Author: Emily Martin

Amanda Gorman and Penguin Random House Launch Poetry Award: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 15, 2021

Here’s A First Look at Harvey Fierstein’s “Juicy” and “Scary” Memoir

Actor, playwritght, and gay rights activist Harvey Fierstein’s memoir I Was Better Last Night hits shelves in March 2022, but you can get a first look at the memoir right now. The upcoming book will follow Fierstein’s career, starting with his early days doing community theater in Brooklyn. Fierstein’s memoir promises to be sexy, romantic, and of course, funny. Plus, he’s sharing stories that he hasn’t even told his closest friends. Fierstein told Entertainment Weekly in a statement, “Well, here is the outrageous, juicy, scary, and mostly true result of my efforts. Actors and writers use their talents to hide who they really are. With this memoir I guess I am saying farewell to all of that. This is me.”

Amanda Gorman and Penguin Random House Launch Poetry Award

Poet Amanda Gorman is partnering with Penguin Random House to launch the Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry, a new creative writing award that will focus on poetry for public high school students. The new award will recognize a student for an original literary composition in English for poetry. The first place prize is $10,000. Gorman stated, “I’m honored to be partnering with Penguin Random House on their poetry award for high school students. As someone who found my love of writing at a young age, I want to continue to foster that same love in the next generation of great poets.” To apply and to read more about eligibility and rules, click here. Submissions open on October 1, 2021, and close on February 1, 2022. Penguin Random House will announce the winners in June 2022.

Scholastic Books to Release Friends Children’s Book Series

Why wait ’til you’re older to have Friends be there for you? Scholastic Books is releasing a series of children’s books based on the Friends television series. The books will feature chibi style versions of everyone’s favorite Friends characters. Life is Better with Friends, the first book in the new series, was written by Micol Ostow and illustrated by Keiron Ward. The book releases in October, but you can preorder now!

Today’s North American Manga Market: the Wins, the Losses, and Everything Else

North America is experiencing a manga boom. And with so many titles now available, there’s no better time than right now to start reading manga. Here’s a look at the industry’s history with manga and its future.

Today In Books

Hanif Abdurraqib, Sam Byers, and Salena Godden Shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 14, 2021

Sponsored by Nightfire

Author Kelly J. Ford Lands New Book Deal for Queer Suspense Bad As All That

Kelly J. Ford, author of Cottonmouth, has landed a new two-book deal with Thomas and Mercer. The first book, set for publication in summer 2022, is a queer suspense novel entitled Bad As All That. It’s the story of a woman to returns to her hometown in Arkansas twenty-five years after the mysterious disappearance of her violent stepfather. But is she ready to face the potentially deadly consequences? Kelly J. Ford tweeted the news on Thursday, promising, “More messy queers coming your way!”

Hanif Abdurraqib, Sam Byers, and Salena Godden Shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize

Hanif Abdurraqib, Sam Byers, and Salena Godden are among those shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize honoring “forward-thinking and fearless” literature. The six-book shortlist includes the following works: Byer’s Come Join Our Disease; poet Godden’s first foray into fiction Mrs. Death Misses Death; Jenni Fagan’s Luckenbooth; Doireann Ní Ghríofa’s genre-bending A Ghost in the Throat; Sea State by Tabitha Lasley; and A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib. The winner will be awarded a £5,000 cash prize and the chance to attend a writing retreat at Burn’s cottage in the Scottish Borders. This year’s winner will be announced at Durham Book Festival on October 14th.

John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats Announces New Novel

The Mountain Goats frontman John Darnielle has announced his third novel, Devil House, which is set to be published on January 25, 2022. The novel follows the story of true crime writer Gage Chandler, who’s had one successful book that’s been adapted as a film. But now he’s been given a huge opportunity: the chance to move into a house the locals call “The Devil’s House” and to write about the grizzly murders that happened there. Regular and signed copies are now available for preorder.

Flirty Before Age 30: Nine Sweet New Adult Romances

Looking for a fun, light summer read? Try these nine sweet new adult romance books.

Today In Books

Time Magazine Announces the 100 Best YA Books of All Time: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 13, 2021

Sponsored by Nightfire

Shveta Thakrar Reveals Her Next Book The Dream Runners

Author Shveta Thakrar, author of Star Daughter, revealed the cover, title, and synopsis for her upcoming novel earlier this week on Twitter on the one-year anniversary of Star Daughter‘s release. The new novel is entitled The Dream Runners, and it will be available on June 28th, 2022 from Harper Teen. This standalone novel follows the story of Tanvi, who joined the ranks of the dream runners seven years ago after being spirited away to the subterranean realm of Nagalok. Dream runners are human children who harvest mortal dreams for the consumption of the naga court. The cover for The Dream Runners feature art by Charlie Bowater and was designed by Corina Lupp.

