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Book Nerds: Virginia Woolf is Not a Feminist Icon

Renowned and praised for her radical critique of the patriarchy, Virginia Woolf remains a trailblazer for feminism despite her complex history of racism and anti-semitism.…

June 7, 2024

A balding man with brown hair and beard in a black seat sits in a brown chair at a desk in front of grey-green background. He is writing intently on a crisp sheet of paper, quill in hand, inkwell before him, maroon book to his side, as be brings his story to life.

Life Lessons in Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”

Hamad Naroze, Hunter College

Or: How a stuck-up, miserly, selfish old Scrooge was taught timeless life lessons by ghosts in a classic Christmas tale.…

May 22, 2024

A writer in a black sweater with square, rimmed glasses peers over his latest manuscript, glowing with a nefarious green light. In the faded background, a puppet sits and stares at him with an enthusiastic look on its face, twisted in the disturbing tone which belies only the most horrible fantasies.

The Life and Process of R.L. Stine

Hamad Naroze, Hunter College

What best-selling children's horror author R.L. Stine can teach up-and-coming writers through his professional process.…

April 22, 2024

Student laughing at college humor magazine she is reading.

Marooned Lampoons: The Abandoned Art of College Humor Magazines

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

Many old universities have long-running humor magazines that, while once extremely popular, are failing to keep up with the culture.…

April 18, 2024

An illustration of a girl reading for an article on the Goodreads Reading Challenge.

The Curse of the Goodreads Reading Challenge

Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The annual challenge allows users to set reading goals for themselves. However, does it pressure us, or actually motivate us to read?…

December 19, 2020

3 Common Fiction Tropes That Reveal Deep-Seated Beliefs in Our Society

Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Although many of them are overused in present-day media, fiction can still be original and teach powerful lessons.…

December 19, 2020

Cinderella Is Dead. (Illustration by Marcus Escobar, Minneapolis College of Art and Design)

‘Cinderella Is Dead’ Reimagines a Sapphic Cinderella Story

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

This retelling of a classic tale follows two sapphic women who are determined to overthrow a dystopian patriarchal society.…

December 16, 2020

An illustration of someone listening to an audiobook while reading, for an article on audiobooks.

Audiobooks Can Let Authors Tell Their Stories More Creatively

Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

Beyond just using the format to have their books read aloud, some writers are starting to use the medium to narrate their work in new, innovative ways.…

December 13, 2020

An illustration of a book of poetry, a mask and a pen

Poetry Can Provide Much Needed Comfort During the Pandemic

Alice Murphy, University of Maryland, College Park

The whole world has been forced to slow down and become isolated, which is why many people have turned to poetic literature to cope.…

December 12, 2020

In ‘GenderQueer,’ Maia Kobabe Portrays a Journey to Self-Identity

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

This revolutionary graphic memoir explores the author's cathartic journey to identifying as nonbinary and asexual.…

December 7, 2020

‘The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes’ Explores the Tragic Side of Entertainment Culture

Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The novel fills our early 2000s musical hole while also showing a scary portrait of the times.…

December 3, 2020

Illustration of a book of poetry by Emmalia Godshall for an article on new age poetry

Poetry Has Now Entered a New Age, but Is It a Good One?

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Instapoets like Rupi Kaur have amassed millions of followers who adore their work, but is any of it actually good?…

December 1, 2020

The ‘Fruits Basket’ Remake Does the Manga Justice

Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

Unlike the previous 2001 anime adaptation, the more recent series maintains the spirit seen in the original Japanese comic.…

December 1, 2020

An illustration of Orion Carloto taking a picture for an article on her new book "Film For Her."

Orion Carloto’s ‘Film for Her’ Expresses Her Heritage and Feelings on Coming of Age

Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The poet and photographer has grown since the publication of her last book.…

November 28, 2020

Why the ‘Perfect’ Male Love Interest Is Problematic

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

While this common trope in media may be idealistic, it causes problems by creating unrealistic models of men.…

November 27, 2020

in an article about Black poetry, an excerpt from Terrance Hayes' poetry collect "American Sonnets For My Past and Future Assassin"

3 Collections of Contemporary Black Poetry Perfect for the World Today

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

These works confront America’s deeply racist history and present, and at the same time, explore healing, accompanied by bursts of joy, light and love.…

November 23, 2020

A screenshot from the Netflix movie "Rebecca."

