Book bans: Uncle Bobby’s Wedding sequel to be released by Sarah Brannen
Award-winning author and illustrator Sarah Brannen has been at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ book ban discussion due to her groundbreaking children’s book, “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding.” Originally published in 2008, this heartwarming picture book featuring a same-sex wedding has faced numerous challenges and bans across the United States. Amid the ongoing backlash against such books, […]
Khaled Khalifa: books to celebrate Syria’s literary titan
Khaled Khalifa (خالد خليفة) was a distinguished Syrian novelist, screenwriter, and poet who etched an indelible mark on the global literary landscape with his books. With a career decorated with literary accolades, international renown, and an unwavering commitment to portraying the human experience amid the tumultuous backdrop of his homeland, Khalifa’s passing on 30th September […]
Africa Writes: Claudia Rankine among writers at heritage event
The Royal African Society‘s annual celebration of contemporary African and diaspora literature, Africa Writes, recently explored the theme of “Intangible Heritage” at the British Library. This vibrant literary festival, the largest of its kind in the UK, is a deep meditation on the unspoken elements of culture that shape our narratives and identities. Poets Kwame […]
Rory Cellan-Jones calls Amazon AI-generated bio ‘utter tosh’
A growing number of authors are discovering that their hard-earned literary works are being replicated by artificial intelligence (AI) and sold on the world’s largest e-commerce platform, Amazon. Writer and journalist Rory Cellan-Jones recently had an unnerving experience when he stumbled upon a memoir on Amazon, a memoir he had co-authored, complete with a cover […]
Best books in September 2023: recommendations
Discover captivating fall reads of 2023 – from history to conspiracy, our best September books ignite our imagination.
Jane Austen Meta AI: celebrities used in social interactions
In a frankly bizarre yet groundbreaking move, Meta has recently unveiled a revolutionary addition to its family of apps and devices – a cast of 28 unique artificial intelligences that you can now message on Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. These AIs, each with their own distinct interests and personalities, are set to deepen the way […]
US lawmakers’ resolutions proposal against book bans welcomed
In a critical bid to safeguard free expression and academic freedom within US public schools, Senator Brian Schatz and Representative Jamie Raskin have introduced companion resolutions in Congress, addressing the concerning rise of book bans and educational censorship. PEN America, an organisation at the forefront of defending open expression, has thrown its weight behind these […]
Iowa book ban leads to disclaimers on Little Free Libraries
In a response to Iowa’s recent contentious legislation banning certain books from schools, several school districts in the state are taking proactive measures to protect themselves. Reports from the Des Moines Register have highlighted how West Des Moines and Urbandale schools in Iowa are now placing disclaimers on their Little Free Libraries located on school […]
BLM and protests in a neoliberal system – Invisible Weapons author Marcus Board Jr
As the world increasingly succumbs to the influence of a dystopian global order that views the neoliberal and capitalist market as the ultimate judge of all human interactions, an increasing number of individuals are becoming inclined to resist, an area which we speak about with Invisible Weapons author Marcus Board Jr on Black History Month. […]
Ghostwriters used in celebrity books: what’s the issue?
Debating celebrity ghostwriters: Should stars like Millie Bobby Brown use them? Explore the insights into this literary practice.