Spring is springing! The world may be going crazy, but the sun is reminding us that she is still here, ready to warm our fortunate faces in this peaceful country after a long and dreary winter.
– First off, happy Women’s History Month! And where would the literary world by without the unseen and uncredited labor of women? (Or, for that matter, the world of law.) A Notable Woman in the literary world is Virginia Woolf, and Penguin has put together the perfect article on where to start with her books. And why are so many women writing about bears? Please also take a look at our Women’s History Month highlights list, full of classics and brand-new titles, both fiction and non-fiction, by women authors.
– Awards! February was a great month for those looking to expand their reading lists with some wonderful new titles, as the long-listed candidates for the International Booker Prize and both The Women’s Prize for Nonfiction and for Fiction have been announced. If nonfiction titles are in your wheelhouse, also take a look at the shortlist announced for the Unwin Awards, carefully selected by the Publishers Association in the UK.
– RIP! The decision to close the book section of the Washington Post as part of its layoffs has shaken many booklovers and professionals in the publishing industry. In a bit of an unconventional move, a writer at Lithub has drafted an obituary to the much-loved Book World to commemorate its literary achievements.
– Interviews! LA Review of Books speaks with Lauren Groff on their podcast about her works, her writing process, and her latest book Brawler (which Sophie recommends as a “hard book, but one worth reading nonetheless”.) The Guardian interviews Asako Yuzuki, the author the global thriller bestseller Butter and the upcoming Hooked, about the reception of her book and her future writing plans.
– Couleur Locale: Dutch author Hendrik Groen, a pseudonym much like Elena Ferrante’s, has finally come to the fore (article is in Dutch). Peter de Smet, Groen’s actual name, has written this year’s Boekenweekgeschenk (the annual free novella people get when they buy a Dutch-language book during National Book Week)(and that whole ‘the book must be in Dutch’ is also the reason we are not allowed to give it out during that week, although we’ve asked a few times).
– Books are in fashion, quite literally. As pop-up libraries to celebrate Vogue‘s latest issue, as Coach’s bag charm and key rings, and as Dior’s Summer 2026 bag collection. And while we are all for books as fashion, we may just stick to the Out of Print bags and hats sold in our stores!
– Letters! 1000 Libraries has started a worldwide 12-month subscription box called The Wandering Librarian, in which you receive a monthly letter from librarian Sophie (excellent name!) and a few other goodies. It looks delectable! Please make sure to check the prices of shipping etc., and we are not affiliated, just enthusiastic about this idea because we love letters and letter-writing.
– Speaking of 1000 Libraries: we were very kindly selected for their 9 Beautiful Bookstores You Must Visit in Amsterdam feature. 🎉 Thank you for the honor!
– And finally, for a bit of hope and inspirational courage in these turbulent times: 7 true stories of people who risked everything for books (now that’s our kind of people!)
