On the anniversary of his death, we reflect on how J. D. Salinger’s writing first influenced the world and how it continues to do so now.
July Morning | RU
Today marks six years since celebrated writer J. D. Salinger died at his home in Cornish, New Hampshire, at the age of 91. But his influence remains well and truly alive.
At the time of publication, Emma’s longevity was far from guaranteed.
The Shopping Sherpa
At the time of publication, the longevity of Jane Austen’s fifth novel Emma was far from guaranteed. And yet, 200 years later, it now seems immortal. This is the story of its remarkable life.
Pope Francis writes that the church must be a ‘field hospital’ for the souls of the world.
Max Rossi/Reuters
Pope Francis’ new book provides an insight into the theology and life experiences underpinning his unorthodox approach to the papacy. Does his rhetoric conceal Church doctrine as hardline as ever?
It’s time to get to grips with this classic of world literature.
José María Pérez Nuñez
Paul Dalgarno, The Conversation and Madeleine De Gabriele, The Conversation
It’s another year in Arts + Culture, so in case you missed it we’ve collected all the best coverage of screen, theatre, music, books and culture in one place.
This year saw many notable books, looking at a diverse range of experiences.
Richard Leeming
Young adult fiction has been having a much needed conversation around diversity. In 2015 we saw this discussion bear fruit, as a new crop of diverse, absorbing and powerful stories sprang up.
Children who fail to read regularly during long breaks from school will often see their reading ability drop. Here’s how to keep kids engaged in reading.
Good ideas from some of the best brains in the game for budding entrepreneurs ready to break the mould.
Shutterstock
This is a list of old and new books on entrepreneurship. The common thing about them is that they give entrepreneurs the tools they need to start their businesses.
Parallel import restrictions are bad for Australian consumers, and not the best way to support Australian books.
wiredforlego/flickr.com
The uniquely Australian literary voice is worth protecting, but parallel importation restrictions are not the way to do it. Rather, we should lift those restrictions – and subsidise Australian booksellers directly.
It’s often sold as the ‘happiest time of year’ – but not in classic Christmas tales.
Alice Popkorn
Most modern Christmas films angle for comedy with a touch of schmaltz, but literary Christmases frequently tap into the anxiety and sadness that can accompany the “happiest time of year”.
The BCA was probably doomed the moment Tony Abbott announced its creation out of Australia Council funds.
Nastya Shershneva
The Book Council of Australia – announced by Tony Abbott just over a year ago – was today scrapped. But we still need a body to advocate for literature and to advise government on policy settings.
What better way to spend your year-end holiday than absorbed in a good book or ten?
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There isn’t a lot of time for recreational reading when you’re running a university. But when year-end holidays roll around, Africa’s vice chancellors can finally read for pleasure.
Yesterday, the British Literary Review awarded the 2015 Bad Sex in Fiction award to Morrissey. So what is it about sex writing that’s so difficult – and what’s the secret of writers who know how to seduce?
Magical realism has evolved into a heavily, and ironically, political literary form.
Berli Mike
With roots in post first world war paintings of empty European cities, magical realism has evolved into a heavily, and ironically, political literary form.
The issue of parallel imports will not go away – but there are other options to explore.
Mustafa Sayed
Our contemporary age may be the first in which parallel importation is undertaken not by booksellers in competition with each other, but by individual consumers in competition with local booksellers.
Munroe has taken the principles of clear communication to what feels like their furthest extent.
Karina Espinoza
In his new book, Randall Munroe of xkcd fame takes the principles of clear communication to what feels like their furthest extent, but there’s a place for dense grammar in our theories and ideas.
George tells the story of Melissa, a ten-year-old girl who the world sees as a boy named George. Such books will, hopefully, move from being anomalies to part of the status quo.