Born into languages, hotel libraries, and the world’s smallest book

This week’s news seemed to arrive in doubles—two new pieces on Haruki Murakami, two new pieces on the roles of public libraries, and two new pieces about the upcoming Neustadt/NSK Festival in October. Happy reading!

News, Reviews, and Interviews

This New York Times article describes translation as being “born again” into a new language.

We are so proud to announce our involvement with Save the Children, the Noerr Programs, and Simon & Schuster in donating over 800 picture books to children and families affected by the terrible tornadoes that touched down in Moore, Oklahoma, earlier this year.

Over five hundred new fairy tale stories have been discovered in Germany. (We hope someone will translate them soon!)

Is Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner and, most recently, And the Mountains Echoed, the most important author in America today?

Neustadt nominee Haruki Murakami has been named the most-read foreign author in South Korea.

In other Murakami news, we have learned that his newest book is expected in English translation by the end of this year.

Victor Navasky recently spoke with the Mantle to talk about the right to ridicule.

New audiobook versions of eight well-known Charles Bukowski books have been released in celebration of the late author’s 93rd birthday this week.

For Your Calendar

We announced the schedule for the upcoming Neustadt Festival, taking place on the University of Oklahoma campus from October 28 through November 1.

The National Poetry Competition in England is looking for entries through October 31.

We wish congratulations to Wendell Berry, this year’s recipient of the Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award.

Know an outstanding librarian that deserves more credit? Nominate them for the I Love My Librarian Award!

Fun Finds and Inspiration

Can dogs feel our emotions? New scientific studies point to yes, and we’re sure the contributors to our Four-Legged Fictions issue would agree.

Hotels are beginning to add a new perk to their offered services in the form of lending libraries.

Speaking of libraries, here’s an excellent NPR feature on the libraries made famous by movies, music, and books.

Interested in Hong Kong? Here’s a list of 10 top books about the city from the Culture Trip.

What do you get when you cross the name of a popular television show with Sesame Street? A good lesson in rhyming!

Journey across the United States with this literary tour—one book per state.

The world’s smallest book was revealed this week, measuring about the size of a common ladybug.