Dusting Off the Pages of Tim O’Brien and James M

His First Book In Two Decades:

Award-winning author Tim O’Brien, known for his Vietnam War-related works, is set to release his first novel in over 20 years. Titled America Fantastica and set for publication Oct. 24, the book follows a disgraced journalist-turned-department store manager who commits a bank robbery and kidnaps a teller, embarking on a journey from Mexico to Minnesota.

Vintage Noir by James M. Cain Unearthed:

The Strand Magazine released a recently uncovered story from James M. Cain — best known for works like The Postman Always Rings Twice, Mildred Pierce, and Double Indemnity — titled Blackmail. The vintage noir tackles the harsher truths of reality in a brief yet gritty story following two Korean War veterans caught up in manipulation and greed, with a surprising twist at the end.

Industry Unites Against “Obscene” Law:

Seventeen plaintiffs, including the ALA’s Freedom to Read Foundation, the Association of American Publishers, the American Booksellers Association and the Authors Guild, are preparing to file a federal lawsuit over the Arkansas’ Act 372 of 2023 (SB 81), which exposes librarians to criminal liability for providing “obscene” books to minors. The impending suit marks the latest legal offensive in response to the increasing wave of book bans and legislative restrictions, with the publishing industry also showing greater involvement in supporting freedom-to-read advocates.

Celebrity Book Club Picks:

• REESE WITHERSPOON: Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale. When a string of misfortunes hits a creature of habit, Cassandra discovers an astonishing ability to change the past.
• JENNA BUSH HAGER: The Celebrants by Steven Rowley. A group of friends makes a pact after the suicide of one of their own: to hold living funerals when they hit rock bottom, ensuring they will always feel valued.
• GOOD MORNNIG AMERICA: Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs. Two estranged half-sisters are entrusted with safeguarding their family’s enchanted library, but to unearth a perilous secret hidden within the collection, they must reconcile and join forces.

And Now for Some Hidden Book Club Gems:

BookTrib offers six up-close and personal interviews with authors of the books being sent to its book club network this month. Take a listen and learn the backstories of six books you likely haven’t heard of but probably should.

Iconic Comic Strip Now an Audiobook:

Alison Bechdel’s comic strip, Dykes To Watch Out For is now an audiobook, released by Audible. The cast includes Jane Lynch, Carrie Brownstein, Roberta Colindrez, Jenn Colella and Roxane Gay. Originally published from 1983 to 2008, the strip followed a group of lesbian friends in an unnamed American city. Bechdel, renowned for graphic memoirs like Fun Home and Are You My Mother?, expressed her excitement for the Audible Original, as it brings her characters to life with dialogue, camaraderie, and the lively backdrop of their world.

Modern-Day Horatio Alger Shares Life Lessons:

Ed Hajim is a modern-day Horatio Alger who tells his amazing story and associated life lessons in his memoir, On the Road Less Traveled. Now, to reinforce those lessons in a unique and captivating way, he uses the art of storytelling and creates a fable of a young man journeying to a fictitious island to learn how to create a roadmap for living a harmonious life in The Island of the Four Ps.

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