< Back For Racial Healing: #9 ‘American White Women at Crossroads’ September 27, 2026 at 5:30:00 AM Unless otherwise noted, when I refer to “racism”, “white racism”, “white racist”, and similar terms without elaboration, I intend for white women to be included within the particular concept. However, there is evidence, relying on the preceding #8 installment of this “For Racial Healing” series, that white men have a greater bias against Blacks than white women, who are not subject to the same evolutionary stresses that have, according to the University of Michigan study, existed for white men. At the same time, white women would have felt considerable pressures to be subservient to the protectors (in-group males). We certainly know history demonstrates that white women have felt for generations and centuries the dominance (and presumed, for most of that time, male superiority) of white men in marriage and various areas of endeavor, such as politics, religion, business, education, arts, etc., even though we’ve witnessed a legitimate correction to this strict dominance in recent years with white women having made measurable inroads into the white man’s reign. I have had discussions with women on this subject, and the strongest argument for white women’s actions in support – even in limited ways – of certain civil rights initiatives, when white men, as a group, opposed with considerable vigor those very same initiatives in places, during the early stages of the modern civil rights movement of the 1950s, like Montgomery, Alabama and Little Rock, Arkansas, consists of the theory that white women could empathize directly with an oppressed segment of the population, such as Blacks, since white women had endured, for many centuries, much gender oppression from white males. Now back to that discussion on racial healing in a church on the upper eastside of Manhattan, an occasion which only women attended, except for one other white man and me. The women conducted themselves in a way suggesting that the absence of men for a racial healing session had been a normal occurrence. And why shouldn’t it be normal? In 2020, one of my nonfiction books was published that dealt with a race- related event, and over two years, I gave more than 80 presentations on that book to organizations across the country (mainly via internet). For much of that time, I spoke principally to audiences of women – Black and white. Not all the time, but for much of the time. Moreover, any follow-up to one of my lectures at a later date was usually initiated by a woman, not a man. There were white women who wished to re-establish relations with Black, childhood friends, for those relations had been severed by institutional forces through a school’s social milieu or racial policies or by familial forces through parents, grandparents, etc. Then, there were other women who wished to talk further about what could be done to reduce the impacts of filiopietism; these were the most emotionally and intensely draining as numerous white women routinely admitted their personal complicity in familial racism against Blacks. Worship of the past and ancestors had embedded itself in many of these women who would then adhere to the practices that made filiopietism, from their viewpoint, mostly impossible to break, as they articulated the pressures they felt over the years that had developed from family practice. But now, they wondered how they could have allowed themselves to be manipulated that long ago so thoroughly and often, even over great, physical distances, and they routinely then asked the valid question: what could they do to unwind the power and effects of filiopietism? I had no comfortable answer for those women in those circumstances. Could they change their behavior codified so long ago? How many individual friendships and family relationships would have to be broken? And yet, those women were the persons to understand the power of authentic passion and the solution of one-to-one allyships that were available if they leaped to grasp it. Looking back over time, I have no idea how many took the leap. Of course, there has been more than enough Black racial prejudice among white women to give attention to the various forms through which this bias toward Blacks has been sufficiently demonstrated. Much material and commentary show that white women share in white racism. What I’m also saying, though, is that a white women’s version of bias has, in many cases, shown itself to be different and less severe, intense, and certainly less brutal than white men’s applications. When we look back to the beginning of the modern civil rights movement in the 1950s with its mission being Black liberation and equality, the first three crucial events to come to mind that served as catalysts for stimulating civil rights actions, starting the middle of the 1950s, are Emmett Till’s mutilation and murder, which happened in August, 1955, followed four months later by the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott that ended after a year, to be succeeded in nine months thereafter by the first phase of the Little Rock Central High School desegregation crises. The role that Carolyn Bryant performed in the mutilation and murder of Emmett Till, together with her representations in the subsequent, local trial, suggests a culpability and participation that depart dramatically from more positive contributions by white women in Montgomery and Little Rock, which we will cover shortly. Carolyn Bryant’s place in the Emmett Till narrative has been confusing and complicated from start to finish. Toward the end of her own life, she apparently voiced misgivings about her own recall of true events surrounding the particulars, without witnesses, of the Emmett Till-Carolyn Bryant conversation and encounter in the grocery store that preceded and incentivized Till’s mutilation and murder. Indeed, Carolyn Bryant confessed a number of years ago to the historian, Timothy Tyson, that an important piece of the Till story had been untrue about which she had lied for generations and decades. If that part of her earlier story were untrue, what other portions can we believe to be true, at least as told by Carolyn Bryant about what really happened between Emmett Till and her? Nonetheless, the Carolyn Bryant problem does not alter that which we have discovered about certain white women’s attitudes and efforts in both Montgomery, Alabama and Little Rock, Arkansas during the crucial 1950s. The genuine, public roles of various white women are made quite clear in both the Montgomery and Little Rock instances. For example, we do know, according to Taylor Branch’s Pulitzer Prize