Baby Loss Awareness Week: 12 books to break the stigma
Baby Loss Awareness Week is an annual event held in several countries, typically from October 9th to October 15th. It is a campaign aimed at raising awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, providing support to those who have experienced such losses, and breaking the silence and stigma surrounding the topic. We consider these nonfiction books […]
Book clubs: is the trend of literary gatherings dying out?
In recent years, book clubs have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, drawing not only avid readers but also celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Emma Roberts, and even Bridgerton creator Shonda Rhimes into their literary fold. The question that now lingers is whether this cultural phenomenon is fading into obscurity, losing its once-pervasive appeal. COVID […]
Roberto Saviano defamation verdict against Italy PM a blow to free speech
In a verdict that has sent shockwaves through Italy’s literary and journalistic circles, renowned author and PEN award winner Roberto Saviano was found guilty of defaming Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. The ruling, handed down by Rome’s criminal court, came with a €1,000 (£865 / $1,054) fine and a sense of foreboding for free speech […]
Michael Rosen unveils Uyghur scholar Rahile Dawut as PEN’s Writer of Courage
Renowned author Michael Rosen recently announced Professor Rahile Dawut as the recipient of the prestigious PEN Pinter Prize for her courage and commitment to her work despite facing persecution. The annual prize, named after the legendary playwright Harold Pinter, is awarded to writers who have faced adversity for their beliefs. The award ceremony took place […]
Guest post guidelines: how to submit article to How To Be Books
We are delighted to announce our new guest post initiative for How To Be Books and are actively seeking experts in the field of nonfiction, encompassing genres such as memoir, poetry, biographies, essays, literary nonfiction, self-help, and more. Why would you want to guest post for How To Be Books? We showcase some of the […]
Likewise: Bill Gates-backed Pix AI chatbot recommends books
Likewise, the company renowned for its adept app-based recommendations for books, films, and more, has introduced Pix, an AI chatbot tailored to the world of entertainment. Developed through a strategic blend of Likewise’s proprietary customer data and technology from OpenAI, Pix is designed to offer personalised entertainment suggestions and address queries via text messages, emails, […]
International Day of the Girl Child: 15 empowering books for change
The International Day of the Girl (IDG), observed every 11th of October, stands as a global platform dedicated to advocating for the comprehensive rights of girls worldwide. As we navigate a landscape where movements and actions aim to undermine the rights of girls and women and reverse progress towards gender equality, the impact on girls […]
Spotify audiobooks: a challenge to the publishing world
In a surprising move earlier this month, Spotify expanded its premium subscription offerings to include hundreds of audiobooks. From contemporary releases like Safiya Sinclair’s “How to Say Babylon: A Memoir” to internet sensations such as Jennette McCurdy’s “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” this development has sparked excitement among audio-bibliophiles. However, as Spotify dives headfirst into […]
Books about mental health for World Mental Health Day
It’s World Mental Health Day, hence here are some books from authors who’ve faced challenges themselves.
Alabama flags book because author’s name is ‘Gay’
In a recent incident that highlights the challenges libraries face in curating their collections, a children’s picture book titled “Read Me a Story, Stella” found itself at the centre of controversy at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HCPL). The cause of the uproar? The author’s last name is ‘Gay,’ leading to concerns of potentially “sexually […]