Sponsored by Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez with Lissette Norman, illustrated by Teresa Martínez
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Game of Thrones Book Coauthors Respond to Book Boycott and Racism Accusations
Authors Linda Antonsson and Elio M. García Jr. have responded to the boycotts and uproar over their past controversial remarks. With the upcoming release of their book The Rise of the Dragon, the first volume of a visual history of the Targaryen family from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series, past controversial remarks have come to the surface. Antonsson has been accused of making several racist remarks about the casting choices for House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. For instance, of Toussaint’s casting as Corlys on House of the Dragon, Antonsson wrote that the actor was “miscast,” adding, “There are no Black Valyrians and there should not be any in the show.” Antonsson responded that it bothers her to be “labeled a racist” when she says her focus “has been solely on the world building.” She added that she has no issue with inclusive casting but strongly believes “diversity should not trump story.”
Oprah Daily Reveals the Cover of Rachel Heng’s The Great Reclamation
Oprah Daily has the exclusive cover reveal of Rachel Heng’s new novel The Great Reclamation. For her latest novel, Heng, author of Suicide Club, looks back at the history of Singapore after the collapse of British rule. Heng says she infused speculative elements into her story to “approach history with a slant.” The Great Reclamation is out from Riverhead Books on March 28, 2023.
Announcing the Nominees for the 2021 Shirley Jackson Awards
The nominees for the 2021 Shirley Jackson Awards have been announced! The awards aim to recognize “outstanding achievement in the literature of psychological suspense, horror, and the dark fantastic.” This year, winners will be announced at an in-person ceremony hosted by Elizabeth Hand and Paul Tremblay. The ceremony takes place on October 29th at the Boston Book Festival, presented in partnership with Readercon.
A Guide to U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón
Meet the new U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón. This primer will introduce you to her work, including the best poems in her poetry collections.