Sylvia Plath was born 89 years ago today. A published writer from age at, she left behind a vast catalogue of poetry and prose, especially given her short life. One of her most charming works was a rhyming children’s book Read more >
On this day in 1940, Maxine Hong Kingston was born in Stockton, CA. Kingston, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, took the literary world by storm with her seminal work The Woman Warrior (1976), which blends autobiography and mythology. The Woman Read more >
Early this month, the Swedish Academy awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in literature to Abdulrazak Gurnah, for “for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and Read more >
Did you know about the J. Anthony Lukas Awards Prize Project? Well you should if you’re working on nonfiction that focuses “on topics of American political or social concern” (which, frankly, represents a very wide range of possible themes). For Read more >
The first time I saw a horror movie, I was 11. It was at Christy Z.’s birthday party, and for some reason, her parents let us watch The Eye. The Eye, starring Jessica Alba, is a very scary movie about a Read more >
As All Hallows’ Eve approaches, Poe, Shelley and Lovecraft are top of mind—but many other canonical writers had spooky inclinations that flew under the radar. For instance, novelist and illustrator William Makepeace Thackeray was known for his satirical novels; but Read more >
“It was a dark and stormy night.” You’ve heard it a million times, seen it used in seriousness and in jest; it is the quintessential and cliché opening to a gothic novel or a ghost story, or as Zachary Petit Read more >
Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin is running an attack ad against Governor Terry McAuliffe featuring a mother that says McAuliffe vetoed a bill that would let parents protect their children from reading explicit materials in schools. Before you tune Read more >
On this day in 1900, Henry James sent his first letter to Edith Wharton, which kicked off a lifelong friendship and mentorship. Both authors had ties to the historic 21 Washington Place: James grew up in a now demolished building Read more >
If you, too, were obsessed with The Jolly Postman as a child, you understand the particular pleasure of a book of letters, written in the hands of its characters. (All I wanted was to score an invite to Baby Bear’s birthday party, Read more >
They’re saying October is the new December when it comes to holiday shopping! I’m sure you’ve heard about all the looming supply chain issues by now, and the best way to beat the rush is by getting your goodies early. Read more >
It’s less than a week away from Halloween, and I’m feeling the excitement that always comes with an agreed-upon atmosphere. For me, this enthusiasm for the eerie is limited to a week in October, but some don’t let month dictate Read more >
When Zadie Smith’s debut, White Teeth, was first published over 20 years ago, reviewers almost unanimously pointed to its wit and comedy, calling it “extremely funny” (Literary Review), “hilarious” (i-D), and “an omnivorous comedy.” Smith, who turns 46 today, became Read more >
Yes, as reported by Deadline earlier today, French film studio Gaumont—looking to add to a series roster that includes Narcos, Lupin, Barbarians and El Presidente—has partnered with Tessa Thompson’s Viva Maude Productions to develop a series adaptation of Raven Leilani’s Read more >
MyScience has reported some sad but not particularly surprising news: UK school library collections are very, very white. Researchers from the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Keele University surveyed schools across England about the diversity of their libraries, Read more >
Look, books make me want to dance, too. And while some libraries have a “no talking” policy, you have to admit: they didn’t say anything about singing! So because it’s Monday and you might need this, please enjoy the best Read more >
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