Mental Floss

BOOKS

Find out more about 'The Road,' author Cormac McCarthy's haunting look at a post-apocalyptic world thrown into chaos, from what he wrote the book on to how Oprah contributed to its success.

Jason Serafino








The cover of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.'

Do you know the meaning behind Harry Potter spells like Expelliarmus and Wingardium Leviosa? How about where Dumbledore’s name comes from, or the debated etymology of horcrux?

Meredith Danko








While you may be familiar with her creative take on household chores, here are a few things you may not know about Amelia Bedelia.

Ali Parr

From a diabolical Bible to a mournful Japanese war poem, here are eight texts that have been blamed for madness, misfortune, and death.

April Snellings




We've compiled 24 books from a range of genres that deserve a spot on your to-read list.

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




The Philip K. Dick android.

Learn more about the fascinating mind behind 'Blade Runner,' 'Minority Report,' and so many other standouts of the sci-fi genre.

Katie Dancey-Downs

When The Price of Salt was first published, it gave LGBTQ+ readers something they had never encountered before: a novel that didn’t punish its main characters for being gay and allowed them at least the possibility of a Happily Ever After.

April Snellings