What’s a blurb, you might ask? Cue the booming announcer voice: “Emotionally moving, socially poignant, and expertly crafted . . . a gem of contemporary literature.” Were you picturing the front or back of a book jacket just now? Good. That’s a blurb: the pithy quote on a book’s jacket that praises it and makes you want to pick it up.
Reading
The Not-So Outlier of Romance Novels
By Jazzminn Morecraft @jazzy_elise
Talking to a new group of classmates in my graduate program, I brought up how I feel that no one seems to read romance novels because no one ever talks about it. The number of individuals who gave an affirmative to reading romance showed that my statement wasn’t true. One individual even commented that more people read romance than you realize. So, this raises the question: with so many people claiming to be fans of romance novels, why aren’t more people talking about them? Why is reading this genre kept so close to the vest while others, like classic literature, are actively discussed?
Middle-grade Fiction—It’s Not Just for Children
By Alex Burns
Middle-grade fiction is a great escape in a world where impending doom seems to be normalized more and more every day.
5 Fantastic Stand-Alone YA Fantasy Reads
By Rebecca Gordon @ree_reads
Fantasy series are great, but sometimes the intermittent, book-induced depression is too much to handle. You watch the days tick by, itching to get your hands on an advanced copy of the sequel and wallowing in sorrow until the next book is finally released. If like me, you are tired of the agony, then I have the perfect book recommendations for you.
Your Holiday Gift Guide: Tips on Giving the Gift of Reading
By Kyndall Tiller
The holidays are just around the corner, and gift-buying slumps are inevitable. Let’s face it—some people are just hard to shop for. They have everything they need, or you simply don’t have ideas on what to get them. This season don’t just pick up a gift card; instead, consider giving the gift of reading.
New Indie Book Releases for Every Kind of Coffee Lover
By Sarah Moffatt
I’m not sure about you, but I’m a huge fan of coffee and a good book. If you’re reading this, you’re probably searching for the perfect new release to go along with that expertly bitter cappuccino or that tantalizing sweet mocha with five pumps of caramel. If you’re tired of your usual read and want to support some wonderful indie publishers, fear not: I’ve compiled a list of four new indie releases for every kind of coffee enthusiast, from the purists to the embellishers.