Clapham Book Festival: Melvyn Bragg and modern literary trends
The Clapham Book Festival 2023, known for its distinctive and quirky lineup, brought together a diverse range of literary and broadcasting talents. Among the highlights was the appearance of the renowned broadcaster and author Melvyn Bragg, who engaged in a conversation about his life, work, and writing with Radio 4’s cultural and opera expert, Tom […]
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 […]
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 […]
What is gaslighting? Dr Robin Stern on turning off the gas
Gaslighting is insidiously pervasive in today’s culture. We are inundated by an onslaught of news and information that we’re aware might not be accurate. In such a climate, we are presented with more occasions to question what we know and consequently are more vulnerable to gaslighting than ever. Gaslighting is always a creation and interplay […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Mongolian books face ban as part of China’s ‘cultural genocide’
In a troubling episode indicative of China’s strict censorship rules, the world was recently reminded of the country’s relentless efforts to suppress voices that diverge from the official party line. Mongolian literature, long treasured for its rich cultural heritage, has become the latest casualty in Beijing’s campaign to assert control over ethnic Mongolians’ identity. Chinese […]
Banned Books Week: a catastrophic threat to intellectual freedom
In a world devoid of imagination, creativity, and a diversity of ideas, envision a society where certain books are deemed unfit for consumption. Such a bleak scenario is the essence of book banning and censorship, a practice that poses a significant threat to the freedom to read and the preservation of intellectual freedom. Banned Books […]