winning book, Parting The Waters, that at the start of the Montgomery bus boycott, “Of the few people who bothered to write the Advertiser (prominent Montgomery, Alabama newspaper) at first, most were white women who saw it as a justifiable demand for simple, decent treatment.” The boycott, which started on December 5, 1955, ended slightly more than a year later on December 20, 1956. Since the local business and governmental community, controlled by white men, refused to relent to initial, but less expansive demands by the Black population as those requests grew and developed over the period of the boycott, Montgomery white men tended to become more entrenched with more aggression being pursued against Blacks, especially against several of the boycott leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr. While the actions in the context of the boycott by a number of white women in Montgomery, Alabama during the mid-1950s clearly were not equivalent to “going to the barricades”, they were, at the same time, not reflective of the much less sympathetic and harsher reactions to the bus boycott then being expressed by large numbers of white men in Montgomery, up and down the social and economic spectrum. Notwithstanding the combative acts by white men, the bus boycott in Montgomery continued uninterrupted month after month. At one point, Mayor W. A. Gayle voiced his frustration at the lack of Black capitulation, lashing out at white women in town, saying publicly that if the white women in Montgomery would cease picking up Black women in the morning at predetermined locations and returning them back home in the afternoon, the bus boycott could then be broken. At the time, there were also reports of white women in cars picking up Black women as they walked to or from work and driving them to their destinations. Even though these were modest steps by a number of white women in Montgomery, lending support to Black efforts, they were certainly a far cry from the aggression and violence being perpetrated by many white men in the city against Blacks at that time. Although their deeds came late during the two-year crisis period, white women were even more engaged in Little Rock for helping to resolve politically and institutionally the issues associated with the integration of Central High School that led to a major federal-state confrontation. Through a series of legal decisions in the federal court system, including numerous applications and judicial clarifications, Little Rock, Arkansas was chosen – rather, more specifically – Little Rock Central High School was chosen to be compelled to integrate in accordance with a gradual integration plan, drawn up by the local Superintendent of Schools, a white man. Little Rock Central seemed like a logical choice for the initial, major, urban school in the South to be integrated in accordance with the Brown decision. After all, in the midst of the trauma and violence that accompanied the Montgomery bus boycott, the City of Little Rock had integrated its bus system in April, 1956 without much difficulty. King referenced on occasion this Little Rock experience during the Montgomery maelstrom. In the fall of 1958, less than two weeks before the election that led to closure of high schools in Little Rock, a white women’s organization with the name, the Women’s Emergency Committee (“WEC”), was formed to solicit support for open schools. Consisting of the wives of many of the white male business leaders of Little Rock, WEC members had access to influential, local levers of power that few organizations could match. It has also been suggested that members of WEC may have even withheld sex to persuade their husbands to see WEC’s point of view. Their efforts fell short in the election that closed the high schools, but WEC’s strength and tactics improved over the following months, so that when segregationists’ members of the school board voted not to employ teachers or administrators whom these board members believed supported integration, WEC, together with a number of local businessmen, established STOP (Stop This Outrageous Purge) and worked to recall the three segregationist board members. With WEC’s considerable assistance, STOP won the recall election with the addition of three moderate members, breaking control of the Little Rock School Board by the staunch, segregationist Governor. The Little Rock public high schools were then reopened in August, 1959, but not at the level of integration that Black leadership in the city had wanted. Moreover, one would have wished for WEC to be an integrated women’s group, but alas, it wasn’t, so we must temper our optimism about the basic, non-racist tendencies of these white women. This installment has shown that there can be a difference between white women and white men in attitude and intensity toward Black liberation and racial healing. It is clear that there have been instances where white women have assisted Black initiatives to achieve Black goals. That particular role by a meaningful portion of white women was illustrated in both the Montgomery bus boycott and the Little Rock Central High School crisis. This is not to say that white women can’t be serious racists. I’ve witnessed the reality of women racists, including those within my own family. However, there is reason to think many white women are inclined to acknowledge and deal with racism, both generally and personally, including a willingness to work with anti-racism programs and goals that lead to adjusted, racial behavior. As we consider steps regarding the proposed protocol for racial healing, it is important to keep in mind distinctions affecting white prejudice between white women and white men. My comments underscore the point that the prejudice of white men will need to be addressed in a somewhat different, more concentrated manner that would include acknowledgment of white men’s distinguishable prejudice toward Blacks. American white women have not been in positions, generally speaking, as opposed to white men, even to apply a more fulsome and longer-term empathetic response to Black-white racial healing. While the times are changing, there has not been enough breadth to open wider the avenues for much more visible encouragement from American white women, who have therefore been at crossroads with their prospects for a more generous intent toward Blacks. Even though racism against Blacks certainly exists among American white women, we do not know what the results could possibly be for Black-white racial healing if the crossroads were somehow transformed into a clearer and cleaner path. Next Time: “Those We Abuse, We Loathe.” by J. Chester