eating when things are in season.” The book is brought to life through illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal, who was awarded a Caldecott Honor for Alma and How She Got Her Name. Lakshmi has dedicated the book to her daughter “who gives meaning to everything.”

Uplift Your Favorite Trans Books Today Using this Hashtag

Marginalized voices in literature often only get uplifted in response to intolerance. #TransBooks365 hopes to celebrate trans voice every day of the year, not just as a reaction to transphobia.

Today In Books

TikTok Gets Academic: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 28, 2021

Veritas Entertainment Gets TV Rights to Dava Shastri’s Last Day

Veritas Entertainment Group has optioned the TV rights to the upcoming debut novel from Kirthana Ramisetti, Dava Shastri’s Last Day. Hachette’s Grand Central Publishing is releasing the title on November 30th, and the manuscript is already receiving a lot of pre-publication buzz. Veritas is hoping to turn the novel into a series adaptation in the vein of Succession. The story centers around a wealthy Indian family. A wealthy Indian businesswoman and philanthropist calls her family to her private island only to announce that she is dying of cancer. When she decides to fake her death early in order to read her own obituaries, devastating secrets about her life and her family are revealed. Ramisetti says the story was inspired by her time spent working as a journalist: “I thought, what if I came up with somebody who was so fixated and obsessed with their legacy that they set up their death early to see how that legacy was examined — only to have it backfire when their two biggest secrets are revealed.”

Tordotcom Publishing Announces New Noir Fantasy from C.L. Polk

Tordotcom Publishing has announced a new noir fantasy novella from C.L. Polk, Even Though I Knew the End. C.L. Polk is known for their Kingston Cycle, which includes the WFA winning novel Witchmark. Polk shared their enthusiasm for the new deal with Tordotcom, brokered by Caitlin McDonald at Donald Maass Literary Agency: “I am so happy to be working with Tordotcom for this novella! Even Though I Knew the End was inspired by the pulp detective stories of the mid 20th century with a supernatural twist.” The new novella is scheduled to publish in fall 2022.

TikTok is Getting Academic as MLA Decides How to Cite the App in Academic Works

TikTok has hit the big time and is joining the world of academia. The iconic MLA Handbook has officially added an entry for TikTok, deciding how to cite the app in academic works. The basic template is as follows: author (usually the account name), followed by title of the source element or a description of the material, platform name (TikTok), date of the post, and the URL.

Netflix’s Baby-Sitters Club Season 2 Gets a Release Date

Netflix has announced the release date for season 2 of The Baby-Sitters Club! We’ll be seeing the gang back on the streaming platform on October 11th. And we’ve got new promotional photos as well!

Today In Books

IN THE HEIGHTS Star Corey Hawkins Joins the Cast of THE COLOR PURPLE: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 27, 2021

Sponsored by Sandra Brown’s new historical thriller Blind Tiger

Here’s the Cover Reveal for Jack Carr’s Next James Reece Thriller

James Reece, the hero first introduced to readers in Jack Carr’s The Terminal List, is back in Carr’s latest novel In the Blood, out on April 12, 2022. You can check out the official cover and plot details for the latest book in Carr’s bestselling series here. In a statement to The Real Book Spy, Carr said, “James Reece has to deal with some unfinished business in my latest installment of the James Reece Terminal List series…For Reece, it’s a personal mission of vengeance. For his target, it’s business. But this target has a mission of his own. He has studied his prey and is drawing the former Navy SEAL Sniper into the crosshairs. Will James Reece survive, and, if so, will he find his humanity, or will he forever remain an operator, a hunter, a killer of men…an assassin? Find out on April 12, 2022.”

In the Heights Star Corey Hawkins Joins the Cast of The Color Purple

In the Heights star Corey Hawkins is heading back to the world of musicals for Warner Bros’ feature adaptation of the Broadway musical The Color Purple, based on the 1982 Alice Walker novel of the same name. Hawkins will be playing Harpo. The film will be directed by Black Is King filmmaker Blitz Bazawule. Marcus Gardley is writing the screenplay. The Color Purple has a December 21, 2023 release date.

Gauri Awasthi is Leading a 4-Week Poetry Workshop About Decolonizing Poetry

Award-winning Indian poet Gauri Awasthi is leading a 4-week online poetry workshop about decolonizing poetry. Awashti writes, “In this workshop, we recognize the importance of learning poetic form and tradition so we can unlearn it in practice…We will reflect on the obsessions of the non-white poets and their literary traditions, along with examining the forms they play in.” Readings for the class will include poets such as Agha Shahid Ali, Patricia Smith, Adrienne Rich, R.K. Narayan, Eunice DeSouza, Angel Nafis, Yusef Komunyakaa, Aimee Nezkhukumatathil. The workshop is open to both new and experienced poets.

