Author: Emily Martin

Categories
Today In Books

Here’s the Official Teaser Trailer for SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME: Today in Books

SNL’s Leslie Jones Donates to Middle School Library

Actress, comedian, and former Saturday Night Live star Leslie Jones just made a last-minute donation that caused a middle school librarian to cry “happy tears.” Brittany Gendron is a North Carolina-based librarian who was raising money for supplies to aid her middle school library in the fight against COVID-19. As the first day of school rapidly approached, Gendron was feeling the pressure to gather supplies, so she made an appeal to Leslie Jones via Twitter with a list of things her library needed. Later that day, Jones tweeted, “I cleared the list! I hope this helps!” After seeing Jones’ post, other Twitter users jumped to contribute supplies as well.

Here’s the Official Teaser Trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spider-Man: No Way Home is coming to theaters on December 17. On Monday, the official teaser trailer for the upcoming film was released. Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man movies, starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Marisa Tomei. As seen in the trailer, the cast will also include Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange, Alfred Molina as Doctor Otto Octavius, and Jamie Foxx as Electro. The film is directed by Jon Watts.

Candice Carty-Williams to Create Drama Series Based on Her Novel Queenie

Channel 4 has commissioned Candice Carty-Williams to create a new drama series based on her novel Queenie. The show will be produced by Further South Productions in association with Lionsgate Television, and it will be made up of eight 30-minute episodes. Steve November, Sarah Conroy and Carty-Williams will executive produce. Of this new project, Carty-Williams said, “Being able to bring Queenie, her family and of course the Corgis to the screen is so exciting to me. And to do that with Channel 4, who has always set the tone for what television is about by pushing the boundaries of what we watch, is an added bonus…To adapt and breathe new life into a story that has been talked about across the globe, and to bring Queenie, our problematic fave, to a whole new audience, is such a privilege.” 

Light Novel vs. Manga: We Can Have Both

In the debate between light novels versus manga, why choose? Here’s a closer look at light novels and manga and why we can enjoy both!

Categories
Today In Books

New Paul McCartney Book Will Feature Previously Unseen Lyrics: Today in Books

Get A First Look at R.L. Stine’s Just Beyond Adaptation from Disney+

If you loved Netflix’s Fear Street adaptation, you’ll be excited to hear there’s more R.L. Stine coming to television very soon! There’s a new Disney+ anthology series called Just Beyond, based on the BOOM! Studios comics by R.L. Stine. And now you can get a first look at some of the images from the series. Set to debut on Disney+ this fall, the eight-episode series is written by Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), who will also serve as the showrunner. Marc Webb (The Amazing Spiderman) will direct two of the episodes. Each episode will be a different story, introducing new characters.

Ashley M. Jones is Named First Black Poet Laureate for Alabama

Ashley M. Jones has been chosen to be the first Black poet laureate for Alabama. The announcement was made during a meeting on Sunday that was part of the Alabama Writers Cooperative’s yearly conference. Jones is also the youngest person to ever hold this position. The poet laureate for Alabama is responsible for being the ambassador of poetry for the state. According to the announcement on Sunday, Jones’ responsibilities will be “to make appearances at schools, universities, libraries and other state institutions, as well as give lectures, read poetry and hold workshops on a local and national level.” In a statement released by the Magic City Poetry festival, Jones said, “I’m so honored to serve my home state as an ambassador, advocate, and as a lover of poetry and all the people who write it, read it, and find new magic from it in this life…I’m so excited to spend the next four years helping to make Alabama poets and poetry radiate here at home and beyond.”

Paul McCartney’s New Book Will Feature Previously Unreleased Lyrics

Paul McCartney’s upcoming book The Lyrics, which the musician describes as a “self-portrait in 154 songs,” will include the previously unseen lyrics to an unrecorded Beatles song, “Tell Me Who He Is.” The never-before-seen lyrics were found handwritten in one of McCartney’s notebooks, and the lyrics are believed to be from the early 1960s. McCartney’s book will be released on November 2nd, and it will include “many further treasures” from McCartney’s archives.

9 Books By Women from Afghanistan to Read Right Now

Over the past few weeks, the Taliban have once again seized control of Afghanistan. If you’re wondering how you can learn more about women’s experiences in Afghanistan, here are 9 books by Afghan women to get you started.

