Latest news with #BookTok


Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
25 Target Items If You Never Wake Up Well-Rested
A box of sleep earplugs designed specifically to be comfortable for sleeping and to block out the dog barking next door, your own dog snoring beside you, car horns, and all that annoying, not the vibe ambient sounds keeping you from super deep sleep. Promising review: "Love how affordable and effective these are. I keep these in my travel bag and they've been life savers since I'm a light sleeper." —TtPrice: $3.49 A clip-on LED reading light because everyone knows too much screen time can be a bummer for your sleep hygiene, so why not chuck the phone in favor of this handy light attached to that new BookTok book everyone is talking about? Promising review: "Love it! I use this almost every day for about 30 minutes before bed. I appreciate that it has various levels of brightness, and the neck can bend in any direction. Super handy if you're a nighttime reader!" —ladylove123Price: $13 A microgel down alternative pillow if your old pillow is looking (and feeling!) a little worse for wear. This one is medium firm and the microgel will hold its shape over time so that you can come back again and again to your new perfect neck setup. Promising review: "Some of the best pillows I've owned so far. I love how the packaging has a meter on it as well. These pillows bounce back unlike any other pillow. I've slept on. For $15 each this is definitely a bargain." —oreofox22Price: $20+ (available in standard and king sizes) And a Kitsch satin pillowcase which can help prevent hair breakage and uncomfortable fabric bunches that can contribute to fine lines, but is also ~super~ cooling. If you've ever wished for someone to always have a cool side of the pillow, time to return the favor to your own human self! Promising review: "This pillowcase is amazing! I love that it has a zip closure so the pillow stays in place." —Cat MomPrice: $18.99 (available in six colors) An ESW Beauty sheet mask duo set perfect for helping you unwind. If you are having trouble sleeping because the pressures of the day are weighing on your shoulders and brain, maybe try unwinding with a luxurious self-care moment. Promising reviews: "Absolutely loving this set! The formulas are top-notch, and they include some of my all-time favorites in one convenient bundle. They stick really well, too, and don't dry out quickly. I was super excited to find these masks at my Target!" —Brit"I grabbed a few of these sheet masks for our monthly girls' night, and everyone loved them! The masks delivered a gorgeous glow, making our night even more special. Plus, the ingredients definitely feel way more premium than any other sheet masks I've tried in the past." —KatiePrice: $8.99 A two-pack of ultra cozy crew socks I bought so aggressively because the colors are downright magical and I cannot stress enough how soft they are. I'm usually a "hates to wear socks to bed" kinda gal, but *these* are an exception. Frozen toes no more! Promising review: "Best socks by far!! I love the length, thickness, and quality! Don't hesitate, just buy! The colors are soo cute too!" —Alicia KPrice: $10 (available in six colors that fit women's shoe sizes 4–10) A vanilla introvert candle if some cozy unwind vibes are just what the Target doctor ordered to help get your space in the right ~ambiance~ for optimal sleeping. Promising reviews: "I love this scent, introvert. When I leave it on a few hours in my room, it definitely leaves the room smelling wonderful without it being overwhelming." —Dp28"MY FAV CANDLE!!! So cozy and the smell fills my bedroom. 🙏💕" —lilli mPrice: $10 A set of soft double-brushed sheets to help you slip into a new year of self-care and cozy sleep hygiene. You know what *doesn't* help you drift off? Itchy or worn sheets that have little snags and tears that are going to irritate you. Promising review: "The double brushed microfiber feel makes all the difference! These are seriously like butter. Super soft and warm but also light. I got a set for my bed and one for my son. These are a great buy to keep a couple of extras around so me they are so affordable." —MarissaPrice: $29.98+ (originally $52+, available in sizes twin–California king and seven patterns) A four-pack of Uniball gel pens because hear me out: how often have you been almost asleep and then remembered *that one thing* you forgot to do? Well, we might not be able to stop that from happening, but you *can* stop yourself from obsessing over it for hours by writing it down for your morning self to deal with! Don't forget to grab a hardcover journal so you can jot notes easily from bed! Promising review: "This is the perfect pen! It glides on paper!" —MsLynPrice: $6.49 A floating tea infuser because if your fave loose-leaf tea helps tell your brain it's time for sleep, this super fun infuser will be a welcome addition to your bedtime routine. Price: $12.95 (available in five colors) A