In a recent development that has left the publishing industry dismayed, Penguin Random House has cut ties with two publishing trade unions, a decision that directly affects staff at its London headquarters. It is reported that talks between the large publisher and the unions broke down when representatives were unable to meet an agreement over terms of payment. Over 140 authors have signed an open letter to the publishing giant, urging that it rescind its decision – calling into question Penguin Random House’s commitment to the democratic impulses that informed its founding. Author, Michael Rosen, had this to say: Penguin …
Rebecca Solnit, famed feminist and inventor of the term “mansplaining”, released a poignant manifesto in lieu of the 2004 upset that left George W. Bush as our Commander-in-chief. Hope in the Dark was a powerful call to those left shocked, urging them to remain hopeful in the face of such a spirit crushing defeat. Book Buttons Embed ISBN: 9781608465767 It’s 2016 and Donald Trump will be President. After his victory, Hope in the Dark sold out in the United States. It would seem that whatever it is those who didn’t support Trump were feeling then, they are feeling now to a …
Emma Straub, author of Modern Lovers and Vacationers, has joined the growing list of authors who are taking stake in the book selling business. In a push to revitalize the book industry, authors are putting their money where their mouths are – opening and rescuing bookstores nationwide. Emma Straub was witness to the closing of a neighborhood bookstore; the same bookstore in which she used to work and would eventually release her novel. “A neighborhood without an independent bookstore is a body without a heart,” she writes. “And so we’re building a new heart. We’ve spent the last few months looking …
Publisher Abrams has recently decided to cease publication of a parody picture book that took aim at famous children’s work. Bad Little Children’s Books offer up a humorous and raunchy retake of over 100 famous children’s books. While critics were quick to rave over the creative wit and gut busting laughs within the book, many took to social media complaining over offensive material. Although ABRAMS representatives were quick to defend the author’s right to freedom of speech, as well as disparage the criticisms of the book as simply undue sensitivity towards what was clearly posited as humor; the author, who …
The incredible rise of the talented Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi has taken an unexpected turn into fashion, with the announcement that she will be the face of N07, a makeup brand owned by the pharmacy chain Boots. The writer, famous for novels such as Americanah and Purple Hibiscus, and for her role as a feminist activist, took to facebook recently to defend the role of fashion and makeup in feminism. Ms. Adichi has clearly added fashion icon to her list of accomplishments, and it was no small list to begin with. The Macarthur Genius Grant recipient has also won National Book …
