Category: Today In Books

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Today In Books

Here’s A First Look at DAISY JONES AND THE SIX: Today in Books

Elliot Page’s Memoir Pageboy Coming Soon from Flatiron Books

Flatiron Books has revealed the cover from the upcoming memoir from actor Elliot Page, Pageboy. The publisher writes, “A generation-defining actor and one of the most famous trans advocates of our time, Elliot will now be known as an uncommon literary talent, as he shares never-before-heard details and intimate interrogations on gender, love, mental health, relationships, and Hollywood.” Pageboy is currently available for preorder and will release on June 6, 2023.

Here’s A First Look at Daisy Jones and the Six

Vanity Fair is giving fans a first look at the highly-anticipated series adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel Daisy Jones and the Six. The Amazon Prime Video series stars Riley Keough in the titular role. The cast also includes Sam Claflin as Billy Dunne, Suki Waterhouse as Karen, Sebastian Chacon as Warren, Josh Whitehouse as Eddie, Will Harrison as Graham, Timothy Olyphant as Rod Reyes, Tom Wright asTeddy Price, and Nabiyah Be as Simone Jackson. The first episode in the series will premiere on March 3, 2023, with subsequent episodes released weekly and the finale on March 24.

ITV Adapting The Confessions of Frannie Langton

ITV is adapting Jamaican novelist Sara Collins’ The Confessions of Frannie Langton into a four-part drama series. Collins is also working on the adaptation, and Karla-Simone Spence will star as Frannie Langton. Spence said of the role, “I was really intrigued by Frannie’s journey. She’s an incredibly witty, resilient woman. As soon as I read the scripts I was like, ‘I have to play her.’ I really wanted this role.” All four episodes of the show will be available to view from December 8. 

Here Are the Best Romance Novels of 2022, According to the New York Times

The New York Times has released its first ever Best Romance Novels of the Year list, chosen by romance novelist Olivia Waite.

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Brett Goldstein Wants to Make MUPPETS PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with Miss Piggy: Today in Books

CiCi Adams Writing A Book About Black-Owned Bookstores

NBC News reporter CiCi Adams has announced that she is working on a book about Black-owned bookstores. Black-Owned: the Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore is pitched as the perfect book for fans of Hidden Figures and The Warmth of Other Suns. “There has never been a book written about Black bookshops,” Adams wrote on Twitter. “Black-Owned will explore their rich history & how they’ve been foundational to Black liberation movements.” For a taste of what to expect from her upcoming book, check out Adams’ article “Black-owned Bookstores Have Always Been at the Center of the Resistance.”

Mike Flanagan Shares What Would Have Happened in The Midnight Club Season 2

Netflix has not renewed Mike Flanagan’s The Midnight Club, based on the works of Christopher Pike, for a second season. However, there is a little bit of good news for fans of the show. On Tumblr, Mike Flanagan has shared details about what would have happened in The Midnight Club Season 2. Flanagan is also revealing all of the secrets from season 1 and letting fans know what books he was planning to adapt for the upcoming season, including Pike’s Remember Me. “I loved making this show, and I am so proud of the cast and crew. Particularly our cast, who attacked this story with incredible spirit and bravery each and every day,” Flanagan says. “But for now, we’ll put the fire out, and leave the library dark and quiet.”

Brett Goldstein Wants to Make Muppets Pride and Prejudice with Miss Piggy

Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein recently sat down with The Muppets to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Muppet Christmas Carol, and the actor pitched a new Muppets adaptation: Pride and Prejudice. “You’ve done Muppet Christmas Carol. You’ve done Muppet Treasure Island. You’ve done Muppet Wizard of Oz,” said Goldstein. “Can I please pitch that we make Muppets Pride and Prejudice?” For the proposed Jane Austen adaptation, Goldstein suggested that he should play Mr. Darcy and Miss Piggy could be Elizabeth Bennet. “I’d love to do that,” Miss Piggy replied. “Brett, you’ve got pull in this town. Can you get Pride and Prejudice and Piggy green lit?” Fingers crossed!

Here Are the Most Read Books on Goodreads in 2022

These are the books marked as “Read” by the most Goodreads users in the 2022 Goodreads Challenge, including lots of BookTok favorites.

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LeVar Burton to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys: Today in Books

House of the Dragon Deleted Scene Reveals Top-Secret Kingsguard Ceremony

Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive sneak peek at House of the Dragon: Inside the Creation of a Targaryen Dynasty, which includes information about a deleted scene from Episode 2, “A Rogue Prince.” The book includes images from the scrapped scene which depicts the top-secret Kingsguard induction ceremony. “Choosing your Kingsguard, your bodyguard, is very important, but it’s indicative of this time period — where they haven’t seen a war in over half a century — that Viserys just fobs off this really important choice to his daughter to try to give her something to do to make her feel like she has weight and significance,” showrunner Ryan Condal says in EW’s exclusive book excerpt. “It’s a story of small choices that lead to big things. She picks Criston Cole, who later becomes the reason she nearly gets disinherited, and becomes one of her worst enemies.” The new book will be released from Simon & Schuster on January 31, 2023, and is available for preorder now.

