Latest news with #AtriaBooks
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Footy and reality TV star Luke Bateman built up a huge TikTok following with Aussie women - then they turned on him over one video
One-time NRL star Luke Bateman is at the centre of a social media storm after posting a video announcing he has signed a book deal, with many of his former fans accusing him of benefiting from 'white male privilege'. Bateman, 30, has become an online sensation after revealing his interest in risqué romance and fantasy novels in a series of videos. The former Canberra Raiders lock - who also appeared on The Bachelor in 2023 - has amassed 175,000 TikTok followers at the time of writing. Earlier this week, Bateman took to social media to announce that he recently signed a two-book deal with Atria Books Australia. 'This is a childhood dream come true for me. I've wanted to be an author my whole life, so it really blows me away,' he said. However, the announcement has sparked fierce backlash and debate about equity in the publishing industry. 'A white man getting a book deal without having written anything? My jaw stayed right where it was,' replied one user, with the comment getting more than 5000 likes. 'This opportunity is the intersection of white privilege, male privilege, and pretty privilege. Not a reflection of worth,' posted another. 'Well good to see that publishing is still a colossal joke,' replied a third. TikTok users even posted their own video reactions to the news to express their outrage. 'A white man joined BookTok on April 22 and less than two months later achieved getting a two-book epic fantasy deal with Atrium books that he credits to his success on BookTok,' said @grapiedeltaco. 'We don't have very many details of what he's already written, but it seems like he didn't even have a manuscript. 'Like it seems like he had a concept, which is something that many established authors who have already been traditionally published can't even manage.' Bateman has addressed the flood of criticism, insisting he understands the anger that's been levelled at him. 'I wholeheartedly understand how angry and resentful these things would make people,' he said. 'I obviously have advantages that other people don't. How do I capitalise on those to help lift everyone up? Because I feel like dragging people down leaves everyone at the bottom, whereas a rising tide lifts all ships. 'And if I can use my platform and my voice and my privilege and position in society to help uplift others, I say, that is what books are about.' Bateman, who has lots of female admirers, is believed to be single following his split from Ellie Rolfe last year. The pair met on The Bachelor and connected - but eventually went their separate ways. 'Ellie and I would like to keep our relationship private,' Bateman said at the time. 'She has a soul that lights up every room she walks into and I will sorely miss it in my life.' On the footy field, Bateman chalked up 71 appearances for the Raiders between 2015 and 2019. A knee injury ended his career - and before his NRL debut, Bateman in 2014 publicly had to confirm he wasn't gay. It followed an on-field slur from current Parramatta Eels halfback Mitchell Moses, who was playing for NSW against the Maroons in an under-20s match. 'I'm not gay,' Bateman said. 'I've had plenty of people from the gay community write to me or contact me on Twitter giving messages of support.
