#Essays

It’s Time to Stop Being Surprised That Comics Are Jewish

Jewishness in comics is continually presented as a shocking fact no one knows. It's time to stop being surprised that comics are Jewish.

I Read Nick Offerman’s Favorite Books and Now I Love Him Even More

One reader picked up Nick Offerman's favorite books and was not left disappointed.

Why Should Children Read Dark Books?

Reading dark and scary books can help children develop the coping skills they'll need when scary situations arise in their lives.

Should Horror Protagonists Be Genre Savvy?

Genre-savvy protagonists in horror fiction wield their knowledge of tropes like a weapon. Is that a good or a bad thing?

Why Do So Many Kids Read V.C. Andrews?

V.C. Andrews' controversial 40-year-old books can still hold young readers in their thrall. Let's have a look at why her work endures.

The Bloody Joy of Horror Literary Magazines

From classics to new and inventive publications, delight in the discovery of dark fiction with these horror literary magazines.

A Brief History of Vampires & Werewolves in Ireland & the United Kingdom (and Some of Europe)

Let's talk blood-suckers and shape-shifters! A brief history of vampires and werewolves in mythology and literature from Ireland and the UK.

Who the Heck is Elsie Dinsmore? and Why You Should Care About Who Reads Her Books

Let's talk about the abuse, racism, and other disturbing content in Martha Finley's Elsie Dinsmore children's book series.

Shel Silverstein, Country Songwriting Legend

"A Boy Named Sue," among other country music legendary songs, were written by beloved children's author Shel Silverstein.

How to Read Less: Some Terrible Ideas

Have you examined your life and discovered that you simply spend too much time reading? Here are some (terrible) ideas to read less.