Author: Emily Martin

Five Debut Novels Make Women’s Prize for Fiction Longlist: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date March 8, 2022

Netflix Orders White House Mystery Drama The Residence

Netflix has picked up Shondaland’s murder mystery drama The Residence, which is inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House. The show, which is described as “a screwball whodunnit set in the upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs of the White House,” has received an eight-episode order. Paul William Davies will be the showrunner and executive producer on the show. Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers will also executive produce on behalf of Shondaland via the company’s Netflix overall deal.

Five Debut Novels Make Women’s Prize for Fiction Longlist

The Women’s Prize for Fiction Longlist has been announced, and among the nominated titles are five debut novels. Among the debut novels up for the prize are Dawnie Walton’s The Final Revival of Opal and Nev and Build Your House Around My Body by Violet Kupersmith. Why are there so many debut novels on the 2022 longlist? Chair of judges Mary Ann Sieghart said, “Why people are starting to write brilliant books, and managing to do so with their first novel, I can’t really answer … but is it possible that perhaps during the first lockdown people thought, you know what, I’ve always wanted to write a novel, maybe I’ll give it a go?” The shortlist will be revealed on April 27th, and the winner will be announced on June 15th.

HBO Releases First Trailer for Limited Series DMZ

HBO Max has released the first trailer for limited series DMZ, starring Rosario Dawson and based on the DC graphic novel of the same name. The series also stars Benjamin Bratt, Hoon Lee, Freddy Miyares, Jordan Preston Carter, and Venus Ariel. DMZ comes from creator Roberto Patino, who serves as executive producer and showrunner. He also wrote the first episode. Ava DuVernay also executive produced the project and directed the first episode. DMZ will be streaming on HBO Max staring March 17th.

Here Are the 2022 Ezra Jack Keats Award Winners

The Ezra Jack Keats Award celebrates emerging writers and illustrators in the world of children’s literature. Here are the winners for 2022!

Today In Books

Book Aid for Ukraine Auction Starts Today: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date March 7, 2022

BBC Developing A24’s Adaptation of Shuggie Bain

The BBC is developing A24’s adaptation of 2020 Booker Prize winning novel Shuggie Bain. Scottish author Douglas Stuart is set to adapt his novel, with The Crown’s Stephen Daldry attached to direct. The adaptation is part of the BBC’s efforts to tell more working class stories from outside of London. The network is seeking to represent more of the country in its entirety amid accusations of metropolitan bias.

Book Aid for Ukraine Auction Starts Today

Book Aid for Ukraine, an auction to raise money for the Ukrainian people, has commenced bidding today. Items up for bid include: a signed, limited edition Dave Grohl gift box; an author visit plus signed book from Mo O’Hara; afternoon tea with Anne Cleeves in Whitely Bay; a mentoring session with Jenny O’Brien; submission critiques from agents such as Ina Christova or Nikki Smith; and much more. The website urges donors to “bid generously,” as “every penny spent will be donated to British Ukrainian Aid.” You can read more about British Ukrainian Aid here. Auctions will close at midnight GMT on March 20th.

Miami Street Lamps Transformed into Poetry Projection Devices

Meet the voices of Opa-Locka Light District in O, Miami Poetry Festival’s latest project. Ten city streetlamps along Opa-Locka Boulevard have been transformed into poetry projection devices. Each poem addresses topics important to members of the community: light, democracy, public safety, transportation, and infrastructure. O, Miami posted a video of the project on Instagram and wrote, “Thank you to our collaborators Opa-Locka Community Development Corporation, Maker Faire Miami, and Moonlighter FabLab, and thank you to the Miami Foundation for the Public Space Challenge grant that made this project possible.”

Is Goodreads A Good Thing?

Goodreads is the most popular social media site focused on books. But is Goodreads a good thing? The answer to that question is complicated.

Today In Books

CEU Press Provides Free Access to Ten of Its Books on Ukraine: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date March 5, 2022

ESPN’s Andscape to Launch Book Imprint with Disney

ESPN’s Andscape, the newly rebranded media network previously known as The Undefeated, is launching a book imprint with Disney Publishing Worldwide this fall. The imprint will focus on narrative non-fiction and memoirs. Additionally, the imprint will have a line of young adult and children’s titles. The first book to launch from the imprint will be NFL journalist Jason Reid’s Rise of the Black Quarterback: What it Means for America. The book, which looks at the history of Black NFL players, will be published on August 2nd.

