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.

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.

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.

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 own life.

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?

Chase Cutarelli, Columbia University

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

Janani Mangai Srinivasan, Wake Forest University

It’s time people start taking the genre seriously.

Nanda Illahi, Okayama University

Set against the backdrop of Malaysia’s infamous 1969 race riots, this young adult novel and webtoon deals with the horrors of prejudice and trauma.

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

There’s so many approaches that you can take; the important thing is to do what feels right to you. 

Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

The legendary author identified the pain all around us, but still found reasons to be optimistic about the human spirit.

Brian Anderson Gil, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Twenty years after the film adaptation of his novel ‘American Psycho,’ the author maintains his status as someone with an honest artistic vision.

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The Lorrie Moore short story, told in second person, is a powerful statement about not giving up on your ambitions.

S. T. Perez, Texas A&M University, San Antonio

Set against the context of the #MeToo movement, the debut novel of Kate Elizabeth Russell probes into the interactions between a predatory man and his teenage student.

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

During stressful times like these, it’s reassuring to return to old, beloved stories instead of forging into the new and unknown.

S. T. Perez, Texas A&M University, San Antonio

Against the backdrop of a small Texas town, Elizabeth Wetmore’s novel is a gritty depiction of a violent, patriarchal society.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

It’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, so why not read about the importance of loving and accepting our identities?

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

What is it exactly that gets lost in the void between the page and the screen — and why do fans of the book get so mad about it?

Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

They might not be getting big movie or TV adaptations, but they might just become your new favorites.

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

The heartwarming young adult novel follows an Asian American teenager caught between the culture of the United States and her parents’ homeland.

Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

Writing a poem can be a terrifying process. Here are some tips to make the journey easier.

Katherine McLaughlin, The New School

It’s perfectly normal to feel confused as you fully enter adulthood. This book by Dr. Meg Jay shows some ways to attain clarity and direction.

Katherine McLaughlin, The New School

Polished lesson plans and real-world examples from the prestigious paper of record will give anyone the skills they need to become better at writing.

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The Batman universe courts controversy with its fandom by turning the original Robin/Nightwing into an edgy bad boy with amnesia.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

The zine released by the Asian American Feminist Collective offers a communal response to the emerging anti-Asian xenophobia in the wake of COVID-19.

Alyssa Alexander, SUNY Buffalo State

The magazine has been a shadow of its former self for years. Will it be able to keep up in the online publishing world?

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

You already have all the magic you need inside.

Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

When there’s nothing better to do, journaling could be the perfect way to pass time and release your inner anxieties.

Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

A good story has no targeted age group, and punchy, coming-of-age narratives can appeal to anybody.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

Fan fiction is adding a few more dimensions to a character many felt was left underdeveloped.

Mirella Gonzales, Texas Tech University

It’s time to go on another angsty adventure with the prolific young adult author.

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

There’s still so much to say about these beloved books and the impact they have had on an entire generation of readers.

Brian Anderson Gil, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

His work ‘The Taste of Cigarettes’ demonstrates that writing is borne of personal toil — whatever form that may take.

Emerson Holmes, Lindenwood University

Poetry isn’t just written down. Some poets are evolving the genre by using their voices as their medium.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

While the world has lauded the country for K-beauty, this webtoon shows the dark side of South Korean beauty standards.

Alyssa Alexander, SUNY Buffalo State

Despite its endorsement from Oprah, Jeanine Cummins’ book about the life of a Mexican woman is having a damaging impact on minorities.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

The Chinese web novel finds its strong female lead getting an opportunity to start life over as a teenager, and avenging the betrayal that ended her life.

Kayla Placide, University at Buffalo

Both shows are based on beloved fantasy books, but are they comparable?

Brian Anderson Gil, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

The storied and often dangerous life of the Latin American author helped create stories that spoke to isolation and dislocation.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

We stan the biromantic, asexual woman of color protagonist in Claire Kann’s new novel.

Nina Dutta, Occidental College

Autumn De Wilde’s film may not be entirely true to the book, but it still captures the essence of the author’s work.

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

While its simple style has received praise for its accessibility, there are a few that can satisfy readers who want more.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

It’s not only a whole new world of literature, but what’s better than something that’s free and accessible at any time during the day?

Kayla Placide, University at Buffalo

Why is the murdering main character of the Netflix show garnering so much sympathy?

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

Writing is — and should be — really hard and really frustrating. Otherwise, you’re not doing it right.

Emerson Holmes, Lindenwood University

Diversity can be hard to find in the accepted literary canon, but literature is full of LGBTQ+ representation if you know where to look.

