#Essays

An Ode To Books About Crying

Dedicating entire books to tears in a society that discourages crying is a radical act. Here's what books about crying have to say.

An Extremely Scientific and Not At All Biased Ranking of the Misters Darcy

Of all the versions of Mr. Darcy that exist, which is the best? Here are rankings of the smoldering, iconic character.

What is the Point of What If…? in the Marvel Universe?

Marvel Comics' What If…? began decades ago as a new way to tell unlikely stories, but how does it serve the Marvel Universe now?

The Bookish Life of Lee Pace

From Romeo and Juliet to Foundation and Guardians of the Galaxy, Lee Pace has led a bookish acting life that only continues to grow.

How Is Existential Dread Depicted In Fiction?

Literature depicting existential dread is not an aesthetic, but a necessity in understanding and coping with the world we live in today.

The Dog Dies in This One: An Essay About the Death of Animals in Fiction

It can be traumatic to read about animal death, so why do we do it? An essay on the role of pet death in fiction and the purpose it serves.

Love, Independence, Punishment, Murder: Summer Camp in YA Fiction

The wide world of summer camp in YA fiction, from Campfire Girls to The Baby-Sitters Club to camps for queer kids and more.

You’re Missing Out As An Adult If You Don’t Read Picture Books

Picture books are works of art that can introduce you to something new, renew your faith in humanity, and relax you. Don't miss out.

The Best Of the Best Of’s: An Exploration of Best Of Anthologies

Thousands of short stories are read each year in order for editors to create Best of anthologies. Here is a look at a few.

Is StoryGraph a Good Alternative to GoodReads?

If you've been using Goodreads for a while but are curious about StoryGraph, here's a great comparison on a few key points.