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Welcome to Today in Books, our daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles, the Series
The Hollywood Reporter shared first-look images of the series adaption of Rufi Thorpe’s bestselling novel, Margo’s Got Money Troubles. The series will be available on Apple TV, which, in my opinion, produces some of the best series out there and this one comes from A24. The stuff coming out of the studio lately has been a mixed bag, but I love that they take risks so count me in. The first-look images speak to the trials of new motherhood, its exploration of sex work, and reveal Nick Offerman’s wrestling persona. Big names in addition to Offerman are attached to the new show, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, and a name I did not expect to see, Rico Nasty, one of our most creative rap artists. I haven’t read the book, but now I have to so I can ruthlessly judge the adaptation. JK that’s not my style but the 2024 tenderly comedic novel about a college dropout and new mom who takes to OnlyFans to pay the mounting bills sounds like a great get-out-of-a-slump read to have in the bag.
SCOTUS Declines to Hear Critical Texas Book Banning Petition
In a blow to activist groups working against book bans, the Supreme Court has denied a petition to consider a Texas case on the removal of books in public libraries. Because of this, a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in favor of the defendants, dismissing free speech claims, will stand. The Appeals court ruling reversed a district court’s preliminary injunction and its own three-judge panel upholding of that decision. “Are we to the point where a library gets to write a policy that reads ‘this library will now have no books that have gay characters’? This could open the door to what we call acquisitions censorship,” Texas Freedom to Read Project cofounder Laney Hawes told Publishers Weekly. The decision applies across the Fifth Circuit’s jurisdiction, which includes Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. VP and associate general counsel at Penguin Random House Dan Novack described the Supreme Court’s decision as “a setback in timing, but not in justice,” and expressed certainty that the issue would return to the court through other pending lawsuits. Fingers all the way crossed that it does.
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Prolific Romance Novelist, Fern Michaels, Dies
Fern Michaels authored more than 200 novels in the romance and thriller genres, leaving behind a sweeping legacy before she died at 92 years old. Michaels is perhaps best known for the Sisterhood series, romantic thrillers that began with Weekend Warriors. “My husband told me to get off my ass and get a job,” Michaels wrote of her start in writing. “Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more.” Bravo, and rest in peace.
The Most Underrated Books of 2025
Were you blown away by any 2025 releases and shook when your fave got zero attention? We’re highlighting some of this year’s best books that fell under the radar and are well worth consideration. Whether you’re into short story collections, poetry, nature writing, or great fiction, find an underrated book that fits your reading tastes.
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