Book News

Kirkus Reviews has been around, in varying forms, for over 80 years — but it's the new kid in town this awards season. Today, the publication announced the finalists for its inaugural Kirkus Prize.

A night before the winner's declared, the writers shortlisted for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize read their works. Listen here first. Also: Thomas Pynchon might soon be coming to the big screen.

The Dayton Literary Peace Prize, honoring writers who use literature to further social justice, has recognized Bob Shacochis and Karima Bennoune. Also: Sub Pop has published some grunge-worthy haiku.

The 24 writers chosen will set out on long-distance train rides — and write along the way. Also: Neil Gaiman tells a tale about Terry Pratchett, who isn't quite the kindly elf you might think he is.

The playwright-turned-novelist had a conversational style that made even vast themes feel intimate.

Nine of the late writer's works are coming out as e-books in English. Also: a survey shows (again) a lack of diversity in publishing, and Ray Bradbury's ode-worthy gardening tool gets an asking price.

Also: Valerie Plame has reportedly written a spy novel called Blowback; Russian literature as sex education; a poem by Dorothy Wordsworth.