Books

Read Between the Lines: The Problem With the Goodreads Challenge

Havilah Sciabbarrasi, Florida State University

Does Goodreads make reading more work than fun? How to approach the reading challenge without sacrificing the joy of literature. …

January 14, 2024

The Pressure Surrounding Female Writers and Romance

Palmer Strubhar, Emory University

Authors Defy Social and Historical Pressure as they Navigate a New-Age Romance Plot or Avoid It Entirely…

January 9, 2024

In sepia colors, a teenage girl and boy stand against the blowing wind in renaissance clothing while dragons fly in the background.

2023 Winter Book Releases You Need To Read

Beatriz Barros Felice, California State University, Northridge

Here are six books to immerse yourself into during winter break.…

November 18, 2023

Against a dark blue sky background, an outline of a woman in blue and red colors sits with her knees to her chest as pills are see in her body.

Sleeping Through Days: Moshfegh’s Idea

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

A Book Review on “My Year Of Rest and Relaxation” and the Novel’s Lasting Effect.…

November 16, 2023

For an article on rhetorical devices in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, a hand drawn monster portrait is center with red markings, a floral frame surrounds his face. The words "Mary Shelley's" appear at top and "Frankenstein" appears on the bottom.

The Use of Multiple POV in ‘Frankenstein’

Sydney Chastain, Florida State University

Mary Shelley masters the rhetorical device of multiple point of view narration. This is seen in an incredibly innovative way through the novel, "Frankenstein."…

November 13, 2023

woman reading book with colors of gold, purple, and pink bursting from the pages

Anatomy of the New Adult Genre

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

What exactly are New Adult books? Are they just glorified YA?…

November 6, 2023

Ten Fantasy Books That Are Absolute Page-Turners

Kathleen Berger, North Central College

From franchises to standalone hits, these 10 books will have you at the edge of your seat.…

October 24, 2023

An illustration of a bookshelves full of modern classics.

4 Modern Books That Should Be Considered Literary Classics

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

Contemporary books are more impactful than you might think.…

August 24, 2023

An illustration of a book with the title, "Black Girls Must Die Exhausted"

A Literary Review of ‘Black Girls Must Die Exhausted’

Erica George, Louisiana State University, Shreveport

A story of struggle, the novel showcases the resilience of three friends as they navigate life as Black women.…

August 19, 2023

An illustration of two silhouettes of a woman and a dragon, two elements which can be found in fantasy books.

3 Must Read Fantasy Books Written by Women of Color

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

The genre has long suffered a lack of diversity, but these authors are changing that.…

August 18, 2023

An illustration of a person listening to an audiobook on their phone.

Are Audiobooks Considered Reading?

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

Why should we limit ourselves to the written word?…

August 4, 2023

An illustration of a hand reaching up a bookcase full of books each labeled by a mood.

Books To Suit Your Every Mood

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

Whether you want to laugh, cry or get into a good mystery, we've got you covered.…

May 8, 2023

An illustration of a landscape drawn in a blue palette, set in a fantasy world.

These Sub-Genres Will Take Your Love of Fantasy to the Next Level

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

The beauty of the genre lies in its limitlessness.…

April 10, 2023

An illustration of three wall shelves holding books, gifts and other items book lovers might have.

7 Unique Gift Ideas for Every Reader in Your Life

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

Instead of getting them yet another book they may or may not like, why not try one of these items?…

March 20, 2023

An illustration of a couple feeling great romance for each other.

Is Romance Really Necessary in Most Novels?

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

Most readers would be hard-pressed to find a book without some kind of love story, but why are they so common in literature?…

March 6, 2023

An article on 'the alchemist' has a picture of a man staring into the sunset

‘The Alchemist’ Offers Messages More Relevant Now Than Ever

Liam Jackson, Michigan State University

In an age when books are undervalued, it's time to take another look at this modern classic.…

December 31, 2022

In an illustration about book bans, a schoolhouse is surrounded by books with controversial symbols

The Rise of Book Bans and the Fall of Uncensored Education

Andrea Cepeda, University of North Texas

As schools and governments continue to limit what texts students can read, the dystopian worlds of 'Fahrenheit 451' and '1984' may be closer than we think.…

October 12, 2022

In an article about A Little Life, an illustration of a rotting fruit

Unpacking the Painful, but Admirable Story of ‘A Little Life’

Ally Najera, California State University, Northridge

With the 2015 novel's recent resurgence, it's worth talking about its emotionally charged narrative.…

October 11, 2022

In article about the best campus novels, an illustration of pink book on gray background

3 Campus Novels To Read To Get You Back in the College Mood

Alina Edwards, Wellesley College

Although fiction set in college environments often means to critique academic institutions, these books can still be great comfort reads.…

September 27, 2022

A picture shows social media book accounts on a phone alongside a book and bookmark

Don’t Dismiss Social Media Book Accounts

Emily Elizabeth Louie, American University

Bookstagram and BookTok have flooded brick-and-mortar bookshops with a new wave of literature lovers.…

September 16, 2022

10 August Book Releases To Keep An Eye On

Jo Stephens, Georgetown University

If you're feeling like a bored bookworm this summer, have no fear!…

July 27, 2022

An illustration for an article about book bans.

Book Bans Are Hurting America

Virginia Beall, Elon University

The U.S. is supposedly built on a platform of free speech, but some Americans want to promote censorship.…

July 4, 2022

An illustration of minimalism with a thumbs down overlaying a candle and plant.

Why Minimalism Is Actually Overrated

Aly Walters, Michigan State University

Having many possessions doesn't have to be a bad thing; personal collections often hold sentimental value and showcase our unique interests and personalities.…

May 12, 2022

Future technology woven together from various books by Jules Verne

The Astonishing Science in Jules Verne’s Fiction Novels

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The 19th-century sci-fi author Jules Verne somehow predicted many technological inventions that exist today.…

May 5, 2022

A pile of fantasy books, an open book, a teacup and a vase with flowers sitting on a table with sunlight shining down

New Fantasy Authors Whose Books You Should Read

Janey Schmidt, Columbia College Chicago

Everyone loves a good story, and while it can be hard to put down an old favorite, it is essential to broaden your horizons by reading modern novels by new and upcoming writers.…

April 28, 2022

An image of library shelves and the spectacle of literature they represesnt

5 Books That Will Promise To Leave You Breathless: A Study on Spectacles in Modern Literature

Maggie Habermas, University of Texas at San Antonio

Like the rest of our entertainment, many novels resort to cheap thrill tactics. These books, however, affirm the power of literature to give insight into the human experience. …

April 16, 2022

A woman in a red and yellow sun dress, and long flowing hair, lays on a field of green with books scattered around her

8 of the Most Anticipated Books To Watch Out for During Spring 2022

Julie Morse, Pomona College

This season, pretty flowers aren't the only thing popping up. Look forward to reading these new titles while basking in the sun's warm rays.…

March 26, 2022

a girl is reading with a stack of books behind her; there is a banned books symbol behind her

5 Banned Books in Texas That Are Must-Reads

Karina Rojas, University of Texas at San Antonio

The state takes 'Come and Take It' to another level. Over 900 books have been placed on its banned books list by Texas politicians Gov. Greg Abbott and Rep. Matt Krause, and reviews are mixed.…

February 16, 2022