The Exclamation Point! Newsletter July 18

NYT Names 100 Best Books of the 21st Century

The New York Times Book Review sent a survey to hundreds of literary luminaries asking them to name the best 10 books published since January 2000. They heard from Stephen King, Bonnie Garmus, Claudia Rankine, James Patterson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Elin Hilderbrand and so many more. Check out the top 100 books here, and add some titles to your TBR or send in your own Top 10 list.

Jennifer Lawrence to Produce and Star in Adaptation of “Why Don’t You Love Me?”

Paul B. Rainey’s 2023 graphic novel, Why Don’t You Love Me?, is a dark comedy with a sci-fi twist that follows a miserable couple, Claire and Mark, struggling through their marriage while feeling like something is not quite right in their reality. Lawrence will produce alongside Rainey.

Holly Black’s Folk of the Air Series is Now a Card Game of Strategy and Deception

James McBride to Receive 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction

The Library of Congress has announced that the 2024 recipient of the Prize for American Fiction will go to James McBride, author of such notable works as The Color of Water, Deacon King Kong and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. One of the Library’s most prestigious awards, the annual prize seeks to commend strong, unique, enduring voices that — throughout consistently accomplished careers — have told us something essential about the American experience.

Josh Gad Announces Memoir

In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some is a heartfelt and hilarious collection of essays in which the Tony Award nominee writes about topics like his big break into the entertainment industry, mentorship from Robin Williams and how others once doubted his success. Gad also touches upon personal stories, such as how he struggled with his self-image and weight, and how his parents’ divorce left a “lasting impact” on him.

Renée Zellweger to Star in Max’s Series Adaptation of “12 Months to Live”

An adaptation of James Patterson and Mike Lupica’s thrilling 12 Months to Live is currently in the works with award-winning actress Renée Zellweger starring and producing. Titled Jane Smith (named after the novel’s main character), the story centers on a brilliant, tough, and darkly funny defense attorney in the Hamptons whose world is turned upside down when, on the eve of the biggest case of her career, she is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. While the investigation becomes more dangerous and deeply personal, Jane refuses to let her death sentence stop her from solving the case.

“The Bright Sword” Is Already Getting Adapted!

Best known for his bestselling Magicians trilogy, author Lev Grossman’s latest novel, The Bright Sword, released this week, has already been acquired for a series adaptation. The story follows a ragtag group of oddball knights — including the gifted young Collum and the remnants of King Arthur’s Round Table — who set out to rebuild Camelot in a world that has lost its balance.

A Look at the Role Project 2025 is Playing in Book Banning and Censorship

I’m sure you’ve heard the rhetoric behind every book banning claim: it’s to protect the children. This often leads to redefining anything concerning sexuality and gender as “pornography” and taking it off library shelves. But the real targets of this war on pornography aren’t the people watching porn — it’s drag queens, trans people, and other members of the LGBT+ community. The New Republic takes a closer look at one of the largest catalysts for this increase in censorship — Project 2025’s “Promise to America’s Children” campaign — and its impact on civil rights.

Romance Author Julie Johnson Announces Debut Romantasy

Author Julie Johnson, primarily known for her contemporary romances, is the latest to dip her proverbial toe into the world of romantasy. The first installment of her debut romantasy series, The Wind Weaver, is slated to arrive next year. The story follows a halfling who reignites the embers of an ancient prophecy, unleashing a storm that could save her realm or doom them all.