novels

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

In an article about Dystopian writing, a man wears a gas mask while a young person sits staring out near a bird.

Decades of Dystopia Writing

Connor Lindsay, Queens University of Charlotte

How generations have transformed this timeless genre.…

August 19, 2023

An illustration featuring a couple that represents a popular book genre, Black romance.

Black Romances You Should Read Right Now

Erica George, Louisiana State University, Shreveport

From historical fiction to tragedies to magic and mysteries, Black romance provides escapism when you need a break.…

July 7, 2023

A black and white photographic portrait of Richard Wright, the author of the novel, "Native Son."

The Plight Depicted in ‘Native Son’ Is Still Relevant Today

Erica George, Louisiana State University, Shreveport

Perhaps one of America's greatest African American novels to date, Richard Wright's depiction of one man's struggle against systemic racism transcends time and place.…

March 18, 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

In an article about great books by Nigerian authors, the inside of a bookshop with piles of books all around.

Contemporary Novels by Nigerian Authors That Belong on Your 2023 TBR List

Azeezah Ibraheem, Near East University

These works of literature are must-reads for anyone who resolved to read more books this year.…

February 7, 2023

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

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

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

Illustrations of headphones on top of a graphic novel with a phone showing an audiobook.

Graphic Novels Can Reshape Our Notion of What Constitutes ‘Reading’

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

It’s time for society to drop the idea that stories told with words and artwork are lesser than their more traditional counterparts.…

July 26, 2021

An illustration of the cover of the novel One to Watch for an article about fatphobia. (Illustration by Sonja Vasiljeva, San Jose State University)

‘One to Watch’ Examines Fatphobia by Reimagining Dating Shows

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

In her debut romance novel, Kate Stayman-London uses a reality show to explore how the media portrays plus-size women.…

April 2, 2021

Illustration of a white collared shirt and black tie, splattered with blood, from an article about The Guest List

Is ‘The Guest List’ Just Another Modern Retelling of ‘And Then There Were None’?

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

The premise of Lucy Foley’s latest thriller novel is pretty similar to Agatha Christie’s most famous mystery book.…

January 15, 2021

The Novels of Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù Are Breaking Down Barriers for the LGBTQ+ Community in China

Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Despite China’s media censorship of same-sex relationships, the author's books — including 'Mo Dao Zu Shi,' the basis of a widely watched series — remain wildly popular in the country.…

October 20, 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

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

Fiction Novels about racism can illustrate inequalities Black individuals face through systemic racism

These Two Novels Show That Good Intentions Won’t Dismantle Racism

Imani Benberry, Columbia University

‘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.…

July 10, 2020

Illustration by Ellen Budell of two individuals participating in a Trust Exercise

‘Trust Exercise’ Takes a Worthwhile Risk With Unlikable Characters

Starr Shapiro, Columbia University

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.…

June 30, 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

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

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