Netflix to Adapt Novel Ride Around Shining with Jonah Hill’s Strong Baby

Netflix is making a feature film adaptation of Chris Leslie-Hynan’s novel Ride Around Shining. Rodney Barnes will pen the script, and Jonah Hill’s Strong Baby Productions is producing. The novel is described as a “a discomfiting portrait of envy and obsession” that tells the story of a young white chauffeur and his wealthy Black employer, a professional basketball player. Jonah Hill, Matt Dines, LaKeith Stanfield, and Colin Stark are producing the project. Ali Goodwin is executive producing, and Leslie-Hynan is an associate producer.

CEU Press Provides Free Access to Ten of Its Books on Ukraine

CEU Press is making ten of its titles on Ukraine freely available on the Project MUSE platform. If you are looking for a deeper history of the Ukraine, its conflicts with Russia, and how this affects us now, here are the links to the ten available books. You can find full summaries of all ten of the titles here.

Texas Republicans Ask Schools to Pledge Not to Buy From Vendors that Sell Gender Queer

Jared Patterson, a Republican member of the State of Texas House of Representatives, sent a letter to school superintendents urging them to pledge not to buy books from any vendors that carry Gender Queer. The vendors that most schools buy from carry a wide variety of books, and the majority of them carry this bestselling, award-winning title.

Book Radar

BULLET TRAIN Movie Releases First Trailer and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date March 4, 2022

Book Deals and Reveals

The Nerd Daily has revealed the cover of Sarah Echavarre Smith’s upcoming rom com novel The Boy with the Bookstore. Who doesn’t dream of falling in love with a boy with a bookstore?

Bullet Train, the film adaptation of Kotaro Isaka’s international best-selling thriller Maria Beetle (Bullet Train), has released its first trailer.

Here’s the cover reveal of Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel by Shahnaz Habib. This book will be available everywhere on January 10th 2023!

Oscar nominee Arian DeBose has been cast in Sony’s upcoming Marvel movie Kraven the Hunter.

After opening its first bookstore in November 2015, Amazon will be closing all of its 24 physical bookstores.

Stephen King is returning to beloved character Holly Gibney in his recently announced upcoming novel Holly.

Pantheon has purchased the North American rights to Laila Lalami’s sixth novel, The Dream Hotel. The novel is set in the near future and follows “a museum archivist who gets detained after a predictive algorithm uses her dreams to determine she will commit a crime.”

Disney+ has greenlit its first Dutch drama series Nemesis, which will be an eight-episode adaptation of the best-selling crime novel of the same name by Simon de Waal.

Sketches of fantastical creatures by Dr. Seuss that have never before been published will see the light of day in a series of new books written and illustrated by up-and-coming authors and artists.

Wondering what the most popular children’s books are in each state? Surprise. The results are very white.

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!

Booth by Karen Joy Fowler (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, March 8)

Make some shelf room right away, because this one’s out tomorrow. Booth is bestselling author Karen Joy Fowler’s examination of the family behind one of the most intimate figures in American history: John Wilkes Booth. And while this isn’t the first book to ever explore the history of the Booth family, this is probably the best one. Disclaimer: I’m not, like, an expert on books about John Wilkes Booth or anything, but this is probably the best book about the Booths.

It all starts in 1822, when Mary Ann and Junius Booth move into a secret cabin thirty miles northeast of Baltimore. There, they start a farm, have ten children, and raise their family. Junius is an acclaimed Shakespearean actor and is away from home for a good portion of the year, leaving Mary Ann to care for their ten children. As the world around the Booths begin to change and the country is on the brink of secession and civil war, the family starts to emerge from their hidden lives to become one of the country’s leading theatrical families. But along with the Booth family’s triumphs come many scandals.