Chelsea Clinton Plans Full Series of She Persisted Children’s Books

Chelsea Clinton is planning a full year’s worth of material for a She Persisted children’s book series. Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, announced on Twitter, “We are so excited to be expanding the She Persisted universe with another picture book and even more chapter books in 2022! SHE PERSISTED IN SCIENCE and ten more chapter books about inspiring women are coming your way next year!” Clinton will release chapter books throughout 2022 about different influential women, including Coretta Scott King, Malala Yousafzai, and Rosalind Franklin. These books will be written by ten different authors and feature art by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint. In a statement to the Associated Press, Clinton said that it feels “particularly important now to shine a light on women scientists and their contributions to our shared public health, the fight against climate change, and so much more.”

Time Magazine Announces the 100 Best YA Books of All Time

Time magazine has announce their list of the 100 Best YA Books of All Time. The magazine pulled the list together with the help of a panel of celebrate young adult authors—Elizabeth Acevedo, Kacen Callender, Jenny Han, Jason Reynolds, Adam Silvera, Angie Thomas, and Nicola Yoon. The books are listed in chronological order, starting from the 1800s. Time describes the books on this list as the “most compelling, enlightening and influential young-adult books.” Do you agree? Check out the list to see if your favorites are there.

Top 20 Books Like Six of Crows

Love the ragtag crew of misfits in Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo? Looking for more fun books like it? Check out this list of the top 20 books like Six of Crows.

Book Radar

Akwaeke Emezi Cover Reveal and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 13, 2021

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s the cover reveal for Akwaeke Emezi’s new middle grade novel Bitter.

Penguin Random House has partnered with poet Amanda Gorman to launch the Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry.

American hero Dolly Parton has written a novel Run, Rose, Run, coming out in 2022.

Surprise! Prince makes a cameo in the new movie-inspired Batman ’89 comic.

Speaking of Batman, Robin is now canonically bi-sexual in the new Batman: Urban Legends comic.

Scholastic is releasing a new series of children’s books based on the TV show Friends.

Here’s the cover reveal for singer/songwriter John Darnielle’s upcoming novel Devil House.

Anti-critical race theory parents are fighting The Hate U Give.

Akashic Books has acquired world rights to The Reservoir by author and actor David Duchovny.

Owlcrate has reversed its decision and will reintroduce Harry Potter items in boxes.

Here’s your guide to all the new Marvel movies coming out in 2021 and 2022.

And Shveta Thakrar revealed the cover and title for her upcoming novel The Dream Runners.

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!

book cover of My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones

My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones (Gallery, August 31, 2021)

Since this is my first time writing for Book Radar, I had to start this off with my most anticipated book of 2021: My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones. That title! The cover art! We are here for it.

Last year when I read Stephen Graham Jones’ The Only Good Indians, I was completely unprepared. There were several moments in this book where I had to slap the pages closed and shout, “WHAT THE HECK DID I JUST READ?” And I mean that in the best way. I’d never read a book like it before, and I still can’t get the images from that book out of my head. No spoilers here if you haven’t read that one yet (YOU ABSOLUTELY SHOULD). But it goes without saying that whatever this author wrote next, I was on board.

Thankfully for me (and all you other Stephen Graham Jones fans out there), this author keeps busy. I didn’t have to wait long to get my hands on My Heart is a Chainsaw. This novel is a homage to slasher films of the 1970s and 80s. To escape from her abusive father, a mother who wants nothing to do with her, and a town in which she feels like an outsider, Jade Daniels disappears into the imaginary world of horror movies. But when a dead tourist’s body is found in Indian Lake, Jade begins to wonder if the horrors on the screen are bleeding into real life. Can her encyclopedic knowledge of horror films save her?

If you’re going into this book expecting another predictable slasher thriller, think again. Stephen Graham Jones would never do that to you. Yes, this is a thrilling horror story, but it’s also a critique of Indigenous displacement and gentrification. And a thoughtful examination of racism, sexism, and the “final girl” trope in horror.

What I’m Reading This Week

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

#FashionVictim by Amina Akhtar

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Bookish Meme Corner

I love memes. Do you love memes? Here’s a bookish meme that made me smile. Perfect for anyone in need of a Parks & Rec/Shakespeare crossover.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

Hey, have you seen The Green Knight (starring the wonderful Dev Patel) yet? If not, you should! And if you’re worried about going to see it in theaters, guess what? A24 is making the film available to stream for one night only! I think this calls for a rewatch for me.

