Mara Franzen

Mara (They/Them) has accidentally on purpose made their entire life about books and stories. Mara graduated with a B.A in creative writing and theatre and is halfway through an MFA in Creative writing. In addition to writing for Book Riot, Mara also has written for The Independent Book Review, Wargamer, and The Other Half, to name a few. They also work as a fiction editor with The Minison Project. Nearly all of their published articles can be found here.

How To Romanticize Your Reading Life

When reading begins to feel like a chore, rediscover your love for it by learning how to romanticize your reading life.

How to Pick Children’s Books About Gender

Just because a kids' book focuses on gender identity doesn't mean it's a GOOD children's book about gender. Here's how to find the best ones.

The Best Recent and Upcoming Indigenous Stories to Add to Your TBR

From a follow up to Rebecca Roanhorse's Black Sun to a story in 1926 Nashville— this list of Indigenous authors is sure to have something you'll love.

The Best Comics We Read July-September 2021

Find your next comic in this list of Rioters' recent favorite comic and graphic novel reads.

The Best Places to Read Light Novels (And No, We Don’t Mean At the Beach)

It can be hard to figure out where to read light novels online. Find the best websites and apps for reading them here.

Tier Ranking Book-to-Movie Adaptations

A totally subjective tiered tanking of the best (and worst) movie adaptations of beloved books. I said what I said!

Where To Start Reading Marvel Comics: Your Reading Order

While there is no way we can cover all of your options on where to start reading Marvel comics, start with these three options.

Learning to Let Go of Reading Books at the “Right Time”

Have you ever read a book and wondered if you should have read it sooner? One reader shares her journey letting go of this feeling.

20 Gifts for English Majors

The best way to declare yourself an English major? With these amazing gifts for English majors, including tees, mugs, and more.

LGBTQIA+ Comics and Characters You Should Know

Looking for more queer superheroes and other comics characters? Start with this list of LGBTQIA+ comics and characters to know!