And Finally…
It seems ever-so-slightly scandalous to be compiling our weekly news round-up on a Thursday. But we’re not ones to turn down the chance of a day in the garden with a blanket, book, and bottle of gin. So, without further ado, here’s some literary links to see you through the final hours of the working week. And if you’re all alone in an empty office, don’t forget that we’re on Twitter and Facebook if you want some booksy banter to keep you occupied!
Everyone’s talking about…
Poly Styrene (1957 – 2011). The Bromley-born frontwoman of riot-grrl legends X-Ray Spex died on Monday after a long battle with cancer. She will be sadly missed, and although there are already obituaries everywhere, we especially loved this heartfelt tribute on The Quietus by For Books’ Sake favourite Zoë Howe.
Elsewhere, The Orwell Prize shortlists were announced this week, and The Betrayal by Helen Dunmore is one of six shortlisted book nominated for the literary award. You can read our review of The Betrayal here, or leave a comment on this post to tell us what you reckon to the books, journalists and bloggers who’ve been nominated. We’re rather fond of Cath Elliott‘s blog, Too Much to Say for Myself.
Preparations for the Chorlton Arts Festival are in full swing, and you’ve got until tomorrow to enter their Flash Mob Writing Competition. We’ve got a night of Books & Blues planned for the festival, with spoken word, storytelling and live music, plus prizes a-go-go, all for free. Have a look here for more details, and don’t forget to get your tickets for our Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Manchester in July.
News you might have missed…
The Salford Zine Fair takes place this Saturday, and we’ve got some other dates for your diary too.The second ever Pamflet salon takes place at Drink Shop Do in Kings Cross on Wednesday 1st June with none other than Gizzi Erskine as a special guest. I was lucky enough to be in attendance at the first ever Pamflet salon and can testify to it being a wonderful night, so snap your tickets up soon!
After popular excursions in Toronto and Chicago (among other places), the Slutwalk is coming to London. Taking place on Saturday 4th June, the events are being organised to protest against the international culture of blaming and further stigmatising rape survivors, in response to the Toronto policeman who told students that to avoid being raped, ‘women should stop dressing like sluts.’ More details here.
In other news…
Last up, you’ve got until this weekend to be in with a chance to win a For Books’ Sake tote bag from Mslexia. Their competition closes on Saturday, so head to the Mslexia homepage for details of how to enter.
That’s all from us for this time, hope you have lovely long weekends!
Jane Bradley
Photo from of Brit.’s Flickr photostream
What do you think?