Interspersed with the story of the Booths, Fowler also gives readers a look inside the life of Abraham Lincoln, who at the start of the story is a state congressman in Illinois. Of course, eventually the story of the Booths will tragically collide with Lincoln’s. Even though readers will know where Lincoln’s story will eventually end, this isn’t a story about John Wilkes Booth and Lincoln’s assassination. This is the story of a family and a country in conflict and on the precipice of change.

What I’m Reading This Week

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James

Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho

The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy

Sailor Moon: Eternal Edition 7 by Naoko Takeuchi

A Girl is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

Monday Memes

I have to say the Phenomenal Books Instagram account has really been killing it with the bookish memes. Here’s one I shared on my own personal ‘gram because it definitely hit home. And so now I’m sharing it with you!

Other Things That Make Me Happy

This has been out for a while, but I always return to it when I want to play a game and I need a good laugh. Yes, it’s Monster Prom. If you don’t know what this game is yet, omg yay I get to tell you about it. It’s a dating sim where you play a monster attending a special monster high school. By the end of the school term, you have to get one of the other monsters to go to the prom with you. And what’s even cooler is that this can be played as a multi-player game, which is really unusual for a dating sim. Heads up: the jokes in this game are 100% NSFW, so proceed with caution.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Remember how Murray was curled up all sweet on the chair last week? Well, this is Phantom’s take. Is this comfortable for you, Phantom?

Whatever. It’s cute either way.

And that’s all for today, friends. I hope you have a wonderful week and all your dreams and hopes for the week come true.

❤️ Emily

Today In Books

Dolly Parton Fans Slam Lawmaker for Questioning Book Program: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date March 4, 2022

Sponsored by Nightfire, publisher of Sundial

Barry Levinson to Direct Crime Drama The Missing at Peacock

Barry Levinson has been tapped to direct David E. Kelley’s upcoming Peacock crime drama The Missing. Levinson—who is known for directing films like Rain Man, Good Morning, Vietnam, and Wag the Dog—will direct multiple episodes, including the first. He will also executive produce the series. The Missing is based on Dror A. Mishani’s 2011 novel The Missing File. The eight-episode series is a co-production between Keshet Studios and Universal Television. David E. Kelley will serve as showrunner. Kelley and Levinson will executive produce alongside Mishani, Kelley’s producing partner Matthew Tinker, Jonathan Shapiro, Keshet Studios’ Peter Traugott, Keshet International’s Alon Shrutzman, Keshet Media Group’s Avi Nir and Keshet Broadcasting’s Karni Ziv.

20th Century Studios Developing a Third Film Based on Hercule Poirot

According to 20th Century Studios, a third Hercule Poirot film is in development, and this one will be a different genre and tone than Death on the Nile. 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell said in a statement that the next installment in the Poirot series will be based on one of Agatha Christie’s lesser-known novels. Absell said, “We have the Poirot franchise, we have other Christie stories. I love these films, I love [Kenneth Branaugh, who stars as Poirot in the films]. We have a third script written, by Michael Green, that is a pretty daring shift in genre and in tone. It’s post-war Venice and an adaptation of one of the lesser-known novels. So I think you’ll see the mustache again.”

Dolly Parton Fans Slam Lawmaker for Asking if Book Program is “Appropriate”

Fans of Dolly Parton are slamming Kentucky State Senator Stephen Meredith about his recent questioning of the country star’s children’s book program. The program gives free books every month to children up to age 5. During a meeting, Republican Meredith asked if language could be added to the partnership bill to ensure the program’s books are “subject-appropriate.” In a tweet Thursday morning, Dolly’s sister Stella Parton wrote, “I’m outraged this morning that anyone, let alone a GOP Sen. Meredith from the great state of Ky. Would question my sister Dolly or even insinuate something sinister about the ‘Imagination Library’ program for children.” Following the tweet, Dolly Parton fans reacted with outrage, causing the subject to become one of the day’s top trending Twitter topics.

How Much Does A Book Challenge Cost?: This Week’s Book Censorship News

Here’s a look at the costs of book challenges and this week’s roundup of book censorship news across the US.

