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 …
European Literature
The genres of fantasy and science fiction literature have often been associated with male authors (with notable exceptions like Ursula Le Guin and Octavia Butler). That trend, however, has shifted in recent years, with many of the most celebrated and award-winning sci-fi authors being women and non-binary writers. So, let’s explore some of the very …
When we hear tales of myths and folklore, we often think of Norse and Greek mythology. But British folklore, legends, and myth are nothing short of enchanting. In our list of British books, you’ll discover folktales, meet mystical creatures, learn British songs, and more. Take a journey through wooded forests, mystical places, and beautiful countrysides. …
Scottish literature is some of the best in the world, and it’s shaped many incredible writers. If you like reading dark, interesting, and thrilling literature, you’ll love these Scottish books. Whether you’re looking to get inspired, spend a few hours on the edge of your seat, or catch a glimpse of another time, you’re sure …
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 …
Books about witches take many different forms. Some are horror novels; others are historical accounts. Some are charming children’s stories; others are strange and disturbing mysteries. Setting witches at the heart of a novel, a comic book, or a nonfiction book can mean many different things and can cover many different genres, settings, and styles. …
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 …
For more than a decade now, mythology has had a colossal resurgence in popular culture. From the God of War video games to Thor: Ragnarok, kids and adults around the world are devouring every movie, TV show, and video game based in mythology. But, for those of us wanting to dig a little deeper, there …
Dystopian novels are seeing a massive resurgence in popularity right now, due to the state of the political world we find ourselves living in. Novels written in the World War 2 era and during the Cold War have found relevance now more than ever before. We’re all digging out our old copies of Nineteen Eighty-Four …
French literature is widely regarded as some of the best ever written. Classic French authors like Proust, Camus, Victor Hugo, and Simone de Beauvoir represent the height of literature, politics, and philosophy. Classic French books are almost inexhaustible. Jules Verne, Voltaire, Colette, Sartre, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. There is almost no end to the list of …