All articles tagged with #literature
An NYT interactive quiz tests readers’ knowledge of the settings for five mystery novels set in American towns, emphasizing how sense of place shapes thrillers and guiding readers to links to the books after the questions.
Jo Glanville reflects on caring for her parents with dementia and describes how reading aloud to them kept them mentally engaged and connected to the world, challenging the idea that late-stage dementia means a complete loss of understanding. She cites evidence from The Reader’s reading groups and argues against assisted dying, calling for ongoing advocacy and care for people with dementia.
In a thoughtful review, Pico Iyer praises George Saunders’s Vigil for its humane, unsparing inquiry into reality, suffering, and death, using supernatural figures to blow up political binaries and echo Saunders’s border reporting and Buddhist practice; the piece situates Vigil with Lincoln in the Bardo as part of Saunders’s ongoing project of empathy across divides.
Jennette McCurdy channels personal anger into fiction with Half His Age, a provocative novel about a 17-year-old girl who pursues a relationship with a 40-year-old teacher. The work aims to dissect psychological complexity and gray areas of power rather than portray a simple victim-villain dynamic, and it has generated buzz and mixed reactions ahead of its release, signaling a notable shift from her memoir-era public image.
Gayle Feldman's biography of Bennett Cerf explores his influential role in 20th-century publishing, his flamboyant personality, and his relationships with major literary and entertainment figures, painting a vivid picture of a glamorous yet complex era in New York's literary scene.
Virginia Evans's debut novel, 'The Correspondent,' about a retired lawyer writing to pen pals, became a surprise bestseller in 2025, gaining popularity gradually and eventually topping the New York Times list, marking a significant achievement after her previous unsuccessful attempts at publishing.
Jenna recommends Stefan Merrill Block's debut memoir 'Homeschooled' as her January 2026 pick, a raw and honest story about a boy's life in a dysfunctional but loving homeschooling family, exploring themes of forgiveness, hope, and healing.
Lit Hub's list highlights the most anticipated books of 2026, featuring a diverse range of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and genre-bending works from acclaimed authors, reflecting themes from societal issues to personal stories and experimental narratives.
This article presents a quiz about notable buildings that inspired authors and feature in their novels, including locations like Belle da Costa Greene's workplace, a hotel in 'Death in Venice,' the House of the Seven Gables, a historic fort in Ghana, and a building by Mies van der Rohe that inspired a fictional house.
Erin Somers's novel 'The Ten Year Affair' humorously explores the midlife longing and moral rigidity of a millennial couple in New York, highlighting their decade-long fantasies about an affair that ultimately reveals their emotional stagnation and societal pressures, all wrapped in sharp wit and keen social observation.
The author shares how embracing random, uncurated reading has expanded their literary horizons, improved their writing, and fostered a more diverse and authentic relationship with books, moving beyond hype and marketing-driven choices to discover unexpected and enriching stories.
The article reviews notable books from 2025, including a history of the 1929 Wall Street crash, a biography of Joan Crawford, and a memoir by Cameron Crowe, highlighting the year's significant literary works.
Barnes & Noble released its most anticipated books for 2026 across various categories, highlighting titles like George Saunders' 'Vigil' and Tayari Jones' 'Kin', along with debut novels and collections. The article also discusses American reading habits in 2025, revealing that the median number of books read was two, and shares cultural moments like Zohran Mamdani's swearing-in with a Qur'an from the Schomburg Center. Additionally, it reviews popular literary activism stories from 2025, organized by themes.
The Public Domain Day 2026 list includes early versions of Betty Boop, Disney characters like Pluto, classic films such as All Quiet on the Western Front, and literary works like Faulkner's 'As I Lay Dying,' all entering the public domain, allowing free use and adaptation, with some legal nuances to consider.
Anita Loos, author of the classic novel 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,' is more than just that work; her broader literary contributions and her real-life friendships reflect her influence on women's history and culture, yet many of her other works remain to be rediscovered.