We cover a lot of news here at Book Riot. These are the stories readers found most interesting this week, accompanied by my commentary.
The highly anticipated summer reading list
The millionsSeasonal preview lists have long been a staple of the book-loving internet, even before BuzzFeed popularized the idea of the listicle, and they continue to deliver. The Summer 2024 preview is here, offering more than 80 titles coming out from July to September (which is apparently a summer month now?). In Standard millions The list is more literary-focused in nature, nodding to some of the big names you’ve probably seen all over the “most anticipated” lists this season, but where it really shines is its emphasis on the kinds of books that usually fly under the radar: titles from small presses, ambitious and artsy nonfiction, debuts, and literature in translation. It’s a particularly refreshing change in a season that’s usually packed with genre offerings, and a welcome reminder that publishing isn’t always just about romance.
Neil Gaiman accused of sexual assault
Two women, named Scarlett and K, who were aged 20 and 23 at the time of the alleged events, have accused Neil Gaiman of sexually harassing them. The allegations were revealed during an exclusive four-part podcast by British broadcaster Tortoise Media.
K, a fan of Gaiman’s work, met the author at a book event she attended when she was 18 and he was in his mid-40s (he is now 63). They began a relationship several years later, during which she claims he engaged in acts that were not consensual. Scarlett was 23 when she was hired as a nanny for Gaiman’s child and claims he first assaulted her within hours of meeting in February 2022. Per tortoiseIn the report, Gaiman “strongly denies all allegations that he had non-consensual sex with the women” and attributes K’s allegations to “her regret over their relationship,” while Scarlett’s allegations are due to “a condition related to false memories of the time of their relationship.” tortoise notes that the latter “is not supported by (Scarlett’s) medical records and history.”
Shopping at Barnes & Noble stores is increasing
Market research firm Placer.ai has released a new report showing that foot traffic at Barnes & Noble stores is increasing. With the exception of this January (which saw a cold snap that, according to the report, “stressed retailers across the country”), in-store shopping has increased every month since last November, reaching its all-time high in May with 11.1% year-over-year growth. This is in line with the recent trend of rising year-over-year print book sales and is a strong indication that Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt’s unconventional strategies are paying off. May their efforts continue to succeed—any ballast against the big A is a net gain for books and readers.
The best of the rest
There simply isn’t enough time to cover every new development on the subject of books in detail. As a bonus for All Access members, here’s a long list of stories that caught our attention this week.
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