New York Times
20-05-2025
- General
- New York Times
Book excerpt: Dawn Staley's ‘Uncommon Favor' explores her basketball career and life lessons
The following is an excerpt from 'Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three' Copyright @2025 by Dawn Staley and reprinted with permission from Atria Books/Black Privilege Publishing. All rights reserved. Available on Tuesday. Have you ever had a difficult time being in the moment? When your mind wanders to different places and times, and you ruminate on days gone by or what could have been? That was me my opening semesters in college. I was miserable. I was chippy. I wanted to go home, and everyone knew it. It wasn't anything I had to verbalize; it was obvious in my behavior. Advertisement I shuffled through the grounds with my head down, eschewing eye contact with anyone who passed by. I hid in my room. I was largely mute. My only bright spot was playing ball. If I could have stayed in the gym all day, I would have. Unfortunately, in college, they expect you to attend class. I went, but I was uncomfortable every day. Unfocused. At best a mediocre student, I wasn't prepared for the academic rigors of UVA. As far as I was concerned, I was there to play ball. Academics were a means to an end. I found myself gravitating less to school and seeking out local courts throughout Charlottesville. I went where the townies played. The games on those outdoor courts weren't as hardcore as those I'd played in the projects, but I got to mix it up with the guys. The looser, harder style reminded me of home. I guess I was trying to replicate what I had back in Philly. The rough-and-tumble outdoor games that raised me. A place where I understood the rules. My attitude and detachment began to show up in my grades. Neglecting my studies and social life had put my basketball scholarship in jeopardy. It was only my first year, and they were contemplating kicking me out. Before long, I was summoned to the dean's office. Understand, I'm nineteen years old, drowning in anxiety, itchy in my skin in every way. There was less than a snowball's chance in hell this come-to-Jesus was going to go well. I walked into my sit-down with the dean and made no eye contact. Not an auspicious beginning when you're trying to convince someone to keep you around. Now, Coach Debbie Ryan probably set the stage ahead of time. I'm sure she warned the dean I wasn't the best communicator off the court. Gave my background. I was terminally shy! But a once-in-a-generation point guard! My job was to charm and connect with the dean, be the closer, and persuade the school I should not be dismissed. But instead, like clockwork, North Philly showed up. Advertisement After a few introductory niceties, the dean gave me a once-over, then said, 'You're going to have to start conforming to the way we do things here at Virginia.' Conform? If it were a movie, this would've been where you'd hear the needle-scratch sound effect. In my head, my monologue was like, I'm not conforming. I'm not kissing nobody's ass. And certainly not the asses of these preppy white people, these elitist jerks. No, I'm going to be myself. Always. So yeah, this is me. Take it or leave it. My white-hot reaction was set off by that one word. Conform. My interior dialogue was all fiery Philly talk. While my exterior communication was ice-cold crossed arms and cutting eyes. In the moment, I wasn't getting it. I'd dug myself a hole, with no clear escape. There I was, allegedly fighting for my scholarship and future as a player, and I was allowing one word to pull the pin on my emotional grenade. I know this now as an adult. But in that room, I doubled down on attitude. Now, I will say, and I know this as a coach, sometimes word choice is everything to young people. If instead of 'conform,' the dean had said 'pivot' or 'adjust,' maybe I would have received the message. But this was 1989. Coaches and deans and ADs weren't amending their vernacular to avoid offending kids. It was a different time. Nobody cared if you were insulted or hurt. I exited the dean's office without saying two words. I didn't fall on my sword. I didn't have that in me at the time. I resentfully listened. Then I left. Debbie had to go back and do cleanup. She probably needed a hazmat suit. She begged the dean: 'I hear you, but we need to keep her.' Debbie had been head coach at Virginia since 1977, back when money for women's sports was what you dug out of your couch cushions. In those days, female players often didn't even have their own locker rooms. Or bathrooms. They had to use the men's or make do. Uniforms, equipment, all of it was hand-me-down. Women's teams traveled by bus, players washed their own jerseys. All to say, Debbie was used to fighting hard fights. Advertisement When you're young, you don't know what you don't know. I was ignorant, incredibly ignorant to be honest. I wasn't thinking about the context of all that came before me. Or what I was risking by being willful. I needed a wake-up call. … At Virginia, my wakeup call was coming from inside the house. After I had a chance to process my meeting with the dean and the severity of what she'd threatened, something stirred in me. I digested the risk to my goals at hand. If I didn't change, I wouldn't be able to remain in the game. My eligibility would be revoked. I realized I had to 'play ball' to play ball. In the end, wrong language or not, I needed to hear that message, because I was not going back home to North Philly a dropout. I knew better than to toss my ambitions away for pride or let my shyness and obstinance derail my dreams. I wasn't going to beat myself. I pulled my shoulders back, took a deep breath, and returned to what I knew would motivate me: competition. I flipped my staying on at UVA into a way of competing against the dean. I made my grades about competing with my classmates. Just like with basketball, when I'm challenged, I'm better. I'll do whatever I need to do to win. I knew if I was going to survive at UVA, I needed to deliberately alter my habits. This was an uncomfortable realization and an even more uncomfortable process. But it was grow or fold. I wasn't folding. It's not where you start, it's where you finish. (Top photo of Dawn Staley: Alex Slitz / Getty Images)
Bloomberg
11-04-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
What Kind of Business is X Now?
