Signal Spring 2019 Newsletter

www.alliancecom.net 9 Learn the Stories Behind the Stories Want to not just read books, but read about books? You’re not alone. These popular sites give you a glimpse into the lives of authors and help you understand how your favorite books fit into the wider literary culture. Literary Hub ( lithub.com) This site is a repository for all things literary. It includes interviews with authors, personal essays, and news. Recent articles include “The Weirdos of Russian Literature” and “The Last Days of George Orwell.” Fiction fans, check out the Daily Fiction section for recommenda- tions on short stories, novels, and poetry. NewYork Times (nytimes.com/topic/ subject/books-and-literature) Reflecting the legendary high quality of The New York Times , its Books and Liter- ature section offers articles about authors’ lives and accomplishments. The site covers a wide variety of genres including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, thrillers, and memoir. Watch for book suggestions that correspond with current news stories. The Millions (themillions.com ) In addition to a Find Books section that provides lists and recommendations, this site offers essays about specific works and literature in general, such as an explora- tion of how to be a writer while working in another career. Visit the Person to Person section for author interviews. The Rumpus (therumpus.net) Visit The Rumpus for a little bit of everything. Read fascinating articles on a variety of literary topics. Then check out the subscription services, like Letters in the Mail, which sends you a letter from a different celebrity each month (there’s even a version for kids). Don’t forget to sign up for the “overly personal email newsletter.” Quirky Book Sites That Defy Description Just like books themselves, some book sites are truly unique. Here are a few whose covers you might want to crack: Electric Literature ( electricliterature.com ) Articles include “How to Decorate Your House Like Victor Frankenstein” and “What to Read When You’re Going Through a Friend Breakup.” Need we say more? Book Cover Archive ( bookcoverarchive.com) If you love to judge a book by its cover, this site is for you. Check out interesting book covers and click the thumbnails to find information about the illustrators, designers, and photographers who created them. Cover Spy ( coverspy.tumblr.com) This Tumblr is maintained by “a team of book spies”who hang out in New York subways, streets, and parks to see what people are reading. Book Riot ( bookriot.com) Whether you’re into mystery, romance, sci-fi, or even comics, this site has something for you. Check out the nearly endless collection of articles, book recommendations, and book- related podcasts. QUICK TIP: Visiting Washington, D.C.? Don’t forget to stop by the Library of Congress. Go to loc.gov/ visit/tours to set up a tour.