Louis Sachar: From ‘Wayside’ to ‘Holes’ Success
Author Louis Sachar discusses his journey from 'Wayside School' to the Newbery Medal-winning 'Holes', his daughter's reaction to his success and his inspiration from working with children.
Allan Ahlberg: Beloved Children’s Author Remembered
Remembering Allan Ahlberg, celebrated children's author known for his playful rhymes and collaborations with Janet Ahlberg. His books like 'Burglar Bill' and 'Each Peach Pear Plum' remain classics.
John Hirst: Evidence-Based History & Australian Democracy
A review of John Hirst's selected writings highlights his commitment to evidence-based history, convict society, and Australian democracy, resisting ideological narratives and promoting critical thinking.
Book Proofs Controversy: Selling ARCs & BookTok Status
The selling of book proofs (ARCs) sparks debate among BookTok influencers, publishers, and readers. Is it a perk, status symbol, or unfair practice? Discussions on blacklisting sellers and the evolving landscape of ARC distribution.
Australia’s Conspiracy Theories: Port Arthur & Christchurch
Australia's role in nurturing and exporting conspiracy narratives with global impact, focusing on Port Arthur massacre and Christchurch shooter's ideologies. Impact of online radicalization and white supremacist theories.
Future Stories Fund: Empowering Youth Voices Through Storytelling
The Future Stories Fund invests in grassroots organizations to empower marginalized youth (16-25) in the West Midlands through storytelling projects like podcasting and theater, building skills and confidence.
Indie Bookshop Top 20: Majmudar’s ‘The Abundance’ Soars
Amit Majmudar's 'The Abundance' tops Indie Bookshop Top 20, surpassing TCM rankings. Yael van der Wouden's 'The Safekeep' follows. Summer impacts children's titles. Irvine Welsh debuts strongly.
Shark Attack Survival: Florida Keys Rescue & Faith
A family's faith and quick actions saved their son after a shark attack in the Florida Keys. A nurse's aid and helicopter transport ensured survival. God's help was felt.
Tech, Ethics & National Purpose: Palantir’s Call for Moral Leadership
Palantir's Karp & Zamiska urge Silicon Valley to embrace national purpose & ethical leadership, addressing tech's power, government collaboration, and societal impact in a divided America. Tech + Ethics + Leadership
Queerness & Identity: Zimbabwean Voices in Muchemwa’s Stories
Muchemwa's collection explores Zimbabwean identity, queerness, and diaspora experiences. The stories center on family, love, loss, and the search for belonging across generations and continents.
AI Translation, Copyright Fight & Library Challenges in 2025
2025 sees AI translation services launching, a Senate hearing addressing copyright issues, and libraries facing censorship and digital transformation. Radish Fiction is shutting down. ALA focuses on coalition-building.
Gender Bias in Publishing: Male Authors and Literary Recognition
Debate surrounds gender bias in publishing, with concerns about male authors being overlooked despite female dominance in book buying and the industry workforce. Literary awards and media coverage are scrutinized.
Engrossing Thrillers & Mystery Books: Page-Turners & Twists
Dive into suspenseful thrillers and mystery books featuring unexpected twists, dark secrets, and compelling characters. From murder mysteries to psychological suspense, these books promise to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Asbestos, Cape Plc, and Human Rights: A Legal Fight for Justice
Cape Plc faced legal action for asbestos-related health risks in South Africa. This complex case, led by Richard Meeran, highlighted corporate responsibility and human rights, setting a precedent for subsidiary accountability. Justice prevailed after a long battle.
Illness & Identity: Exploring Mother-Daughter Dynamics in ‘Remedy’
'Remedy' explores the complex relationship between Vera and Thea, chronic illness, and self-discovery through narrative. Writing becomes a crucial tool for agency and understanding identity, health.
Historical Figures & Substance Use: Washington, Warhol & More
Explore the substance use habits of historical figures like George Washington, Pope Leo XIII, Andy Warhol, and Richard Nixon, revealing how drugs and alcohol influenced their lives and actions.
Linnaeus & Buffon: Classifying Life vs. Evolutionary Theory
Linnaeus, the classifier, vs. Buffon, the evolutionary theorist. Their contrasting approaches to natural history, legacies, and impacts on science are explored in this dual biography.