Reading about the reading life: September 29, 2017 edition

Welcome to another edition of "Reading about the reading life" here at The Itinerant Librarian. This is where I collect stories about reading and the reading life. Basically, these are items related to reading, maybe writing and literacy, that I find interesting and think my four readers might find interesting as well with a little commentary. As with other features I do on this blog, I do it when I have time or feel like it. Comments are always welcome (within reason).

It has been a while since I have posted in this series, but the bad economy has kept me a bit busy in terms of blogging. The big news this week was the devastation Hurricane Maria caused in the Caribbean, especially in Puerto Rico where the damage is catastrophic. So far, what little I have heard is that family is safe, but it is hard being up in the U.S. and only getting silence from the island. Meanwhile, the show must go on, and I will my best to distract a bit from the news of the week and look at some lighter fare.

• Via Working Knowledge, a profile of pencil maker Faber-Castell. There is a podcast you can listen to, or you can read the transcript. Learn a bit how they keep innovating on something that seems so plain and basic as pencils. 
• So do you think you could stop Hitler from rising to power? Or if you are a fascist, do you think you can get him into power without liberals realizing it until it is too late? Secret Hitler is a new board game that simulates such questions. The game is part of a tradition of games where players try to identify a "traitor" in their midst. Story via The New York Times. "
• B.D. McClay at The Week reflects on authors that get labeled as "forgotten." They may or not really be forgotten, but apparently if you have a so-so author, label them "forgotten to get them some attention. Personally, I think there is a reason some authors do get forgotten, and they should probably stay that way. 
• Find out what happens when someone opens a bookstore that only features people of color authors. Story via Good.Is.
• Meanwhile, in Kingston, New York they are opening a bookstore that also sells craft brews. So you can buy a book and get a beer. Story via Daily Freeman.
• In some entertainment news, Maury Povich recently stated that he sees his paternity test shows as Shakespearean dramas. He says, "there is love. There is lust. There is betrayal. There is conflict." On that basis, I do not think he is far from the truth. Story via VICE. Let me tell you what he should do next, in my humble opinion. You know those white supremacists bigots who take DNA tests in hopes of proving how white and pure they are (only to find out they are not). Do those DNA tests on the show. "Cletus, you claim to be 100% white. The DNA test revealed that is a lie!" That's good drama that would make The Bard proud. 
• The bad economy is a problem for you? You want to read, but your book budget is tight or nonexistent? Book Riot offers you some ideas on how to be a book lover on a budget.
• In some encouraging news, 8 out of 10 adults still see libraries as credible sources of information. Story via Signature.
• Also via Signature, John Hennessey discusses writing graphic novels and teaching history with  them. 
• Meanwhile, it is getting harder for writers of political thriller fiction to ply their trade because the Pendejo In Chief keeps upstaging them in real life. Story via Vox. 
• Here is a little book humor for my Spanish language friends, 5 habits that show you are a book addict. Via Lecturalia.
• And finally for this week, Hillary Clinton's book had a great debut in terms of sales. Story also via Vox.