The trial of Hadi Matar, 27, has begun in Chautauqua County, New York. Matar stands accused of the attempted murder and assault of renown author Salman Rushdie during a literary event at the Chautauqua Institution in August 2022. The brutal attack left Rushdie with severe injuries, including the loss of sight in his right eye and the use of his right hand. During his … [Read more...] about Author Rushdie Testifies in Attacker’s Trial
censorship
China’s Censorship created a Global Profitable Book Store Industry
Yu Miao once owned an independent bookstore in China. While there, he lived in constant fear of the repercussions of harsh regulations and censorship on any store the government did not operate. The story may seem like a plot from a futuristic dystopian novel by Aldous Huxley, but it reflects the daily reality in Communist China, where control prevails. The government … [Read more...] about China’s Censorship created a Global Profitable Book Store Industry
Libraries on the Frontline
Public libraries have long been sanctuaries of knowledge and community engagement. In recent years, however, these locations and their staff have increasingly become frontline responders to societal challenges such as homelessness, drug use, mental health crises, and associated violence. During the pandemic, seeing a security guard at the library became a … [Read more...] about Libraries on the Frontline
Political Climate in High Schools: Responding to Book Bans
As summer wraps up and students return to school, a notable shift in extracurricular activities is emerging. Many students are now engaging in social justice causes, driven by the increasing prevalence of book censorship. This shift is part of a broader cultural battle over access to diverse content. As book bans escalate, particularly targeting books on race, gender, and … [Read more...] about Political Climate in High Schools: Responding to Book Bans
New Harry Potter Book Amid Controversy: ‘From the Wizarding Archive’
Harry Potter fans have a lot to look forward to this fall with the release of a new addition to the Wizarding World. J.K. Rowling’s beloved series began in the 1990s, has sold millions of copies and inspired eight movies (plus a spinoff series). The captivating story follows Harry Potter as he fights the evil Lord Voldemort. Although the series has been praised for … [Read more...] about New Harry Potter Book Amid Controversy: ‘From the Wizarding Archive’
New Children’s Book on Palestine Raising Reader Fury
Readers in New York City are up in arms over a new children's book that takes young readers through an alphabet journey of Palestine. Called P Is for Palestine, each letter represents terminology based upon proud Arabic heritage. The complaint? There's no mention of Israel. Protesting parents haven't indicated why they feel Israel should be mentioned in a book that … [Read more...] about New Children’s Book on Palestine Raising Reader Fury
How eBooks Can Save Banned Books
It's Banned Books Week, a popular celebration for rebel readers put on by the American Library Association. For thirty-five years, the ALA has encouraged readers to explore the list of books that have been banned or challenged in schools, libraries, and even retail sales in order to exercise their right to read. Unfortunately, in this climate of political angsts and … [Read more...] about How eBooks Can Save Banned Books
Clean Reader Controversy: Censorship, or Right to Read?
"Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” --Mark Twain One of the recent controversies in publishing involves the creation of an app called Clean Reader that has authors of every level crying censorship. Built by two parents who claim their daughter was upset by the amount and … [Read more...] about Clean Reader Controversy: Censorship, or Right to Read?
Censoring Indie Authors
With so much attention focused on the US when it comes to self-publishing, it's easy to forget that this is a worldwide indie author movement, and that companies like Kobo are connecting readers across the globe, making it possible for a reader in Denmark to enjoy a work of science fiction written by an author in sub-Saharan Africa. But while US authors happily further the … [Read more...] about Censoring Indie Authors
The Impact of eBooks on the Fight Against Censorship
Following yet another living, breathing attempt at book banning--this time in Boise, Idaho, where school board members voted to remove Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian--a student-led petition resulted in a major donation from the book's publisher. Seventeen-year-old Brady Kissel presented a petition with over three hundred signatures to the … [Read more...] about The Impact of eBooks on the Fight Against Censorship