#Essays

You’ve Missed the Plot: Book Price Increases Contribute to Ongoing Censorship

If you thought "teens can get those $15.99 YA paperbacks from the library," you've missed the fact that book bans mean they can't.

What is Burns Night, and How is it Celebrated?

Burns Night is a literary celebration that lends itself to many cultures, but what is it and how did it come to be?

How Easy Is It to Pirate Books?

Ebook piracy has long been a problem of publishing. How easy it is to pirate ebooks these days? And how do book thieves do it?

When Did YA Paperback Books Become $15.99?

Harper Collins hiked the price of their YA paperback books upwards of 25% this year. Is this happening in other publishers, too?

What’s Up With Special Edition Hardcovers?

We’re seeing more and more special edition hardcovers of recently released books. Why is that? Let’s take a look.

Three Times Jack Kirby Was King of DC and Marvel

After years of turmoil at Marvel, Jack Kirby jumped ship to DC Comics. There, he replicated his favorite characters to continue his stories.

The Bookish Life of Shonda Rhimes

Whether you know it or not, you've likely interacted with the creative work of Shonda Rhimes. Here's a look at her bookish repertoire.

When Did the Butler Dunnit? The History of “the Butler Did It” Trope

"The butler did it" is a plot often seen as a cheap, easy out for a mystery. But where did the trope come from, and how common is it, really?

The Future of Libraries

Libraries have existed for 5,000 years, but what does their future look like in an ever-changing world. One writer explores.

It’s Not Just The Covers: Some Ways in Which the UK and U.S. Book Worlds Differ

Cultural differences between the UK and the U.S. show up in all kinds of ways in the book world, from different covers to bestsellers.