Support Haiti Earthquake Relief Through the Romance for Haiti Auction

Romance authors are teaming up to help Haiti rebuild from a 7.2 magnitude earthquake earlier this month. Bids are open now through 11:00 PM EDT on Friday, September 3, and all proceeds will go to local organizations working on the ground in Haiti.

Book Radar

Get Excited for Nic Stone’s Third SHURI Novel and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 27, 2021

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s the cover reveal for The Book Woman’s Daughter, an upcoming historical fiction novel from Kim Michele Richardson, the author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

Netflix has announced a release date for the second season of Baby-Sitters Club! The show will be back on October 11, and in the meantime, you can have a look at a few images from season 2.

Amanda Gorman’s highly anticipated poetry collection is going to be triple the length that was initially announced, and it’s going to cost more too.

Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive look at Sabaa Tahir’s upcoming contemporary YA novel All My Rage, including the cover reveal and the first three chapters!

Nic Stone’s third Shuri novel is coming out January 2022! Here’s the cover reveal for Symbiosis.

AMC has cast Game of Thrones star Jacob Anderson as Interview With the Vampire lead Louis.

The Nerd Daily has the exclusive cover reveal of Charles A. Bush’s debut YA novel Every Variable of Us, available on March 1st, 2022 from Flux Books.

Lakeith Stanfield will star in Apple’s series adaptation of Victor LaValle’s novel The Changeling.

Pantheon Books will release Gengoroh Tagame’s Or Colors in English in one volume in May, 2022. The manga will be translated by Anne Ishii.

Milkweed Editions has announced a new disability-centered series, titled Multiverse. Multiverse will hit shelves in April, starting with non-speaking autistic poet Hannah Emerson’s debut collection The Kissing of Kissing.

Tordotcom Publishing has announced a new novella from C.L. Polk, Even Though I Knew The End. The new title is scheduled to publish in Fall 2022.

The Rumpus has an exclusive first look at the cover for Oscar Hokeah’s debut novel Calling for a Blanket Dance. The book will be available from Algonquin Books in July 2022.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

cover for margaret and the mystery of the missing body

Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body by Megan Milks (Amethyst Editions, September 14, 2021)

Last week, I said I’ve really been feeling the 90s nostalgia, and this book is totally feeding into that in the best way. Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body is a look back at what it was like to grow up in the 90s, and it’s a queer coming-of-age story. Trigger warnings for some difficult content in this story, including self-harm, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia.

As the title suggests, this is Margaret’s story. At age twelve, Margaret was the head detective of the mystery club Girls Can Solve Anything, a club that she started with her three best friends. The four friends solved crimes together and went on adventures. But now Margaret is entering high school, and things have gotten more complicated. The club has disbanded, much to Margaret’s dismay. Margaret isn’t ready to grow up, and she wishes her friends weren’t ready either. Instead of moving forward with her life, Margaret does her best to stay still, developing an eating disorder that starts to take over her life. To find a path to recovery, Margaret will return to the mysteries that consumed her childhood, including a ghost, a hidden passage, and her own troubled relationship with herself.

This is such a beautifully written, inventive, surprising, and satisfyingly strange book. And this Megan Milks’ debut novel, which makes me so excited for what this author is going to come out with next. But in the meantime, definitely prepare your shelves for this one. You won’t want to miss it.

What I’m Reading This Week

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo

The Upstairs House by Julia Fine

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky

Bookish Meme Corner

If you’re working from home, you’re probably going to feel this meme on a deep, personal level.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

What makes me happy? Cats and books, obviously. This adorable library cat dresses up in literary costumes every Caturday to promote his local library. This was an immediate Instagram follow for me.

Let’s keep the cat material going. Here’s Purrli, the purring cat that lives in your laptop. Thanks to Liberty for sharing!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Did someone say they wanted more cat pictures? Oh, that was me. This is a picture I took this morning as I was leaving for work. How special am I that I have this beautiful face bidding me farewell every time I go outside?

Cersei, you are truly the window queen.

And that’s all I have today, everyone. Thanks so much for reading, and I hope your week is wonderful. ❤️ Emily

Today In Books

Amanda Gorman’s Poetry Collection Will Be Three Times The Anticipated Length: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 26, 2021

Amanda Gorman’ s Upcoming Poetry Collection Will Be Three Times the Anticipated Length

Viking Books, a division of Penguin Random House, announced on Wednesday that Amanda Gorman’s highly anticipated upcoming poetry collection Call Us What We Carry will be 240 pages long. Previously, the book was supposed to be 120 pages. Later, Penguin Random House confirmed that the book will actually be three times the anticipated length. Additionally, the book will go up in price by $5 per book, from $19.99 to $24.99. Booksellers were concerned about recouping the price on existing preorders, which prompted a Penguin Random House spokesperson to announce that they will “honor the original price for all customers who pre-ordered the book prior to the price change, which was effective on August 25, 2021.”