Categories
Today In Books

Chicago Group Asks Supreme Court to Halt Work on Obama Presidential Library: Today in Books

Acclaimed Novelist Walter Mosley is Taking On The Thing in November

Walter Mosley, the acclaimed author best known for his crime and mystery novels, is bringing his talents to the world of comics. The novelist is writing a six-issue series about the Marvel character The Thing. The first issue will be on sale November 2021. The series will be written by Mosley, illustrated by Tom Reilly, and will feature guest appearances from many other characters from the Marvel universe.

BBC to Adapt Michael Ondaatje’s The English Patient into a Series

The BBC is currently developing a television adaptation of Michael Ondaatje’s novel The English Patient. This co-production between Miramax Television and Paramount Television Studios is said to be a new interpretation of Ondaatje’s work, rather than a remake of the 1996 film, which was also from Miramax. The new series will be written by Australian writer, poet, and screenwriter Emily Ballou, who has also worked on Run and Taboo.

Chicago Group Asks Supreme Court to Halt Work on Obama Presidential Library

Protect Our Parks, a Chicago organization that focuses on protecting public parks, is asking for the Supreme Court to halt construction of former President Barack Obama’s presidential library. The organization argues that the government did not conduct the necessary reviews of the center’s environmental impact before moving forward with the project. Protect Our Parks filed a request with Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The request claims that in building the library, the government will be demolishing “significant parts” of Jackson Park, leading to adverse effects on the environment, landscape, wildlife, and migratory birds. Construction was originally scheduled to begin on August 16th.

It’s Time to Pick LeVar Burton as the Next Jeopardy Host Already!

Mike Richards was set to be our new Jeopardy host. But after his history of abuse and scandal came to light, Richards was soon out of a job. The solution to this problem seems obvious. It’s time to make LeVar Burton the host of Jeopardy already!

Categories
Today In Books

BLACK PANTHER 2 Will Introduce IRONHEART Star Dominique Thorne: Today in Books

Read the First Chapter of Liane Moriarty’s Upcoming Novel Apples Never Fall

Liane Moriarty’s new novel Apples Never Fall is out on September 14th. While you wait for the whole novel to hit shelves, you can read the first chapter of the highly anticipated novel. In this chapter, you’ll meet the Delaneys, a group of tennis-playing suburbanites whose lives seem perfect from the outside. The reality is a little more complicated though. Isn’t it always? In the case of the Delaneys, Joy, the matriarch of the family, has gone missing, and her husband Sam is suspected to be to blame for the disappearance.

Black Panther 2 Will Introduce Ironheart Star Dominique Thorne

Soon, Disney Plus will introduce an Ironheart series, with Dominique Thorne starring as the titular superhero. But you won’t have to wait for the television series to meet Ironheart. Dominique Thorne will actually make her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Ironheart in the upcoming film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. “We’re shooting Black Panther: Wakanda Forever right now, and the character of Riri Williams, you will meet in Black Panther 2 first,” Marvel Studios president Keven Feige revealed in an interview with Comicbook.com. “She started shooting, I think, this week before her Ironheart series.” The Ironheart series currently does not have an official release date.

Prince Harry Donating Proceeds from Upcoming Memoir to Charity

In his first public appearance since the birth of his daughter Lilibet Diana, Prince Harry made an announcement about the proceeds of his upcoming memoir. In 2006, the Duke of Sussex co-founded Sentebale with his friend Prince Seeiso. The organization provides resources to children in southern Africa who are affected by poverty, inequality, and the HIV/AIDs epidemic. At the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup in Aspen, Colorado this Thursday, Harry announced that he would be donating $1.5 million to the charity using part of the proceeds from his upcoming memoir. “I’m thrilled to be able to support Sentebale, both in person and financially through a separate charitable donation to meet this immediate need,” the duke said in a statement. “This is one of several donations I plan to make to charitable organizations, and I’m grateful to be able to give back in this way for the children and communities who gravely need it.”

The Winner of the 2021 Public Library of the Year Has Been Announced

Every year, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions selects the best new public library. This is the winner they chose for 2021!

Categories
Book Radar

Get Your First Look at THE WHEEL OF TIME and More Book Radar!

Fellow Book Fiends,

We’ve somehow made it to Monday again, and I’m so proud of us. I know that Monday is always a long day for me, and maybe it is for you. And of course, it’s the first day of the week, which can make it seem like it lasts forever. But I’m trying to take back Mondays, okay? It’s a great time to reset, refocus, and start the week off strong. I’m one of those weird people who loves New Year’s Day, and Monday is like New Year’s Day of the week. You know? No? Too optimistic?

