Books
‘Joyce Carol Oates: Letters to a Biographer’ Review: Understanding The Dark Lady of American Letters
In this epistolary collection, Greg Johnson gives readers a glimpse into Oates's professional life, writing process, and poignant humanity.
Author Profile: Celeste Ng Cares About More Than the Truth
Ng writes her fiction novels wielding a metaphorical crowbar, prying apart stories that initially appear objective to reveal inner nuances.
‘When Among Crows’ Review: Short and Bittersweet
Veronica Roth, the author behind the beloved “Divergent” novels, has breathed new life into Slavic folklore in her latest book, “When Among Crows.”
‘Colorfast’ Review: Simplicity and Beauty in Tandem
In “Colorfast,” poet Rose McLarney takes readers on a unique and nostalgic journey through her upbringing in the Appalachian Mountains.
It’s What’s on the Inside That Counts — Or Is It?
A good cover reflects the time and effort invested by the author and publishing company, and is also the natural option for a book-lover.
‘Empire of the Damned’ Review: A Wickedly Good Time
It’s time to make vampires cool again. “Empire of the Damned” reignites readers’ obsession with all things dark and wicked.
‘The Reservoir’ Review: Literary Eloquence and Emotion, Unmasked
David Duchovny's “The Reservoir” is touching, ironic, and heartbreaking all at once, a startling reminder of just how recent the COVID-19 era was.
Norton Lecture Series: Viet Thanh Nguyen’s ‘On Crossing Borders’
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and professor Viet Thanh Nguyen took the stage for his fourth Norton Lecture, titled “On Crossing Borders.”
‘Mandible Wishbone Solvent’ Review: A Grueling Yet Gratifying Must-Read
Asiya Wadud’s poetry collection “Mandible Wishbone Solvent” is a wonderfully confusing yet revolutionary read, despite its mere 88 pages.
‘Thick With Trouble’ Review: Beauty in the Outskirts of the Ordinary
In her latest collection, Amber McBride spins together a beautiful web of interconnected pieces relating to her identity as a Black woman.
Artist Profile: Seth Dickinson on ‘Exordia,’ Obama, and Lego Bionicles
What do pink noise, the history of Kurdistan, and the Lego Bionicle franchise have in common? They all figure into Seth Dickinson’s sci-fi novel “Exordia.”
Libraries, Used Bookstores, or Fresh off the Presses: Where Should You Buy Your Next Book?
Used bookstores are the most eco-friendly way to buy a book. But why would one want to buy a book in the first place?
‘But Is There Spice?’ TikTok’s Obsession with Literary Pornography
TikTok is changing the way books are written and sold, marked by an increased reliance on sexually explicit content to hook readers.
‘House of Flame and Shadow’ Review: Maas’s Beautiful Mess
“House of Flame and Shadow” by Sarah J. Maas marks the third installment in her “Crescent City” series. It is thrilling and sexy but it is also sort of a mess.
‘Iron Flame’ Review: A Promising Series Falters
“Iron Flame,” the second book in Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series, is unable to find its footing, resulting in a bumpy ride throughout for readers.
Narratives of Love: Books to Read This Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re seeking heartwarming romance, personal reflection, or love poems to the earth, this curated list of recommendations has something for everyone.
Antonia A. Hylton ’15 Visits Harvard Square for Her Inaugural Book Tour
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Antonia A. Hylton ’15 discussed her debut book “Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum” at the Cambridge Public Library.
Ya-Wen Lei Discusses China’s Techno-Developmental State and Consequences for the Working Class
Lei’s latest novel delves into China’s burgeoning techno-developmental regime and the grim consequences it holds for the strained working class.
Harvard Authors Spotlight: Schuyler Bailar On Allyship to the Transgender Community
Schuyler Bailar, an internationally recognized author, educator, and advocate for inclusion and diversity, shared his new book, "He/She/They."
Artist Profile: Tan Twan Eng on Excavating Old Stories and Using Writing to Learn
With the publication of his most recent novel, “The House of Doors,” Malaysian novelist Tan Twan Eng meditates on the goals of historical fiction.
‘Alt-Nature’ Review: Prose Poetry at Full Capacity
In “Alt-Nature,” Saretta Morgan engages with the desert and the waters to meditate on love, violence, injustice, Blackness, and queerness.
Artist Profile: Olivie Blake on the Meaning of Life, Surprising Endings, and Rewriting Canon
Though the Atlas series books are dramatic and funny — featuring improbable magic and sexcapades — they also deal with big questions.
‘Come and Get It’ Review: A Meandering Portrait of Young Adulthood
“Come & Get It” amuses from the first page. Bestselling author Kiley Reid returns with a character-driven commentary on youth, passion, and maturity.
Artist Profile: Brandon Sanderson on Fan Theories, ‘Wind and Truth,’ and Building His Fantasy Empire
Brandon Sanderson is more than just an author: He’s an institution. Audiences are waiting for the fifth installment of his Stormlight Archive series.
Top 10 Books of 2023
The Crimson Arts Board presents its favorite books of 2023, from "The Shards" to "The Chalice of the Gods."