If you love Sailor Moon and social justice and are not yet following Sailor Moon Wisdom on Instagram, do it now! You’ll love it.

Purrli: Because the Internet has a cat, and shout out to Liberty for bringing this wonderful website into our lives.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Meet Murray and Phantom! I actually have three cats, but getting a pic of all three of them together is rare, so you’ll have to wait and meet the other one next time. Murray is the orange cinnamon roll, and Phantom is the tiny panther. Also, it was Phantom’s birthday this past Saturday. He’s officially one year old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHANTOM!

Thank you for joining me for all the books, cats, and more! See you Thursday for even more Book Radar! It’s been fun. ❤️ Emily

Today In Books

Dolly Parton to Publish Her First Novel: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 12, 2021

Sponsored by Nightfire

Alyssa Cole Hosting Birthday Book Drive for Women’s Prison Book Project

Romance, thriller, and graphic novel author Alyssa Cole is doing something special for her birthday. The author has teamed up with the Women’s Prison Book Project and Black Garnet Books for a Birthday Book Drive. Check out Black Garnet’s curated wishlist of books by Black romance authors that you can buy to donate to incarcerated readers. If you can’t buy books, but you have books you’d like to donate, check out the Women’s Prison Book Project for mailing instructions (and additional wishlists).

Bullet Train, Starring Brad Pitt, Gets April 2022 Theatrical Release

David Letich’s fim Bullet Train—based on the Japanese novel Maria Beetle by Kotaro Isaka—will get a theatrical release on April 8, 2022, Sony announced on Monday. The film stars Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Joey King, Andrew Koji, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Benito A. Martínez Ocasio. The screenplay was written by Zak Olkewicz.

Dolly Parton to Publish Her First Novel

Country music superstar Dolly Parton is an international superstar and a huge sponsor of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine. And now, she’s got one more thing to add to her list of accomplishments: she’s written a novel. Parton’s novel Run, Rose, Run, which she cowrote with James Patterson, will be published by Penguin Random House next year on March 7, 2022. The novel follows the story of a young woman who moves to Nashville to pursue her dreams of making music. Alongside the release of the book, Parton plans to release an album of the same name, consisting of 12 original tracks.

Bookish Hotels and BNBs Around the World for Your Next Getaway

Might there be bookish travel in your future? Whether you’re planning a trip or just fantasizing about it for now, here are hotels and BnBs are decked out with author inspired decor, books galore, and lots bookish fun!

Today In Books

Mindy Kaling Adapting Novel HANA KHAN CARRIES ON as Film: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 11, 2021

Sponsored by This Party’s Dead by Erica Buist from Unbound

Akwaeke Emezi Reveals Cover for Upcoming YA Novel Bitter

Earlier today on Instagram, Akwaeke Emezi shared the cover for their upcoming YA novel Bitter. Emezi wrote, “this one is for everyone who wanted a prequel to PET—i got you! you get to see jam’s mom as a teenager, lucille as it was during the revolution, and how the angels came about in the first place!” Shyama Golden, who also designed the cover for Emezi’s Pet, also created the cover art for Bitter. The novel will be published by Knopf Teen and available on February 15, 2022.

Mindy Kaling Adapting Novel HANA KHAN CARRIES ON as Film

Amazon Studios and Mindy Kaling’s Kaling International are adapting Uzma Jalaluddin’s novel Hana Khan Carries On as a film. The story is a romance centered around two Halal shops. Hana Khans’s family owns Three Sisters, a restaurant whose business is threatened when a more commercial, fusion-based restaurant opens up down the street. Unfortunately, Hana finds herself having an instant romantic connection with the owner of the other restaurant, Aydin. Sahar Jahani—who has previously written for the television series 13 Reasons Why, The Bold Type, and Ramy—will write the script, and Mindy Kaling and Jessica Kumai Scott will produce via Kaling International.

Prince Makes an Appearance in New Batman ’89 Comic

Blink and you’ll miss it, but if you look closely at the opening pages of the new Batman ’89 comic, you’ll see a cameo from Prince. Written by original Batman screenwriter Sam Hamm with art by Joe Quinones and Leonardo Ito, Batman ’89 is a new comic based on the hit 1989 Batman film starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. In one of the first pages of the comic, a Gotham newscaster interviews trick-or-treaters about all of the Batman and Joker costumes at this year’s Halloween celebrations. One of the costumed people she talks to is a Joker cosplayer who looks almost exactly like Prince from the Batman music videos. You can get Batman ’89 right now wherever comic books are sold.

