21st Century Literature discussion

Wherever you may live, is there (or has there recently been) any book or publishing drama? (This could be book bans, local author scandals, library funding protests, etc., etc.)

Thank you for this question Marc. I live in a pretty tolerant area as far as access to literature goes, but a big event at the library with Chuck Schumer was cancelled for tomorrow night to promote his new book on anti-semitism - not sure if its because there was concern about drama or whether he is just currently too busy for a book tour!

Marc wrote: "Wherever you may live, is there (or has there recently been) any book or publishing drama? (This could be book bans, local author scandals, library funding protests, etc., etc.)"

I'm guessing it's the former. I wondered if that chickenshit was going to cancel his book tour knowing there would be protests.

Yeah, he cancelled because of the backlash over his decision to vote for the budget last week. (I guess I can include that one as "local drama" for me, as well, since all his events nearby me were also cancelled.)
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No gossipy drama (e.g., author beefs/feuds) in my neck of the woods (that I'm aware of). Libraries and bookstores have increased or bolstered their existing efforts to support community/diversity, but none of that has been really book or publishing related. It includes things more like:
- People's Book in Takoma Park offering free coffee and space to federal employees who were fired
- The county's human rights office holding a monthly "Solidarity Stories Community Book Club/Discussion" (https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov...)

A lot of local (and national) authors/publishers seem to be moving away from the social media platforms owned by Musk and Zuckerberg (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram... ) to alternatives like Bluesky, as well as encouraging/reminding readers to order directly from publishers, independent bookstores, or alternative online resources like bookshop.org.

No political book drama near me! (In Europe). Just the usual authors gossiping about each other. ;-)

The book headline in this week's local paper - "10 more books to be reviewed by state Board of Education". These 10 are from one county resident (associated with Moms for Liberty) who originally submitted a list of 97 books in 2022. Approximately 90K was spent on the process that culminated in a ban of 4. I think the total is 11 now. Chairwoman of Families Against Book Bans (Democrat and friend) led the fight against bans and all was featured on 60 Minutes, Mar 3, 2024. She went on to run for the SC House in Nov but couldn't move the needle on the typical 60% - R/ 40% - D vote.

Same as Emily. Although the unironic invocation of liberty in the title Moms for Liberty a group which seems intent on spreading misinformation and banning stuff is, albeit unintentionally, hilarious!

There is a similar group with an ironic name in Florida called the Manatee Patriots - basically reading books to ban content from schools according to "right wing" guidelines.

Joy D wrote: "There is a similar group with an ironic name in Florida called the Manatee Patriots - basically reading books to ban content from schools according to "right wing" guidelines."

There are "interesting" members of these groups who live in Fla

Yes, "interesting" is a good term. I don't live in Florida anymore but I have family there who keep me informed.

Whitney wrote: I'm guessing it's the former. I wondered if that chickenshit was going to cancel his book tour knowing there would be protests."

Hehehe, we should be friends, Whitney. Love your response to Schumer cancelling his tour appearance.