Riot Headline Book Riot’s 2025 Read Harder Challenge

Casey Stepaniuk

Known in some internet circles as Casey the Canadian Lesbrarian, Casey Stepaniuk is a writer and librarian who holds an MA in English literature and an MLIS. Topics and activities dear to her heart include cats, bisexuality, libraries, queer (Canadian) literature, and drinking tea. She runs the website Casey the Canadian Lesbrarian, where you can find reviews of LGBTQ+ Canadian books. She also writes a monthly column on Autostraddle recommending queer books called Ask Your Friendly Neighbourhood Lesbrarian. Find her on Twitter: @canlesbrarian, Litsy: CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian, Goodreads: CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian, and Facebook: Casey the Canadian Lesbrarian.

Where’s the Sex in Literary Realist Fiction?

One reader, inspired by Karen Connelly’s new novel THE CHANGE ROOM, investigates why there isn’t more explicit, detailed sex in literary realist fiction.

6 Classic and Contemporary Jane Austen Readalikes by Authors of Color

Looking for Jane Austen readalikes? Check out these classic and contemporary books similar to hers, all by authors of color!

The 4 Best Harry Potter Podcasts

If you still can't get enough of Harry Potter even 20 years after the first book's publication, here are the best Harry Potter podcasts to keep you going.

5 Science Fiction and Fantasy Women of Color Authors to Read After Octavia Butler

Already devoured all of Octavia Butler's work? Here are five more women of color authors who write mind-blowing science fiction and fantasy.

20 Beautiful, Insightful Quotations about Love and Stories from ABANDON ME By Melissa Febos

Melissa Febos's new memoir Abandon Me is full of beautiful quotations about love and stories in all their forms. Here are twenty of them.

100 Must-Read LGBTQIA YA Books

A list of LGBTQIA YA books you must read, spanning the queer and trans rainbow as well as featuring plenty of different genres and diverse characters!

14 More LGBTQ Middle Grade Books

Here's our second list of LGBTQ middle grade books, featuring the first middle grade books about a bisexual character and a trans boy!

15 New And Upcoming Middle Grade Books Featuring Kids Of Color

A diverse list of new and upcoming middle grade books for readers age 8-12 with kids of color as the main characters!

10 Stories about the Library Restoring My Faith in Humanity

Ten super short stories about the lovely kids and adults I've helped while working at a public library that will warm your heart.

5 Science Fiction and Fantasy Books Recommended by N.K. Jemisin

Are you waiting for the third book in N. K. Jemisin's Broken Earth series? Read these science fiction and fantasy books she endorses in the meantime!