Bloomberg News senior reporter Kurt Wagner covered the ins and outs of Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, now X, in his book Battle for the Bird: Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk, and the $44 Billion Fight for Twitter's Soul (Atria Books, 2024). But Musk and X have been busy since then. In this Next Chapter, Wagner revisits the platform's business model and how it has fared under its new owner. On the day that Elon Musk's $44 billion bid for Twitter was first made public back in April 2022, the world's richest man sat down at the TED Conference in Vancouver and said something that, at the time, sounded a little preposterous.
Buzz Feed
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
17 New Books That I Know Will Make You Want To Start A Book Club ASAP
Hey, everyone! My name is Morgan, and I'm back with another roundup of books that I can't get out of my head. If there's one thing I like to yap about it's novels — the latest, greatest, and hidden gems. I'm a sucker for a good thriller novel, so don't be surprised if that genre shows up a lot on this list. I'm also looking to dip into fantasy a bit more, so if you have any recommendations (of any genre) you'd like to tell me about, I'm patiently waiting. Enjoy! 1. Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow Genre: Mystery, Thriller Synopsis: Rusty is a retired judge seeking a fresh start with his fiancée, Bea, at their peaceful lakeside home. Their tranquility is shattered when Bea's son, Aaron — on probation for drug possession — disappears, only to return with a questionable story about a failed camping trip with his troubled girlfriend, Mae. When Mae is later found dead, Aaron is arrested for her murder. Desperate to save her son, Bea pleads with Rusty to return to the courtroom and defend Aaron. As Rusty takes on the case, he grapples with a deeper question: can the justice system he once served truly deliver fairness to those deemed guilty from the start? 2. The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan Atria Books Genre: Contemporary, Mystery Synopsis: Cate Kay is a wildly successful author of a bestselling book trilogy turned blockbuster film series — but she doesn't actually exist. Having kept her true identity hidden for years, Cate has avoided the spotlight, haunted by a past she's tried to outrun. As a young woman, she and her best friend Amanda dreamed of escaping their troubled homes for Hollywood, but a tragic event the day before their departure shattered those plans. Ever since, Cate has lived under different names, forging a new path. Now, a shocking revelation forces her to confront her past, leading her back home in search of closure and self-acceptance. 3. I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming Penguin Random House Genre: Fantasy, Romance Synopsis: Dorothy Valentine is close to earning her PhD in wildlife biology when she's suddenly attacked by a lion — only to be abducted by aliens moments later. In a desperate escape, she and the lion, now her unlikely companion, Toto, crash-land on a planet filled with dinosaurs. Rescued by the mysterious and attractive alien Sol, they soon team up with Lok, an equally alluring but possibly dangerous war criminal. As the trio navigates their bizarre new world, battling prehistoric creatures and uncovering the truth behind their fates, Dory finds herself torn between returning to Earth and embracing the wild, steamy adventure unfolding before her. 4. Saltwater by Katy Hays Genre: Thriller, Mystery Synopsis: In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead beneath the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Though suspicions swirl around the wealthy Lingate family, her death is ruled an accident, and every year they return to the villa to reinforce that narrative. But on the 30th anniversary of Sarah's death, the family arrives to a chilling surprise — the reappearance of the necklace she was wearing the night she died, forcing them to confront long-buried secrets. 5. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty Penguin Random House Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic fiction Synopsis: A routine domestic flight takes an extraordinary turn when an enigmatic woman — later dubbed 'The Death Lady'— reveals to passengers exactly when and how they will die. At first, her predictions seem like an eerie party trick, but when one, then two, then more of her prophecies come true, the passengers realize this is no coincidence. As six people grapple with their looming fates, they must confront the ultimate question: if you knew your time was running out, how would you live? Blending mystery, humor, and existential questions, Here One Moment explores destiny, free will, and the illusion of control in an unpredictable world. 