As a former English major and lifetime lover of good literature, it’s always exciting for me to see how the Web 2.0 world is pushing the bounds of how we think about the Classics.  Moving content online and beginning dynamic discussions breathes new life into old topics.  News on the Rialto, a blog created and updated by Shakespeare Magazine’s staff, is no exception.  From new movie and play productions to new discoveries about Shakespeare’s life, see how his life and work is still relevant, how cultures across the globe are retelling his stories, and how incredibly interesting a guy who lived almost 400 years ago can really be.

As many of you probably know, February is Black History month, and, in the spirit of celebrating African American contributions to society and culture, the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English sponsors a nation-wide read-in of African American literature.  All across the country, all month long, schools, college campuses, churches, libraries, and other community and cultural centers will host gatherings where people can come, listen, and read their favorite writing from African American authors.

The Drexel Library, too, has a history of joining in with their own hosted read-in, which will take place on Monday, February 2, at 3:30 p.m.  Come join in by bringing your favorite African American writer’s work to read, or just come by to listen and reflect.

We hope to see you there!

SF.

More books to add to your holiday wishlist!  The New York Times published their list of the 100 Notable Books of 2008 in early December, including these top 10 books, both fictional and non-fictional gems.  Everyone is bound to find something that appeals to their tastes.

Happy Holidays everyone!  Enjoy the winter break, and we’ll see you in the new year!

SF.

In the beginning of October, Forbes reported on the world’s top ten most highly paid authors.  No surprise that J.K. Rowling tops the list, and the others (Stephen King, Tom Clancey, etc.) are big names as well.  The article comments not only on those dollar amounts worth blushing over (Rowling apparently makes 5 British pounds per second), but the phenomenon of ‘branding’ particular authors and works, as movies, video games, action figures, etc. turn literary characters into enormous franchises.