LITERATURE

13 Facts About John Irving’s ‘A Prayer for Owen Meany’

Author John Irving’s book about a boy with a “wrecked voice” who believes he’s an instrument of God is a staple on high school summer reading lists. Here are a few things you might not have known about it.

12 Things You Say Without Realizing You’re Quoting Poetry

If you’ve ever talked about “the birds and the bees” or referenced “the best laid plans of mice and men,” then you’ve inadvertently quoted some of the English language’s most famous poets.

5 of Fiction’s Most Terrible Moms

You’ll be glad these ladies aren’t your mother.

Author Alexandra Ripley (R) poses with 'Scarlett,' her sequel to 'Gone With the Wind.'

‘Gone’ Girl: When ‘Scarlett’ Dared to Continue the Story of ‘Gone With the Wind’

The belated sequel drew scorn from 'Wind' purists, who bellowed that 'Tomorrow is here, and it's just plain awful."

The best way to move books: Get someone else to do it.

Human Conveyor Belt Helps Michigan Bookstore Move Its Entire Inventory Down the Block

A ‘book brigade’ helped a small business relocate millions of words.

8 Things You Might Not Know About Michael Crichton’s ‘Jurassic Park’

How Crichton turned ‘Jurassic Park’ from a manuscript everyone hated into a best-selling book that spawned a multi-billion dollar movie franchise. Plus: 10 key differences between the novel and the film.

How WWII Saved ‘The Great Gatsby From Obscurity

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel was a flop—until it was deployed overseas.

Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in Pride & Prejudice (2005).

Celebrate 20 Years of Joe Wright’s ‘Pride & Prejudice’ at a Regency Ball

Wear your best gown to the Pride & Prejudice 20th Anniversary Ball in Pasadena.

Which is the most popular genre in your state?

The Most Popular Book Genre in Each State, Mapped

Discover which literary genres captivate each state and Washington D.C.

5 of the Most Incredible Hugo Award-Winning Novels Written by Women

Discover some of the most gripping books written by women to receive the coveted Hugo Award, including classics from Ursula K. Le Guin and others.

Isaac Asimov took on a pen name that later led to a reviewer suffering a bit of embarrassment.

When Isaac Asimov Decided to Secretly Write Under the Name Paul French

Sci-fi author Asimov feared embarrassment might come out of one project, so he decided to create an alter ego.

7 Fascinating Facts About Isaac Asimov’s ‘I, Robot’

From what he originally called the fix-up sci-fi collection to the words he invented in its stories, here’s what you need to know about Asimov’s ‘I, Robot,’ which turns 75 this year.

“Snow White” doesn’t always feature a poisoned apple.

5 Fascinating Interpretations of “Snow White”

Scholars believe the tale—which has versions around the world—represents everything from the pain of motherhood to childhood jealousy (and some even think it might be based on real history).

Let the luck of the Irish hit your TBR pile.

11 Essential Books by Irish Authors That Are Worth Reading

This St. Patrick’s Day, revisit literary classics by Irish authors like James Joyce and Roddy Doyle, plus discover a few new writers along the way with this roundup.

9 Fascinating Facts About Flannery O’Connor

The author, who was born 100 years ago on March 25, was really into mayonnaise—and peacocks.

'Psylla frodobagginsi' (left) and Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001).

10 Cool Animals Named After Lord of the Rings Characters

These creatures don't live in Middle-earth—but they sound like they could.

7 Out-of-This-World Facts About Ray Bradbury’s ‘The Martian Chronicles’

The fix-up novel, which turns 75 this year, would become one of Bradbury’s most famous books—and inspire future scientists.

Luigi Galvani, a possible model for Dr. Frankenstein, conducts his famous experiments on frogs.

7 People Who Might Have Inspired Dr. Frankenstein

Who was a model for Mary Shelley’s protagonist? Candidates include a 17th-century alchemist and Charles Darwin’s grandfather.

Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab during the shooting of the 1956 film Moby Dick

George Pollard Jr., Unlucky Captain of the Ship That Inspired ‘Moby-Dick’

When Captain George Pollard Jr.’s ship was rammed by a whale, he had no idea it would help make literary history.

Where did this weather-related idiom come from?

Why Do We Say “Right as Rain”?

Where did this curious expression come from, and what’s so right about rain, anyway?

The names of all three of these folks have gotten the adjective treatment.

11 People Whose Names Became Adjectives

From David Lynch to Queen Elizabeth I, these folks achieved a type of lexical immortality when their names became adjectives.

Why Do We Say That Love Makes People Go “Weak at the Knees”?

In honor of Valentine’s Day, discover the origins of the phrase ‘weak at the knees,’ including its ties to ancient Rome and even astrology.

You never forget your first real heartbreak.

12 of the Most Unforgettable Books About Doomed Romances

The star-crossed lovers captured in these Gothic romance books will give you a new reason to hate Valentine’s Day.

7 Fascinating Facts About Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’

He wrote the book partially in response to European writers like Joseph Conrad, who Achebe said depicted Africa “as ‘the other world,’ the antithesis of Europe and therefore of civilization.”