Katherine McLaughlin, The New School

Not every love story has a satisfying end.

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

Many of these books are criticized for their unrealistic portrayal of the world; however, that may be their greatest strength.

Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

While reigniting interest in poetry, ‘Instagram poets’ like Rupi Kaur and Amanda Lovelace still face their share of criticism.

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

With digital media on the rise, it is no surprise that there are more options than ever out there for manga fans to get their fix anytime.

S. T. Perez, Texas A&M University, San Antonio

Although plenty of time has passed since they were first released, literary classics have much to offer.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

A seemingly ambitious project, the series falls prey to poor execution and hollow characterization.

Megan Thompson, Montclair State University

The original novel behind the Netflix series leaves fans intrigued and captivated by the modern-day Ted Bundy.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

This small publishing duo is making waves with their thoughtful reissues of out of print novels.

Cynthia Vasquez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

She’s the definition of a bad–s woman born before her time who championed intersectionality and womanism in her poetry, essays and other writings.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

Dark humor, messy gore and surreal turns characterize her impressive run in the early ‘90s.

Carli Moses, Union University

This fresh adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s book exalts each March sister in her own right, exploring the girls’ unique struggles and experiences.

Gabriel Egbert, University of Louisville

Get ready to dive into star-trotting space operas and meet super-powered web slingers.

Carli Moses, Union University

These creatives used their unique voices to capture the complexities and concerns of the past ten years.

Dylan Kazanova, University of Texas at San Antonio

Richard Powers’ Pulitzer Prize-winning book captures the imagination with larger-than-life personification and gives a new take on contemporary issues.

Cameron Rapata, Columbia College Chicago

Set 100 years ago, the novel portrays a 1919 full of political and social tension that should not be unfamiliar in the present day.

Daniel Reed

If you’re still hankering for more British monarchy drama, check out these titles.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Exciting storytelling has been replaced with long-winding exposition in the young adult author’s latest novel.

Carli Moses, Union University

This Shakespeare adaptation strays from the source material, but in doing so creates quite the cautionary tale about the price of war.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Holly Black ties up the loose ends in her sweeping ‘Folk of the Air’ young adult fantasy series.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

They have a charm that can’t be matched by the large corporate chains.

Dylan Kazanova, University of Texas at San Antonio

Ibram X. Kendi’s newest book mixes personal narrative and political analysis to examine how structural racism manifests itself today — oftentimes unconsciously.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

The ‘Folk of the Air’ trilogy — a world of intrigue and fairies — will receive a fitting send-off by the acclaimed young adult author.

Meredith Day, Davidson College

Fans deserve more credit for their art, especially as fan works move into the mainstream.

Cameron Rapata, Columbia College Chicago

The demand for change in the performing arts is leading to a new kind of sex talk.

Carli Moses, Union University

If you find yourself stressed, running from one thing to the next, you might need a new strategy. This reading habit can help bring intentionality to chaotic routines.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

Even amidst a future, supernatural dystopia, this manga still sees hope at the heart of humanity.

Gabriel Egbert, University of Louisville

Can HBO finally make an adaptation that will make Alan Moore proud?

Carli Moses, Union University

Stephen Chbosky is back at it with this classically structured horror novel, where a child once again convenes with the supernatural realm.

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

Whether she’s writing as V.E. Schwab or Victoria Schwab, her wide range of books are always worth the read.

Charlotte Susser, University of Chicago

This show is both educational and entertaining, if you can believe it.

Christine Bushart, Georgia State University

Just because you can consume it doesn’t mean it was made for you.

Chris Meng, Pomona College

In sharing his HIV-positive status in his new memoir, the ‘Queer Eye’ star opens up an important dialogue.

Logan Floyd, Mercyhurst University

A recent trend in popular culture may indicate a growing fear of those with too much power.

Stina Chang, University of Southern California

For four years, she was referred to as ‘Emily Doe.’ It’s time to learn who she really is.

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

Will Artemis be the next ‘Harry Potter’ or the next ‘Percy Jackson’?

Charlotte Susser, University of Chicago

This movie looks at ambition, mental health, creativity, complacency and how they all connect.

Logan Floyd, Mercyhurst University

One of America’s greatest authors led quite a remarkable life, for better or for worse.

Carli Moses, Union University

Where will our dystopian heroine find herself this time?

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

It’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Aliza Pelto, Pratt Institute

Blessed be the fruit. From Atwood to Zumas, here four feminist fiction novels that will help you to start a revolution.