LeVar Burton to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys

Emmy-winning actor, director, educator, and all-around bookish icon LeVar Burton has been announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the first-ever Children’s and Family Emmys. The ceremony takes place on December 11 at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles. Burton will be presented the award by acclaimed Emmy- and Tony-winning actor, director, writer, and producer Laurence Fishburne.

Community Rallies to Save Jackson Bookstore from Closing

The Jackson, Michigan community is rallying around The Book Cottage bookstore to help save it from closing. Nancy and Mark Oakley have been the owners of the Book Cottage for nearly 10 years, but in recent years the store has been struggling to stay open. The store was forced to move locations twice within two years, and this was all before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Now a GoFundMe, created by Justin Fairchild and Christine MacIntyre, is aiming to raise more than $18,000 to help the store catch up on bills and winterize the building. So far, almost $3,000 has been raised. Those interested in helping the Book Cottage can either donate at their GoFundMe or visit the store in person.

December 2022 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

Check out our December 2022 horoscopes for a sneak peek at the month ahead and a new book recommendation perfect for your sign.

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Here’s the Trailer for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3: Today in Books

Winnie the Pooh Joins Chinese Covid Lockdown Protests

Disney stores in Japan are selling a line of Winnie the Pooh merchandise featuring a frowning Pooh looking at a blank sheet of white paper. This is a symbol of ongoing protests in China against censorship and Covid-19 restrictions. The range of Winnie the Pooh merchandise was designed by Japanese illustrator Kannahei and was taken from a scene in a 2011 film. Winnie the Pooh first made waves in China when citizens used his image to mock the Chinese president, Xi Jinping. Pooh became such a symbol of resistance in the country that China refused to screen the film Christopher Robin when it was released in 2018.

Here’s the Trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Marvel has released the first trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the final installment in James Gunn’s franchise. The film will trace the origins of Rocket Raccoon, played by Bradley Cooper. The film also sees the return of many familiar faces, including Chris Pratt as Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer, Vin Diesel as Groot, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Sean Gunn as Kraglin, and Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha. Also joining the film is Maria Balakova, who will play Cosmo the Space Dog. James Gunn will write and direct the third film before leaving the MCU to head DC Studios as its co-CEO. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will hit theaters on May 5, 2023.

Read an Excerpt and See the Cover of Chloe Gong’s Upcoming Adult Fantasy Novel

Gizmodo has shared an excerpt and the cover of the upcoming adult fantasy novel by Chloe Gong. Immortal Longings is the first book in a new trilogy. The novel is a riff on Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, with a setting inspired by Hong Kong’s historic Kowloon Walled City. Immortal Longings will be released on July 25, 2023.

The Best Books of the Year, According to Oprah Daily

Oprah Daily has released their list of 45 of the best books of the year, which includes fiction and nonfiction and a wide range of topics and genres.

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HEARTSTOPPER Season 2 Has Wrapped: Today in Books

Stacy Reid’s Sinful Wallflowers Series Being Adapted for TV

Stacy Reid’s Sinful Wallflowers historical romance series is being adapted for television. The series is being adapted by Sologne Angelique Productions, and CEO Sologne Schumacher said she plans to work with Reid on the adaptation. “Our company’s mission is amplifying the voices of historically excluded creators, and given Stacy Reid’s gifts as a storyteller, we knew she was someone we wanted to work with,” Schumacher said. “When I read the Sinful Wallflowers series, I knew these were characters the world needed to see.”

Heartstopper Season 2 Has Wrapped

Netflix announced on Twitter that the second season of Heartstopper has officially wrapped. The series is based on Alice Oseman’s bestselling graphic novels. The streaming service has yet to announce a release date for its second season. But we do know that the series is already renewed for season 3, so there’s plenty of Heartstopper to come.

AudioFile Names Its Best Audiobooks of 2022

AudioFile has named its best audiobooks of 2022. The list recognizes audiobooks in nine categories: fiction, nonfiction and culture, mystery and suspense, memoir, biography and history, science fiction and fantasy, romance, young adult, and children and family listening. “AudioFile’s list might share many of the same categories as other ‘best’ lists, but our list is all about audio performance and listening experiences,” AudioFile founder and editor Robin Whitten said. “We look at the narrators as the ones who make the magic of an audiobook, so they are celebrated in our lists.” Whitten also noted that “variety of style in the audio program is also an important criterion.” You can see the full list of winners at the AudioFile website.

The “Culture War” Designation is Journalistic Negligence: This Week’s Book Censorship News

A look at this week’s book censorship news and why using the phrase “culture war” with book bans is factually inaccurate.