Johnson Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back For Racial Healing #2: 'Authentic Passion' July 15, 2026 at 5:42:03 AM The concept of authentic passion has occupied a prominent, if not a uniquely crucial place in my writings and oral presentations on racial healing. What exactly is it? We can’t go much further into racial healing without understanding its core meaning or meanings, as consequential in the discussion. I’ll try to arrive at authentic passion by pointing out the various ways that its core and related meanings have been identified over time – actually, over centuries. We are far from the first to recognize that little can be done beneficially without its application. We will use a method of defining the concept by looking at its whole cloth over time for its meaning. Simply put, we start with one word that relays an access to the whole, and that word is “love”. But there is an abundance of ways that, for centuries, the application of love has been defined and discussed in the context of relatedness and interconnectedness. Most recently in my last distribution, ‘To Begin With’, I described Martin Luther King’s reference in terms of racial healing emanating from “the weapon of love”, and how love has the ability to drive out hate. At the same time, Soren Kierkegaard emphasizes a different term, but employs the concept always in the currency of the time as King undoubtedly also had in mind; in this spirit, Kierkegaard wrote, “Whatever one generation learns from another, no generation learns the genuinely human from a previous one. . .no generation has learned how to love from another. . .this genuinely human quality is passion.” In other words, love is always expressed and exercised, certainly in the concept of racial healing, by not relying on the past. Personal love and its manifestation through curative action have to be current. The Greeks long ago held the notion of “agape love”, a love that seeks the well-being of others. Indeed, over millennia, agape love has often been perceived as a model for how humans should love one another – again, for the currency of any particular time. The British theologian, Charles Williams, characterized his vision of relatedness between persons in present time, whenever that occurs, as “co-inherence”, stressing that individuals are not isolated but depend on each other for their own well-being. As a devout Christian, Williams stressed the words of Jesus from John 14: “. . .you are in me, and I am in you.” Martin Buber, the Jewish theologian, put it this way: “True beings are lived in the present; the life of objects is lived in the past. . .Love is responsibility of an I for a You.” The world has also become aware of this concept of essential interrelatedness being expressed through many voices in South Africa, including, if not especially, the Nobel Prize winner, Desmond Tutu, praising the idea of Ubuntu, meaning that a person’s humanity consists of one’s relationship to others, which is achieved through mutual support, respect, and acknowledgement of “I am because we are”. It is not coincidental that the quotes, set forth above, are, grammatically speaking, in the present tense. I believe there is an ultimate significance and relevance to that realization, illustrating the importance of currency in fostering relatedness and interconnectedness. Indeed, the term I have chosen to communicate this reality – and the obligation that goes along with it – is authentic passion. With this choice, I meant for there to be an inference for action, for human passion is always expressed through action – action in the present tense, action in the present sense. It has been shown, however, that authentic passion, a natural propensity to love, to demonstrate love by whites for our Black brothers and sisters can unfortunately be replaced instead with filiopietism and damaged heritage, as discussed in the last distribution, ‘To Begin With. . .’ commentary, through aggressive and repetitive proselytization and relentless concentration of prejudice and racial rejection by whites of Blacks and various others. Nonetheless, wherever authentic passion is adopted, it is much deeper than custom, tradition, skin color, etc. It is more fundamental, individualistic, and instinctual as it wills and works the connection between human beings of all colors to understand, empathize, heal, love, and co-inhere. I am a great believer in adherence to authentic passion as a catalyst for anti-racism; I should also say that Sheila Walker and I came to rely heavily on expressions of authentic passion as a compelling agent for our own mutual, racial healing. When whites adopt authentic passion by accepting the prospect for new friendships and attitudes, enriched personal freedoms and perspectives, and many more racial possibilities, it is just not probable for authentic passion to be consistent with the past. Of course, there are those who will continue to dreamily romanticize a kind of mythical adoration for previous ideas and historical moments and fanfare, which lead to non-communication with prevailing reality, but that behavior is a denial of or counterpoint to love, not of the kind of personal commitment that I have discussed and that results in the present taking control of one’s life and mission. We can never predict when the light of authentic passion will break through the pernicious fog of resistance to help bring racial healing to places that have endured some of the worst parts of racial tyranny. For example, the grandson of the principal architect of apartheid in South Africa has become one of its outspoken critics and has argued persuasively against it and its residual tentacles. In addition, he has written movingly about the important role that Ubuntu can play for South Africa in achieving Black-white relatedness and mutual support and respect. For a more personal view, I could not have predicted the following, affirmative example and encounter I ascribe to authentic passion for a change in attitude and perspective. Toward the end of the late September, 2019 weekend ceremonies, surrounding the dedication of the Elaine Massacre Memorial in Phillips County, Arkansas, a white friend, someone I got to know in recent decades, someone with whom I enjoyed spending time even though he had not adopted my ideas about either Black liberation matters or the features that lead to Black-white racial healing, came to me, grabbed me by the shoulders, looked me squarely in the eye, and offered an amazingly empathetic insight. Instantly, I knew, and he knew I knew that what he had said was something beyond the particular words he chose to describe that insight