Photo credit: bookriot.com
Welcome to Today in Books, our daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more.
Amazon’s Book Sale Overlaps with Independent Bookstore Day
This Saturday marked Independent Bookstore Day, a celebration for book enthusiasts who cherish their local indie shops. However, on April 15th, Amazon announced a week-long “book sale event” coinciding with the 26th, stirring controversy. Many voices expressed their discontent, echoing what many might feel. Though Amazon claimed the timing was unintentional, this explanation seems questionable from the perspective of independent bookstores. Whether intentional or not, the timing reflects poorly on Amazon: either it purposely ignored potential backlash or failed to recognize the optics of its actions. A more strategic approach might have involved scheduling the sale ahead of Independent Bookstore Day, allowing it to claim that it aimed to support indie sales.
Iowa City: A Literary Hub
An insightful city profile of Iowa City has surfaced, highlighting its status as perhaps the most literary city in the U.S. with a striking ratio of 1,000 writers among its 75,000 residents. In contrast, areas like Park Slope may not compare. Situated in the heart of Iowa, a state that has leaned increasingly conservative over recent decades, Iowa City stands out not only for its literary output but also for its surrounding college towns that foster creativity and unique perspectives. Growing up in Lawrence, Kansas—a similar literary oasis—I recognize the importance of such communities as vital incubators of diverse thought and expression.
Discussing the Works of Marie-Helene Bertino
Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of engaging with Marie-Helene Bertino about her extensive literary portfolio. We explored her five published works in chronological order, discussing their significance at the time of release, their interconnections, and her reflections on them today. This conversation coincided with the debut of her latest short-story collection, Exit Zero. Engaging with her insights was a rewarding experience.
Source
bookriot.com