Monday’s also a perfect day to look at what’s up in the world of books, so I’ve got a bunch of book deals, reveals, and other book stuff for you to look forward to! And don’t forget to stay for the cat pic!

❤️ Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

four aunties and a wedding

Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Dial A for Aunties is getting a sequel, and here’s the cover reveal for the new book, entitled Four Aunties and a Wedding!

Disney Branded TV announced on Twitter that they’ll be developing a film adaptation of Janae Marks’ From the Desk of Zoe Washington.

On Thursday, I told you Akata Woman was coming. Now, Tor.com has revealed the cover of Nnedi Okorafor’s third novel in the Nsibidi Scripts series. So exciting.

Picturestart and Lionsgate Television are teaming up to adapt Squad, an upcoming graphic novel by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Lisa Sterle.

Amazon’s Wheel of Time series kicks off in November. But for now, you can get a first look at the series over at Entertainment Weekly.

Double cover reveal! Mindy McGinnis has revealed the redesigned cover for the paperback release of The Initial Insult and the cover for its sequel The Last Laugh, out on March 15, 2022.

Webtoon, a moblie comics platform, is teaming up with DC to create digital comics set in the DC superhero universe.

Here’s another highly-anticipated cover reveal: Ibi Zoboi’s novel Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler.

Based on the results of a listener poll and the thoughtful consideration of a panel of judges, NPR has announced the 50 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of the past decade.

Here’s the first full trailer for Foundation, Apple’s adaptation of the Isaac Asimov trilogy.

Anthony Mackie is officially picking up the shield to star in Captain America 4.

Global publisher Quarto is reorganizing its management team as COO Ken Fund prepares to retire.

Tim Robbins has just joined the cast of Apple TV+’s series adaptation of the dystopian novel Wool.

Here’s the cover reveal of Heather O’Neill’s upcoming book When We Lost Our Heads, out in February 2022. Heather O’Neill tweeted, “Can’t wait for you to meet all my lovely murderesses.”

Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor has signed on to a new project: the TV adaptation of the novel Exciting Times.

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!

Prepare Your Shelves!

Nothing But Blackened Teeth

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw (Nightfire, October 19, 2021)

I don’t know if it’s because fall is so close that I can almost taste the pumpkin spice in the air (we are team pumpkin spice here, by the way). But for whatever reason, I’m really in a horror and thriller mood lately. Nothing But Blackened Teeth is the perfect horror novella to read this fall if you too are in the mood to get into some creepy, atmospheric reads.

And since this is a dark, atmospheric book, let’s set the scene first: an abandoned Heian-era mansion with a dark history. It’s said to be built on the bones of a ill-fated bride, and the walls are packed with the remains of sacrificed girls who keep the bride company. The perfect place to hold a romantic wedding, right? Well, the group of friends at the center of this novella think so anyway. They’ve all traveled to Japan for a destination wedding, and the bride and groom have their hearts set on exchanging their vows at this haunted mansion. Shockingly, what starts off as a night of food, drinks, and fun amongst friends… gets a lot more sinister. Lurking in the shadows is a ghost bride with dark desires.

Reading this book is like journeying though a real-life haunted house. Was that a creaky floorboard or the wails of the dead? Did you really just see what you thought you saw out of the corner of your eye? This is how Nothing But Blackened Teeth will make you feel. Get ready for twists, shocks, and surprises, all in a taut 124 pages.

What I’m Reading This Week

Velvet Was The Night cover image

Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

Bookish Meme Corner

This book meme is the Mondayest book meme to ever Monday. You’ll see what I mean. The struggle is real.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

I’m finally watching The White Lotus on HBO Max. And yes, it is so good! If you’ve watched it already, no spoilers. I’m only on episode 2, and I hear there’s a big twist!

Love a good book/card game crossover? Check out the game Marrying Mr. Darcy. We recently leveled up our game and got the undead expansion pack, which adds an undead plague to your Jane Austen shenanigans. There’s also a really fun Emma expansion pack, because Emma is the best.

Purrli: It’s a purring cat right at your fingertips. Thanks to Liberty for sharing!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

orange and black cat snuggling

Look at Murray. He is the ultimate office desk cat, isn’t he? Murray is our middle child, but don’t worry. We still give him plenty of attention. I mean. Just look at those pink toe beans. How can you say no to pink toe beans?

You can’t. Unless you’re a monster.

