‘A smorgasbord of unlikability’: the authors helping ‘sad girl lit’ grow up

In this post-Fleabag world, publishing has become obsessed with the inner turmoils of messy millennials – but isn’t it time they pulled themselves together? Meet the novelists subverting the clichesYou’ve probably come across this woman: she is unfulfilled in her career, has been abandoned by at least one man, she is aimless and lamenting the obstacles in her life (of which, in reality, there don’t appear to be many). She is not just miserable, she’s a mess; self-absorbed and full of self-loathing.If you’ve read a book by a woman, about a woman, that has been published in the last five years, then it’s overwhelmingly likely that this woman was the protagonist. The narrative likely circled around this character’s sadness, her passive struggle to overcome it, and little else. Typically, such stories have notes of darkness but will rarely deliver the actual thing. Usually the main character (like the author) will be middle-class, if not incredibly wealthy. Almost always she will be white. The book’s cover will probably feature a devastated-looking woman with her hair covering her face or her head cradled in her hands. Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2023-08-08 15:19:43 UTC ]
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Other Publishing stories related to: '‘A smorgasbord of unlikability’: the authors helping ‘sad girl lit’ grow up'


Robert Hicks, best-selling author of ‘The Widow of the South,’ dies at 71

Set in 1864, his novel evoked the bravery and bloodshed that he sought to memorialize as a preservationist of Civil War history. Continue reading at The Washington Post

[ The Washington Post | 2022-03-05 14:55:22 UTC ]
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Netflix’s ‘Pieces of Her’ doesn’t blindly follow the book. Author Karin Slaughter couldn’t be happier.

Netflix’s "Pieces of Her," starring Toni Colette and Bella Heathcote, departs regularly from the source material, but the spirit of the novel remains intact. Continue reading at The Washington Post

[ The Washington Post | 2022-03-05 12:00:35 UTC ]
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Shirley Hughes, beloved English children’s author, dies at 94

Her books sold more than 11 million copies and earned her top literary honors in Britain. Continue reading at The Washington Post

[ The Washington Post | 2022-03-05 00:28:45 UTC ]
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Books That Help Us Talk With Children About War (shelftalker)

Conversation starters to help kids understand and process our world’s most dreadful events. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2022-03-04 13:52:13 UTC ]
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Bestselling Author Shows How Trump Allies Are Plotting To Undermine Jan. 6 Probe

Don Winslow says the strategy is simple and obvious, and it could mean they'll never be held accountable. Continue reading at The Huffington Post

[ The Huffington Post | 2022-03-04 08:35:08 UTC ]
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Rebel Girls Receives $13 Million in Investments

The Rebel Girls brand has raised $13 million, and has announced new additions to its board of directors. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2022-03-03 05:00:00 UTC ]
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Children’s Book Author Shirley Hughes has Died at 94

Shirley Hughes was the English author and illustrator of beloved picture books like Out and About, Dogger, and the Alfie series. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2022-03-02 13:57:50 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #shirley hughes #alfie series #english author #book author


Shirley Hughes, children's author and illustrator, dies aged 94

Beloved English author and illustrator behind more than 60 books, including Dogger and the Alfie series, was voted the most popular Kate Greenaway winner in 50 years• Shirley Hughes obituaryShirley Hughes, the author and illustrator whose everyday stories of early childhood cast a happy glow... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2022-03-02 07:51:03 UTC ]
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In Stewart O’Nan’s ‘Ocean State,’ mean girls turn deadly

Stewart O'Nan's “Ocean State” opens with a shocking line, but the novel feels allergic to its own suspense. Continue reading at The Washington Post

[ The Washington Post | 2022-03-01 15:35:08 UTC ]
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Hernández, Choi, Renkl, Peters, and Miles Win 2022 PEN Lit Awards

'The Kissing Bug' by Daisy Hernández (Tin House) received the evening's top prize, the $75,000 PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, at the February 28 event in midtown Manhattan. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2022-03-01 05:00:00 UTC ]
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Hamilton author had his children's book translated into a sign language, and says everyone should do it

Bruce Simpson self published Paislee and the Talking Tree, and put an American Sign Language version online. Members of the deaf community say such translations are still not that common with newer books and applaud the move. Continue reading at CBC

[ CBC | 2022-02-28 21:15:37 UTC ]
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Lit Hub Weekly: February 22 – 25, 2022

Understanding the Ukraine crisis: a comprehensive reading list on Russia, Ukraine, and the rise of Vladimir Putin. | Lit Hub History Jane Pek considers Pride and Prejudice, the gay marriage movement, and the choice to marry. | Lit Hub Memoir Why Ed Simon mentally crosses his fingers when saying,... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

[ Literrary Hub | 2022-02-26 11:30:00 UTC ]
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Leonard Kessler, children’s author whose books endured, dies at 101

A writer and illustrator, he created more than 200 books for young readers, including the ode to individuality “Mr. Pine’s Purple House." Continue reading at The Washington Post

[ The Washington Post | 2022-02-26 04:19:15 UTC ]
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Can a Self-Help Book Really Change Your Life?

The genre promises easy fixes for intractable problems, but some conflicts can’t be solved by individuals alone: Your weekly guide to the best in books Continue reading at The Atlantic

[ The Atlantic | 2022-02-25 15:00:00 UTC ]
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Leonard Kessler, Colorful Children’s Book Author, Dies at 101

He crafted tales of everyday life for early readers. His “Mr. Pine’s Purple House,” first published in 1965, later inspired a new publishing company — and Jeff Bezos. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2022-02-24 23:32:36 UTC ]
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Q&A with Andrew Pettegree, author of ‘The Library: A Fragile History’

Andrew Pettegree, co-author of “The Library: A Fragile History,” discusses the centuries-long development of libraries as a civic necessity. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2022-02-24 18:26:27 UTC ]
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‘Unbossed’ Celebrates Black Girls’ Achievements

Khristi Lauren Adams is exploring how Black girls are on the front lines of bringing change to some of today’s most pressing social issues, including suicide prevention and anti-bullying, diversity in literature, and so much more in her new book, ‘Unbossed.’ Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2022-02-23 05:00:00 UTC ]
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Lit Hub Daily: February 22, 2022

Jane Pek considers Pride and Prejudice, the gay marriage movement, and the choice to marry. | Lit Hub Baby steps: Ben Okri reflects on how writing a children’s book is an antidote to doomsday thinking. | Lit Hub “It is a place to learn about the naked self.” Daniel Genis on reading his way... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

[ Literrary Hub | 2022-02-22 11:30:55 UTC ]
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Author Joanne Harris turns down US book deal over censoring of ‘f-bomb’

Author of Chocolat says she does not use words ‘accidentally’The bestselling author Joanne Harris has turned down a US book deal after the publishers demanded she take out an “f-bomb” from the novel.The Chocolat author, who lives near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, tweeted on Saturday: “Today I... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2022-02-19 14:04:53 UTC ]
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12 Middle Grade Asian Historical Fiction Books by Authors of Color

These middle grade AAPI and Asian historical fiction books, including Troublemaker by John Cho, transport readers into past, learning about important moments in history. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2022-02-17 11:36:00 UTC ]
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