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Welcome to Today in Books, our daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more.
How THE GREAT GATSBY Took Over High School
This year marks a century since the release of The Great Gatsby. Throughout this year, discussions around the impact and relevance of this classic novel will be prominent, including insights from various publications. Alexander Manshel explores how the book’s inclusion in high school curricula has been crucial to its lasting legacy. Interestingly, F. Scott Fitzgerald did not witness the book’s rise to prominence; the state of literary appreciation in the 1940s made its iconic status seem unlikely. This exploration shines a light on the unexpected journey of Gatsby to its elevated status in American literature.
Amazon to Pin Price Hikes on Trump Tariffs in Product Pages
A lesson learned by the Biden/Harris administration, as well as other leaders before, is the importance of consumer perceptions regarding price increases. Firms like Amazon, known for their low-cost products—many sourced internationally—are mindful of how price hikes, particularly from tariffs, appear to consumers. Recently, Amazon announced plans to clearly indicate how tariffs contribute to item prices directly on product pages. This move is seen as a bold step to enhance transparency in pricing.
John Lithgow Surprised by Dumbledore Casting Blowback
John Lithgow’s recent casting as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming adaptation of Harry Potter marks a significant chapter in his career. Lithgow has stated that this may not only be one of his final major roles but could also define how he is remembered in his biography. Unexpectedly, he has faced criticism following the announcement regarding the implications of accepting such a role given the current controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling. An open letter from Danika Ellis urged Lithgow to reconsider, highlighting Rowling’s recent controversial comments on transgender issues. This letter reached Lithgow through mutual connections.
In response, Lithgow remarked, “I thought, ‘Why is this a factor at all?’ I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her, and I’m curious to talk to her,” implying an openness to dialogue about the issue. When questioned about how the criticism affected his perceptions of the Dumbledore role, Lithgow maintained that it hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm.
However, there remains an opportunity for Lithgow to use his platform to advocate for transgender youth, which may create a more powerful narrative. As reported, the production process of the Harry Potter series has not been influenced by Rowling’s viewpoints, with HBO and Max CEO Casey Bloys stating that Rowling’s opinions have not impacted the casting decisions or the team behind the scenes.
A Literary Grudge That Has Been Stewing for More Than a Decade
In a recent revelation, our own Rebecca Schinksy has finally addressed a long-standing literary grievance that resonates with many. Her insights reveal the underlying sentiments shared by numerous readers.
Source
bookriot.com