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It’s Time to Vote in the Inaugural Black Book Awards (BBA): Today in Books

ABC Releases Teaser for Upcoming Beauty and the Beast 30th Anniversary Celebration

ABC has released a teaser for the upcoming Beauty and the Beast 30th Anniversary Celebration. Tune in on December 15 to see H.E.R. as Belle, Josh Groban as The Beast, Joshua Henry as Gaston, Martin Short as Lumíère, Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, David Alan Grier as Cogsworth, and Rita Moreno as the narrator. The television special will mix animation and live-action to celebrate one of Disney’s most beloved films.

The Penguin Hotline is Partnering with the National Council of Teachers of English

The Penguin Hotline is partnering with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). With Penguin Hotline, you can visit their website, answer questions about everyone on your holiday shopping list, and receive a personal note along with customized book recommendations. For every request the Penguin Hotline receives between November 30 and December 14, they will donate $2 to NCTE (for a max of $10K).

It’s Time to Vote in the Inaugural Black Book Awards

It’s time to vote in the inaugural Black Book Awards (BBA)! Right now, voting is open for nearly 50 categories, including unique ones like “Superior Best Friend” and “Best Found Family.” The BBA is an opportunity to celebrate Black literature from the past year. On the website, the BBA writes, “This is our space to share our love and support to our Black authors, and for us to have some fun representing our favorite reads.” You can vote in all categories at the BBA website.

The New York Times Best Sellers List vs. Their Best Books of 2022

The New York Times just released their Best Books of 2022. How much does it overlap with the bestselling books of the year?

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Literary Agents to Stop Submitting Books to HarperCollins in Support of Strike: Today in Books

As We Come to the End of NaNoWriMo, One Writer Reflects on His Book

Today is the last day of November, which means NaNoWriMo is coming to an end. To commemorate the end of NaNoWriMo, Guardian writer Tim Jonze is looking back at the book he finished one year ago but has never read — until now. Is it possible for a 50,000 word novel written in 30 days to be any good? Read Jonze’s article on the Guardian to find out what he learned from looking back at his NaNoWriMo work.

Disney+ Sets Release Date for Japanese Horror-Thriller Series Gannibal

Disney+ has set a release date for the anticipated upcoming Japanese horror-thriller series Gannibal, based on the best-selling manga by Masaaki Ninomiya. Disney+ announced that the series will be released on December 28th. The first trailer for Gannibal was also revealed. Gannibal is adapted for the screen by Takamasa Oe and produced by Teruhisa Yamamoto, both of whom were nominated for Oscars earlier this year for their work on the Academy Award-winning film Drive My Car. Gannibal is directed by Shinzo Katayama and stars Yuya Yagira, Show Kasamatsu, and Riho Yoshioka.

More Than 150 Literary Agents to Stop Submitting Books to HarperCollins in Support of Strike

In support of the HarperCollins strike, more than 150 literary agents have signed an open letter pledging not to submit new projects to the publishing company. The strike has been ongoing since November 10th following the union voting overwhelmingly in favor of the strike in October. Chelsea Hensley, an associate assistant at the KT Literary Agency, organized the open letter in support of the strike. Agents from KT Literary Agency, The Bent Agency, Trellis Literary Management, Paper Literary, and Stimola Literary Studio have also signed, among others. The open letter reads, “Until an agreement is reached and the strike ends, we will not be submitting new projects to HarperCollins beyond those already under contract. A successful HarperCollins, and a successful publishing industry, relies on our friends on the picket line, and so we stand in solidarity with them and ask that HarperCollins return to the bargaining table and grant them a fair contract. In the meantime, we will omit HarperCollins editors from our submission lists.” You can read the full open letter here.

The Best Books of the Year, According to The New York Times

Here are The New York Times’ best books of the year — a list featuring five fiction and five nonfiction titles.

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Books Not Bars for the Holidays: Today in Books

Scarlett Johansson to Star in Just Cause TV Adaptation

Scarlett Johansson is set to star in a new TV adaptation of Just Cause, based on the John Katzenbach novel of the same name. Nearly 30 years ago, 10 year old Johansson played a little kid in the film adaptation of the novel, starring Sean Connery. Now, the actress replaces Connery in a new take on the original material. Amazon’s Prime Video has given the project a straight-to-series order.

Kim Moore Wins Forward Poetry Prize

Kim Moore’s poetry collection All the Men I Never Married has won the £10,000 Forward prize for best collection. This collection of 48 poems confront everyday sexism through exploring experiences with exes and significant others. Chair of judges Fatima Bhutto said the collection was “full of dangerous wit and knowing humor that speaks directly to the reader in a hugely pleasurable way.” The other collections shortlisted were Pilgrim Bell by Kaveh Akbar, Sonnets for Albert by Anthony Joseph, Cain Named the Animal by Shane McCrae, and The Illustrated Woman by Helen Mort.