6. Wicked Darlings by Jordyn Taylor Genre: YA, Thriller Synopsis: Aspiring journalist Noa has always lived in the shadow of her sister, Leah — so when Leah dies under mysterious circumstances, Noa feels an unsettling mix of grief and relief. But when she uncovers a lead suggesting Leah's death wasn't an accident, she embarks on a dangerous investigation. To find the truth, Noa infiltrates the glamorous yet treacherous world of Manhattan's elite, getting entangled with the wealthy Avalons and their web of secrets. As she digs deeper, she must decide whether she's willing to risk everything — including her own safety—to uncover the truth, or if she'll meet the same fate as her sister. 7. Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult Synopsis: Carmela Tofana dreams of making a name for herself at La Tofana Apothecary, her mom's apothecary in Rome. She finally gets to prove herself when she turns 16 by working alongside her mom in the shop, where she learns about the remedies she conjures up and the non-medical advice she offers to her clients. But not everything is what it seems. There's a deadly secret hiding in plain sight and it surrounds the women who will do anything for those in need. 8. Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours Macmillan Publishers Genre: Fantasy, Mystery Synopsis: Sariyah Lee Bryant has a unique gift — she can sense what people need. But when she helps her friend Deja right before she mysteriously disappears, Sariyah begins to question whether her ability is more of a curse. Determined not to let Deja become another forgotten Black girl, she and her friends take matters into their own hands, investigating the disappearance while juggling personal struggles, including her mother's job loss and her brother's health issues. Desperate for money, Sariyah starts using her gift for cash — only to realize it may not just lead her to Deja, but also put her in the same life-threatening danger. 9. We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes Genre: Romance, Contemporary Synopsis: Lila Kennedy's life is a mess — her marriage has crumbled, her daughters are struggling, her house is falling apart, and her career is spiraling. To top it off, her elderly stepfather has seemingly moved in without warning. Just when she thinks she can't handle it anymore, her estranged father — who abandoned her for Hollywood 35 years ago — shows up at her doorstep. Though his arrival feels like the last thing she needs, Lila soon discovers that even the most unexpected family connections can teach her valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and what truly makes a family. 10. You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego Penguin Random House Genre: Mystery, Thriller Synopsis: Aspiring writer Mila del Angél seizes the opportunity to host a secluded writing retreat at the private manor of the mysterious author J.R. Alastor. The guest list? Six thriller authors — experts in deception, misdirection, and murder. Under the guise of literary games and trope-driven challenges, Mila has her own secret agenda: plotting a murder. But when an unplanned death occurs, she realizes she's caught in a deadly story she didn't write. Trapped on the island as a storm rages and the body count climbs, Mila must outsmart a killer who knows every trick in the book — before she becomes the next victim. 11. The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao Genre: Fantasy, Romance Synopsis: Nine years after war shattered her family, Àn'yīng is determined to save her dying mother in a world where ravenous demons roam and eternal night looms. Her only hope lies in the Immortality Trials — deadly contests that grant survivors a pill of eternal life. Armed with her crescent blades and practitioner skills, she enters the competition, knowing few make it out alive. Yet someone is secretly helping her: Yù'chén, a powerful and mysterious rival with hidden motives. As the Trials unfold, Àn'yīng realizes the immortal realm harbors dark secrets, and trusting Yù'chén might mean either her salvation — or her downfall. 12. Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone Simon & Schuster Genre: Romance, Contemporary Synopsis: At a lavish publishing party, Ofosua Addo, a Ghanaian heiress, meets Cole Drake, and their playful flirtation leads to a kiss that leaves a lasting impression on both of them. However, Ofosua's commitment to her Ghanaian heritage and a marriage arranged by her family takes precedence over any feelings for Cole. But when her dream wedding turns into a public fiasco, Ofosua finds herself navigating heartbreak and a journey of self-discovery. Just when she needs him most, Cole reappears, and the two must confront whether their rekindled connection can break through the pressures of tradition and her family's expectations. 