You did it! You made it through Monday’s Book Radar! I hope all of your new-week resolutions come true. ❤️ Emily

Categories
Today In Books

Anthony Mackie Will Carry the Shield in CAPTAIN AMERICA 4: Today in Books

Take A First Look At Amazon’s Adaptation of The Wheel of Time

Amazon’s adaptation of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time fantasy series is coming this November. And while that’s still a few months away, you can take a first look at The Wheel of Time adaptation right now online at Entertainment Weekly‘s website and in the September issue of their magazine. The series stars Rosamund Pike as Moiraine, who rescues a group of villagers after monsters attack their home. Pike explains, “Moiraine is the guide figure in this world, the mysterious stranger who comes to town and changes their lives forever. They leave with her on a journey that will either save or destroy humanity.” Showrunner Rafe Judkins says he sees The Wheel of Time as a perfect bridge between Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings, another fantasy series being adapted by Amazon into a show.

Anthony Mackie Will Carry the Shield in Captain America 4

It’s official! Anthony Mackie has closed a deal to carry the shield in the next Captain America movie. Very few details are known about the project at this time. We know that the film will be written by The Falcon and the Winter Soldier head writer and creator Malcolm Spellman, along with series staff writer Dalan Musson. It is unknown whether Sebastian Stan or Chris Evans will be involved in the project. A director for the film has yet to be chosen.

Disney to Adapt Janae Marks’ From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Disney Branded Television is developing the critically-acclaimed From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Zoe Marks into a film. The project was officially announced on Twitter on Wednesday, August 18th. From the Desk of Zoe Washington is a middle grade novel that follows the story of Zoe, a young aspiring pastry chef who wants to audition for Food Network’s “Kids Bake Challenge” the summer before seventh grade. Then she gets a letter from her father Marcus, who was sent to prison before she was born. When Marcus tells Zoe he’s innocent, Zoe is shocked that an innocent man could be sent to prison, and she begins looking into systemic racism and injustice in prisons. Kerry Washington, Pilar Savone, and Effie T. Brown have signed on to executive produce the film. Disney promises that more details are coming soon!

Book Riot Will Match Your Donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society

Book Riot is matching donations up to $2,500 USD to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. Read this post to find out more and how you can help.

Categories
Today In Books

BRIDGERTON’s Phoebe Dynevor to Star in EXCITING TIMES Adaptation: Today in Books

NPR Announces the 50 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of the Last Decade

Over the summer, NPR conducted a poll to find out what listeners’ favorite sci-fi/fantasy books of the last decade have been. Now, with the help of an expert panel of judges and the results of the poll, NPR has announced the 50 best science fiction and fantasy books of the last decade. NPR took the votes of the poll (over 16,000 this year) and narrowed it down to 250 semifinalists, and from those semifinalists NPR’s panel of judges narrowed it down to 50. Check out the full list on NPR’s website!

This Picture Book is Fighting Back Against Russia’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws

One month ago, a Hungarian bookshop was fined for selling a children’s book that tells the story of a day in the life of a child with same-sex parents. That same book has now been published in Russian. However, the book had to be published with an 18+ sticker to comply with the country’s “gay propaganda” law. In spite of the laws against the book in Russia, the charity organization Sphere chose to publish the book in that country. Sphere explained that this book “is a book that is not only about LGBTQ+ families, but for them. In that sense, this book stands on its own as the very first of its kind in Russia…Because of the existing legislature there was no other choice but to publish a children’s book for adults only…This is the ridiculousness of the propaganda law, which only raises discrimination against LGBT+ and limits access to information.”

Bridgerton‘s Phoebe Dynevor to Star in EXCITING TIMES Adaptation

Deadline has reported that Bridgerton‘s Phoebe Dynevor has signed a deal to executive-produce and star in Amazon’s adaptation of Naoise Dolan’s debut novel Exciting Times. Unfortunately, that could very well mean that season 2 of Bridgerton will be Dynevor’s last season with the show, even though the series has already been renewed through season 4. Exciting Times, meanwhile, is a story that follows Ava, an Irish woman who teaches English grammar to children abroad. But when she’s not working, Ava finds herself involved in a love triangle. Ava will be played by Phoebe Dynevor in the TV adaptation. The series will be produced by Black Bear Pictures and written by Naoise Dolan and Cooper Raiff.

What is an ISBN?

You’ve probably heard of or seen an ISBN, but do you know what it is? Let’s dive into what it is and why we use it.

Categories
Book Radar

LeVar Burton Wants to Read Your Stories and More Book Radar!

