Category Archives: Blog

It’s scientifically proven that people love to be frightened, and, as Halloween approaches, people now more than ever seek a good scare. Movie production companies release more movies in October than any other month,1 a testament to film’s status as one of the most popular forms of horror media. However, to some, horror movies areContinue reading “Oh, the Horror! How Horror Novels Compare to Movies”

Books guide their readers on a journey. From the beginning through the end, readers observe the characters as they navigate and ultimately overcome the central conflict of the story (the plot), usually arriving at some lesson or theme. However, when one looks closer at a book—beyond the plot, conflict, and characters—a whole new subtext ofContinue reading “How to Level Up Your Reading (with Close Reading)”

For the last article in our situational books series, I wanted to bring in the topic of mental health and why it’s important to read about books that include characters with mental illness. It makes it aware to readers who struggle with a mental illness that you are not alone. By authors including these characters,Continue reading “A Series on Situational Books: Fiction Books that Include Mental Health”

The pen is mightier than the sword. Books are not only an age-old form of entertainment; they are a strong driver of social change. Books—even the most far-fetched fantasy—reflect real life, challenging and reinforcing opinions, social injustices, and stereotypes, positive and negative. Many books emerge in response to upsetting events or in times of socialContinue reading “The Power of the Pen: How Books Drive Social Change”

Paper-printed books were the only staple for all the avid readers out there for a long while. But then the digital age revolutionized the reading realm too. And hence came the e-book readers. Then, in the fast-paced world, fans of audiobooks emerged. Each has a unique appeal. At the same time, I’ve encountered readers vehementlyContinue reading “Pick your poison: E-books, Audiobooks or Print books?”

Here we learned about the vast array of personal and cognitive benefits of reading books. After that, there is no denying that we should all be reading. This, however, is not as easy said as done. Anyone who tells you to “just read more” is out of touch with the reality many face today: 40Continue reading “How to Integrate Reading into Your Busy Life”

Writers, English teachers, and book lovers alike are in for some good and bad news.

First and foremost: What is a Coming-of-Age Story? Coming of Age is a genre in books or films based on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from one age to another. This theme revolves around personal growth and change and is often time shown through a ‘Hero’s Quest’ (see the diagram below). ComingContinue reading “A Series on Situational Books: Coming of Age Books to Add to Your Collection”

The seasons are changing and the air is becoming crisp. There’s nothing better than finishing a book with an ending that makes you want to re-read it only to experience such joy again. Books with a feel good ending are great for when you need a pick me up or to break up the sadContinue reading “A Series on Situational Books: Feel Good Endings”