13. The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton Genre: Fantasy, YA Synopsis: At 16, Nora Holtzfall is the daughter of Walstad's most powerful heiress, with control over both the country's wealth and magic. Despite this, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead, the Holtzfall fortune and power are up for grabs, leading Nora into the Veritaz — an intense magical competition to determine the family heir. This year, however, there's an unexpected competitor: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora's aunt. As Lotte enters a dangerous world of family intrigue, Nora uncovers that her mother's death was no accident — it was murder. To solve the mystery, Nora turns to Theo, a reporter who despises her family. Meanwhile, Lotte is on a quest to uncover the identity of her father, but the competition and her growing feelings for Theo complicate everything. 14. Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang Atria Books Genre: Thriller, Mystery Synopsis: Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier with little to her name, suddenly finds herself thrust into the glamorous world of her late twin sister, Chloe VanHuusen, a famous influencer. After discovering Chloe's mysterious death, Julie seizes the opportunity to step into her sister's life, adopting her luxurious lifestyle and social media persona. But as Julie immerses herself in Chloe's influencer world, she uncovers dark secrets behind the seemingly perfect life, including the unsettling truth about Chloe's death. As she navigates a weeklong retreat with Chloe's influencer friends, Julie realizes she may be the next target of the dangerous forces at play. 15. The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis Penguin Random House Genre: Historical Fiction, YA Synopsis: Set in the summer of 1910, More Than This follows the lives of four young Black women in Chicago — Ruby, Olivia, Amy-Rose, and Helen, as they face challenges that will forever change their futures. Ruby's engagement is jeopardized by a damaging rumor, while Olivia, committed to social justice, is forced into an arranged marriage instead of reuniting with her love, Washington. Amy-Rose is pursuing her dream of owning a salon but finds herself back in the arms of her first love, John Davenport. Meanwhile, Helen is determined to move past heartbreak and bring the Davenport Carriage Company into the modern age, even if it means working with a stubborn racecar driver. Inspired by the real-life Patterson family, this novel portrays the journeys of these four women as they navigate love, ambition, and a rapidly changing world. 16. While We're Young by K. L. Walther Penguin Random House Genre: Romance, YA Synopsis: Grace, Isa, and Everett were once an inseparable trio, but their complicated love lives have strained their bond. Grace secretly loves Everett, who once dated Isa but broke her heart, while Isa has been secretly seeing Grace's brother, James. With graduation approaching, Grace plans an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia to mend their relationships. She enlists Isa to help "kidnap" Everett, all while avoiding James, who suspects something is up. The day is filled with adventurous moments like climbing the Rocky steps and crashing a wedding, but as their secrets collide, they must face the emotional fallout and see if their friendships — and hearts — can survive. 17. Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris Penguin Random House Genre: Romance, LGBTQ Synopsis: Riley left her church a year ago when she realized it had no place for a bisexual girl like her. However, when the pastor shuns her older sister for getting an abortion, Riley's frustration boils over. After slapping a girl who insults her sister, Riley is sent to church camp for spring break as a punishment. The only upside is that her best friend, Julia, will be there too — despite her father, the pastor, running the camp. Instead of adhering to the camp's virtues, Riley decides to rebel by embracing the seven deadly sins, hoping to show the other campers that sometimes breaking the rules can be for a good cause. But her plan hits a complication when she begins falling for the pastor's daughter. Have you read any of these books? Or is there a book you've read recently that you're really excited about? Meet me in the comments and let's chat about it!
