Dark

Light

Pages - Page 12

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

‘My Favorite Thing Is Monsters’ Sees Horror Embedded in Everyday Life

Anna Swenson, Butler University

This amazing feat in storytelling and artistic vision delves into areas often left unexplored by graphic novels and horror.…

October 4, 2020

Stationary TikTok illustration by Sezi Kaya

These 5 Stationery TikTok Artists Are Combining Crafting With ASMR

Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

Paper lovers have turned to the video-sharing app to forge their own peaceful corner on a platform full of chaos.…

October 3, 2020

How To Organize Your Books When Your Space Is Already Cluttered

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

If you find yourself short on room, here are some ways to organize your literature collection without shelling out more money for extra bookcases.…

October 3, 2020

Kingdom of Back, illustrated by Ellen Budell

Marie Lu’s ‘The Kingdom of Back’ Is a Story of the Lost Talents of History

Ailun Shi, UC Berkeley

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is likely the most famous composer ever, but did you know he had an older sister who was just as talented as he was?…

September 29, 2020

Photo of His Dark Materials collection on a wooden chair

‘His Dark Materials’ Asks Spiritual Questions While Challenging Religious Power

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

The ever-popular series uses incredible world-building to offer a critique of those that invoke a higher power to justify their influence.…

September 27, 2020

Illustration by Sezi Kaya of Little Weirds

Jenny Slate Encourages Readers to Appreciate the Mundane in ‘Little Weirds’

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

In her 2019 book, the comedian beautifully articulates a fascination with the ordinary, which just might be the key to true happiness, especially during the pandemic.…

September 19, 2020

A Year After Her Death, the Power of Toni Morrison’s Writing Lives On

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

Few authors captured the human experience, particularly the Black experience, with as much nuance as her.…

September 16, 2020

illustration by Shelly Freund of Siren's Lament

‘Siren’s Lament’ Is a Webtoon Series Worth a Deep Dive

Anna Swenson, Butler University

This digital comic blends manga influences with Disney-inspired artwork to create a compelling tale of romance by the sea.…

September 15, 2020

‘Felix Ever After’ Is a Powerful Exploration of Self-Love and Self-Discovery

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

Kacen Callender’s young adult novel features a queer trans person of color amid friendships, love and a heartwarming journey of self-acceptance.…

September 13, 2020

Does the ‘Folk of Air’ Series Indicate a New Direction for Young Adult Fiction?

Abigail Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

The genre can be fickle with its trends. However, this series seems to have the hang of these new fads with its fresh take on old tropes.…

September 11, 2020

Beth O’Leary’s ‘The Switch’ Lacks What Made Her Debut so Impactful

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The author’s second novel, which follows a grandmother and granddaughter, puts family and community at the forefront but lacks balance in its storytelling.…

September 7, 2020

Zendaya from Euphoria in purple makeup against a black background

‘Euphoria’ Shows Why Transformative Justice Should Be the Norm

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

HBO’s show offers a crystal clear picture of why communities need new ways to resolve conflicts and combat interpersonal violence.…

September 7, 2020

In an article about love triangles, an illustration of a woman attached to two men

Why the Love Triangle Trope Is the Worst and How To Make It Better

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

This plot device is one of the most overdone romantic clichés out there. Should it be left behind, or is there a way to make it new again?…

August 29, 2020

‘They Went Left’: How Historical Fiction Can Ground Us Amid Uncertainty

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

The touching but heartwrenching World War II novel explores a Jewish girl's hope-filled journey to find community in a war-ravaged Germany.…

August 26, 2020

Emma Lord’s Debut Novel, ‘Tweet Cute,’ Is the Perfect Gen-Z Romance

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The book is full of social media, insane baked goods and a love story you can’t help but root for.…

August 24, 2020

In an article about Haruki Murakami, an artistic depiction of main character from the film, 'Burning'

‘Burning’ Perfectly Captures the Ambiguity in Haruki Murakami’s ‘Barn Burning’

Cathleen Luo, Columbia University

The Lee Chang-dong film adaptation of the critically acclaimed author's short story may have changed a few details, but it maintains the spirit of the work.…

August 23, 2020

Illustration of "One of Us is Lying" novel poster.

‘One of Us Is Lying’ Provides a Fresh Take on ‘The Breakfast Club’

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Karen M. McManus’ young adult mystery novel both upholds and defies the tropes of the classic '80s movie.…

August 21, 2020

Book Lovers Need To Check Out These 3 Literary Blogs

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

Surfing the internet might take time away from your beloved books, but these blogs are the perfect companions to your favorite novels.…

August 20, 2020

A photo of the cover of What I Carry by Jennifer Longo

‘What I Carry’ Rediscovers Home Amidst the Complexities of Foster Care

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

The novel explores the long process of a guarded teenager finding belonging in her last foster home after a lifetime of letdowns.…

August 19, 2020

A photo of the cover of Every Other Weekend

‘Every Other Weekend’ Explores How Relationships Can Be a Refuge

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

The novel's heartbreaking exploration of divorce and loss allows its exquisite friendships and familial connections to take center stage.…

August 14, 2020

Hype-Worthy Summer Novel ‘The Vanishing Half’ Is a Poignant Examination of Colorism

Emilia Chavez, Rice University

In her new book, Brit Bennett dissects extremely relevant issues with memorable characters and excellent storytelling.…

August 13, 2020

Illustration by Sid Estelle in article about journaling

4 Journaling Techniques That Will Help You Put Pen to Paper

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

Have you always wanted to start a journal, but didn't know where to begin? Try one of these simple techniques to get started on your daily journaling journey.…

August 12, 2020

‘Untouchable’ Is the Inspiration Every Aspiring Writer Needs

Jackie Sizing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Scott O’Connor has a unique and fearless writing style that will immerse you in the novel and make you feel like you’re part of the story.…

August 12, 2020

‘The Changeling’ Is a Dark Fairy Tale Set in Modern-Day New York City

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

Victor LaValle's story blends fantastical elements with the very real issues of racism and violence, all against the backdrop of the urban landscape.…

August 10, 2020