In an era where things continue to be heavy, sometimes it is those small moments that can bring cheer. For word lovers, that delightful play of language, imagery, and humor present in puns may just do the trick. A couple of years ago, I pulled together a fun roundup of punny enamel pins. Now, let’s take a look at some punny mugs, perfect for sipping your tea, coffee, or other beverages of choice....
Short stories are a relatively recent discovery for me, having only started consciously picking up collections here and there some years back. And spoiler alert: they’re kinda the best! As much as I once loved the feeling of getting swept up and finding my whole life revolving around the expansive stories of novels and series, I’ve begun to find the short form increasingly appealing and wonderful. I marvel at the ability of short story writers to transport me to new places, make me feel things, and ask me huge questions of life and humanity, all in such a short span....
It’s no surprise that books can mimic what it’s like to listen to a podcast, and that’s the focus of this list of twelve books that are similar to podcasts. These books for podcast listeners each translate podcast styles, formats, and focuses into engrossing stories. Both nonfiction and fiction alike, the books in this list are engaging narratives that read like podcasts. Across six categories, these books represent a variety of podcast formats and styles, from twisty thrillers to oral histories to true crime and everything in between....
In many ways, the wellness retreat thriller isn’t all that different from any other suspense novel. You get a group of people who don’t know each other — at least, not as well as they should — and put them in a seemingly idyllic setting that’s really a house of horrors. It’s the same premise as And Then There Were None or Enter the Dragon — just with more sunshine and massages....
You might also like these 8 cozy middle grade ghost stories, some of the scariest middle grade books, 50 must-read scary books for kids, and kid-friendly Halloween comics. Ghost Squad is a ghostly adventure full of heart. It’s the perfect pick for kids this Halloween. Adorably creepy illustrations compliment this fun story about finding unusual new friends and belonging at camp. This hair-raising adventure is sure to keep you reading way past your bedtime—but may be a little too spooky for younger readers....
Why Book Care Packages? I would prefer to gather in person for the holidays with my family, but I’m pragmatic enough to know that it likely will not happen. I’m a person who loves to see the expression on someone’s face when they open their gift from me, so this will be a bittersweet pill to take. I take comfort in knowing that any gift is still appreciated even if it’s not handed off in person....
The best part, after the fact that they’re stickers featuring the library? Most of them are super affordable for that perfect little self-gifting treat. Or, buy a few and surprise your favorite people with some swag, library-style. Rad Library Stickers Start short, sweet, and with punch: support public libraries. $3.50. Maybe your perfect library comes in the form of a Little Free Library. Celebrate that with this sticker set. $6....
Confession time – I love the field mice. And I really love this sweet mounted print of them singing. Here we have a beautifully detailed print of the field mice singing. This set of six notecards shows the field mice singing. I love that this set also includes a quote from The Wind in the Willows. Here we have a set of carved figurines – one each of Beaver, Toad, Rat, Mole and Otter – and a carved boat as well....
Finding a spooky autumn book to read can be a real challenge. Do you go for dark academia or gothic haunting? Blood-curdling horror or a thriller that will chill you to the bone? A release from a new-to-you author or a book from one of the masters of horror? Any of these can make for great atmospheric books for your fall TBR, but there are only so many reading hours in a day…and those days are getting shorter by the minute....
Unfortunately, it can be a little difficult to find these stories written by and featuring trans people. Sci-fi and fantasy have, historically, been a bit of a boy’s club. That’s in the process of changing, but that doesn’t mean that a spotlight is suddenly being shone on these works. But they’re there, and definitely worth reading, and luckily for you I’ve created an entire list of books for you to peruse, categorized between adult and young adult (because the trans identity is not adults-only) and between fantasy and science fiction, although the separation between the two of those tends to be more of an unlocked gate than a wall....
Many of the ideas I’ve come up with probably already exist somewhere in the world. They may not be near you, however, and I hope at least one of these will perk up your interest and compel you to start a book club of your own. If you do, let us know—shoot us a tweet at @BookRiot and tell us how it went! 19 Unique and Totally Awesome Themed Book Club Ideas Coming Soon to a Theater Near You It may be a little obvious for the first on a list of book club ideas, but: Read books that are soon to be on the big screen with this theme....
1. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo Have you dreamt of “becoming the creative force in your own life”? Then Marie Forleo’s advice is just for you. Rather than offering a series of quick fixes for all of your problems, Forleo provides the steps necessary to retrain your brain. After all, personal development isn’t just about acting differently; it’s about thinking differently. This book will help you learn to think more positively and creatively, and by the end of it you too will believe that “everything is figureoutable....
This award was created in part due to last year’s cancellation of the RITAs, an awards group given by the Romance Writers of America, and the repeated criticism of this award for racial discrimination and exclusion. This year, when the pandemic began, Leah and Bea Koch considered postponing or cancelling this year’s awards. But with the help of their committed judges, they moved forward. “There was so much to deal with this year and for this group of people to stay committed to this process and continue to put the time and energy in, that’s something we’re so grateful for,” Bea Koch said....
With a mixture of books from middle grade, young adult, and adult categories, I searched through reviews to make sure these were all considered appropriate for 13- and 14-year-old readers. Many are also suggestions I’ve gotten from 8th grade students where I teach. Without further stalling, here are 25 books for all kinds of 8th grade readers. Best New Books for 8th Graders When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk Cleo and Layla used to be best friends....
Should you need even more ideas after weaving in the ends of each of these patterns, do check out our previous list of 19 amazing crochet bookmark ideas. Let your imagination—and your fingers—roam free! Rat Bookmark Lo, these many long years have you been searching for the ideal gift for the roadkill enthusiast/avid reader in your life. I am proud to bring your journey to a conclusion with the flat rat from Supergurumi....
There are a lot of wonderful classics on the list, so I included many of those below, as well as a bunch of contemporary fiction options, and finally some short stories and essays from popular authors. Take a look at what I’ve found, and happy listening! Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë The 1847 British novel about an orphan and later governess for Mr. Rochester. This is the story of their relationship and her search for happiness and independence....
She is also a phenomenal audiobook narrator, which you know if you’ve listened to Nnedi Okorafor’s Akata Witch. The actress has voiced interest in playing one of the more famous X-People via social media, which started my fan casting wheels spinning on comic roles for Badaki. Here are my top choices. Storm This is the role Badaki has said she’d love to play and her timing is perfect; with the acquisition of both Marvel and Fox by Disney, an X-Reboot is very likely on the horizon....
Book Riot is teaming up with Open Book for a chance to win a 1-year subscription to Book of the Month. Here’s a little more about Open Book: Get to know the writers of your favorite books! Open Book is a monthly newsletter that features powerful authors discussing their lives and their work. We ask authors about their writing, process, inspiration, and interests to get to know them on a more intimate level....
The boys of Kings Row are off to training camp in Europe! Surrounded impressive scenery and even more impressive European fencing teams, underdog Nicholas can’t help but feel out of place. With the help of a local legend, though, he and the rest of the team finds it within themselves to face superior fencers, ex-boyfriends, and even Nicholas’s secret half-brother, the infamous Jesse Coste. Will Aiden and Harvard end up together, though?...
Book Riot is teaming up with Macmillan eDeals to giveaway one Kindle Paperwhite. Enter the form and sign-up for the Macmillan eDeals newsletter for a chance to win! Here’s a little more about the Macmillan eDeals newsletter: Be the first to hear about our down-priced eBooks across a variety of genres from your favorite authors, starting at $2.99! Want more 3 on a YA Theme? We’ve got you covered.
