Every day Poets & Writers Magazine scans the headlines—from publishing reports to academic announcements to literary dispatches—for all the news that creative writers need to know. Here are today’s stories.
“At a time when language is often used only as a blunt tool, poetry reminds us that language can also be used for nuance, mystery, and even radical hope.” At PBS NewsHour, poet Ada Limón shares her thoughts on why people are turning to poetry in our digital and divided society.
Hear Limón read from her latest poetry collection, The Carrying, in a recent episode of Ampersand: The Poets & Writers Podcast.
“I’m very aware of stories as instruments of power.” At Guernica, meanwhile, author Jabari Asim discusses storytelling as resistance, where he sees himself in the lineage of African American literature, and how writers of color can navigate a difficult publishing landscape.
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Alice Walker and the New York Times are under fire for a recent interview in which Walker recommended a book by David Icke, a prominent conspiracy theorist who has been accused of anti-Semitism. (Guardian)
Chelsea Clinton is writing a new children’s book about endangered animals. Penguin Young Readers announced that Clinton is collaborating with illustrator Gianna Marino on Don’t Let Them Disappear, scheduled for publication on April 2. Clinton’s previous books include She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World and Start Now! You Can Make a Difference. (Associated Press)
Rolling Stone has named Beastie Boys Book the best audiobook of the year. The 600-page memoir has been adapted into a thirteen-hour radio play narrated by Michael Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horowitz (Ad-Rock), with a cast of characters including Snoop Dogg, Kim Gordon, Wanda Sykes, Rosie Perez, Rachel Maddow, Will Ferrell, and Bette Midler, among others.
Meanwhile, music critic Jessica Hopper discusses her new memoir, Night Moves, which chronicles the author’s formative years in writing and music in early 2000s Chicago. (New York Times)
Jennifer Egan’s latest novel, Manhattan Beach, was the most checked-out title across all New York City libraries this year. (Wall Street Journal)
