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Though post-apocalyptic literature is experiencing a recent boom, the genre is anything but new. From a 19th-century tale of catastrophe to a modern-day classic made into a film, these are books you’ll want to add to your reading list.

This St. Patrick’s Day, revisit literary classics by Irish authors like James Joyce and Roddy Doyle, plus discover a few new writers along the way with this roundup.
Chris Wheatley|
Discover some of the most gripping books written by women to receive the coveted Hugo Award, including classics from Ursula K. Le Guin and others.
Chris Wheatley|
If a plane ticket and hotel stay are out of your budget, a paperback book (or a loaner from the library) can help transport you to far-flung, sun soaked climes.
Faye Keegan|
Casey Sherman’s latest book, ‘A Murder in Hollywood,’ covers a sensational crime involving actress Lana Turner and the mob. The author discusses the book alongside some of his favorite recent reads.
Erin McCarthy|
From sci-fi and horror to heartfelt memoirs and enthralling non-fiction, the Mental Floss Summer 2022 Reading List has something for everyone.
mentalfloss .com, Rachelle Saint-Louis|
Ahead of the release of 'The Fervor,' Alma Katsu's supernatural reimaging of Japanese internment, here are her favorite historical horror novels
Michele Debczak|
Whether you’re shopping for a history buff, curator of weird anecdotes, or a fan of fiction, we’ve got plenty of books for your holiday gift list.
mentalfloss .com|
‘The Devil in the White City’ author Erik Larson loves to be spooked—here are some scary stories that do just that.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Author Grady Hendrix shared six of his favorite atmospheric horror novels that any fan of the genre should pick up this Halloween season.
April Snellings|
Today’s best Western books don’t revolve around John Wayne wannabes and other Old West tropes. ‘Outlawed’ author Anna North recommends her favorites.
Ellen Gutoskey|
‘Saturday Night Live’ alum and ‘An American Pickle’ screenwriter Simon Rich shares which books he considers comedic genius.
Ellen Gutoskey|

More From the Literature Section

Each book was adapted (however loosely) into one of films listed below it. But which one?
Ellen Gutoskey|
How well do you know the macabre motifs of Halloween’s favorite writer? Try matching the Edgar Allan Poe quote to the spooky short story.
Kat Long|
It seems like virtually everything Stephen King has ever written has made it to the screen. As these seven books prove, that's not quite true.
Jake Rossen|
From ‘Physician Slumber’ to ‘The Foreigner,’ these terms are technically synonyms of Stephen King titles. How many can you get right?
Ellen Gutoskey|
Use it to write down quotes, facts, jokes, and any other random snippets you accumulate.
Marla Mackoul|
Countless authors have used bitter rivalries and petty squabbles as inspiration for some of their greatest works. Here’s proof that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.
Colin Scanlon|
A deep dive into the origins and meaning of the classic nursery rhyme “Little Miss Muffet.”
Ellen Gutoskey|
From ‘A Goodbye to Weapons’ to ‘Blustery Elevations,’ these terms are technically synonyms of famous book titles. How many can you get right?
Ellen Gutoskey|
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