Target has removed a book from its Black History Month collection after a high school history teacher discovered that it mislabeled three prominent Civil Rights icons. The "Civil Rights Magnetic Learning Kit" incorrectly identified W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, and Carter G. Woodson. Target has stated that it will no longer sell the product and has informed the publisher of the errors. The month of February marks Black History Month, a tradition aimed at honoring the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans.
First-time author Cait Corrain lost her book deal and other partnerships after being accused of creating fake Goodreads accounts to sabotage other writers' books through negative reviews. The accusations of "review bombing" led to the discovery that Corrain had given her own book glowing reviews. Del Rey Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, dropped Corrain's book from their publishing schedule, and her literary agent also cut ties with her. Corrain acknowledged her actions in a letter, attributing them to struggles with depression and substance abuse. However, those targeted by her negative reviews felt her apology was insufficient. Review bombing has been an ongoing issue on Goodreads, with little moderation or recourse for authors.
Stephen Rubin, a prominent book publisher known for launching the careers of authors like John Grisham and releasing blockbuster novels such as The Da Vinci Code and Fire and Fury, has passed away at the age of 81. Rubin, a former journalist, was a colorful and influential figure in the publishing industry, hosting memorable parties and being a source of gossip. He was praised for his ability to spot bestsellers and was described as a writer's dream. Rubin's legacy will be defined by his role in publishing The Da Vinci Code, which sold over 70 million copies.
Goodreads, a social media platform and review site, has become an essential avenue for building readership, but reviews can be weaponized, in some cases derailing a book’s publication long before its release. Review bombing campaigns have caused authors to delay or cancel their novels, and even established authors have been subjected to such campaigns. Goodreads allows any registered user to review or rate a book, even if it hasn't been released yet. While Goodreads has taken steps to improve its ability to detect and remove content that violates the site’s community guidelines, it still faces criticism for not doing enough to protect authors from online harassment.
Goodreads, a social media platform and review site, has become an essential avenue for building readership, but reviews can be weaponized, in some cases derailing a book’s publication long before its release. Review bombing campaigns have caused authors to delay or cancel their novels, and even established authors have been subjected to such campaigns. Goodreads allows any registered user to review or rate a book, even if it hasn't been released yet. While Goodreads has taken steps to improve its ability to detect and remove content that violates the site’s community guidelines, it still faces criticism for not doing enough to protect authors from online harassment.
Best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert has announced that she will pull her upcoming novel, "The Snow Forest," from publication following online outcries about its Russian setting. Gilbert cited "an enormous, massive outpouring of reactions and responses from my Ukrainian readers, expressing anger, sorrow, disappointment and pain about the fact that I would choose to release a book into the world right now, any book, no matter what the subject of it is, that is set in Russia." The novel was inspired by the true story of a religious Russian family who, in the 1930s, left Russia for a life of extreme solitude in Siberia, only to be discovered decades later by Soviet geologists.
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat, Pray, Love," has indefinitely delayed the publication of her new novel, "The Snow Forest," set in Siberia, after receiving backlash from Ukrainian readers who accused her of "romanticizing" Russia amid its ongoing war with Ukraine. Gilbert said she respects the messages from her Ukrainian readers and does not want to add harm to those who have already experienced grievous harm. The book was originally slated to publish in February 2024, and anyone who pre-ordered it will be refunded. The announcement garnered mixed reactions from Gilbert's social media followers, with some praising her decision and others critiquing her for participating in censorship.
Taylor Swift fans have driven a mysterious book, with no title or author announced, to become a bestseller on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The book, listed as "4C Untitled Flatiron Nonfiction Summer 2023 Hardcover," has a release date of July 9, which has led fans to speculate that Swift is the author. Theories have been fueled by Swift's use of numerology and Easter eggs in her work. However, the book's publisher, Flatiron, has asked booksellers to remove posts about the book, and some fans now speculate that the book is about the Korean boy band BTS.
Keanu Reeves opened up about his happy moment with girlfriend Alexandra Grant during a recent interview. The couple has reportedly been in a relationship since 2011 and collaborated on Reeves' books, Ode to Happiness and Shadows. They also started their own book publishing company in 2017. Grant explained that she made Ode to Happiness as a personal gift for Reeves before they decided to publish it. While Grant did not comment on marriage, she emphasized the importance of love and relationships in her life.
