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Mara Franzen

Mara (They/Them) has accidentally on purpose made their entire life about books and stories. Mara graduated with a B.A in creative writing and theatre and is halfway through an MFA in Creative writing. In addition to writing for Book Riot, Mara also has written for The Independent Book Review, Wargamer, and The Other Half, to name a few. They also work as a fiction editor with The Minison Project. Nearly all of their published articles can be found here.

Where to Find Free Audiobooks

Save your money and keep up with your TBR list — we've got tips and recommendations to help you find free audiobooks on these apps.

Book Buying on a Budget

If you're looking for ways to save and still get the most bang out of your bookish buck, check out these tips for buying books on a budget.

16 Nonfiction Books You May Have Missed Because of the Pandemic

Catching up on releases from the top of the pandemic? We've got some nonfiction books to add to that stack, including Black Widow by Leslie Gray Streeter.

20 Must-Read Novels You May Have Missed Because of the Pandemic

Catching up on books that were released at the height of the pandemic? We've got your must-read spring 2020 novels, including It’s Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillion.

17 Of The Best Cottagecore Books

Are you CottageCore curious? Here's an intro to the aesthetic and a reading list to help you master the lifestyle, including The Little Book of CottageCore by Emily Kent.

13 Great Swashbuckling Fantasy Reads

With daring adventures, magic, and yes, also sword-fighting, these books are page-turners you need to add to your fantasy TBR.

How to Organize Your Bookshelves to Fit Your Living Space

We've got some tips, tricks, and encouragement to help you organize your bookshelves to fit your space, preferences, and style.

The Power of the Reread

One reader shares thoughts on making time for the joy of rereading old favorites—and the guilt of passing over unread books.

15 Graphic Novels for the Middle Grade Reader on Your Holiday Shopping List

These middle grade graphic novels like Svetlana Chmakova's Awkward would make excellent gifts -- and, of course, they make for excellent reading.

6 Strategies for Recommending Books to Friends So They’ll Actually Read Them

So you've found a book that you just know your friend will love. Here's how to recommend that book so your friend will actually read it.