Short stories are a unique medium within fiction. They require specific skills to plot and structure, and they have the power to leave a special impact on the reader. Often, nothing stays with us as well as a powerful short story. For this reason, it’s important to highlight and celebrate the best and most essential …
There is something special about a short book. It is humble in its smallness; the author seems to say “this is the extent of my idea, and I hope you enjoy it anyway.” The short book is also a challenging medium, as there is no room for filler or fluff, and each word must be …
Now is a great time to dig into some spooky reads, from classic horror novels to modern thrillers, paranormal stories to twisted murder mysteries. These novels from Canada, Korea, UK, Japan, Argentina, and more present narratives that are unnerving, unsettling, and weird, bordering on outright horrifying. The Most Unsettling Books from Around the World From …
So much of our experience with a novel relies on its narrator and its protagonist. When we read, we both apply our understanding of the world to the novel, and seek to put that aside to look through the narrator’s eyes. Most protagonists and narrators feel trustworthy, pleasant, and kind; even if that protagonist has …
Parenthood, however it may look, is a shared experience worldwide. Yet, the reality of caring for a child is so often romanticised, and ultimately the emotions, stresses, and hardships of the parent are brushed aside. Motherhood in particular is often painted in rosy hues and presented as a gift, never as a sacrifice. From Japan …