Today In Books

Stephen King Returns to Beloved Character in New Book: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date March 3, 2022

Ariana DeBose to Play Calypso in Kraven the Hunter

Oscar nominee Arian DeBose has been cast in Sony’s upcoming Marvel movie Kraven the Hunter. The recent SAG Award winner will star opposite Aaron Taylor Johnson, who is playing the titular role. While it is unconfirmed who DeBose will be in the film, sources say she will be playing Calypso. Kraven is an anti-hero Marvel character who is best known as one of Spider-Man’s most formidable enemies. J.C. Chandor is directing the film, and Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are producing. Art Marcum & Matt Holloway and Richard Wenk wrote the screenplay. Kraven the Hunter will be released theatrically January 13, 2023.

Stephen King Returns to Beloved Character in New Book

Stephen King is returning to beloved character Holly Gibney in his recently announced upcoming novel Holly. King announced the new novel on the most recent episode of the Kingcast podcast. Holly Gibney is a private investigator with OCD. The character previously appeared in King’s Bill Hodges trilogy (Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, End of Watch) and his 2018 book The Outsider. “I could never let Holly Gibney go from the Mr. Mercedes books,” King told podcast hosts Eric Vespe and Scott Wampler. “I mean, she was supposed to be a walk-on character and she just kind of stole the book and stole my heart and so I just finished a novel that’s called Holly and it’s all her, man.”

Disney+ Greenlights Nemesis as First Dutch Drama Original

Disney+ has greenlit its first Dutch drama series Nemesis, which will be an eight-episode adaptation of the best-selling crime novel of the same name by Simon de Waal. Dutch production company Pupkin is producing the series, with Willem Bosch and Pieter Kuijpers serving as showrunners on the project. Disney+ will premiere the series on its streaming service worldwide in the fall of 2023. “Nemesis is a thrilling crime series about the influence of the crime scene on our society and a wayward woman in the Public Prosecution Service who goes to war in an unorthodox way,” said Mascha van Erven, director local original productions for Disney+ Benelux. “We are incredibly proud to announce the first Dutch drama series for Disney+. The best storytellers within the Netherlands will tell the story. We can’t wait to bring this authentic story to all Disney+ viewers in the Netherlands and around the world.”

Lafayette Library Board Grants Itself Power to Ban Books

In Lafayette, Louisiana, the Library Board has granted itself the power to ban books. The meeting included several people heckling the library board president and led to an LGBTQ activist being arrested for disturbing the peace.

Today In Books

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was the Voice of Paddington Bear: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date March 2, 2022

Sponsored by The Lost Dreamer by Lizz Huerta, with Fierce Reads

Bullet Train, Starring Brad Pitt, Releases First Trailer

Bullet Train, the film adaptation of Kotaro Isaka’s international best-selling thriller Maria Beetle (Bullet Train), has released its first trailer. The film stars Brad Pitt and is directed by David Leitch, known for directing films like John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. The film also boasts a star-studded cast, including Joey King, Andrew Koji, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Sandra Bullock, Hiroyuki Sanada, Zazie Beetz, Michael Shannon, Logan Lerman, and Benito A Martínez Ocasio (a.k.a. Bad Bunny). Bullet Train will open in theaters this July 15.

Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky was the Voice of Paddington Bear

Social media went wild when it was uncovered that President Volodymyr Zelensky, the man now seen around the world as the face of the resistance, was the voice of Paddington Bear in the Ukrainian version of the animated film. Studio Canal confirmed that Zelensky voiced Paddington in both the 2014 film and the 2017 sequel Paddington 2. Before becoming president, Zelensky was one of the most successful comedians in Ukraine. Zelensky even starred in a political satire series where he plays a school teacher who becomes Ukraine’s president.

New Books Inspired by Dr. Seuss Feature Work of Diverse Authors and Artists

Sketches of fantastical creatures by Dr. Seuss that have never before been published will see the light of day in a series of new books written and illustrated by up-and-coming authors and artists. The new line of books will include original stories inspired by the illustration and featuring a diverse and inclusive lists of authors and artists. The announcement of the new series comes exactly one year after the business founded by the family of Dr. Seuss announced that it would stop publishing six Dr. Seuss titles because they include racist images. “We look forward to putting the spotlight on a new generation of talent who we know will bring their unique voices and style to the page, while also drawing inspiration from the creativity and imagination of Dr Seuss,” Susan Brandt, president and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said in a statement.

