Culture

From books that make us nostalgic to stories every bibliophile can relate to, we celebrate books and their lasting impact on our lives.

Reading Quotes All Book Lovers Can Relate To

These quotes just about sum up our feelings on every book we've ever read.

Re-Reading John Steinbeck's The Harvest Gypsies During COVID-19

Steinbeck showed that migrant farmworkers were "citizens of the highest type."

Alice Hoffman Discusses Her New Book Club

Read an interview with the bestselling author.

The Best First Lines of Books: Chosen by Early Bird Books Followers!

We asked our Early Bird Books followers to tell us their favorite first lines.

The 20 Most Hated Characters in Books

They're not bad—they're just written that way.

Read an Excerpt From Overcoming Hate Through Dialogue

Find out what happened when a Muslim politician decided to have coffee with the people who sent her hate mail.

What Are President Joe Biden's Favorite Books?

A quest to figure out which books are on the president’s nightstand.

Remembering Cloris Leachman, 1926-2021

Read an excerpt from Cloris Leachman's 2009 autobiography.

6 Fascinating Facts About Alice Walker

Learn more about the woman behind influential pieces of literature such as The Color Purple.

Read an Excerpt from The Genius of Impeachment

John Nichols explains why impeachment is an essential American institution.

7 Book Christmas Ornaments We'd Hang Up Anywhere

There's always room for one more ornament.

How Many Books Can a Kindle Hold?

Can you really carry a library in your pocket?

Anton Chekhov: The Master of the Short Story

A look at the life and works of a literary innovator.

An Interview with Award-Winning Author Ben Okri

The Nigerian author is known for his own brand of magical realism.

How Long Is a Short Story vs a Novella?

“Brevity is the soul of wit.” —William Shakespeare

How Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Came to Life

A “Modern Prometheus” that left a timeless mark.

Fictional Places From Books We Wish We Could Visit

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King