Indies Choice Book Awards BACK! The Winner Will SHOCK You!

It's a good day for book lovers! From resurrected awards to controversial adaptations and spooky season celebrations (a little early, perhaps?), the literary world is buzzing with activity. Let's dive into the headlines.

Indies Choice Book Awards BACK! The Winner Will SH...

First up, Indie bookstores are getting a major boost. The American Booksellers Association is bringing back the Indies Choice Book Awards! I, for one, am thrilled. Last seen at BookExpo in 2019, these awards are all about celebrating the books that indie booksellers *really* love. They're spotlighting the best in Adult Fiction, Adult Nonfiction, Children's Picture Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Debut Adult, and Debut Children’s. What's particularly cool is that titles eligible for consideration will have appeared on the ABA’s Indie Next List, Kids’ Indie Next List, and/or Indies Introduce lists in 2025. This is a huge opportunity for authors and a great way to discover hidden gems. Voting is open to booksellers right now, so if you're in the know, get your votes in! The shortlists arrive on March 11, with the winners announced on April 8. Mark your calendars!

Speaking of potentially divisive topics, Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" is already stirring the pot. According to Vogue's Eileen Kelly, it's less a "revival" and more a "provocation," apparently diving into darker and more feral territory. And, interestingly, she mentions the... awkwardness of watching a rather explicit film with an audience. I haven't seen it myself yet, but I'm already sensing the debates are going to be more interesting than the movie itself (no offense, Ms. Fennell!). One thing is for sure: Brontë’s original will remain forever iconic, no matter how many adaptations come and go.

For those of us with a taste for the macabre, the Horror Writers Association has unveiled the shortlists for the 2026 Bram Stoker Awards! These awards recognize "superior achievement" in horror, and the nominees this year are seriously impressive. We're talking Stephen Graham Jones, Grady Hendrix, and even Ryan Coogler for "Sinners" in the screenplay category. The breadth of categories, including screenplay, is great to see - horror is so multi-faceted. Voting is open until February 15, so if you're a member, get those votes in. I'm definitely keeping an eye on these winners for my next spooky read.

Finally, a little something for those who might be a bit self-help-averse. Feeling lectured by traditional self-help books? Consider dipping into memoirs instead. Sometimes, hearing someone else's story and how they navigated life's challenges can be far more impactful than any prescriptive advice. Food for thought!