What a week it’s been, book friends. I hope you’ve been taking care of yourself and giving yourself moments to breathe amidst any stress or chaos you might be personally feeling.

I know Thursday isn’t technically the beginning of the weekend, but it certainly feels that way to me, so around here, we’re going to start thinking about weekend plans on Thursday. What’s my weekend looking like? Lots of cuddling with cats, drinking iced coffee, and reading. As you can see, I’m going to be very busy. I hope you’ve got fun reading plans as well! And in the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about books today.

— xoxo, Gossip Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

seasonal fears cover

Here’s what you all came here to know: from now until 8/31, you can submit a short story for LeVar Burton to read on his podcast LeVar Burton Reads. Hop to it, creatives!

Tordotcom Publishing has revealed the cover of Seanan McGuire’s Seasonal Fears, a companion novel to Middlegame.

Speaking of our hero LeVar Burton, the actor will be hosting the 2021 National Book Festival Broadcast on PBS.

Nnedi Okorafor has announced the title of the final book in her Nsibidi Scripts Series: Akata Woman. Cover reveal coming soon!

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe has started a monthly book club with Literati called The Call In.

MGM has landed the rights to Lisa Taddeo’s Animal. Plan B is set to produce the film adaptation as part of its overall deal with MGM.

After 46 years, Judy Blume’s Forever is finally becoming an audiobook.

Hachette is buying Workman publishing, an independent publisher known for titles What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Brain Quest.

The Shirley Jackson Award winners have been announced!

Author Ashley C. Ford is starting a newsletter.

AMC is working on an adaptation of Anne Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches series.

Here’s the cover reveal of The Tobacco Wives, a debut historical novel from Adele Myers.

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

The Undertakers by Nicole Glover

The Undertakers by Nicole Glover (Mariner Books, November 9, 2021)

This author only has one novel currently out (The Conductors), but I already feel confident enough to say this: Nicole Glover is the absolute master of genre mixing. Glover’s Murder and Magic series is the perfect mix of fantasy, alternate history, and murder mystery. And she doesn’t cut any corners here. This is 100% a fantasy series. The world-building is incredibly detailed and unique. This series is also totally satisfying from an alternative history/historical fiction perspective. The world of this book is set in an alternate version of post-Civil War Philadelphia. The characters and storyline are heavily influenced by this setting and its real historical background. And if you’re looking for an intriguing mystery, you’re going to get that too. This isn’t a little bit of everything. It’s everything of everything, and Glover makes it all fit seamlessly together.

The second book in the series, The Undertakers, is out in November. The Undertakers continues the story of Hetty Rhodes and her husband Benjy, two people practicing celestial magic and solving crimes in the city that the Philadelphia authorities are likely to ignore. In this book, Hetty and Benjy investigate the death of Raimond Duval, a victim of one of the many fires that have erupted in the city recently. The more they look into the case, the more suspicious the circumstances surrounding Raimond’s death are. And they discover a powerful Fire Company is actually allowing homes within the Black community to burn to the ground.

One of my favorite things about this series is that each book is pretty self-contained. So if you read The Conductors, you’re getting a full mystery story, from beginning to end, with a definite conclusion. With this next book in the series, we’re getting another full story that can stand on its own, but we’re also getting to learn more about the characters we love and the world they live in. I’m especially excited to learn more about the magic systems in this world as the series continues.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“I judge people two ways—on how they treat animals, and on what they like to eat. If their favorite food is some kind of salad, they are definitely a bad person. Anything with cheese, they are probably OK.”

— The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

What’s Up in the Book 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.

So what’s going on this week? Well.

On Monday, I told y’all about the OwlCrate scandal. In case you missed it, the book subscription box announced on Instagram that they would be selling Harry Potter merch once again (and now, a few days later, they’ve reversed that decision). Overall, the Bookstagram community was not happy about this choice. For a thorough, thought-provoking, and funny overview of how that conversation went down, I highly recommend checking out BookTuber Jesse’s video about the controversy over at Bowties & Books. And definitely hang around and check out some of their other videos. They’re great!

Your Weekend Reading Soundtrack

If you’ve got weekend reading plans, you need a good soundtrack. I put this one together for you, and it’s giving me good mid-August vibes. I hope you enjoy! 🎶 🎵🎧

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

an orange and white cat next to an orange and white pillow

On Monday, I introduced you to Murray and Phantom. Today, it’s time to meet cat #3: Cersei! Her full name is Cersei Anne Boleyn Lannister. Sometimes I call her Cersei Anne for short. And although I just called her cat #3, she’s the one we’ve had longest, so she’s still #1!

