The brand new Library of Birmingham opens next week, and the gigantic structure is said to be “Europe’s largest public library.” In addition to its modern architecture, the facility also offers “a room from the 19th Century … to house one of the UK’s most important Shakespeare collections.”
Europe’s Largest Public Library Opens
The Kiddies are Alright
Celebrity watch: that guy from The Decemberists lands a children’s book deal. Waiting in the wings: A Vampire Weekend macroeconomics textbook; Dina Lohan’s‘s haiku collection; and Jeremy Irons’ zombie mashup, Bride’s Head Revivified.
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Tuesday New Release Day: Knausgaard; Lynch; Means; MacManus; Sittenfeld
Out this week: My Struggle: Book Five by Karl Ove Knausgaard; Before the Wind by Jim Lynch; Hystopia by David Means; Midnight in Berlin by James MacManus; and Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld. For more on these and other new titles, go read our Great 2016 Book Preview.
Nobel Odds
Bob Dylan is a 25-1 dark horse, while Peter Handke looks good at 201-1; place your bets now. (via GalleyCat)
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The Voyage of the Poet
“I think what I would really most like to write about is palm trees and bougainvillea and hummingbirds. I would like to go into the desert and write about salamanders and the Grand Canyon, but history keeps rupturing my experience because politics are everywhere.” National Book Award winner Robin Coste Lewis on overcoming brain damage and becoming a poet. Pair with Andrew Kay’s Millions essay on the power of poetry.
Retreat with Eliot
Looking for a New England writer’s retreat? Perhaps you could stay in T. S. Eliot‘s childhood summer home.
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Literary Destinations
Over at The Week, Jeva Lange recommends books based on where your travels are taking you this summer. For other recommended reading, don’t miss our Great Second-Half Book Preview.
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