Stacey Abrams’ New Novel While Justice Sleeps Will Be Adapted for TV
Working Title Television has acquired the rights to Stacey Abrams’ latest novel While Justice Sleeps, and it will be adapted for a television series. Abrams will executive produce the project with Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. Abrams, a two-time New York Times bestselling author and political leader, said, “I created While Justice Sleeps to unravel a political mystery about power and secrets through the eyes of a protagonist dealing with her own demons. I am excited about the book’s release today, and I look forward to working with Working Title Television and Universal Studio Group to bring the intriguing world of Avery Keene to television.”
Richard Osman Wins Author of the Year at the British Book Awards
Richard Osman was named Author of the Year at the British Book Awards following the release his debut novel The Thursday Murder Club. The book follows a group of residents in a retirement village who work together to solve cold cases, but then find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery of their own. Osman told BBC News, “I am genuinely thrilled that people have loved The Thursday Murder Club, and this award is the cherry on the cake.” Other winners of the British Book Awards, which were held virtually, included Maggie O’Farrell for her novel Hamnet and Douglas Stuart for Shuggie Bain. You can see the full list of winners here.
Oprah Winfrey and Keanu Reeves Join Publishers Weekly’s New U.S. Book Show
Publishers Weekly’s new virtual book publishing trade show, the U.S. Book Show, has announced that Oprah Winfrey will be its opening keynote speaker, and Keanu Reeves will be on a panel speaking about his new graphic novel. Oprah and Keanu are just the latest celebrity speakers to be announced for the Book Show’s lineup. Other speakers include Elizabeth Warren, Ijeoma Oluo, Padma Lakshmi, Anthony Doerr, Stevie Van Zandt, and Brian Selznick. The U.S. Book Show will be live-streamed May 25-27 and will be available on demand through August 31.
Better Rating Systems Than the Goodreads System
The Goodreads rating system is far from perfect. Here are some suggested alternatives to the current Goodreads rating system.