She loves this BB8 pillow because it looks like her. Orange and white. One of a kind!

It’s been fun, everyone. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to delivering you more book news and other such things next week!

❤️ Emily

Categories
Today In Books

Stephen Graham Jones Wins Multiple Shirley Jackson Awards: Today in Books

Megan Rapinoe Announces Literati Book Club

Professional soccer player and activist Megan Rapinoe has announced an exclusive book club with Literati. Rapinoe’s book club, called The Call In, will feature books that tackle important issues impacting the world today, like racism, immigration, transgender rights, body positivity, addiction, and more. “Reading is a powerful educational tool that allows us to connect directly to someone’s experience—even through fiction. I want this book club to open readers’ minds and hearts to one another, and I want everyone to see and feel how truly connected we all are,” says Rapinoe. “I hope readers will be inspired by the authors and stories that I select. I hope that people who join my club will create change in their own lives as a result. My call to action is for each of us to shift the ground that is beneath us.” Rapinoe has chosen the club’s first book for September: #MeToo founder Tarana Burke’s Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement.

Stephen Graham Jones Wins Multiple Shirley Jackson Awards

The winners of the Shirley Jackson Awards have been announced! Author Stephen Graham Jones has won multiple awards this year: The Only Good Indians won for best novel, and The Night of the Mannequins won for best novella. The Shirley Jackson Awards are voted upon by a jury of professional writers, editors, critics, and academics. In a pre-recorded ceremony on Sunday, August 15, all of the winners were announced. The other winners were The Attic Tragedy by J. Ashley-Smith for best novelette; “Not the Man I Married” by R. A. Busby for best short fiction; Velocities: Stories by Kathe Koja for best single-author collection; and Black Cranes: Tales of Unquiet Women, edited by Lee Murray & Geneve Flynn, for best edited anthology. You can watch the full ceremony here.

Judy Blume’s Forever is Finally Becoming an Audiobook

Forty-six years after its original publication, Judy Blume’s cult classic Forever is finally becoming an audiobook. The new audiobook will be narrated by actress Caitlin Kinnunen, and it will be available on September 14. Kinnunen was hand-picked by Judy Blume herself to narrate the novel, after the author heard Kinnunen’s narration on another audiobook. “Getting to read this beautiful book by Judy Blume is a true honor,” says the Tony Award-nominated actress. “Her work is timeless and this story is still as impactful as the day it was first published. I cannot wait for today’s generation to discover these characters and fall in love with them for the first time.”

6 Myth Retellings on Audiobook

Love mythology? Here are six ancient Greek mythology retellings that span the globe, from modern day Korea and Nigeria, back to ancient Greece. And they’re all available on audio!

Categories
Today In Books

AMC’s INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Has Cast Its Lestat: Today in Books

Nnedi Okorafor Reveals Title for 3rd Book in the Nsibidi Scripts Series

On Twitter last week, author Nnedi Okorafor revealed the title and release date for the third book in her Nsibidi Scripts Series. The first book in the series was entitled Akata Witch, the second was Akata Warrior, and the newest one? Akata Woman. The release date for Akata Woman is January 18, 2022, and Okorafor says a cover reveal is coming soon.

AMC’s Interview with the Vampire Has Cast Its Lestat

AMC has cast Sam Reid in its upcoming adaptation of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire. You might recognize Reid from his work in The Astronaut Wives Club or The Newsreader. AMC’s new reboot of Interview with the Vampire is from showrunner Rolin Jones (Perry Mason). The pilot will be directed by Alan Taylor, who helmed Game of Thrones. The first season will be eight episodes and is set to debut in 2022.

Ashley C. Ford Starts A Newsletter

Ashley C. Ford, the New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Somebody’s Daughter, announced on Instagram that she will be starting a newsletter. Ford wrote, “I’m starting a newsletter! It’s called Somebody’s Notes, and I’m so excited about it. I always said I never would unless I had someone to help me, and now I do, so here we are. If you want to subscribe and hang out, come on down. I’d love to have you 💙 Link in my bio!” You can subscribe to the newsletter here.

A Deep Dive Into the Marvel Comics Universe: How Big Is It?

Marvel comics have been around for 82 years. Do you know how big the Marvel Comics universe is? How many Marvel comics there are? Here’s a deep dive into the universe of Marvel Comics.