Riot Headline Book Riot’s 2025 Read Harder Challenge

Nicole Mulhausen

After a childhood spent traveling around the country, Nicole Mulhausen landed in the maritime Pacific Northwest for college; finding it to be God’s Country, she never left. By day (and night) she manages a performance venue at a small liberal arts college, where she regularly rubs elbows with talented writers and musicians. Alongside the chickens, Artemis and Athena, she holds the fort at home while her two dashing sons galavant around the planet, flying airplanes in Montana and deep sea diving in Southeast Asia. With a nest now empty (aside from the chickens), she has more time to follow her sons' lead, exploring hitherto unknown wonders — like reading the works of authors-not-yet-dead. Twitter: @nicolemulhausen

Five Reasons You Should Try Bookish Thrifting

Several years ago, after a lovely day poking around the sweet little town of Port Townsend, I suggested a stop ...

The Case For Reading Other Books By Authors You Were Assigned in School

Books by Melville, Steinbeck, Thomas Hardy, and more authors you were assigned in school that you should pick up this summer.

How Three Surprises in One Bookshop Saved My Vacation

All about what happened when a reader recuperating from a literary pilgrimage along Hadrian’s Wall experienced magic in a Hexham bookshop.

How I Survived My Book-Buying Hiatus

Are you on, or having you ever been on, a book-buying hiatus? It can be rough sledding, but here's how one reader survived.

Jimmy Kimmel, No: Shaming People Who Aren’t Bookish Isn’t Cool

Jimmy Kimmel's short about people on the street not being able to name a book isn't funny. Whoops!

How My Bookish Habits Nearly Killed Me. Literally.

If you're on the way to the Emergency Room, don't stop for books.

How I Learned the Secret to a Successful Literary Pilgrimage

Discovering the secret to a successful literary pilgrimage.

Be the Reading App Kids Want this Holiday Season

Overwhelmed by reading apps for kids and just want to skip them entirely? Do it.

What I Learned about Gender in The Guardian Weekly Book Reviews

Et tu, Guardian Weekly book reviews?

I Made This Fatal Bookshop Mistake So You Don’t Have To

Eavesdropping in the bookstore is a crime that doesn't pay, folks.