Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is one of the most important novels ever written about 9/11, and it’s a modern classic of American literature. That didn’t save it from getting dropped from the curriculum of an Illinois high school, however, after parents complained about its “extremely” vulgar content. Mattoon High School in Illinois first eliminated the book from its curriculum in September, and the institution is now making national headlines as free speech groups decry the decision. The school’s principal, Michele Sinclair, explained that the book upset parents in part because they weren’t notified about the passages in question. …
Have you learned anything today? If you’re in need of a great science read, we have just the infographic for you. The good people over at Noodle have put together this awesome image full of great recommendations. The infographic is broken up into age brackets, so there are options for everyone. Take a moment to pick out a book for your child! These books will please any budding young scientist – and they may even turn your child into a science lover if he or she isn’t one already. Of course, there’s no law that says only kids can read …
A “hopeful” study of autism has earned its author the Samuel Johnson Prize, the United Kingdom’s most prestigious non-fiction book award. Steve Silberman’s NeuroTribes argues that we should all stop drawing such sharp lines between what is “normal” and what is “abnormal.” Judges said that Silberman’s writing contributed “a hopeful note into a conversation that’s normally dominated by despair.” Silberman first came into contact with his subject while on assignment for Wired magazine in Silicon Valley. Diagnoses of autism are on the rise, which has in turn given spark to a new “neurodiversity” movement. NeuroTribes covers the history and rise of this …
J.K. Rowling is one of the most popular authors in human history. So why did she choose to write several novels under the pseudonym “Robert Galbraith?” In an interview with NPR, Rowling revealed the logic behind her decision. I’m so thrilled that @RGalbraith has been shortlisted for @the_cwa Golden Dagger for #TheSilkworm! (He’s mislaid his Twitter password again) — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 1, 2015 “There was a phenomenal amount of pressure that went with being the writer of Harry Potter, and that aspect of publishing those books I do not particularly miss,” Rowling told NPR’s David Greene on the popular radio show Morning …
Neil Gaiman’s bestselling 2014 children’s book Fortunately, the Milk will get the big-screen treatment, courtesy of Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp. According to sources, the new movie will combine live action with animation to create a hybrid style on screen. There is no shortage of big names attached to the project: Johnny Depp will produce the film, and is also expected to take on an acting role in it. Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) has signed on as director. The book will be adapted into a screenplay by Bret McKenzie, best known for his role as half of the comedic …