Your Guide to New Marvel Movies and TV in 2021 and 2022

Disney and Marvel clearly have a lot of stories left to tell. Here’s your guide to what the MCU has in store for the rest of 2021 and 2022.

Today In Books

Robin Now Canonically Bisexual in New Batman Comic: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 10, 2021

Sponsored by Ecco, publishers of Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So

Dana Tanamachi’s 2021 National Book Festival Poster Revealed

The National Book Festival has unveiled their poster for this year’s festival, designed by Dana Tanamachi, a New York City-based artist, designer and owner of Tanamachi Studio. The theme for this year’s festival is “Open a Book, Open the World,” and in translating that theme for the image on the poster, Tanamachi explained, “It dawned on me that an open book could also look like a blossoming flower, and the ideas started to flow instantly…Books and flowers both open up and invite us in to behold beauty, mark the seasons and experience change and growth. Combining the two images felt like the perfect metaphor.” You can download a high-resolution PDF of the poster, and you can view and download previous festival posters at the National Book Festival poster gallery.

Robin Now Canonically Bisexual in New Batman Comic

There’s a new LGBTQ+ character in the DC universe! The latest issue of Batman: Urban Legends, a monthly anthology series, has revealed that Batman’s sidekick Robin—specifically the Tim Drake version of him—is bisexual. In this issue, Tim reunites with his old friend Bernard, and they agree to go out on a date. Fans have responded positively to the news. Artist Belén Ortega, who works on the comic, tweeted, “It’s overwhelming all the comments and love I’m receiving from you guys. Thanks for your support on my very first series with @DCComics See you soon Tim!” Ortega ended the tweet with hearts and a rainbow flag.

American Booksellers Association Apologizes for Promoting the Wrong Book

In a statement published to the Shelf Awareness blog Monday, American Booksellers Association’s CEO Allison Hill issued an apology for an incident in which a curated bestsellers list featured the wrong title. The list was meant to feature short story collection Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton and other authors, an ode to Black teen love and New York City. Instead, they accidentally included the Candace Owens book by the same name. Apologizing on behalf of the employee who made the mistake, Hill said, “It was a terrible mistake with terrible racist implications. However, based on our investigation and the demonstrated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitment of these individuals, we have no reason to believe the action was malicious in intention.”

Anti-Critical Race Theory Parents Fight The Hate U Give

As students everywhere start heading back to schools, the tensions surrounding teaching critical race theory continues to rise. Now, Parents in Putnam County, New York, are fighting against the inclusion of The Hate U Give on 9th grade reading lists.

Today In Books

Denne Michele Norris Named Editor-in-Chief at ELECTRIC LITERATURE: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 9, 2021

Bloomsbury Acquires Debut YA Fiction Title From Author and Social Media Influencer Lex Croucher

Bloomsbury has acquired the “witty, romantic” debut YA fiction novel Gwen and Art Are Not in Love from author and social media influencer Lex Croucher. US rights were sold to the St Martin’s Press imprint Wednesday Books. The novel is set during medieval times and follows the story of four queer nobles trying to navigate an unaccepting kingdom. Hannah Sandford, senior commissioning editor at Bloomsbury, said, “Gwen and Art Are Not in Love knocked my jousting socks off. It is the witty, romantic, melodramatic, queer medieval YA romp that we all need in our lives. Lex’s writing is endlessly funny, inventive, brave, poignant, a breath of fresh air.” Gwen and Art Are Not in Love will publish in March 2023.

Denne Michele Norris Named Electric Literature‘s Editor-in-Chief

Denne Michele Norris will take the helm as Electric Literature’s new editor-in-chief, starting on August 10. Norris succeeds Jess Zimmerman, who has held the role since 2017. The independent publisher’s executive director, Halimah Marcus, praised former editor-in-chief Zimmerman for making the Electric Literature “more forward-thinking, expansive, and successful,” and said that she is “excited to see Denne carry that torch… while bringing her own unique sensibility and passions to the role.” Norris will be “the first Black and openly trans editor-in-chief of a major U.S. literary publication.”

Bouchercon Calls Off This Month’s In-Person Convention

Bouchercon, the annual mystery fiction convention, had planned to hold a live convention this August in New Orleans. However, due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus, the convention has been canceled. Registrants were e-mailed last week to be informed of the cancelation. Full refunds are being offered for registration fees.

How Much Do Ratings and Reviews on Goodreads Affect Book Sales?

Our contemporary world is practically run by online reviews, from platforms like Yelp, eBay, Amazon, and Letterboxd… and of course, Goodreads. But how much do ratings and reviews on Goodreads affect book sales? Let’s look at the numbers.

