Though it is the shortest month of the year, February was full of exciting bookish news, reviews, and celebrations. Award nominations, Black History Month, book blogger extravaganzas and more dominated our news feed this month. Here are some of the best articles, blog posts, and announcements that were on our radar.
Audies Award Finalists
The short list in each of the 2016 Audie Award categories have been announced. Many of the categories have fierce competition, but perhaps none more so than “Best Narration by the Author,” which includes Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson, The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer, Born with Teeth by Kate Mulgrew, I Must Say by Martin Short, and Thirteen Ways of Looking by Colum McCann.
Announcing the 2015 Nebula Award Nominees
Speaking of awards, the shortlist for the Nebula Awards were also announced. The Nebula Awards are for various categories in the realm of science fiction and fantasy, and are chosen by the professional organization Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Best Novel nominees this year include The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin, Ancillary Mercy by Ann Leckie, The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu, and Uprooted by Naomi Novik, among others.
Instruction in the Event You Find Yourself in a Neil Gaiman Story
What to do if you should wind up in a twisty, fantastical, nothing-is-as-it-seems Neil Gaiman story? The folks at BookRiot offer some neat advice, including “Expect angels, but expect nothing of them. They have their own jobs to do.”
Read Octavia E. Butler’s Inspiring Message to Herself
Some of sci-fi mastermind Octavia E. Butler’s journals have recently surfaced, including this powerful note, scribbled on the back cover of one. It reads in part: “My novels will go onto the above lists whether publishers push them hard or not, whether I’m paid a high advance or not, whether I ever win another award or not.” Go read the rest and get inspired!
Alison Bechdel: Top Ten Books
One Grand Books has a tradition of asking famous authors for their ten favorite books. This month, they turned to graphic memoirist Alison Bechdel, who included The Dharma Bums, The Night Watch, and Harriet the Spy, among others.
Bookstore Sales Had First Gain in Eight Years in 2015
Good news, everyone! Bookstore sales increased 2.5% last year. Remember to #ChooseIndie to help keep the trend going strong.
Welcome to the World of Literary Bars
Next time you’re in the mood for an adult beverage, stop in at one of these bookish bars. Settle down in a leather chair, pull some Hemingway from the shelf and order yourself a mojito.
Get Information
Unless you’ve taken a vow of internet abstinence, you’ve undoubtedly heard all about Beyoncé’s new song and video “Formation.” Whether you’re tired of all of the think pieces or on your thousandth view of the video, this excellent post from independent bookstore The Strand sheds a bookish light on the song.
The ‘Girl’ in the Title: More than a Marketing Trend
What’s up with titles like, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl, and The Girl on the Train? Is it just a coincidence, or is it all about marketing the book? NPR examines the trend.
Book Blogger Day 2: Interviews
Book Blogger Appreciation Week was this month, in which we all take a moment to thank bloggers, who supply endless bookish resources. One of the traditions of BBAW is the blogger interview, in which bloggers interview each other. It is a great way to find out about the world of blogging and pick up a few more titles for your to-be-read list.
All throughout the month, we’ve been tweeting recommendations for Black History Month. In March, we’ll do the same for Women’s History Month. Make sure to follow us at @librofm to hear all of our suggestions!