reading habit
Books Editor’s Note
Today is one of the last perfect sunny days we’re probably going to get in months (as a scorching summer begins any moment now) and I’m in the mood to just enjoy the simple things. That’s why today, I have a list of fun bookish things for you to peruse: quizzes, cartoons, listicles, adaptation news and lovely cover designs. Let’s get straight to it.
A list of fun bookish things
One: The New York Times gives us a visual treat: an interactive on how a book is made. Printing presses are truly magic.
Two: I loved bingeing on ‘Reacher’ on Prime Video, a highly entertaining, addictive adaptation of Lee Child’s legendary character. It was really satisfying to see an actor who truly embodies the very specific characteristics, both physical and otherwise, of such an iconic, well-remembered character. Someone said on Twitter that he looks like a “handsome mountain” and honestly, that is completely accurate.
Three: There are quite a few upcoming adaptations I’m very excited about. The first of them is ‘Pieces of Her’, based on a book of the same name by Karin Slaughter. I’m all for the trope where a nondescript, usually older family member turns out to have a hidden secret, especially if it involves fighting a variety of baddies. This stars Toni Collette, who is incredible, and the trailer gives us just enough of a taste to make us want more. Out on Netflix on March 4.
Four: Another one I’m looking forward to is ‘Shining Girls’, based on ‘The Shining Girls’ by Lauren Beukes. The book was amazing—completely unexpected and deftly executed—and the trailer looks fantastic too. I’m so happy Elisabeth Moss has been giving us such consistently good bookish content these past few years. This will out on Apple TV+ on April 29.
Five: Being at the threshold of spring definitely makes it easier to read some of the more chilling books that we tend to skip in the dead of winter, mostly because it gets dark so quickly. Book Riot has a handy list of 10 bone-chilling horror thrillers. ‘Night Film’ by Marisha Pessl, featured on the list, is a personal favourite. What’s not to love?
Six: So you want to dip your toes into speculative fiction, but not sure where to start? Book Riot has a quiz to find out what your next specific book should be! Check out some of their other fun quizzes here.
Seven: It’s a wonderful feeling when you look over at your shelves and see all books by one author share similar looking cover jackets. Eye on Design gives you a little peek behind why and how certain authors get a series look for their books.
Eight: At one point or another, all of us Agatha Christie stans have at least thought about, if not discussed loudly, their favourite Christie novels. And just like us, Christie herself had favourites from her oeuvre. Town & Country has that list for you.
Nine: The Nib has a “take” on what reading is. 👀
Ten: Also on the Nib, Gemma Correll with some pandemic themed children’s books.
Eleven: LitHub rounds up ten sordid tales of manuscripts being burnt, from Lord Byron’s Diaries—which were so salacious, his friends thought it best to just destroy them, an act often known as “the greatest crime in literary history”—to Franz Kafka’s ‘The Trial’—which he expressly wanted destroyed after his death. Suffice it to say he did not get his dying wish.
Note: Reading Habit is curated by our books editor Anushree Kaushal. Want to send along recommendations, feedback or just say hi? Email her at kaushalanushree@gmail.com.
