

Literature

4 Unsettling Theories About Edgar Allan Poe’s Death That Experts Still Can’t Explain
The bizarre events leading up to Edgar Allan Poe’s death continue to spark debate and speculation.
The Tragic Real-Life Inspiration Behind ‘Interview with the Vampire’
The beloved classic emerged from a devastating real-life tragedy in Anne Rice's life.
4 Books That Wouldn’t Exist Without 'Interview With the Vampire'
Anne Rice's classic novel helped shape the brooding, romantic vampires of 'Twilight' and many other contemporary vampire stories.Books

Quiz: Which 'Harry Potter' Character Are You?
Find out if you're more of a loyal Gryffindor companion, a Dumbledore-like leader, or a Slytherin strategist who excels behind the scenes.
5 Classic Novels That Almost Had Completely Different Endings
These classic novels could have ended very differently if the authors had gone with their previous versions.
6 Female Writers Who Shaped Science Fiction—From Classic to Modern
Celebrate Women’s History Month by adding these influential sci-fi authors to your TBR, from Mary Shelley to Suzanne Collins and more.
10 Trending Literary Destinations for a 'Readaway' Vacation in 2026
Step into your favorite books with these 10 literary travel destinations for 2026, from England’s moors to Paris, Scotland, and beyond.
Quiz: Who Said It—Gandalf or Dumbledore?
Gandalf and Dumbledore both have a lot of words of wisdom for their heroic mentees—but can you tell their quotes apart?
How "Madwoman" Became a Literary Trope
From Euripides' Medea and Charlotte Brontë's "madwoman in the attic" to more modern reclamations, portrayals of madwomen in literature have come a long way.
5 Gorgeous Destinations That Feel Like They’re From a Tolkien Novel
These stunning real-world locations—from New Zealand to the Swiss Alps—look like they were pulled straight from Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
11 Famous Novels Written by Women That Were Banned
From 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood to 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, these books are frequently the subject of bans and controversy.Authors

13 Authors Whose Pen Names Might Surprise You
From Stephen King and Agatha Christie to Freida McFadden and Anne Rice, these authors all used different names for one reason or another.
8 Unforgettable Lines Timeless Authors Wrote About March
The beauty and unpredictability of March has inspired some of the most memorable lines in literature.
Quiz: Can You Match These Female Characters To Their Authors?
Test your knowledge of literature and its most famous heroines with this quiz.Libraries

6 Unusual Libraries That Aren’t Home to Books
These locations across the globe deliver unique experiences, from the Human Library to the Sourdough Library and more.Poetry

12 Things You Say Without Realizing You’re Quoting Poetry
If you’ve ever talked about “the birds and the bees” or referenced “the best laid plans of mice and men,” then you’ve inadvertently quoted some of the English language’s most famous poets.
The Most Popular Book Genre in Each State, Mapped
Discover which literary genres captivate each state and Washington D.C.
Why Do We Say “Right as Rain”?
Where did this curious expression come from, and what’s so right about rain, anyway?
A Brief History of “Auld Lang Syne”
On New Year’s Eve, after the ball has dropped, revelers queue up “Auld Lang Syne”—that song that makes you cry, even though you don’t understand it and know almost none of the words.Recommended Reading

10 Classic Scary Stories to Read for Christmas (That Aren’t ‘A Christmas Carol’)
Add these 10 to your TBR in time for the holiday season.
Science Fiction or Silicon Valley? 7 Books That Foresaw Our Digital Lives
These books eerily predicted technological advancements of today, including ‘Snow Crash,’ ‘Player Piano,’ and more.
8 Utopian Fiction Novels to Get You Through These Dystopian Times
If you fancy a break from corrupt politicians and dark futures, consider diving into one of these books.
7 Lesser-Known Novels by Iconic Horror Writers
Add these books to your TBR this spooky season.Reading

Why You Should Be Extra-Illustrating Your Books
If you’re crafty and love learning, this all-but-forgotten old-timey hobby may be for you.
How to Keep a Commonplace Book: The Renaissance-Era Practice That’s Making a Comeback
Use it to write down quotes, facts, jokes, and any other random snippets you accumulate.
The Reason Reading Makes You Sleepy
If you’re trying to teach yourself how to fall asleep faster, reading before bed is a good habit to pick up—here’s why.Nursery Rhymes

The Scandalous Story Behind "Lucy Locket"
The nursery rhyme "Lucy Locket" might be tied to an 18th-century love triangle. Learn the scandalous history behind the famous children’s verse.







