This is a big question with so many perspectives and asterisks involved. It surely depends on the genre, the themes, the tone, and writer’s intentions, and even more besides. As a professional book critic and ex high school English teacher, it’s my opinion that books are, in general, unjustifiably long. But there is a lot to go into here, so let’s break it down. I came to this opinion after spending months reviewing fresh, new books that all suffered from needless padding; fat that could have been cut. These were all fiction, from a variety of genres, and no matter their themes, settings, or p ..read more

Los Angeles crackles with an energy that’s both intoxicating and overwhelming. It’s a land of dreams, noirish undercurrents, reinvention, and relentless ambition. Countless incredible books capture aspects of this dynamic city, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the absolute best. Must-Read Books Set in Los Angeles Whether you’re a local, planning to visit LA, or enjoy a good book, these stories will immerse you in the City of Angels, taking you from the glittering lights of Hollywood to the gritty underbelly of its streets: 1. Milk Fed by Melissa Broder Named the Best Book of the Year and ..read more

For people who love books and wish they read more, or for those who don’t read but always wish they did, two questions are often asked: “How do I read more books?” and “How do I read faster?” We will answer both of these questions, and also address a common issue: ADHD. Speaking personally, I am a book critic with ADHD whose job is to read and review books. In order to tame my ADHD and read around fifteen books per month, I’ve developed a few strategies which I will also pass on to you. Before we get to that, however, there is one thing I’d like to make crystal clear: It is okay to not read q ..read more

There are movie adaptations of books that we love, ones that actually outshine their source material; and there are movies made from books we didn’t even know existed, movies that many of us think are original works. Loved the movies? Now read the books! Here, we’ll cover the books that you may or may not know exist, and you absolutely must read. As well as the ones you probably know about but never read because their film adaptations are such beloved classics (but you should still read the novels). 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke This one has a weird history. Stanley Kubrick’s 196 ..read more

If you’re looking for the best romantasy books filled with magic, action, and love, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re sharing must-read books from the romantasy genre, including spicy romance books, tales of adventure and intrigue, and so much more. What is romantasy genre vs. fantasy with romance? The difference between romantasy (or romantic fantasy) and fantasy with romance comes down to how prevalent the romance in the story actually is. Romantasy books have fantastical plots enriched with a heavy dose of romance, while fantasy with romantic elements uses that romance as a ..read more

Young Adult fiction is an inherently difficult thing to categorise. While on paper it simply means literature suitable for teens and young adults or fiction written specifically for teenagers and young adults, YA has steadily become a genre and style in and of itself. So often, YA authors are the ones pushing the boundaries of fiction, blending genres, tackling the deepest and darkest themes, celebrating queerness, and so much more. YA fiction is broad and beautiful; it implies a bright future for the world of literature, and we love that. So, with all that in mind, here is a diverse selectio ..read more

Novellas provide a uniquely special kind of reading experience, and require their own kind of skill to craft. Shorter than a novel, but still often expected to carry the same narrative heft, and longer than a short story, novellas are exciting in their uniqueness. They can be re-read more easily and therefore provide more thematic satisfaction for the reader. As for defining a novella, that depends on who you ask. Typically, a novella is any piece of fiction that’s shorter than 200 pages (though some argue for 150 pages), but not so brief as to be considered a short story. Here, we’re going o ..read more

Challenge yourself, enjoy yourself with others, and spend time offline playing some of the best word board games.  In this article, we’re sharing our favourite games. Whether you’re looking for games like Scrabble or want to change it up with new options like League of Lexicon, we have something for everyone. This list has quick, kid-friendly games and challenging ones, too. Read more: 10 Narrative Video Games for Book Lovers What are the best word board games? From word tile games to quirky board games, check out the best word games for adults and children. We have fun options for langu ..read more

What it means to identify as queer differs by person, it’s an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, amongst many others. Queer graphic novels are a diverse and growing genre that reflects the diversity of the queer community, they’re full of the real lived experiences of those in the community and fantasy worlds that centre queer love and lives. In this article, we have attempted to represent a broad scope of queer writers and stories. You’ll find a lesbian memoir, a gay rom ..read more

South Korea is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. In recent decades, it has also become a major economic and technological power. As a result, there is a growing interest in South Korea from people all over the world. South Korean literature is among the most beloved in the world, and immersing yourself in some fantastic Korean books is sure to enrich your travel experience. South Korea is one of the most popular countries to visit, move to, and work in right now. A lot of that is down to K-pop and K-dramas, but there is such an amazing wealth of beautiful literature and a ..read more