Library Cat Dresses Up in Cute Costumes to Promote Library

The Centre County Library in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania is taking Caturday to a whole new level. Every Saturday, bibliographic services assistant Lisa Shaffer dresses up her cat Horatio in literary costumes to help promote the library. Shaffer started creating these Caturday posts when she realized the Centre County Library had little to no social media presence. Now, the library has over 9,000 followers on Instagram. While Horatio is a huge hit, Lisa says that Horatio is a little shy, so he’s not doing in-person meet and greets. If you want to see the kitty, you’ll have to take to Instagram! Or you can check out this video of Horatio.

Game of Thrones’ Jacob Anderson Cast as Louis in Interview with the Vampire

AMC’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel Interview With the Vampire has cast its Louis. Jacob Anderson—who Grey Worm on the HBO hit series Game of Thrones—will play the lead role of Louis in the upcoming series. As previously reported, Sam Reid will play Lestat. Interview with the Vampire is expected to air on AMC in 2022 and help launch a franchise universe based on Rice’s novels.

More Than 30 Years On, Suspect Confesses to Murder of Lois Duncan’s Daughter

Author Lois Duncan, who is known for her young adult thrillers such as I Know What You Did Last Summer, Killing Mr. Griffin, and Stranger With My Face, quit writing YA thrillers after the tragic death of her daughter Kaitlyn Arquette. Instead, the author decided to focus on finding the murderer and answers to what happened to her daughter. Now, 30 years after the incident, a suspect has confessed to Kaitlyn’s murder.

Today In Books

Lakeith Stanfield to Star in Series Adaptation of Victor LaValle’s CHANGELING: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 25, 2021

Sponsored by Yen Audio, an imprint of Yen Press

Here’s A First Look at Sabaa Tahir’s New Standalone Novel

Sabaa Tahir, the YA author who is most well-known for her fantasy quartet An Ember in the Ashes, is releasing a contemporary standalone novel on March 1st, 2022. Now you can get a first look at the novel, which is based on Tahir’s own childhood growing up in her family’s motel in the Mojave desert. Tahir says of her upcoming novel All My Rage: “Many authors talk about ‘the book of my heart — I tore this book from my heart, over the course of many years and in many iterations…It’s a story demanded to be told, a love letter to the desert and rock music and tiny motels and the kinds of friendships that save your life.”

LaKeith Stanfield to Star in Series Adaptation of Victor LaValle’s Changeling

LaKeith Stanfiled is set to star in Apple’s upcoming adaptation of Victor LaValle’s novel Changeling. In LaValle’s novel, which is described as a dark fairy tale for adults, readers get a horror story, a parenthood fable, and an odyssey through a dark and dangerous side of New York City you’ve never seen before. The series will be written by Kelly Marcel, who will also serve as the showrunner and an executive producer. Megan Ellison, Sue Naegle, Patrick Chu, and Ali Krug will also executive produce on behalf of Annapurna. Along with starring in the series, Stanfield will also executive produce. Melina Matsoukas—who has directed episodes of Master of None and Insecure and made her feature directorial debut with Queen & Slim in 2019—will direct and executive produce.

Here Are The Winners of the 2021 American Book Awards

This year’s winners of American Book Awards have been announced. The winners include Aya Akhtar’s Homeland Elegies, Ben Ehrenreich’s Desert Notebooks, Johanna Fernández’s The Young Lords: A Radical History, Cathy Park Hong’s Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning, Robert P. Jones’ White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity, Carolyn Forché’s poetry collection In the Lateness of the World, and an illustrated edition of the late William Melvin Kelley’s Dunfords Travels Everywheres. The awards are presented by the Before Columbus Foundation, which is a nonprofit established to promote and popularize multicultural literature.The foundation was founded by Ishmael Reed in 1976. “The purpose of the awards is to recognize literary excellence without limitations or restrictions,” the foundation said in a statement on Monday. “There are no categories, no nominees, and therefore no losers. The award winners range from well-known and established writers to under-recognized authors and first works.”

Romance Novel Awards: Your In-Depth Guide

Romance readers, these romance novel awards could where you find your next best read.

Book Radar

Here’s What You Need to Know About #TransBooks365 and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 25, 2021

Sponsored by Astra House, dedicated to publishing authors across genres and from around the world.

For fans of Etgar Keret, a debut collection of stories that fuses life in Israel with technology’s challenges and the latest discoveries about the human brain. At once compassionate, philosophical, and humorous, Jerusalem Beach is a foray into the human condition in all its contradictions. Through a series of snapshots of contemporary life in Israel, Gefen reveals a world that’s a step from the familiar. Entirely heartfelt and infused with pathos. Whether ruminating on the stakes of familial love or pitching the reader headlong into the absurdity of success and failure, Gefen leaves the reader intrigued throughout.