Books Not Bars for the Holidays!

In an effort to support those inside the prison system, Haymarket Books is hosting Books Not Bars for the Holidays. Haymarket hopes to make their books available for free for those who are incarcerated, in an effort to “connect people with radical books and opportunities for political education.” Right now, you can donate money to help Haymarket Books send books inside as holiday gifts. All funds raised will go towards costs of books and shipping, in the hopes of sending in at least 500 books by the end of the year. Any amount raised past Haymarket Books’ $5,000 goal will go towards sending additional books inside. You can donate and get more details here. Or you can request a book for an incarcerated loved one here.

We Need Diverse Books Launches #BooksSaveLives Campaign

Help put an end to book censorship with We Need Diverse Books’ new campaign #BooksSaveLives.

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Bob Dylan Apologizes for Using Machine to Autograph Books: Today in Books

Knock at the Cabin Movie Poster Revealed

Universal has just released a new poster for M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin. Knock at the Cabin‘s based on Paul Tremblay’s horror novel The Cabin at the End of the World. The movie stars Rupert Grint, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Ben Aldridge, Jonathan Groff, and Dave Bautista. The official synopsis for the movie reads, “While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four armed strangers who demand that the family make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse. With limited access to the outside world, the family must decide what they believe before all is lost.” Knock at the Cabin hits theaters on February 3rd.

Eve L. Ewing to Give Away Signed Books to Fans Who Donate to One of Two Organizations

Author Eve L. Ewing has announced a special giveaway for the holidays. Ewing will be giving away either a signed copy of one of her books (Electric Arches, Ghosts in the Schoolyard, 1919, Ironheart, or Maya and the Robot) or a custom note. To be entered into the drawing to win, all you have to do is make a donation to one of the following organizations: Chicago Refugee Coalition or Market Box Chicago. Make a donation by November 30th, and winners will be notified by December 5th. You can enter for a chance to win here.

Bob Dylan Apologizes for Using Machine to Autograph Books

Bob Dylan has issued a public apology amid controversy over his use of a machine to autograph copies of his book. The copies of Dylan’s The Philosophy of Modern Song were being advertised as hand-signed and were sold for $599 each. All copies came with a letter of authenticity from the publisher Simon & Schuster. In his statement, Dylan said, “Using a machine was an error in judgment and I want to rectify it immediately. I’m working with Simon & Schuster and my gallery partners to do just that.” Simon & Schuster also apologized last week, and they offered refunds to any purchasers dissatisfied with their purchase.

The Best Bookish Deals for Cyber Monday

We’ve tracked down the best bookish Cyber Monday deals around — and may have added them to our own carts in the process.

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The 18 Best Audiobooks and Podcasts of the Year, According to Audible: Today in Books

Winston Duke and Lupita Nyong’o Were Contenders to Become New Black Panther in Wakanda Forever

Following the death of Chadwick Boseman, there has been a lot of speculation over who the next Black Panther would be. While the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ultimately went in a different direction, Wakanda Forever co-screenwriter Joe Robert Cole revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine that a couple of other characters were considered to take up the mantle. “We would kick around the ideas, and try to extrapolate where the story goes and what’s the most impactful choice — what’s the best journey?” Cole said. “And where do you go after the film in terms of those characters. M’Baku certainly was someone that got kicked around a little bit.” In addition to M’Baku, played by Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia was also considered.

New Dungeons & Dragons Film Will Lovingly Poke Fun at Rules of the Game

In an interview with Empire for the magazine’s January 2023 issue, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves helmer Jonathan Goldstein says the new movie will lovingly poke fun at some of the rules of the game. For instance, Goldstein used the “Speak with the Dead” spell in D&D as an example. “To us, that’s very funny,” the director said. “Like, who makes these rules? We can’t just shut off that part of our brain that questions things, so we question all that givens of the fantasy genre. That’s part of the fun of making a movie like this!” Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves marks the first D&D movie to hit the big screen in over 20 years. It comes to theaters on March 31st, 2023.

The 18 Best Audiobooks and Podcasts of the Year, According to Audible

Audible has announced its picks for the 18 best audiobooks and podcasts of 2022. The winners, chosen across multiple categories, were decided up by Audible’s editors. But input from listener favorites and bestsellers were also considered, along with reviews and suggestions from in-house genre experts. The winner of best audiobook of the year went to Sabaa Tahir’s All My Rage, a contemporary young adult novel narrated by Deepti Gupta, Kamran R. Khan, and Kausar Mohammed. Check out Audible’s website for the full list of winners for 2022.

These New Holiday Romcom Books Will Warm Your Heart

A little bit of romance is a great way to amp up the holiday spirit, so here are the best recent holiday romcom releases to warm your heart.