Today In Books

Laurence Fishburne to Produce SAG HARBOR Series: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 7, 2021

Sponsored by Ecco, publishers of Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So

Laurence Fishburne to Produce Sag Harbor Series

Colson Whitehead’s 2009 novel Sag Harbor is now being adapted into a series with actor Laurence Fishburne serving as executive producer. The new HBO Max series follows the story of Benji Cooper, a Black teenager who spends the summer of 1985 with his family at a town in the Hamptons. The first episode in the series will be written by playwright and actor Daniel “Koa” Beaty. Beaty will also serve as an executive producer on the project alongside Fishburne, Whitehead, Katie O’Connell Marsh, and Helen Sugland. “Colson is a once-in-a-generation author who has the unique ability to craft beautiful and authentic stories that captivate and transform readers, and Sag Harbor is a true expression of that gift,” O’Connell Marsh said. “We’re thrilled to be working with HBO Max, Cinema Gypsy and Koa to bring this coming-of-age story to the screen.”

11 Year-Old Simeon Hudson Writes Book to Help Stop Bullying

After fourth grader Simeon Hudson saw a friend being bullied at school and called a “nerd,” he knew he wanted to do something about it. And so Simeon wrote a book to help stop bullying. With the help of his mother Candace Hudson, Simeon wrote Harry and His Big Nose, which is now available for purchase. “It took us about a year and then COVID slowed us down, so it took a while. It took about until I was in the sixth grade to get it out,” Simeon said. He and his mother are now working on making the book the first of the series. The next book will be entitled Harry and His Hygiene.

Kansas City Public Library Hires Dedicated Wikipedian-in-Residence

The Kanas City Public Library has hired Miranda Pratt as “the first Wikipedian-In-Residence appointed by a public library in the United States.” Pratt’s position in the library is to be an advocate for the community. Her job is to build awareness and increase engagement in Kansas City surrounding the free online encyclopedia Wikipedia.org. “With this position, I’m kind of creating community awareness that we can all write our history together on Wikipedia,” Pratt said in an interview.

Here Are All the New Suicide Squad Characters

The Suicide Squad, with all-new Suicide Squad characters, is now playing in theaters and on HBO Max. Here are all of the new characters featured in the movie!

Today In Books

National Book Award Winner Kacen Callender Announces New Middle Grade Novel: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date August 6, 2021

Sponsored by Sandra Brown’s new historical thriller Blind Tiger

Bridgerton Meets Groundhog Day in Lisa Berne’s New Regency Romance

Pan Macmillan has picked up a Regency-era romantic comedy by Lisa Berne that’s being described as a cross between Bridgerton and Groundhog Day. Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton series, has called Lisa Berne “one of the most exciting historical fiction writers in a long time.” Berne’s regency romance, entitled The Redemption of Philip Thane, follows the story of a “gentlemen and a scoundrel” who is cursed to live out the same day over and over until he gets it right. That includes finding a way to win the affections of Miss Margaret Allen, who despises him (and with good reason). In a statement, Berne said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the Pan Macmillan family…The Redemption of Philip Thane is a book very close to my heart, it’s brimming with laughter as it explores the ever-fascinating question of how a rake can really and truly be redeemed.”

National Book Award Winner Kacen Callender Announces New Middle Grade Novel

On Friday, August 6, National Book Award winner Kacen Callender took to Twitter to announce their upcoming middle grade novel. Callender tweeted, “My deeply personal MG called Moondflower, about 12-year-old Moon who struggles with depression and suicidal ideation, will be out next year. I know I needed this book when I was Moon’s age, and I’m happy this story will be out in the world soon.” The book will be published by Scholastic Books in 2022.

Overdue Library Book Returned 50 Years Late with Surprise Letter

In Plymouth, PA, an overdue book, checked out 50 years ago, was anonymously returned to a public library with an apology and a $20 bill. The book in question? A 1967 copy of Coins You Can Collect by Burton Hobson. The letter was written as if by the book itself and reads, “Fifty years ago (yes 50!), a little girl checked me out of this library in 1971. At this time, she didn’t know they were going to move from Plymouth. Back then, kids weren’t told things like that.” The letter acknowledges that $20 is not enough to cover the late fees accrued over the past 50 years, but suggested: “Perhaps you can pay off some fines of some kids with it.” Both the letter and the book will soon be on display at the library, according to library director Laura Keller.

8 Fantastic Romance Novels by Indigenous Authors

Looking for romance novels by Indigenous authors? Here are 8 fantastic titles to get you started.