Unsung Favorites, Musical Extravaganzas, and Heists!

To view this email as a web page, go [here.]( [Tor.com Newsletter]( [Forward to a Friend]( MARK AS READ [Cheering for the Unsung: The Specific Joy of Reading Hidden Gems]( What makes a book “underrated”? There is something about loving the unsung and unawarded, the underappreciated and yet beloved—that acts as bookish catnip for a certain kind of reader. And these tend to be the books we want to talk about most. In a new Mark as Read column, Molly Templeton explores the unique pleasures of books that are considered hidden gems. [Read more]( SHARE THIS: [Publish to Facebook]( [Publish to Twitter]( PICKPOCKETS & THIEVES [Five Unconventional SFF Heists]( We hear heist tales from the time we’re children. World mythology and folklore are filled with clever, tricky humans who steal items of value from demons and gods. Even fairy tales have them. Once Jack goes up that beanstalk, what is the rest of the story but a heist? Here are five favorite heist stories from author Marion Deeds. [Read more]( SHARE THIS: [Publish to Facebook]( [Publish to Twitter]( MYTHMAKING [Living Religions, Living Myths: On Retelling the Ramayana]( The Ramayana has taken on a life of its own both in Hindu culture and religion, and in Indian political movements. The Ramayana that feeds into these movements is also, in many ways, a fiction, constructed piecemeal out of the original epics. So how does a writer go about retelling such a story for a modern audience, when the interpretation of living myths has direct implications on people’s daily beliefs and practices? In an essay commissioned by guest editor R.F. Kuang, Vaishnavi Patel explores the art of retelling living mythologies. [Read more]( SHARE THIS: [Publish to Facebook]( [Publish to Twitter]( LIVE LONG AND PROSPER [Star Trek: The Motion Picture Wonders If the Human Adventure Is at Heart a Solitary One]( The recent release of the 4K remaster of Star Trek: The Motion Picture—The Director’s Edition (1979) on Paramount+ was greeted with great excitement from fans. And while the film has its flaws, over the years it has been able to claim its rightful place as one of the franchise’s best cinematic efforts. Dan Persons dives into what makes this first entry one of the deepest and most affecting of the Trek films. [Read more]( SHARE THIS: [Publish to Facebook]( [Publish to Twitter]( FOR YOUR BOOKSHELVES [Four Characters Who Prove There’s More to Life Than Being Super Smart]( Given that many SFF authors are generally known as “nerds,” it’s not terribly surprising that, by and large, intelligent characters are portrayed rather favourably in the genre. But sometimes we come across appealing characters who aren’t necessarily brilliant, but who have other qualities and talents to recommend them. James Davis Nicoll highlights four characters who each have their own unique strengths. [Read more]( SHARE THIS: [Publish to Facebook]( [Publish to Twitter]( HAKUNA MATATA [Eleven Irresistible Musical Numbers From Animated Movies]( What’s your favorite animated musical number? Whether it’s Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba head-bopping across a log or SpongeBob’s Patrick Star posing in fishnet stockings and heels, some of Hollywood’s all-time best earworms can be found in animated films. Sasha Lee celebrates a few that are sure to inspire a dance party–and you’re welcome to add your own picks in the comments! [Read more]( SHARE THIS: [Publish to Facebook]( [Publish to Twitter]( CONGRATULATIONS! [Announcing the Shortlist for the 2022 Ignyte Awards]( The Ignyte Awards, now in their third year, “seek to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the current and future landscape of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror by recognizing incredible feats in storytelling and outstanding efforts towards inclusivity within the genre.” Join us in congratulating everyone on this year’s shortlist! [Read more]( SHARE THIS: [Publish to Facebook]( [Publish to Twitter]( ORIGINAL FICTION [“Men, Women, and Chainsaws” by Stephen Graham Jones]( It’s been two years since Jenna’s ex-boyfriend left her alone in East Texas heartbroken. Now he’s back in town and she wants payback. One night, she stumbles upon a bloodthirsty Camaro that may be the key to carrying out her revenge. [Read more]( SHARE THIS: [Publish to Facebook]( [Publish to Twitter]( Follow Tor.com to get updates on all of our original fiction. FOLLOW US: [Follow Us on Facebook]( [Follow Us on Twitter]( [Follow Us on Tumblr]( [Follow Us on Pinterest]( This email was sent by: Macmillan 120 Broadway New York, NY, 10271, US We respect your right to privacy - [view our policy]( Macmillan believes piracy hurts writers, readers and everyone who loves books. Learn more and report suspicious activity [here.]( To subscribe to this or other email communications from Macmillan, please click [here](. Visit our [profile center]( to update your email address and/or other information. If you no longer wish to receive this email communication, click [here]( to unsubscribe.