The New American Canon, 2023 Book Banning Numbers, and Latest From Orange, Patterson and More

“The Atlantic” Created a New American Canon

In an attempt to understand what exactly writer John William DeForest meant when he defined a Great American Novel as a work of fiction that “paints the American soul,” editors at The Atlantic have released their list of 136 Great American Novels written over the last 100 years. With our definition of literary greatness being wider, deeper, and weirder than DeForest could have imagined, the editors compiled the list with help from scholars, critics and novelists, both at The Atlantic and outside it.

The list includes 45 debut novels, nine winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and three children’s books — and at least 60 have been banned by schools or libraries. Check out the list here and see what you’ll add to your TBR!

The Events Shaping Today’s Most Popular Book Genres

Book Bans Hit All-Time High in 2023

After several years of rising book bans, the number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever recorded by the American Library Association. The new numbers show efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles in schools and libraries last year, with titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals making up 47 percent of those targeted.

“Every challenge to a library book is an attack on our freedom to read,” said ALA President Emily Drabinski. “Our communities and our country are stronger because of diversity. Libraries that reflect their communities’ diversity promote learning and empathy that some people want to hide or eliminate.”

Award-Winning Author Tommy Orange Discusses His Newest Release, “Wandering Stars”

Patterson’s Greatest Legal Thriller

Stafford Lee Penney is a small-town lawyer with a big-time reputation for winning every case he tries. But just as Penney notches his latest courtroom victory, his wife is scandalously killed — and America’s #1 lawyer suddenly becomes its #1 suspect.

Finalists for the Nebula Awards

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association has announced the finalists for the 59th Annual Nebula Awards, naming authors in seven categories for their excellent works published in 2023. Readers will find such notable figures as T. Kingfisher (Thornhedge, Nebula Award for Novella), Martha Wells (Witch King, Nebula Award for Novel) and Hayao Miyazaki (The Boy and the Heron, Ray Bradbury Nebula Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation), as well as many others for their novelettes, short stories, game writing, and more.

Fisher’s New Psychological Thriller

Ever since her twin sister’s abduction, Iris’ search has bordered on obsession. Iris does everything she can to get close to the only person who might have answers, infiltrating the isolated psychiatric hospital on Shoal Island. But Iris soon realizes that something even more sinister is simmering beneath the surface of the Shoal, and that the patients aren’t the only ones being observed.

Disastrous Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience To Be Adapted as Musical Satire

The misguided Willy Wonka event in Glasgow, Scotland, falsely marketed to families as an elaborate experience worthy of Willy Wonka’s fictional chocolate factory, captured viral attention worldwide as it morphed into a nightmare not unlike the infamous Fyre Fest. Now, the fiasco is getting the musical satire treatment.

The creative team will include Emmy nominee Riki Lindhome, Emmy winners Tova Litvin and Doug Rockwell, TikTok songwriter Daniel Mertzlufft and Broadway songwriters Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, with Richard Kraft producing. “Willy Fest: A Musical Parody” is currently targeted to launch later this year.

DC to Honor Creator of First Trans Superhero

Nearly a year after award-winning transgender writer Rachel Pollack died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, DC Comics has announced a special edition of two of her most beloved stories, including one that has never been reprinted before. Check out the full story here.

Bill Hader and Quinta Brunson Set to Star in Animated Adaptation of “The Cat in the Hat”

Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has booked the cast for their upcoming feature take of the Dr. Seuss classic, The Cat in the Hat, which will star SNL alum Bill Hader in the title role. Joining him are Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang, Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry and Paula Pell. The film will follow The Cat as he takes on his toughest assignment yet … to cheer up a pair of siblings struggling with their move to a new town. It’s set to release March 6, 2026.