that night; rather, he was actually saying he had received a moment of epiphany about race, Black-white racial healing, and the broader love and adjusted understandings that go into such a moment. It was not a decision by him at all, but a moment of acceptance of something fundamentally different from the hours, days, months, and years he had previously known. The present then deflected the visions and wonts of a more racially biased past. We’re familiar with the end result of letting the filiopietistic-damaged heritage axis flourish, but we cannot permit that axis to continue unaddressed. In truth, we know that filiopietism and damaged heritage in racial matters make authentic passion absolutely necessary, which allows whites to be truly human; for authentic passion is that attribute we whites are able to access in order to make much greater progress as individuals in Black-white relations. If a generation fails to address its own and inherited shortcomings in race relations and racial healing, then the generation has forced those failures forward into the future. Unfortunately, we have followed that course repeatedly as whites have regularly chosen a pattern of allowing the past to determine our present and future racially, foisting the racially unhealed and malevolent ghosts onto innocence once again. To find out more about J. Chester Johnson, author of this "For Racial Healing" series, please visit his website, https://jchesterjohnson.com/ By J. Chester Johnson Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back IPG Bolsters Comic and Graphic Novel Roster with Five New Publisher Partnerships May 11, 2026 at 6:22:28 PM Independent Publishers Group (IPG) has officially expanded its sales and distribution reach, announcing the addition of five dynamic independent publishers to its programs effective June 2026. This latest expansion signals a significant push into the comic book, graphic novel, and socially conscious storytelling markets. As the first organization established to market independent presses to the book trade, IPG continues its mission of providing boutique publishers with the scale and infrastructure of a major house. The new additions are: Antarctic Press, A Wave Blue World, Comicsburgh, Comicker Press, and Cosmic Lion, which all bring a diverse array of visual storytelling and fan-favorite intellectual properties to IPG’s portfolio. Leading the new cohort is Antarctic Press, https://antarctic-press.myshopify.com/ , in the comic world since 1984. Founded by brothers Ben and Joe Dunn, the publisher has a "creator-first" philosophy. Their catalog includes the long-running “Ninja High School” and the “Warrior Nun Areala,” the latter of which gained mainstream prominence through a two-season Netflix adaptation. Joining them is A Wave Blue World , https://www.awbw.com/ , a publisher that has garnered accolades including GLAAD Media and Ringo Awards. Their focus on socially conscious anthologies and graphic novels aligns with the growing market demand for diverse, high-quality creative voices. The expansion also highlights regional and specialized talent. Comicsburgh , https://www.comicsburgh.com/ , a Pittsburgh-based collective, joins IPG with a unique mission. Established in 2021, the group focuses on both the artistic and educational aspects of comic creation, fostering a community of aspiring creators. Comicker Press, https://www.comickerpress.com/ , returns to the spotlight following a 2023 re-brand. Specializing in a blend of humor, drama, and imaginative children’s books, Comicker is doubling down on its commitment to platforming diverse voices as it seeks to reach new global audiences through IPG’s distribution network. Rounding out the list is Cosmic Lion , https://cosmiclionproductions.com/ , the brainchild of writer and artist Eli Schwab. What began as a zine project a decade ago has evolved into a prolific house with over 50 titles. Known for its eclectic "every kind for every mind" approach, Cosmic Lion offers everything from niche magazines to sprawling creator-owned epics. Since its acquisition by Chicago Review Press in 1987, IPG has remained a cornerstone of the indie publishing world. By integrating these five publishers into its distribution pipeline, IPG provides them with access to traditional book trade channels, digital printing services, and e-book distribution. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Liz Carrasco Named as OverDrive's Chief Technology Officer August 25, 2026 at 9:35:52 AM Today, OverDrive announced the appointment of Liz Carrasco as Chief Technology Officer. Carrasco has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience at some of the world's largest digital media platforms including ViacomCBS, Paramount, and Yahoo! Carrasco brings technical expertise in personalization and streaming at scale to OverDrive's Libby, Kanopy, and Sora. "[K]nowledge and content for everyone is something I care about deeply, and I'm excited to bring my background in personalization, media, and streaming at scale to help this extraordinary team capture the global opportunities ahead," said Carrasco. “Liz is an incredibly thoughtful team builder and a strong, empathetic leader of large and talented teams” said Marc DeBevoise, CEO of OverDrive. “Her deep technical expertise, combined with her genuine passion for content, libraries, learning, and our mission, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to evolve and grow our platforms. Carrasco's appointment reinforces OverDrive's commitment to building world-class technology in service of its mission to educate and entertain by providing the world’s favorite way to access the best collection of premium digital content. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back University of South Carolina Press Names Chris Johns as Sales and Marketing Director July 16, 2026 at 7:15:09 AM The University of South Carolina (USC) Press has announced the appointment of publishing veteran Chris Johns as its new Sales and Marketing Director. Johns officially assumed the role on July 8, 2026. Johns brings nearly three decades of senior-level book publishing experience, including an 18-year tenure as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Tuttle Publishing , a prominent publisher of Asian-culture books. At Tuttle, he managed national accounts, oversaw international rights, led global sales forces, directed distribution partners, and guided strategic marketing and acquisitions. Previously, Johns served as the Director of Specialty Retail at Abrams, where he spearheaded sales and marketing initiatives. Over the last three years, Johns has worked as a publishing consultant while pursuing personal writing projects, which included attending the Iowa Writers' Summer Workshop at the University of Iowa and completing a family memoir. In his new capacity at USC Press, Johns will join the leadership team, contributing directly to strategic planning. He will supervise marketing, sales, and publicity efforts, work closely with booksellers and sales representatives to maximize market presence, and manage two staff members. “Chris is a true publishing professional—one who appreciates authors, values books in all formats, and loves to get the right book into the hands of the reader who has been waiting for just that title,” said Michael J. McGandy, director of USC Press. “All of us are looking forward to working with Chris, and I know we will benefit from his experience and energy.” Johns expressed enthusiasm about joining the university press, noting his admiration for the publisher's regional focus. “I'm excited to join the friendly and talented folks at USC Press and add my publishing acumen to their important work,” Johns said. “I admire the press's broad range of books on Southern cuisine, culture and history, which strives to tell an accurate and ongoing story of who we are.” Established in 1944, the University of South Carolina Press is one of the oldest and most distinguished publishers in the American South. The press extends the university's core mission by publishing premier academic scholarship and authentic stories that impact local and global communities. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Every Rosebud Blooms: The Collective Giving Rikers a Story of Its Own September 29, 2026 at 3:27:23 PM The concept of education, literary spaces, and creative writing programs isn't new for those in confinement, in prison, or held with no return to the real world. These spaces open up new creativity, new ideas, and a new type of freedom for those who thought they would never have it again, across the globe. Various reading programs and book collection centers give back to incarcerated people who have no resources to obtain books, literature, or writing materials. One of those is the Rosebuds Reading Collective , a women-dedicated reading community founded by Nora Fried and Julia Fox. The founders introduce this collective as a way to make space for those who are often overlooked. They've been featured in magazines, the New York Times , and, most recently, ABC 7 New York for their outstanding work, efforts, and dedication to collecting, distributing, and holding book clubs for those incarcerated at Rikers. The idea started small and has since evolved; they've given over 1,000 books and hold biweekly sessions. The name comes from the origins of the place it all started: the Rose M. Singer Center, named after the longtime jail reform activist and one of the first members of the New York City Board of Correction. According to Urban Archive New York, it opened on June 20, 1988, and was a brand-new $100 million jail facility specifically for women on Rikers Island . In this same center decades later, Nora walked through the doors with books in hand and claims six people showed up to her first-ever session. Fried says, "Rosebuds began as an idea I couldn't let go of during a time when life felt impossible." Yet as the collective grew, more partners pitched in. Such as Julia Fox, known for her acting, modeling, and as the recent author of Down the Drain. She joined the team as a founder and has since been the creative director for the organization, giving new ideas and life to a solution that has been long overdue. Her reasoning for being so passionate about this stems from "What happens when someone is truly seen and given the space to imagine a different version of themselves? When they're not just viewed as a number in the system?" Afrika Owes, is the final founding member. One with the experience to help give a first-hand perspective as to what creative spaces should look like within jail systems, as she was once incarcerated herself. She spent time at Rikers in 2011 and has since become an attorney and now helps the organization as the governance chair, stating, "Books were the first thing I requested when I was incarcerated, because even then I knew the mind has never needed permission to be free." These three women have shown they are a force to be reckoned with within rehabilitation conversations. Their main program consists of author visits, writing sessions, and biweekly book clubs , giving new experiences each time, an opportunity, and another way of reclaiming power and identity through creativity, art, and knowledge. They also have their current reading list , which consists of memoirs, civil rights novels, and self-help books to give the participants a variety of well-rounded pieces of literature. Each session has over 30 women participating with help from volunteers and those who have collected books for the women participating. They also work with direct donations from individuals, as well as local bookstores, to source most of their materials that might be extra, keeping things locally owned and supported. They ask anyone who would like to donate books or host a speaking session to reach out to them via email. Printed Word Reviews / Reported by Mali Ayala Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back 18 Award-Winning Books for Your Summer Reads TBR List. From thrillers to global memoirs. May 2, 2026 at 7:42:16 AM As the days stretch longer, there is no better companion than a book that challenges the mind and stirs the soul. The 2025 NYC Big Book Awards and the 2026 Independent Press Awards have curated a collection of global authors for your next TBR list. Whether you are looking for a pulse-pounding thriller for the beach, a transformative self-help guide in the living room, or a poetic journey into the self, this summer’s reading list offers a plethora of human spirit and great storytelling. Thrills, Shadows, and Global Stakes For those who crave high-octane adventure rooted in raw, lived experience, Angela Greenman’s The Child Riddler (Winner, NYC Big Book Award) is an essential pick. Greenman, an international nuclear communications expert, draws from a childhood of homelessness and gang violence to craft Zoe, an elite operative who is essentially a female James Bond. It is a story of a hero who defeats the darkness, written by a woman who did the same in real life. If your taste leans toward the psychological, Diana Louise Webb’s Last of the Autumn Rain (Distinguished Favorite, Independent Press Award) offers a “surgical precision” of the human psyche. Webb employs Hemingway’s “Iceberg Theory,” focusing on the “why-we-do-it” when humans are pushed to the absolute brink. Christopher Johnston’s Where You Come From Is Gone (Winner, Independent Press Award) adds a layer of literary gravity to this summer’s list. A first-time novelist who honed his craft under the disciplined influence of Peter Geye, Johnston explores the raw friction between estranged brothers. Drawing inspiration from Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried , Johnston’s narrative serves as a study of how characters navigate moral minefields. It is a poignant exploration of the idea that while our origins might be “gone,” the internal scars of where we come from dictate who we become. For fans of epic and dark fantasy, Michaela Riley’s Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I (Winner, NYC Big Book Award) and Sara Fanfarillo’s Everlasting (Distinguished Favorite, NYC Big Book Award) provide immersive escapes. Riley’s work is a testament to family legacy and ancestral resilience, while Fanfarillo explores the “strange and shifting realities” of memory and potential. For the Young (and Young at Heart) Summer is a season of growth, and several award-winning authors have turned their talents toward nurturing the next generation. Heidi Solomon-Orlick’s I Have a Voice: A Book of Listening (Distinguished Favorite, NYC Big Book Award) helps children aged 4–9 identify their inner truth. Solomon-Orlick, a powerhouse advocate for women in business, proves that leadership and empathy begin in the nursery. David Knoll’s Santa’s Kid of the Year (Distinguished Favorite, NYC Big Book Award) is a delightful holiday-themed adventure with a year-round message: “being kind is cool and being a bully is cruel.” Claudia Daher’s R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens (Distinguished Favorite, Independent Press Award) offers a science-fiction lens on social resilience, seeking to fill the “emptiness” many adolescents face with themes of unity and family values. Memoirs of Resilience and Recovery Perhaps the most moving entries this year are those that document the triumph of the spirit over systemic and personal trauma. Ivona Olofsson’s The Soul of War: Ukraine – Where Every Step Tells Their Story (Winner, NYC Big Book Award) is a definitive account of the human face of conflict. As the daughter of Polish WWII survivors and a professional therapist, Olofsson documents the “invisible scars” of war with a poetic yet unflinching lens. In a similarly brave vein, Maria Engstrom’s Restrained (Winner, Independent Press Award) details her harrowing journey through psychosis as a medical doctor. Engstrom’s memoir is not just a personal account but a professional call to action, advocating for compassionate, dignity-based mental health care. For those seeking spiritual recovery, Nancy W.’s Dear G-d: A Conversation with G-d, While on the Road to Recovery offers a 460-page intimate journey from addiction to healing through honest, daily dialogue with a higher power. Wisdom for Personal and Financial Growth If your summer goal is self-reinvention, Dr. Fang Miao’s Love To The Extreme: A Miracle Unfolds (Winner, NYC Big Book Award) introduces the Meta-Cognitive Root Awareness (MCRA) framework. Dr. Miao’s work helps readers move beyond surface-level fixes to find profound personal transformation. For more pragmatic growth, Dr. Stacker’s Beginner’s Guide to Growing Wealth and Investing is an “instruction manual” for lasting legacy. Drawing from his experience of building and losing a multimillion-dollar portfolio, Stacker focuses on systems over hustle and identity over tactics. Laura Muirhead also provides two distinct paths for growth: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Life , (Winner, Independent Press Award), which reflects on the unexpected twists of a lived journey, and Queen Code: The Book , which offers frameworks for grounded leadership and self-trust. Art, Poetry, and the Cosmos For a sensory experience, look no further than Lee Woodman’s Colorscapes . This collection of ekphrastic poetry explores the weight of the color spectrum, from the "Sari Reds" of an Indian childhood to the "Gallery Greys" of the Smithsonian. Similarly, Paris Rosemont’s Barefoot Poetess offers an intimate journey through the human condition, blending cultural identity with the absurdities of the modern world. In non-fiction, JoAnne M. Spiller’s Visionary Designs by Bill Smith, tj . (Distinguished Favorite, NYC Big Book Award) rescues the history of a forgotten Black jewelry designer from the archives, bringing history to life for a new generation. Finally, for those who believe it is never too late to start over, Joe Sarkic’s Veil of Dawn's Promise (Distinguished Favorite, Independent Press Award) is a must-read. After leaving a manuscript in a binder for 40 years, Sarkic returned to his craft to create a work of "cosmic expansionism," proving that the "harshest critic"—ourselves—can eventually be won over. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Learn more about A Global Hub for the Future of Storytelling < Back A Global Hub for the Future of Storytelling London Book Fair 2025: A Global Hub for the Future of Storytelling The London Book Fair, a cornerstone event in the global publishing calendar, stands as a vibrant literary marketplace in which all our industry helps decide where the future of storytelling takes shape. An industry trade show, the London Book Fair is a dynamic hub for rights negotiation, content sales, and distribution across the diverse landscape of print, audio, television, film, and digital channels. This annual gathering draws publishers, literary agents, authors, and a spectrum of industry professionals from around the world, all converging to shape the narratives that captivate audiences worldwide. At the heart of the London Book Fair lies a trifecta of focus areas: rights trading, networking, and staying abreast of the ever-evolving industry trends. It's a space where deals are struck, partnerships forged, and insights shared, ensuring that the literary world remains agile and responsive to the demands of a global audience. Printed Word Reviews took the time to sit in sessions, meet with agents and vendors, talk to those specializing in author promotion and book review distribution, and how authors plan to amplify their reach and impact. Industry engagement is crucial. Attending seminars and panels allowed Printed Word Reviews to stay informed about the latest trends in publishing and digital media. The 'Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing' panel at Tech Theatre on March 11th provided invaluable insights into the evolving digital landscape, focusing on platforms like