Children’s Author Shirley Hughes Has Died at 94

Shirley Hughes, the English author and illustrator of beloved picture books like Out and About, Dogger, and the Alfie series, has died at 94.

Book Radar

THE BALLAD OF BLACK TOM Given New Life in New Hardcover Edition and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date March 2, 2022

Sponsored by Nightfire, publisher of SUNDIAL.

All Rob wanted was a normal life. She almost got it, too. But when her oldest daughter, Callie, exhibits the same darkness Rob remembers from the childhood she left behind at Sundial, the mother and daughter embark on a dark, desert journey to the past in the hopes of redeeming their future.

Hi Book Friends!

I’m back home after a short journey to New York, and, oh, it’s suddenly March? Who let that happen? I hope everyone is doing okay, given how truly difficult and unsettling the world continues to be. I know there’s nothing I can say to make things better, but I also just want to acknowledge that things are scary. And sometimes at moments like this, it can feel like the small stuff like books don’t really matter. But books are one of the joys that make life worth living, so as long as there are still words to read, I’m going to keep writing about them. And I thank you for being here to read with me. I’m sending you hugs and best wishes and hopes for happier days.

❤️ Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

Tordotcom Publishing is releasing a brand-new hardcover edition of Victor LaValle’s award-winning novella The Ballad of Black Tom in September 2022.

Many publishing institutions in Europe are condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And Ukrainian publishers are speaking out about how Russia has been conducting a proxy war for a generation by attempting to undermine the success of the country’s national publishing industry.

LGBTQ Reads has an exclusive cover reveal of A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson. This novel is out from Berkley in December.

An Outlander prequel is in the works at Starz, with showrunner Matthew B. Roberts set to pen the script for the series.

Fiona Barnett’s debut novel The Dark Between the Trees has been acquired by Rebellion Publishing and will be published in October. And here’s the cover reveal!

Paramount+ has greenlit a series adaptation of Beth O’Leary’s novel The Flatshare.

Author, producer, and literary agent Shawanda Williams has announced the launch of Black Odyssey Media, a new publishing venture dedicated to books focused on the Black experience.

Sarah Jessica Parker is launching her new SJP Lit imprint at Molly Stern’s new Zando publishing house.

Here are the 2022 PEN American Literary Award Winners.

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Del Ray, July 19th)

At this point, Silvia Moreno-Garcia is an insta-read author for me. If she has a new book coming out, it’s going straight to the top of my TBR pile. And not simply because her books are a good. The best thing about Silvia Moreno-Garcia is that you’re never sure where her stories will take you. With Mexican Gothic, readers got a chilling gothic tale. Gods of Jade and Shadow, inventive historical fantasy based in Mayan mythology. Velvet Was the Night, a political noir thriller. With The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, Silvia Moreno-Garcia is serving a “dreamy reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico.”

Carlota Moreau is the only daughter of evil genius Doctor Moreau. She has spent her life growing up in a distant estate, safe from the hardships of the Yucatán peninsula. With the assistance of Montgomery Laughton, the doctor spends his days creating hybrids, creatures that are part animal and part human. These science experiments, financed by the wealthy and powerful Lizaldes, are going perfectly according to Doctor Moreau’s plans. But then the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the son of Doctor Moreau’s patron, threatens to unravel everything.

With this atmospheric new novel, Moreno-Garcia is once again entering new storytelling territory, mixing horror, science fiction, and fantasy. If somehow you’ve made it this far in your reading life without reading one of this author’s novels, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is the perfect excuse to to finally pick up one of her books.

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Words of Literary Wisdom

“I didn’t become a cult leader to be kind.”

— The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy

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.

In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many people have taken to social media to share relevant reading lists of books that can help us understand the conflict. If you’re looking for more books to help you understand what’s going on, check out this list from Book Riot.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

I know I just shared a picture of Murray on Monday, and generally speaking I like to spread the love. But today, Murray was sleeping on my office chair like this, and I couldn’t stand it. I had to take a pic and share it. I hope you’ll understand.

And that’s all for now! I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Take care of yourself. Be kind to others. Pet your cats and dogs. And we’ll talk soon!

