in honour of the Backrooms film being released this month, I’m looking for books with that weird, creepy, liminal space vibe. pretty much like Severance on Apple tv! or even Pan’s Labrinyth? something along the lines of characters finding a world that shouldn’t exist, that defies the logic of the normal world, becoming trapped, and it’s either empty or has monsters. i’m not fussed by either! if there aren’t any books exactly like this, then something close would be appreciated too. i love horror as a genre but i’m still quite new to it, other than classics like The Exorcist. 👻

Hi all!

I’ve been thinking about the kind of books I like and what I tend to rate 5 stars, and the themes (or I suppose maybe tropes is a better word?) that seem to come up surprisingly often in the books I love. I’ve noticed some of them are very specific, and wondered if anyone else has very specific things you enjoy reading about in books.

My top specific topics are:

• Books about Tea
• Creepy Sentient Forests
• Female Rage or Revenge in a fantasy/academic setting
• Books Featuring Tarot Cards (or similar, but especially if magic is linked to them)

Also if you have any recommendations please let me know, especially if it fits more than one of the topics.

See, I love the genre as a whole, and especially grimdark as a concept. The problem is, I don't like romance, and with the exception of romantasy, fantasy is very much dominated by male authors.

now I really, REALLY dislike how the vast majority of male fantasy authors write women. It puts me off, destroys my immersion, and it's starting to ruin my relationship with the genre as a whole. In fact, there are only two authors I haven't had this problem with: Tolkien and Terry Pratchett. And I've read a bunch of fantasy.

Right now I'm reading the Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb, and let me tell you: I'm terrified of going through these books too fast and dread the day I inevitably finish the series. Because what do I read next? Yes, there's Ursula Le Guin, and Sussana Clark but who else? (Appreciate suggestions! I don't like R.F. Kuang)

I miss the sensitivity, the imaginativeness, the care that goes into developing each character and world-building, the emotional depth of the story, and the beautiful prose that I've only come across in fantasy written by women. Swordfights, politics and war strategy are cool, sure, but I need MORE from my books. 😭

TL;DR: GIRLS PLEASE WRITE MORE FANTASY I'M BEGGING YOU DON'T LEAVE ME TO THE BOOK-BRO SPHERE

This is something that has bothered me since I was a kid, but I feel like I'm noticing it more and more: bookmarks made out of wood, leather, quilted fabric, crochet, 3D printed etc. all 2mm or more thick. Do people actually use these? If so, how/why?

I've always felt like they would mess up my books, and even if not, the extra bulk would drive me bonkers. I can't see myself ever using anything thicker than cardstock. I've always wondered who's making/using these. I've only ever gotten them as gifts from people who don't read lol

Alright, I need assistance.

My plan is looking a little depressing for the summer months, I've had about 4-5 books per month since Jan but from June it's looking sketchy.

I want all your recommendations for new books that you're anticipating in June, July, August and September. Genre wise I'm quite open; fantasy, sci-fi and weird girl lit are my big faves but I'll also dabble in thriller, horror, and non-fic. (Not big on contemporary romances).

What are you dying to read in the next few months in these categories? Please and thank you. 🖤

I was looking at some banned book lists earlier and I was thinking how fun it would be to have a banned book quest! What quest would you love to have?! and badge idea? I would love a childhood book quest, banned book quest and more horror quests!

Hey guys!! I read rom-coms sometimes but they aren’t really doing it for me so i thought that i would try with movies but i don’t know where to start. So has anyone got recs for where to start or good rom-coms in general? I think i would be more in the 2010 rom-com vibe.

i don’t think i’m enjoying it as much as i should… 🥲

Good morning Bookaholics!

Here is your question of the day....

If your life had an audiobook narrator, who would it be?

I would personally love Stephen Fry to narrate my life, because he would sound so serious, even in the unserious parts of my life 😅