Margate Bookie 2023: Adam Kay, happiness, and silent storytelling
The seaside town of Margate played host to the much-anticipated return of the 2023 Margate Bookie, a literary festival that bills itself as the first literary festival held in a former funfair. This four-day event featured a diverse lineup of talks and workshops with some of the most prominent figures in literature and philosophy, including […]
Is literature important during times of conflict? Some say it’s life-changing
The significance of literature during periods of conflict has been a topic of contemplation for generations. In a world fraught with violence, wars, and social upheaval, can books, poems, and stories truly make a difference? This question has elicited varied responses, and in the words of Mary Kaldor of the London School of Economics, we […]
Holocaust memoirs among 450 books removed from Iowa schools
In a recent survey conducted by The Des Moines Register, shocking revelations have emerged about the removal of books from school libraries across Iowa, including important memoirs related to the Holocaust. At the start of the school year, at least 450 books, spanning a wide range of genres, were pulled from the shelves, igniting a […]
Black to the Future festival: a journey into Afrofuturism
In the world of literature, cinema, and art, Afrofuturism has emerged as a powerful and visionary movement, offering a glimpse into a future seen through a Black lens. “Black to the Future” (BttF) is a groundbreaking festival of outstanding Black artists, a creative space where visionary imaginings can thrive. This event, curated, founded, and directed […]
AI’s unauthorised use of authors’ work sparks call for licences
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and creativity, the question of authorship and fair compensation has become increasingly complex. The Authors Guild, a prominent organisation representing writers, has been at the forefront of a battle for authors’ rights. In collaboration with congressional leaders, they have been working to devise measures aimed at safeguarding the rights […]
Eric Tyson’s 20 essential principles for sound personal finance
In my previous work as a personal financial advisor where I worked on an hourly basis with clients, and through the adult education classes I previously taught at the University of California, I saw many folks’ financial details up close and personal. I witnessed many of the same mistakes over and over again. Conversely, folks […]
Wales Millennium Centre faces backlash over AI comic course
The Wales Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue in Cardiff, UK, recently found itself in the middle of a social media storm after announcing a new course aimed at helping aspiring creators craft their first comic or graphic novel using artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative sparked a fierce backlash, with critics arguing that the national […]
Britain’s public libraries to offer ‘warm banks’ this winter
As winter approaches, most public libraries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are gearing up to provide much-needed warm banks, companionship, and support to those who are hit hardest by the ever-mounting cost-of-living crisis. In these trying times, the concept of “warm spaces” is gaining momentum as a lifeline for communities, offering a haven where […]
Scholastic backtracks after alleged exclusion of diverse books
Children’s publisher Scholastic was criticised for alleged exclusion of diverse books at book fairs in the US amid right-wing pressure.
Askold Melnyczuk remembers Victoria Amelina as Ukraine war rages
In a recent interview with Askold Melnyczuk, the renowned writer, translator, and Arrowsmith Press founder, How To Be Books delved into the life and work of the late Victoria Amelina, a prominent writer whose impact transcended borders. Melnyczuk recently edited and published the anthology “Nothing Bad Has Ever Happened,” which serves as a tribute to […]