#ReadWomen2014, Laura Miller on Classic Novels, and More

by
Evan Smith Rakoff
1.30.14

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:

In response to recently passed anti-gay legislation in Nigeria, celebrated Kenyan memoirist Binyavanga Wainaina announced he is gay. (New Yorker)

Jeff Bezos states that by this summer, Amazon will offer retail stores a Kindle-based checkout system. (Wall Street Journal)

Salon’s Laura Miller ponders what standards create ageless classic novels, while other popular books are forgotten.

The Millions reports Pulphead author John Jeremiah Sullivan’s next book is called The Prime Minister of Paradise, and is about eighteenth-century utopian idealist Christian Priber. Entertainment mogul Scott Rudin has already optioned the book for the screen.

Amanda Bullock lists twenty-nine books every person should read before marrying, including Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God and Do Not Disturb by A. M. Homes. (Swimmingly)

And Michelle Dean lists fifty books by women authors for #ReadWomen2014, a yearlong celebration of women’s writing. (Flavorwire)

On the latest episode of Other People with Brad Listi, Brad speaks with American Dream Machine author Matthew Specktor.