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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

Illustration by Veronica Chen, featured in an article about Harry Potter and veganism.

Is There Room for Vegans in the ‘Harry Potter’ Universe?

Mia Kellner, University of St Andrews

Almost everything magical in the fantasy series relies on the use of animals in some shape or form. Is it even possible for a vegan to live in this world, and would they even want…

June 25, 2020

illustration for article about black artists by Amy Young

5 Black Artists Whose Legacies Have Transcended Time

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

American pop culture has been defined by black excellence for decades. From Gordon Parks to Aaliyah, black artists continue to influence the new generation.…

June 24, 2020

‘Circus of Books’ Explores the Legacy Behind a Family’s Adult Bookstore

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

The Mason family left an imprint on the West Hollywood queer scene with their shop. Years later, members of the community talk of its unwavering relevance. …

June 24, 2020

In an article about comic artists, an frame from the comic Strange Planet

3 Popular Comic Artists Tackling Life Issues While Making Us Laugh

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

During times like these, creatives have way too much time on their hands. One result: killer web comics with deadly serious undertones.…

June 22, 2020

J.K. Rowling Has a Complicated History With the LGBTQ+ Community

Audrey Martin, Boston University

Once a cherished author, the 'Harry Potter' writer has fallen from grace due to her continued ignorance regarding trans and other members of the queer community.…

June 20, 2020

Want More of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’? There’s More Where That Came From

Anna Swenson, Butler University

For fans who just finished the series, leaving the world they've come to love just isn't an option. Fortunately, they don't have to.…

June 20, 2020

Nico Walker’s ‘Cherry’ Tells a Devastating Story of Addiction and Crime

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

Written on a prison typewriter, the novel tells the story of a young man who falls in love, joins the war and robs banks to pay for heroin — a tale not unlike the author's…

June 19, 2020

The cover of 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'

‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ Challenges Readerly Expectations

Mia Kellner, University of St Andrews

At first glance, 'The Hunger Games' prequel has flat characters and a dull Hunger Games. However, is Suzanne Collins just challenging readers to reflect on how they view violence in entertainment?…

June 18, 2020

‘The Deviant’s War’ Reveals the Link Between Civil Rights and Gay Rights

Chase Cutarelli, Columbia University

Eric Cervini’s historical opus describes how homophobia within American law enforcement bears a striking resemblance to racist policing practices.…

June 17, 2020

‘Lore Olympus’ Reimagines Greek Mythology With an Epic Modern Twist

Abigail Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

This wildly popular, binge-worthy web comic takes the myth of Hades and Persephone and sticks it into today's world.…

June 16, 2020

Why Can’t Authors Leave Their Successful Series Alone?

Ailun Shi, UC Berkeley

All good things must come to an end. By constantly amending their works, authors like J.K. Rowling risk ruining their books — and stunting the growth of young fan fiction writers.…

June 16, 2020

Writing for diversity: book spines arranged by color to resemble a rainbow.

Making Your Writing Inclusive, Even If It’s Outside Your Own Experiences

Katie Klear, Columbia College Chicago

In attempts to combat the lack of diversity, writers from non-marginalized communities often miss the mark when writing about groups they don’t identify with.…

June 15, 2020

‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ Shows Evil in the Need for Control

Anna Swenson, Butler University

Suzanne Collins' new prequel to the 'Hunger Games' trilogy investigates the origins of the series's central villain, President Snow, without justifying his hunger for power.…

June 14, 2020

5 Books About the Queer Black Experience To Read for Pride Month

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

As June begins and protests over racial injustice continue, it’s important to make space for queer black literature.…

June 13, 2020

In an article about Murakami and running, a person reading while walking up a hill

Haruki Murakami Sees a Common Thread Between Running and Writing

Cathleen Luo, Columbia University

The acclaimed novelist writes that, much like writing, running requires deliberate practice, even when you don't feel completely passionate about it.…

June 12, 2020

Ali Wong is best known on the stage of her Netflix comedy specials.

Ali Wong’s Funny and Touching ‘Dear Girls’ Puts Her Comedy to the Page

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

Framed as a series of letters to her daughters, the star comedian uses her book to explore life experiences, inequality and her culture with her trademark vulgar hilarity.…

June 11, 2020

‘Chokehold: Policing Black Men’ Stresses the Need for Police Reform

Chase Cutarelli, Columbia University

Published in 2017, Paul Butler's book equips supporters of Black Lives Matter with one more important resource to curb racism in law enforcement.…

June 9, 2020

Anna Todd and Wattpad Made It Easier To Dream of a Career in Writing

Kayla Johnson, Bradley University

Using the small publishing platform, the 'After' author was able to make a name for herself — and at the same time, raise the possibility that others could do the same.…

June 9, 2020

What Ancient Greek Myths Can Teach Us in the Present Day

Victoria Acosta, Southern Adventist University

Although the stories of Greek gods and goddesses may originate from thousands of years ago, the lessons they give to us still resonate today.…

June 8, 2020

Marjane Satrapi’s ‘Embroideries’ Shows Feminism Knows No Borders

Alyssa Alexander, SUNY Buffalo State

Even nearly 20 years later, this classic graphic novel from the author of 'Persepolis' stands up for women, not just in Iran, but worldwide.…

June 5, 2020

In an article about bizarre research papers, a photo of two penguins

5 Bizarre Research Papers That Will Make You Wonder, ‘Why?’

Janani Mangai Srinivasan, Wake Forest University

From the intricacies of penguin poop to the origin of bellybutton lint, these works will answer questions you didn't even think to ask.…

June 5, 2020

Is Poetry Sparked by Mental Anguish?

Bradford Smith, Louisiana State University

'Men have called me mad but the question is not yet settled, whether madness is or is not the loftiest intelligence.' — Edgar Allan Poe…

June 1, 2020

‘Detective Conan’ Provides a Detailed Look Into Japanese Life

Janani Mangai Srinivasan, Wake Forest University

The 6-year-old lead character of the long-running manga and anime not only investigates crimes, but the culture of his native land as well.…

June 1, 2020

In an article about short stories, a person walking up a set of stairs made of books

7 Short Stories For Those Who Don’t Have Time To Read Novels

Kate Carter, Middle Tennessee State University

If you don’t think you have the time to read the longer classics, these shorter fiction works that span a wide range of genres will help you on your literary journey. …

May 31, 2020