Lit Hub Daily: September 2, 2026
Former political prisoner Abdelrahman ElGendy tells Samaa Khullar about writing from inside a cell. | Lit Hub In Conversation “I’d long noticed the discrepancies between my idealism and my pragmatism—between my desire for a fully accessible world and the realities
On September 2, 1973, renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien passed away. In a piece for Lit Hub In Conversation, Abdelrahman ElGendy, a former political prisoner, shares his experiences of writing while incarcerated. In a memoir, the author reflects on visiting Helen Keller's birthplace while deaf. A collection of literary film and TV adaptations to stream in September, including "From Slow Horses to Cruel Intentions," is highlighted in Lit Hub Film.
In a list of recommended books, Laurie Petrou recommends novels that explore literary rivalries by authors like R.F. Kuang, Meg Wolitzer, and Sally Rooney. In an article about Billy Graham's visit to Pyongyang, Jonathan Cheng shares insights from his book Cundill Prize-Shortlisted Korean Messiah. In a literary criticism piece, Janet L. Jones analyzes Ann Patchett's Whistler and discusses the portrayal of horses in literature.
In a craft discussion, LaToya Watkins's new novel, The Book of Chuck, is explored. In Defector, Cameron Manley considers two new books on Putin's authoritarianism, noting the ideology has become a way of perceiving reality itself. In an opinion piece, Los Angeles Review of Books argues for why humanity should choose play over gamification.
In The Comics Journal, Tegan O'Neil examines the history and future of Vertigo. Lastly, Marlon James shares his thoughts on loving Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Written by urgent.news from Literary Hub's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