Where has the time gone, Lit Lovers? Somehow it’s Thursday again.

Do you have any big book reading plans for this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday? I have a little road trip coming up (don’t worry, I’m being COVID-safe), so I’m planning to get through a few audiobooks this weekend. Here’s hoping you get through some good books too. After all, reading is one of the great joys in this world. To help prep you for another book-filled weekend, I’ve got lots of book news, recommendations, words of literary wisdom, cat pics, and more. Enjoy.

— Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

It’s beautiful! Here’s the cover reveal of Steven Salvatore’s And They Lived, a book that will feature “an original fairytale, poetry, [and] sex positivity.”

The police officer who murdered Breonna Taylor has pulled out of his book deal with a conservative press after Simon & Schuster refused to distribute his book.

Netflix has announced an adaptation of Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin. The streaming service will release the film in October!

The Beijing International Book Fair will be postponed due to the spread of COVID-19 around Beijing. The organizers say they will release more information about the fair “as soon as possible.”

Here’s the teaser trailer for the upcoming film Spider-Man: No Way Home. The movie will be in theaters December 17th.

LGBTQReads has an exclusive cover reveal of K. Ancrum’s upcoming novel Murder of Crows.

Candice Carty-Williams is creating a television series adaptation of her best-selling novel Queenie.

Here’s the cover reveal of Hope Larson and Rebecca Monk’s middle grade graphic novel Salt Magic, on sale October 12, 2021!

Ashley M. Jones of Birmingham, AL was just named the first Black poet laureate for Alabama, according to the Magic City Poetry Festival.

If Thelma and Louise and Heathers had a baby, it would be Wendy Heard’s new novel Dead End Girls, and NOVL’s got the cover reveal.

50 bookshops in the UK will be opening early on September 7th to mark the publication of Sally Rooney’s new novel Beautiful World, Where Are You.

Oprah has chosen The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers as her latest book club selection.

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One

An Arrow to the Moon by Emily X.R. Pan (Little Brown Books, April 12, 2022)

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the cover of Emily X.R. Pan’s upcoming novel An Arrow to the Moon is absolutely stunning. And let’s give credit where credit is due. This gorgeous book cover was art directed by Sasha Illingworth, and the art and design is by David Curtis, according to Pan’s cover reveal tweet.

But beyond the cover, there’s a lot to be excited about with this book. First of all, this is the follow up to Emily X.R. Pan’s unforgettable debut The Astonishing Color of After. Secondly, the novel is being described as “Romeo and Juliet meets Chinese mythology.” All I can say is give it to me now. I know in these weird pandemic times, the months are going by fast, but still, there is no way I can wait until April of 2022 to get my hands on this book.

This book tells the story of Hunter Yee, who has it all together when it comes to wielding a bow and arrow. As for everything else in his life? Well. It’s sort of a mess. He’s constantly haunted by his family’s past mistakes, and the only things keeping him from running away from home and starting a new life somewhere else are his little brother, a supernatural wind, and this girl at his new high school. Her name is Luna Chang. Luna feels weighed down by her family’s high expectations, and she dreads the future they have planned for her. But things begin to change when Luna starts breaking the rules and hanging out with Hunter. This book promises magic, romance, and family drama. Sign me up!

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Everyone loves to hate love triangles, but actually they’re great. They exist so the main character can choose between different versions of themselves: who they used to be, and who they’re still becoming. Side note: If you ever find yourself choosing between a vampire and a werewolf, choose the vampire.”

— Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

What’s Up in the Book Community?

This week, I’ve got some uplifting news from the bookish side of Twitter!

Emery Lee—author of Meet Cute Diary—is calling on everyone to tweet about their favorite trans books/authors on Monday, August 30th using the hashtag #TransBooks365. Lee explains the hashtag: “because trans books are worthwhile all year, not just as a bigotry response.” Check out his twitter thread for more details, but the general rules are simple. Just be sure to tweet (and post across all social media platforms) about trans books/authors on Monday, August 30th. And then feel free to keep talking about trans authors throughout the year!

Your Weekend Reading Soundtrack

I’m feeling a little nostalgic this week, so I’ve put together a 90’s themed playlist to help get you through your reading this weekend. Relax, grab a cup of tea and your favorite flannel, and enjoy! 🎶🎵🎶

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Phantom is the star of the show this Thursday. And I was able to catch him mid-stretch, which I was really excited about! An action shot! Or as action-y as a cat can be when napping.

If you look closely, you might notice that Phantom’s right eye is a little cloudy because of scarring. We call this his magic eye. He seems to see perfectly fine out of it, and it’s where he keeps all his magic, of course.

You’ve made it to the end of another Book Radar! And almost to the end of another week. I’m proud of you. You’re doing amazing things. See you next week.

❤️ Emily