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:
A recent study out of Norway reveals that reading in print results in higher rates of comprehension than reading from a computer screen. Reading on paper, the study's researchers say, helps the brain better create a mental map of an entire text. (GalleyCat)
Meanwhile, e-book and audiobook distributor OverDrive will launch Read an E-book Day on September 18, which the company describes as “a celebration of modern storytelling.” Readers are encouraged to check out e-books from their local libraries and share their favorite stories about books and reading on social media.
In an effort to expand its frontlist sales, the Strand Book Store in New York City—which has long been a mecca for used and discounted books—will launch a new subscription service in October. The Signed First Editions Club will offer customers signed first editions of new releases, and will kick off the service with Colm Tòibìn’s latest novel, Nora Webster. (GalleyCat)
In other bookstore news, Shelf Awareness takes a look at New York City mainstay Idlewild Books, which opened its third location earlier this year. The independent chain, which specializes in international literature, offers language classes in its stores.
For those feeling a midsummer wanderlust while stuck at home, Book Riot suggests a few ways to travel vicariously through books.
Amazon has partnered with the Purdue University in Indiana to launch the Purdue Student Store through the retailer’s website. The online store, which is still in beta, will offer students up to 30 percent discounts on print and digital textbooks, and, starting in early 2015, will also introduce staffed customer order pickup and drop-off locations on the Purdue campus.
Throughout this month, the Guardian is asking readers to respond to the question, “What book changed your life, and changed the way you view the world?” Readers are invited to leave a comment on the Guardian’s website until the end of August.
With the dog days officially upon us, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency imagines Anne Sexton’s Summer Bikini Tips.
