February 27, 2012
Read about the “underground” libraries developing in Houston, San Antonio, Albuquerque and Tucson, In response to the alleged banning of books from Mexican-American Studies programs by the Tucson Unified School District, “underground” libraries are developing in Houston, San Antonio, Albuquerque, and Tucson. “Read-easies” will be organized with donations from various authors whose books have been banned. Go here to learn more.
February 23, 2012
At least two sources are reporting that the author of the Harry Potter series has agreed to a contract with Little, Brown for an adult book. Details are not very clear– just that she has signed for book, e-book, and audiobook rights with this company. According to Rowling, “Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit […]
February 22, 2012
Need the right kind of good book for your next flight? Dominique Browning says forget Great Literature, and don’t stoop too low with ultimately unsatisfying junk. In this NYT article, she offers numerous suggestions that may just become your ticket to travel. Happy flying! Susan R.
February 21, 2012
Huffington Post recently asked for people’s attitudes toward their libraries. They assembled a collection of affectionate tweets explaining just what they love about their local library. One comment I especially liked: “…the quiet mystery of absorbed & oblivious readers.” In a world where many are concerned about people becoming oblivious and indifferent to each other, […]
February 21, 2012
Worried about how to cope now that the second season of Downton Abbey is over? You can always play with dolls. There’s actually a set of printable paper dolls based on the show, posted by New York Magazine’s Vulture blog. Dolls include Maggie Smith’s character dowager countess Violet Crawley with a bustled dress and multiple […]
February 16, 2012
Kevin Wilson has the book world buzzing for a reason. A pair of them, actually. Back in 2009, the Tennessee native hit the lit scene with Tunneling to the Center of the Earth, an artful, mischievous short-story collection that nabbed him a 2010 Alex Award. Now Wilson is back with his first novel The Family […]
February 16, 2012
First there was Disney World, then the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – and now Dickens World. New York Times’ magazine critic Sam Anderson writes a mixed review of the theme park. A recreation of the London of Charles Dickens’s novels (including the smells), the park was to open in Chatham, England (Dickens’ childhood home) […]
February 15, 2012
With all the interest in vampires the last couple of years it’s natural that someone decided to write a cookbook with vampire-themed recipes. There are actually two with a similar title. “Love at First Bite: The Complete Vampire Lover’s Cookbook” offers food with irresistible names such as Blood Chilling Gazpacho and I Vant S’mores. The other […]
February 13, 2012
“As the reach and impact of the videogames world continues to grow, it’s vital that we at least preserve the essence of the cultural and historical impact of the sector.” – Paul Wheatley, Digital Preservation Manager, The British Library The British Library and the National Videogame Archive are working together to preserve gaming culture by […]
February 13, 2012
This month for Poetry 365 we’re featuring Tracy K. Smith’s brilliant new volume Life on Mars. A 2011 NY Times Notable Book, the Princeton professor’s third collection showcases her impressive range as it blends “pop culture, history, elegy, anecdote, and sociopolitical commentary to illustrate the weirdness of contemporary living.” Hypnotic, ironic, and spiritual, Life on Mars is a stunning […]
