Riot Headline Book Riot’s 2024 Read Harder Challenge

#Essays

Why Are So Many M/M Romances Written by Cis Women?

A lot of M/M romances are written by women - but why? A romance reader tries to unpack this interesting (and complicated) phenomenon.

In Appreciation Of The “Notes” Section In Poetry Collections

For me, the Notes section of a poetry collection has been an independent study in poetry, one of the many readerly joys of my bookish days.

Good Rep, Bad Rep, & Other Vague Phrases I Could Do Without

"Representation" isn't just a box we can tick off, and phrases like "good rep" and "bad rep" can so easily flatten and simplify.

The Books I’ve Reread on Audio (And Why You Should Reread Them, Too)

On finding joy in rereading books on audio and a selection of titles worth revisiting in the format.

The Guilt of Rereading and a Hopeful Solution

Do you want to reread books more, but feel guilty about neglecting your TBR? This trick might help you revisit your favorites guilt-free.

If You Really Want to Hear about It: My Reaction to Rereading THE CATCHER IN THE RYE As an Adult

For those who loved The Catcher in the Rye as teens, how does the book hold up to an adult rereading? One writer explores.

The Neglected Tale of the Tougaloo Nine and their 1961 Read-In

In 1960s Mississippi, nine Black students put their lives on the line to fight for equal access to public libraries.

Why Horror Books Just Aren’t That Scary

I read WAY more horror books than I watch movies. Unlike movies or even TV shows, I’ve never been really scared by a book.

Renaming “Reluctant Readers”

Is it time to reconsider the label "reluctant reader?" And if so, what would a better label for these readers be?

Don’t Flip That Cover: Why I Don’t Read the Book Description

That description on the back cover or dust jacket is wasted on me. I'd rather jump into a story headfirst, with no spoilers or expectations.