Keeping track of the books you’ve read, books you want to add to your personal library’s growing collection, and books that you want to read in the future are important tasks for every reader and book hobbyist. GoodReads has long been the go-to platform for all this and more, but there’s now an alternative website…
Classic books carry several contradictory reputations. They exude timelessness and prestige, but are also known for being dense and pretentious. Some find them inspiring or nostalgic. Others think they’re boring and overrated. One thing’s for sure – the unofficial list of classics rarely changes. High school and even university-level English classes tend to recycle the…
Craft books are useful tools to keep on hand. Whether you want to use them as references while writing or revising, or you’re looking for some inspiration from accomplished writers, they’re valuable resources for your writer’s toolbox. Below, I’ve shared my thoughts on my favorite craft books. I’ll keep this list updated and add to…
Studying English comes with facing a lot of assumptions about your career options, how you spend your time, and even your personality. Of course, stereotypes never tell the whole story. But they also don’t come out of nowhere. In this post, I’ll look into some common English major stereotypes, what drives them, and how true…
With literally millions of options available, it’s no wonder book lovers often find themselves unable to decide what to read next. When then back cover of one book closes, you’re faced with the monumental task of wading through potentially thousands of titles to find new reading material. Or, if like many bibliophiles you have a…
When I first starting taking creative writing classes, I was told by multiple professors that I would need to learn to “read like a writer”. I’d been an avid reader my whole life, so it didn’t seem like a particularly difficult goal. However, this somewhat vague directive can be more challenging than it seems. Even…
When I was in my teens, I spent hours in my school library. All through middle school and into high school, I made regular trips to the stacks to source new reading material. Somewhere along the line, I swapped the library for the bookstore, and started buying books instead of borrowing them. While there are…
If you have any interest in books or writing, you may have noticed a divide between what’s known as “literary fiction” and books that are considered “commercial fiction”. You likely have a vague idea of the distinction between these two categories. (Hint: To Kill a Mockingbird is literary, Harry Potter is commercial.) However, especially when…
Writers and other avid readers have a tendency to accumulate large quantities of books in their personal collections. Instagram and YouTube feature “shelfies” and “shelf tours” from bibliophiles who’ve packed their bookcases with hundreds of volumes, some of which have gone unread for years. Choosing to declutter your books may feel like it goes against…
When December rolls around and the hunt for holiday gifts begins, it can be difficult to come up with unique presents your friends and family members will appreciate. If you’re seeking ideas for what to get the writer or book-lover in your life, you’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find ten holiday gifts…