Books

2025 National Book Awards Finalists Highlight Literary Diversity Across Genres

SMGN Publishing October 8, 2025

A celebration of creativity and recognition of achievement The finalists for the 2025 National Book Awards have been announced, showcasing a diverse group of writers from various backgrounds and literary fields. Among the 25 nominees are novelists, poets, translators, and journalists whose works stand out for their innovation and narrative

Kamala Harris shares insights in new memoir about presidential bid

SMGN Publishing September 23, 2025

Key themes from 107 Days Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has released her memoir, 107 Days, recounting the brief but intense period of her presidential campaign after Joe Biden stepped aside. The book presents reflections on loyalty, political decisions, personal challenges, and open questions about her future. Loyalty and

Henry Huggins Turns 75: A Childhood Classic That Shaped Generations

SMGN Publishing September 10, 2025

A simple boy and his dog In 1950, author Beverly Cleary introduced readers to Henry Huggins, a third grader whose ordinary life changed when he adopted a stray dog named Ribsy. This moment marked the beginning of a friendship that became central to six books and captured the imagination of

NEA ends long-standing Creative Writing Fellowship in the United States

SMGN Publishing August 28, 2025

A program with more than 50 years of history comes to a close The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced the cancellation of its long-running Creative Writing Fellowship. This program, for decades, supported influential authors in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Over the years, the fellowship became a vital

From Insult to Identity: The Evolution of the Word “Nerd”

SMGN Publishing August 21, 2025

The uncertain origins The term “nerd” has been part of everyday language for more than seventy years, though its exact origins remain unclear. A widely accepted theory suggests it first appeared in the 1950 children’s book If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss, where it was listed among imaginary

Boston Public Library launches AI-assisted project to digitize historic public records

SMGN Publishing August 11, 2025

Partnership to expand access to government archives The Boston Public Library, one of the nation’s oldest and largest public library systems, has begun a project with Harvard University researchers and artificial intelligence specialists to expand access to its extensive collection of historic government documents.The archive includes congressional reports, oral histories,

New Book Recounts Life Inside a WWII Japanese American Concentration Camp

SMGN Publishing July 22, 2025

A Family’s Journey Through a Difficult Historical Chapter Together in Manzanar: The True Story of a Japanese Jewish Family in an American Concentration Camp, by author Tracy Slater, presents a true account of life inside the Manzanar camp, one of several facilities where the U.S. government confined individuals of Japanese

Hungarian Monastery Battles Insect Infestation to Protect Centuries-Old Books

SMGN Publishing July 14, 2025

Hungary’s Oldest Library Takes Emergency Action to Preserve Cultural Heritage At the Archabbey of Pannonhalma, a thousand-year-old Benedictine monastery in northwestern Hungary, conservation teams are racing against time to save nearly 100,000 books from a beetle infestation. The monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds around 400,000 volumes, including codices

New Book Releases Explore Sports Icons, Ancient History, and the U.S. Legal and Political Systems

SMGN Publishing July 9, 2025

This week’s literary highlights offer insight, inspiration, and suspense As summer heat intensifies across many regions of the U.S., this week’s book releases provide a welcome escape into compelling stories and historical explorations. From groundbreaking sports achievements to immersive archaeology and political retrospectives, the latest titles span a wide range

“Endling”: A Debut Novel That Blends Social Critique and Humor Amid War

SMGN Publishing June 24, 2025

Author Maria Reva weaves ecology, conflict, and cultural identity into a story that questions survival and representation. Endling, the debut novel by Canadian author Maria Reva, offers a dynamic narrative that blends sharp social commentary with dark humor. Set initially in Ukraine, the story centers on Yeva, an unconventional ecologist

Lynch Syndrome Vaccine Enters New Phase as Scientists Test Cancer Prevention Before Tumors Form

Felipe Cardona August 9, 2026

For people born with Lynch syndrome, cancer prevention has traditionally meant surveillance: frequent colonoscopies, genetic counseling and, in some cases, preventive surgery. Now researchers are testing a different idea. A Lynch syndrome vaccine could train the immune system to recognize abnormal cells before they develop into colorectal cancer. The approach is still

US Pledges $1 Billion Security Package as Colombia’s New President Takes Office

Felipe Cardona August 8, 2026

The United States is moving quickly to deepen its relationship with Colombia’s new government, pledging a $1 billion security package as President Abelardo de la Espriella takes office and signals a sharp break from the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. The announcement places security, organized crime and migration at

Abelardo de la Espriella Takes Office as Colombia’s President with Tougher Anti-Drug Agenda

Sarah Olivella August 8, 2026

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Abelardo de la Espriella has taken office as Colombia’s new president, promising a tougher approach to security and the fight against drug trafficking organizations operating across the country. The new president, who has been described as an ally of the Donald Trump administration, has outlined an aggressive security strategy