Paris' historic bouquinistes along the Seine, dating back over 475 years, continue to thrive by offering a unique outdoor book-selling experience, emphasizing human connection and cultural preservation despite digital competition and recent challenges like the 2024 Olympics.
"American Fiction," a satirical film directed by Cord Jefferson, explores the dominance of stereotypical "urban" novels in the Black book market and the challenges faced by Black writers seeking authentic representation. The story follows a frustrated writer who jokingly creates a gangster persona and unexpectedly finds success when a publisher picks up his book. The film, based on Percival Everett's novel "Erasure," delves into the complexities of monetizing Blackness for white consumption. "American Fiction" is set to release in December, sparking conversations about the state of the book industry and its portrayal of Black stories.