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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.
Why Bookstores Are Booming Again
As attraction to a more analog lifestyle grows, literary chic stomps the runway and the streets, and bookish social media continues to dominate, it may come as no surprise that bookstores are seeing better days. Bookshop.org founder and CEO Andy Hunter sat down with Fast Company to talk about Independent Bookstore Day and the success of indie bookstores, in spite of Amazon:
“People are really galvanizing around bookstores as a force for good in our culture,” he says. “You see that in the fact that there are about 70% more bookstores now than there were six years ago in the United States. After 20 years of declining numbers, they’re coming roaring back.”
The article celebrating Independent Bookstore Day gets into the origins of the book lover’s holiday, what the day and participating bookstores offer, and how readers and Bookshop.org are contributing to the success of indies.
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When We Say Books, You Say Pizza!
It’s that time of year again. The time when a competitive streak creeps into the hearts of adult readers accompanied by a sense memory of savory aromas wafting out of warm cardboard boxes. The time when we feel vaguely jealous of children who are actually eligible to earn personal pan pizzas by reading books. That’s right, it’s time for the triumphant return of Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! program. “Summer of Stories” kicks off June 1st, opening for reader in pre-K through 6th grade and running through August 31. Parents and teachers can sign up for the free program through the BOOK IT! App starting May 1st when enrollment begins. Find more details here.
Chasing the White Whale
Provincetown Public Library patrons and farther-flung participants stretched their reading muscles for a most literary marathon. The library hosts a three-day, 26-hour Moby-Dick marathon reading session, and this year’s event drew a crowd of more than 100 readers, including one quoted by The Provincetown Independent who came all the way from Queens, NY to participate in the mass reading of Herman Melville’s classic. With various narrators reading aloud, bringing their own personalities and acting chops to the roles, a festive space for new and old Melville fans to gather, and the opportunity for all readers to take on a daunting classic in good company, it’s no wonder the marathon has become so popular.
The Bestselling Books of the Week, According to All the Lists
On this week’s list of bestselling books, you’ll find Lena Dunham, Andy Weir, and a book about a tradwife thrown back in time. We’re also recommending indie bestsellers by Tayari Jones, Marjan Kamali, and more. Check out the list.
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