The Open Road Blog

Today marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the death of Erskine Caldwell (1903–1987), the author of twenty-five novels, numerous short stories, and a dozen nonfiction titles, most depicting the harsh realities of life in the American South during the Great Depression. Although his graphic realism and unabashedly political themes earned him the scorn of critics and censors early in his career, by the end of his life, he was acknowledged as a giant of American literature. Learn more about Caldwell's life and work from Monday's archival photo feature on Caldwell.

Open Road Media highlights Tobacco Road, Caldwell’s bestselling, controversial classic: ...

In honor of Women’s History Month, Open Road Media highlights French author Simone de Beauvoir, and her message of freedom for oppressed women.

Existentialist philosopher, intellectual, and skeptic, Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986) began her writing career fueled with ideas for what would become greatly influential metaphysical and socially analytical works. Raised and educated in Paris, de Beauvoir turned to philosophy while at university, and soon began observing and theorizing about the suppressed role of women in society. She published provocative work on feminist subjects, speaking out on behalf of her fellow women.

De Beauvoir became the longtime lover of fellow ...

This week's featured excerpt comes from Mrs. God, a very different kind of horror story by Peter Straub. One of the most-honored horror authors in recent history, Straub has received literary honors such as the Bram Stroker Award, World Fantasy Award, and International Horror Guild Award. (Check them all out here.) In the words of Stephen King, "When Peter Straub turns on all his jets, no one in the scream factory can equal him." Watch Straub talk about the horror genre in the two-minute, documentary-quality video below and then enjoy an excerpt from Mrs. God, available as ...

If you eat and you read, you’ll love our featured ebook today: The Mindful Carnivore by Tovar Cerulli. Beloved by vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike, Tovar Cerulli is a popular blogger who gained a large following in recent years for his meditations on the ethics and ecology of food. And his perspective has certainly changed a lot over the years—once a strict vegan, Cerulli is now a hunter who kills and prepares the animals for his table.

In The Mindful Carnivore, Cerulli traces his relationship with food—eating McDonalds as a child, experimenting with vegetarianism in college, going vegan, ...

The psychological thriller that terrified a generation is now available as an ebook! Sample the first chapter of John Lutz's classic Single White Female below.