Substack, TikTok, and Discord. In an era of increasing digital tools, the session emphasized the importance of writers' self-promotion. Led by industry experts, the discussion explored how writers can leverage digital platforms and refine strategies to build sustainable and authentic audiences. In an exclusive interview with Xue Mo, PWR’s publisher Ted Olczak discussed the transformative power of love and wisdom, the importance of cultural reflections, and the hope that can emerge from darkness that are so prevalent in Xue mo’s works. He emphasizes the role of knowledge and writing in creating a balanced world and inspiring change. "Growing Your Readership and Marketing Your Genre" session sponsored by Kindle Direct Publishing was a popular session, not a seat to be had. Moderated by Jen Barrett, this Author HQ session featured a diverse panel of successful self-published authors—JM Dalgliesh (crime), Sadie Kincaid (contemporary dark romance), and JD Kirk (crime/alter ego of Barry Hutchison, also children's fiction). The discussion centered on effective strategies for authors to reach their target audiences, given the myriad marketing options available, from social media platforms like Facebook and BookTok to traditional methods like reader newsletters and Amazon Ads. In addition to the sessions, networking and partnerships are paramount. By connecting with publishers and literary agents, attendees expand their network, discover emerging authors, and build collaborative relationships with other literary platforms and media outlets. These connections are vital for identifying the next wave of literary talent and ensuring their platform remains at the forefront of book discovery. The London Book Fair is crucial for those seeking a global marketplace for rights, professional networking, business development, and industry insights. Thousands attend each year to strengthen industry connections, promote services, and solidify their place in the literary world, contributing to the vibrant landscape of global storytelling. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Digital Audio and Paperbacks Drive Continued Growth in U.S. Publishing Industry July 28, 2026 at 9:14:20 AM Consumer reading habits are cementing a distinct shift in the book market as the U.S. publishing industry logs steady growth heading into the summer. According to the newest market data released by the Association of American Publishers (AAP), overall industry revenues rose 6.8% in May compared to the same time last year, pushing total year-to-date earnings to $4.7 billion—a 2.6% increase over the first five months of 2025. The numbers reflect an industry finding its footing through a mix of traditional ink-on-paper formats and rapidly growing digital options, even as older formats face a steep decline. At the heart of the industry's growth is the massive Trade sector, which tracks everyday consumer fiction and nonfiction. Consumer book revenue jumped 7.6% in May alone, accounting for $799.5 million of the industry's total. Within this sector, paperbacks are proving to be the dominant physical format choice for buyers. Paperback sales spiked 10.4% in May to $290.8 million, bringing their year-to-date total to a commanding $1.4 billion. Hardbacks also enjoyed a healthy monthly rebound, growing 7.4% to $281.5 million, though they still lag slightly behind last year's overall pace on a year-to-date basis. Simultaneously, the digital audio boom shows no signs of slowing down. Spending on digital audiobooks jumped 13% for the month to $100.7 million. Year-to-date, digital audio has surged by 14.5%, netting half a billion dollars so far this year and solidifying its place as the industry's fastest-growing segment. This dual embrace of portable paperbacks and digital audio appears to be coming directly at the expense of other formats. The traditional mass-market paperback—once the staple of grocery store racks and airport newsstands—has all but vanished, collapsing by 73.8% in May and leaving the format down 75.6% for the year. eBook adoption also remains soft, dipping nearly 1% for the month and down 3.5% overall for the year. Beyond mainstream consumer titles, the data paints a mixed picture for academic and specialty publishers: Religious Presses: Religious books saw a substantial 9.3% revenue jump in May to $69 million, heavily supported by a 27.8% explosion in paperback sales. The strong month successfully nudged the sector's flat year-to-date performance back into positive territory (up 0.9%). Education: Materials for PreK-12 and higher education grew a modest 1.1% in May to $88.9 million. However, the sector remains fundamentally strong, maintaining a 3.2% year-to-date lead over 2025 at $672.7 million. Professional and Scholarly: Technical, medical, law, and scientific publishing took a 3.3% hit for the month, dropping to $30 million. Despite the monthly dip, the category remains up 2.8% for the year overall. The data is compiled through the AAP's StatShot program, which aggregates monthly financial reporting from 1,416 U.S. publishers. Because the program measures direct net revenue from sales across all major channels—including physical bookstores, online retail giants, and wholesalers—it offers the most reliable indicator of how macro-economic shifts and changing consumer tastes are shaping the business of books. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Read with Jenna's Book Club Favorites now Available via Libby to Library Cardholders September 30, 2025 at 2:06:30 PM Libby, the popular library reading app, is partnering with Read with Jenna , the book club founded by TODAY Show co-host Jenna Bush Hager. Now, readers with a library card can easily discover and borrow Jenna's monthly book club picks for free on Libby. Since launching in 2019, Read with Jenna has highlighted new and celebrated authors across a variety of genres. The book club's recommendations have introduced millions of readers to new stories. This new partnership expands access to these popular titles while supporting local libraries. Jenna, the daughter of a librarian, is passionate about the role libraries play in communities. "Libraries are the heartbeats of our communities," she said. "They offer connection, opportunity, and a safe space for everyone." Jenna’s book club selections, including her Read with Jenna Jr. list for younger readers, are now prominently featured in the Libby app. This collaboration makes these books just a tap away for readers everywhere. The partnership kicks off during Library Card Sign-Up Month, an annual celebration that highlights the power of libraries to provide free access to books and other resources. Readers can participate by getting a library card, downloading the Libby app, and borrowing Jenna’s book club selections. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Amazon KDP Introduces Weekly Limits on New Title Creation to Curb Spam and Maintain Quality September 23, 2026 at 12:53:02 PM On Monday, September 21, 2026, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) updated its title creation policy, imposing a strict two title weekly cap on each new format authors and publishers can create on the platform. In taking steps to combat Artificial Intelligence (or lack thereof) writing, the new rules went into immediate effect to help maintain a high-quality publishing environment and discourage the onslaught of low-quality automated content. Under the new policy, content creators are limited to generating up to two new titles per format per week. The limit applies across all supported publishing formats, including eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers. This means an author could create up to two eBooks, two paperbacks, and two hardcovers in a single week before hitting the maximum threshold. Weekly limits reset automatically every Sunday at 12:00 AM UTC. What Publishers Need to Know Existing Catalog Safe: The updated policy does not impact previously created, draft, or published books. Authors can continue to sell, update, and manage their existing titles without interruption. Per-Format Caps: The restriction operates on a per-format basis rather than a blanket limit across the account. System Rejections: Authors who reach their limit during a given week will be blocked from creating additional titles until the Sunday midnight UTC reset. While traditional authors who publish a few books a year will remain largely unaffected by the policy, the change directly targets high-volume publishing models including public-domain republishers, low-content book creators, and bad actors deploying AI to publish dozens of titles a day. The hope is by curbing rapid title creation, this will slow down the dumping of low quality and computer generated content. Amazon aims to streamline its catalog review process, reduce marketplace noise, and ensure authentic creators maintain visibility on the platform. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of After Hope by Boris Plamenov Konstantinov . ISBN: 9786199383506 < Back After Hope Boris Plamenov Konstantinov Sci-Fi, Thriller, dystopian future, domed cities, toxic environment, apocalyptic conflict Independently published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest When a hidden water contamination crisis and a blackmail threat expose the fragility of humanity’s dome-bound civilization, ruthless Chancellor Teresa and rebel survivor Martin race against collapsing systems, political betrayal, and a dying planet to secure the last hope for humankind. In After Hope, Boris Plamenov Konstantinov delivers an unapologetically grim dystopian science fiction epic that strips away the romanticism often found in post-apocalyptic stories. Set against a dying Earth where the remnants of humanity are trapped within massive domes and surrounded by toxic, squalid "outer bubbles," the novel functions as a tense, multi-perspective thriller. It balances macro-level political maneuvering with the visceral, dirt-under-the-fingernails survival of genetically altered outcasts. After Hope is a terrifyingly plausible existential crisis: the water is running out. When Chancellor Teresa discovers that an untreated underground source has contaminated the domes' water supply, leaving civilization with mere months of life, the novel shifts into a dark exploration of political preservation. Rather than uniting humanity, the impending extinction triggers an elaborate, ruthless cover-up. Teresa’s descent into tyranny is chillingly pragmatic; to prevent societal panic and preserve her own grip on power, she enforces media blackouts, orchestrates public executions, and creates military scapegoats. Konstantinov excels at portraying the cold math of authoritarian survival, making Teresa a compelling, monstrously logical antagonist who believes that sacrificing millions is the only way to save a chosen few. As the environment decays, the book weaves together disparate storylines that explode into conflict halfway through the novel. The world-building is starkly divided between the sterile corruption of the Capital Dome and the brutal reality of places like the Rio bubble, where everyday life is a meat-grinder of forced labor and violence. The middle of the book features a catastrophic turning point when the insurgent group Earth For All, led by the zealous Martin Carter, launches a massive assault. The resulting destruction of the Rio dome elevates the stakes from a localized rebellion to an all-out war for survival. Amidst this chaos, the novel introduces its most fascinating element: Antony and Miranda, two brutalized survivors possessing unusual healing abilities who discover they are the products of a defunct, classified genetic experiment. What begins as a standard "hidden refuge" hunt evolves into something far grander and desperate. As toxic black rain storms signal the absolute end of Earth's habitability, the race between the tyrannical government, the violent resistance, and the genetically altered fugitives converges on the legacy of scientist Josef Petrov. The final act of the novel is relentless. Konstantinov pulls no punches, subjecting his characters to torture, blinding, and betrayal. First, the fall of Sydney, a visceral public revolt where propaganda fails, and the furious, poisoned populace tears down the old regime. Also, the spaceport revelation, a narrative pivot where the "hidden underground sanctuary" is revealed to be an interstellar ark. Lastly, a claustrophobic, violent final battle at the rocket gantry that leaves almost the entire cast dead, culminating in a desperate launch into the unknown. After Hope is a heavy, macroscopic piece of speculative fiction that will appeal to adult fans of classic, uncompromising sci-fi like Children of Men or The Expanse series. It is not a story of saving the world, it’s escaping its corpse. While the relentless grimness and rapid-fire political betrayals might overwhelm readers looking for a heroic journey, those who appreciate complex grey-and-black morality, detailed world-building, and high-concept cosmic pivots will find Konstantinov’s series opener to be a haunting ride. The final image of two scarred survivors, floating in the silence of space with a cargo of embryos bound for a 700-year journey, lingers long after the final page is turned. Previous Next