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

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

The new book written by Donald’s niece exhumes decades of corruption and greed in the Trump empire, even before her uncle entered the White House.

People who share protagonists’ identities shouldn’t only author books. Their feedback can vastly improve how books represent marginalized groups.

The open letter against ‘cancel culture’ was mostly signed by people with enormous influence — those who least need to worry about ‘cancellation.’

The psychological realism of Laura van den Berg’s second book parallels the isolation many are feeling during the pandemic.

After receiving harsh criticism from her colleagues, the former columnist speaks of the grim consequences for people that go against the grain.

In her new book, Samantha Mabry shows readers that vulnerability and independence are not mutually exclusive.

Instead of villainizing technology just because it’s trendy, Cal Newport makes a compelling case for satisfaction that runs deeper than pings and pixels.

In her memoir, Carmen Maria Machado documents her experiences in an abusive queer relationship, telling a story that often goes untold.

The concept provides an artistic and powerful way to engage in social change by coaxing our imagination to connect us to the voices of the past.

Now more than ever, people are calling on brands to step up. The culture magazine took another step in the right direction by having Dario Calmese shoot their cover.

With videos ranging from book reviews to bookshelf tours to group reads, this online community is more than just a virtual book club.

The philosopher’s theories of the ‘studium’ and the ‘punctum’ explains why we prefer certain creative works over others.

There’s no shame in dropping a book that you have no desire to read.

Khalil Gibran Muhammad’s exploration of African Americans during the Progressive Era unveils the prejudice behind evidence of Black criminality.

Whether you want to be a prestigious journalist or write the next bestselling fantasy novel, these tips will help you build a following.

Asexuality and aromanticism are seemingly impossible to find in mainstream pop culture, but what if we look beyond the labels?

Whether your goal is to cut back on wasted screen time, increase your cultural knowledge, or learn self-patience, this app is a necessity.

This exercise is one of the best ways to help authors overcome feeling stuck. Following certain guidelines of the practice will ensure success.

In her book ‘Sweet Remedies,’ herbalist and apothecary Dawn Combs spills the beans on honey-based drinks and confectionery.

‘Such a Fun Age’ and ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ illustrate that just avoiding overt racism isn’t enough to combat white supremacy on a systemic level.

It is more important than ever to remember the teachings of renowned Black feminist scholar as we consider empathy in our own communities.

The graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier captures the struggle of being diagnosed — and living with — a chronic illness.

Amy Poehler, Hope Jahren and James Comey reveal that although success seems bright and shiny from the outside, the journey there is often bumpy.

Though Robin DiAngelo’s book clearly comes from a well-meaning place, does the book undermine the possibility for working-class solidarity across races?

So-called ‘portal fantasy’ reveals the awe, fear and transformative power of traveling to another world — one that might be appealing in our present dystopia.

Just because the author has revealed her transphobia doesn’t mean fans have to completely abandon the the franchise. Instead, they can reclaim it.

Alan Moore’s comics explored a character’s psyche that continues to resonate with contemporary politics, albeit for the wrong reasons.

The ‘Divergent’ author’s newest novel revitalizes the tired ‘chosen one’ trope by weaving a compelling narrative about what happens to heroes after saving the world.

They are often essential community institutions, and their continued survival during the pandemic is now more important than ever.

In light of the chaos coming out of Washington D.C. today, this book is the perfect read to cure your woes.

Susan Choi’s novel defies conventional wisdom about fiction and intentionally creates characters that are hard to relate to — making a unique, compelling read in the process.

Saeed Jones’ memoir is an honest and striking coming-of-age story about the Black queer experience and fighting to become yourself.

The Hulu miniseries uses everyday scenes to take on an all too persistent problem in the fight for racial equality.

Beth O’Leary’s debut novel, which features a very unusual living arrangement, makes the case for the genre as possessing real emotional depth.

Julie Berry mixes the gods of Ancient Greece with romance and World War I, all in a novel that portrays the violence of white supremacy. 

In this memoir, the comedian uses his personal experiences in South Africa and the U.S. to outline the fundamental irrationality behind racism — and why it continues to flourish.

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 to?

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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. 

It’s time people start taking the genre seriously.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

You already have all the magic you need inside.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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