Breaking the Silence: The Impact of Banned Books
Although a recent prolific increase in the number of books being banned in the United States has made the conversation mainstream, book banning, censoring, and altering is nothing new. The…
Hello, You: The Obsession and Consequences of Dark Romance
TW: Domestic Violence “His eyes darkened as his hand gripped me tightly, inching closer to my daddy-issues painted lips. Reading the trauma right from the whips and chains he keeps…
Review: Offtrack by Esha Patel
Offtrack is a new and upcoming contemporary romance by debut author Esha Patel. The novel provides an insight into the terrifying world of F1 racing, its drivers, and the fame…
Review: My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
TW: Mention of eating disorders “Oh, sleep. Nothing else could ever bring me such pleasure, such freedom, the power to feel and move and think and imagine, safe from the…
Book Suggestions by Genre
Horror: Earthlings Written by: Isabella Poderico, Arts Editor TW: Cannibalism, Murder, Physical, Mental, Sexual, and Child Abuse, Suicide, Extreme Graphic Content and Gore. Natsuki believes that she is an alien,…
The Psychological Benefits of Re-reading
Debates surrounding reading are familiar to any bibliophile – from the 21st century dispute of book vs. Kindle, to whether the author should ‘die’ after publication or continue to spout…
Review: My Fourth Time, We Drowned by Sally Hayden
In this unyielding exposé of the UN, EU, and the global multi-billion-dollar smuggling/human trafficking industry, Sally Hayden expertly interweaves her own experiences with those of the hundreds of refugees and…
When the Book Was Better than the Movie
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins Written by: Maisie Knights, Books Editor and Head of Social Media While the newest Hunger Games addition to the franchise isn’t…
Do Judge a Book by its Cover
Don’t judge a book by its cover, as the idiom goes. While I understand the sentiment, it’s actually terrible advice when taken literally. Metaphorically, sure! When it comes to people,…
Book Suggestions by Genre
Classics: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Written by: Lottie Carter, Staff Writer Published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray stands as a classic among Gothic literature…
Political Agenda at the Hugo Awards
While perusing the shelves to find the next best read, one can often find sticker-like emblems on the cover informing the reader something of note about the book. For example,…
The Appeal of Dark Academia
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, searching for inspiration to tackle your studies? If so, you may have stumbled upon the world of dark academia. Picture dimly…
How Not to Fit In: Interview with Charlotte Mia and Jess Joy
Trigger warning: Mentions of mistreatment of autistic person. After meeting at university ten years ago and being each other’s rock for so many years, How Not to Fit In by…
Book Review: An Olive Grove in Ends by Moses McKenzie
Contains spoilers An Olive Grove in Ends is the debut novel by the young – and richly talented – author Moses McKenzie. Coming from Bristol himself, McKenzie paints a vivid…
Are Graphic Novels Considered ‘Proper’ Books?
At some point, we’ve all picked up a graphic novel. From a Marvel comic, a graphic adaptation of The Great Gatsby, or a copy of the One Piece manga –…
Exploring Brighton with Brighton’s Hidden Walks by Ric Morris
As an international student, arriving in Brighton felt like stepping into a whole new world. The bustling streets, the salty sea breeze, and the vibrant energy of the city filled…
How to Get Out of a Reading Slump
After an extended slump in reading, motivation and momentum often begins to slowly dwindle – perhaps with a book that you just can’t finish. You promise yourself that you’ll try…
Into the Osemanverse: An Afternoon with Alice
TW: MENTAL HEALTH, EATING DISORDERS. On 3 February, I was lucky enough to attend An Afternoon with Alice Oseman at Conway Hall in London. The Waterstones exclusive event was held…
Book Review – The Bad Muslim Discount by Syed M Masood
The Bad Muslim Discount is the debut novel from Syed Masood that delves into the lives of two Muslim families that emigrate to California in the 1990s, following them through…
Review: The Best Way to Bury Your Husband by Alexia Casale
TW: Domestic Violence and Abuse For many of us throughout lockdown, COVID-19 was the most dangerous thing on our minds. But for many women across the UK, a bigger threat…