Netflix’s ‘Rebecca’ Fails as a Work of Gothic Cinema

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The movie, based on the book of the same name, falls short of the unsettling themes its predecessor succeeds at. Its failure results in a film that doesn't know what it is.…

November 17, 2020

Little Free Libraries Connect People Through the Written Word

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Take a book, leave a book. These book exchanges allow for both self-enlightenment and an interconnected community, all while showing that following your passions can lead to real change.…

November 10, 2020

A screencap of Dani from "The Haunting of Bly Manor"

How Faithful Is ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ to Its Horror Story Inspirations?

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The Netflix show is based on 'The Turn of the Screw' and other stories by Henry James. Here are the similarities and differences.…

November 3, 2020

‘Jonny Appleseed’ Offers a Poignant Portrayal of Its Indigenous Two-Spirit Protagonist

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The latest book from Joshua Whitehead is a deeply moving novel about what home means to a queer Native American kid who is struggling with his identity.…

November 2, 2020

An illustration of a girl among the stars for an article on "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue"

‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’ Shows What It Would Be Like To Live Forever

Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

More well-known for her young adult work, V.E. Schwab has penned a novel about a protagonist who has acquired immortality — but at an incredible cost.…

November 1, 2020

An image of Venus in an article about science and sci-fi.

4 Science Fiction Novels That Explore Life on Venus

Annika Salmi, Yale University

With the recent discovery of possible life on Earth's twin, here are some sci-fi books about life on the planet.…

October 24, 2020

Image of the book Wild Girls by Rory Power

Rory Power Is the Master of Young Adult Sapphic Horror

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

The author is making a name for herself with popular horror novels that feature underrepresented sapphic characters.…

October 23, 2020

Rupi Kaur’s ‘Home Body’ Is the Honest Conversation We Need

Haven Worley, University of Rochester

The poet's forthcoming book is a collection of poetry that embraces change — a topic that is well-needed during these chaotic times.…

October 22, 2020

‘Rebelwing’ by Andrea Tang Mixes Dragons, Dystopia and Friendship

Laura Song, Biola University

Set in an unfortunate future, this novel tells of war, family and the need to find something to believe in.…

October 22, 2020

‘The Meaning of Mariah Carey’ Redefines the Superstar

Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University

The R&B icon's memoir is a story chronicled by a woman who has known brokenness and imprisonment, but has found her light at the end of the tunnel.…

October 21, 2020

An image of a book on top of fall leaves for an article on Halloween book recommendations.

4 Spooky Halloween Reads for Not-So-Spooky Readers

Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

Not everyone can handle hardcore horror, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some creepy fall reads. If you’re a scaredy-cat, like me, this list is for you.…

October 18, 2020

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on Harry Potter

It’s ‘Harry Potter’ Time: Why the Books Are Better Than the Movies

Callie Rosenzweig, University of Chicago

J. K. Rowling’s beloved book series has warmed readers’ hearts for decades. What makes them better than their film counterparts?…

October 17, 2020

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week Asks You To Discover Your Right to Read

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

This special time highlights the power of language to challenge our social, political and cultural assumptions.…

October 17, 2020

‘Make a Living Living’ Helps You Turn Your Passion Into Your Job

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

This self-help book from Nina Karnikowski will open your mind to the possibilities that arise from deciding to chase your dreams.…

October 12, 2020

"Wordslut" and language. (Illustration by Mel Quagrainie, Columbia College Chicago)

‘Wordslut’ Teaches Us How We Can Change the World Through Language

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Amanda Montell’s 2019 book examines how adjusting the words that we use can alter how gender and sexuality are considered in today's society — for the better.…

October 10, 2020

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on Midnight Sun

Edward’s Point of View in ‘Midnight Sun’ Adds More Depth to ‘The Twilight Saga’

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Most readers already know the story, so how does exploring the tale from the perspective of the iconic vampire bring something new to the beloved series?…

October 10, 2020

‘The Kiss Quotient’ Is a Compelling Story of Love on the Autism Spectrum

Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

Helen Hoang’s novel paints a rich portrait of an autistic heroine, captivating readers by avoiding one-dimensional stereotypes that have long persisted in media.…

October 5, 2020