The Cultural Review
Section

Books

Reviews, essays, and interviews covering literature, fiction, non-fiction, and the world of publishing.

Elementary school students engaged with a physical book in a sunlit classroom, showing the continued importance of print in education.
Books

New Report Shows Books Are Not Disappearing From Schools

A new national report reveals a quiet resurgence: K-12 public schools increased their physical book acquisitions by 2% last year.

Claire Donovan· May 15· 3 min read
Empty bookshelves in a dimly lit school library, symbolizing the thousands of books that have been removed.

Report Confirms Thousands of Books Disappearing From Schools

Claire Donovan · May 15
A diverse audience at a modern literary event, captivated by an author speaking on stage, surrounded by books and an atmosphere of vibrant cultural exchange and intellectual discussion.

Literary Events Celebrate Black Authors and Their Cultural Contributions

Claire Donovan · Apr 10
Adults enjoying a lively Boozy Book Fair in Los Angeles, browsing books and sipping cocktails under warm lights, creating a nostalgic yet modern literary social event.

Boozy Book Fair Event Comes to Los Angeles This Summer

Claire Donovan · Apr 9
Five diverse young authors, Megan Kamalei Kakimoto, Anika Jade Levy, Carrie R. Moore, Maggie Su, and Stephanie Wambugu, smiling on a stage, celebrating their 5 Under 35 literary awards.

National Book Foundation Reveals 2026 5 Under 35 Honorees

Claire Donovan · Apr 8
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley with diverse students in a library, advocating for the 'Books Save Lives Act' to protect inclusive literature from book bans.

Rep. Pressley Introduces 'Books Save Lives Act' to Combat Book Bans

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley introduced the "Books Save Lives Act" to directly confront the escalating number of book challenges in public school libraries. This federal legislation aims to protect and promote access to inclusive literature for students nationwide.

Claire Donovan· Apr 8· 6 min
Dua Lipa on stage, surrounded by books, holding an open novel, symbolizing her role as curator for the London Literature Festival.

Dua Lipa to Curate 2026 London Literature Festival

Pop superstar Dua Lipa is set to curate the 2026 London Literature Festival, an 11-day event at the Southbank Centre. This move aims to bridge global pop culture with the literary world, engaging new audiences.

Claire Donovan· Apr 5· 5 min