❤️ Emily

Today In Books

Jamie Lee Curtis Writing an Eco-Horror Graphic Novel: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date March 1, 2022

Sponsored by Harper Paperbacks, Publisher of Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr

Asante Blackk to Star With Tiffany Haddish in Landscape with Invisible Hand

When They See Us and This Is Us actor Asante Blackk will star with Tiffany Haddish in the upcoming adaptation of Landscape With Invisible Hand. Blackk will play Haddish’s son in the film adaptation of National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson’s novel Landscape With Invisible Hand. Written and directed by Cory Finley (Thoroughbreds, Bad Education), the story is described as a “heightened comedy set in a deeply stratified, alien future.” This project is one of Blackk’s first major film roles.

The Folio Society Announces Special Edition of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House

The Folio Society has announced a new special collector’s edition of Shirley Jackson’s classic novel The Haunting of Hill House. The new collector’s edition will feature “seven exquisitely unnerving full-page illustrations,” nine black-and-white tailpieces, and a wraparound cover design, all by Angie Hoffmeister. You can take a closer look at this new special edition here.

Jamie Lee Curtis Writing an Eco-Horror Graphic Novel

Jamie Lee Curtis has written an eco-horror graphic novel, adapted from a script for the actress’ directorial debut film. The graphic novel Mother Nature will be published by Titan Comics, cowritten with filmmaker Russell Goldman, and illustrated by Karl Stevens. “I first thought about this story when I was 19 years old,” Curtis said in a statement. “I’ve always been aware of the very unbalanced relationship between humans and nature, and even though I was young, I always knew that, inevitably, nature would win. I have long admired and collected Karl’s work, and I’m very excited he suggested expanding the idea to turn it into a graphic novel. The partnership with Titan has now given us a wonderful platform to begin to tell our story.” Mother Nature is available for preorder now and will be published this fall.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with These Comics and Graphic Novels

It’s Women’s History Month! To celebrate, read these comics starring women, including history, horror, superheroes, and feminist heist stories.

Today In Books

Beth O’Leary’s THE FLATSHARE to be Adapted for Paramount+: Today in Books

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date February 28, 2022

Toni Morrison’s Novel The Bluest Eye Off the Banned List in St Louis Schools

Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye will once again be available to high school students in a district in St Louis, Missouri, after the Wentzville school board reversed its decision to ban the book. Challenges against two other books have been withdrawn as well. The American Civil Liberties Union sued the district for the removal of books on behalf of two students. Now ACLU official Anthony Rothert says he welcomes the news, but warns that books remain suppressed. “Wentzville’s policies still make it easy for any community member to force any book from the shelves even when they shamelessly target books by and about communities of color, LGBTQ people and other marginalized groups,” said Rothert. “Access to The Bluest Eye was taken from students for three months just because a community member did not think they should have access to Toni Morrison’s story.”

Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare to be Adapted for Paramount+

Paramount+ has greenlit a series adaptation of Beth O’Leary’s novel The Flatshare. The series, which will just be called Flatshare, stars Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey, Brave New World) and Anthony Welsh (The Great), and is part of Paramount+’s plan to launch 50 international scripted shows in 2022. Bart Edwards, Shaq B Grant, Shaniqua Okwok and Jonah Hauer-King will also star.

Shawanda Williams Launches Black Odyssey Media

Author, producer, and literary agent Shawanda Williams has announced the launch of Black Odyssey Media, a new publishing venture dedicated to books focused on the Black experience. The publishing company will specifically focus on works that can be adapted for film or television. Black Odyssey’s inaugural titles are planned to debut in summer 2023. The initial list includes titles such as American Gunner by Eddy Clark with D. Andrea Whitfield; Women Cry in the Dark, Too by J.L. Blalock; and The Accidental Queen by L.R. Jackson. “The duality of being an author and having served the market as a literary agent for nearly nine years has allowed me to assess the industry from a unique vantage point,” said Williams in a statement. “With the vital support of our new partners, I hope that Black Odyssey can… usher in more diverse voices to cater to an underserved market.”

Books for Understanding Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Here’s a reading list to better understand Russia’s attack on Ukraine, from examinations of past conflicts to more current events.