Vanessa Willoughby

Vanessa Willoughby is an editor and a writer. Her work has appeared on The Toast, The Hairpin, Bitch, Bookslut, Thought Catalog, and Literally, Darling.

Goodbye Brick and Mortar: Why the Closing of this Barnes & Noble is a Problem

The Bronx is losing its only Barnes & Noble. It feels more like a loss than a win.

5 Books to Read in Celebration of A Seat at the Table, Solange’s New Album

Solange has finally dropped her latest full-length album, A Seat at the Table. Shades of the album can be found in these five books.

How Not to Write Characters of Color

Writing about characters of other color doesn't have to be an impossible feat. Empathy, patience, and research can prevent racist tropes.

10 Books on Helga Pataki’s Reading List

Nickelodeon has announced that a new Hey Arnold! movie will debut on Thanksgiving of 2017. Here are ten books that everyone's favorite bully would read.

Portrait of an American Family: Seeing Myself in Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You

Celeste Ng's award-winning novel, Everything I Never Told You, speaks to readers who are part of that "Other" America.

Mother’s Little Helpers: The Timelessness of Valley of the Dolls

How does the 1966 novel of fame, money, and celebrity hold up in contemporary culture?

Reading is Sexy: Read a Book, Make Yourself More Attractive

A new study claims that reading makes someone more attractive, and we agree.

Writing and Imposter Syndrome

How do you find the motivation to write when battling Imposter Syndrome?

5 Books to Read In Honor of Radiohead’s New Album, A Moon Shaped Pool

These five books, from Atwood to Butler, deal with the themes and motifs explored in Radiohead's extensive discography.

Dear J.K. Rowling: Stop Apologizing!

J.K. Rowling recently apologized for Remus Lupin's death. Where do we draw the line between fanservice and writer's remorse?