ribbed pajama tank top I ~personally~ own in every color because these are my ideal sleeping situation: Nice and cozy but no annoying long sleeves to lightly strangle my arms at night. Promising review: "I love this top! It is slightly oversized which is great for me. I got my normal size, medium. The cut is perfect and the fabric is so soft. I paired it with the little boxer shorts from Wild Fable instead of the shorts that matched it. I also like it with the matching pants. Definitely recommend!" —EmilyPrice: $15 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in two colors) A Hatch Rest 2 if you want to bring a touch of spa elegance to your sleep routine by introducing an all-in-one sound machine and night-light. You can set a schedule or change it up by choosing your particular flavor of wind-down lights and music each night from an app on your phone. Promising review: "These sound machines are pretty darn amazing. The way you can set up a rise schedule has changed my morning, and they can get loud and block out noise without being harsh on the ears. They are easy to program and I love the light and clock on there. There are lots of sound options even if you aren't willing to pay for the pro plan (which I'm not) and they are so easy to use. The only annoying thing was setting them up was a little bit of a pain in the beginning. Once you're connected to the phone it is smooth sailing and I've been sleeping like a baby ever since. Highly recommend. It is very worth the money." —KTraverPrice: $59.99 A five-pack of self-heating eye masks so you can catch some warm shuteye no matter where your adventures take you. (Even if those adventures are just crawling into your own bed at the end of a long day.) Promising review: "Omggg my husband and I love these! We're so glad Target carries them now. They're so soothing and help me sleep on long travel days, I'd be lost without them. I always have one of these in bag when I need to run out to my car for a quick rest mid-day!" —CatyPrice: $16.89 Or a reusable contoured satin eye mask to make sure that no matter the light situation in your room, you'll be sure to get some excellent shut-eye. (And what is life for if not to pursue the best naps?) Promising review: "Light weight. Comfortable. Able to wear overnight with no morning headaches. Keep light out quite well. Excellent item for such a great price!!!" —Mrs AdamsPrice: $5 (available in three colors) A non-wearable sleep tracker mat that sits unassumingly beneath your mattress, syncs with an app on your phone, and gives you valuable insights about your sleep cycle. If you've always been curious about the quality of your sleep but aren't cool with wearing a tracker watch or ring to bed, this might just be the gadget you've been ~dreaming of~. Metrics include sleep cycles (light and deep/REM), duration, interruptions, breathing disturbances, snoring, and time to sleep and wake up. Price: $199.95 A portable space heater perfect for anti-cold gremlins who want to heat up their bedroom to their ideal sleeping temp without roasting their entire home. Promising reviews: "Smaller than what I thought it would be but it puts out good heat." —Elizabeth"This little heater packs a punch! I purchased for use in my small living room. It does a great job of warming the space up and keeping the room warm during the day. The tip safety makes me feel safer and the timer feature comes in handy at times." —NicolePrice: $57.99 A 6-inch Kindle that's a new TikTok fave and Amazon's lightest, most compact e-reader yet. This is truly a WONDERFUL size if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night and want some e-ink screen time instead of glaring-bright-white-light-in-your-dark-room screen time. (Ask me how I know.) Here is one of my most FAVORITE cozy creators on TikTok talking about why she loves her new lil' Kindle (and in particular for middle-of-the-night wakings)!Promising review: "I love physical books, but as a working mom of four ( one being a baby), I wanted something I could throw into my bag and go. That was compact and charged well. I absolutely love my new Kindle. I'm on my fifth book this week!!!" —MamaoffourPrice: $109.99 (available in two colors) A collared pajama set so you can be your most comfy self when slipping into bed. Promising review: "Love these pajamas because of the super soft and stretchy fabric. The cropped legs are perfect for petites too. I have the red, navy and black ones. They wash well too!" —VeronicaPrice: $30 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in five colors) A quilted-down alternative duvet insert meant for all-season comfort, so you don't sweat in the summer or freeze in the winter. Plus, it's box-stitched, which means all your fluff won't sink to the foot of your bed and leave you with a limp comforter! Price: $33.99+ (originally $67.98+; available in sizes twin–California king and in four colors) A bag of Dr. Teal's Epsom salt sleep soak, which belongs by the bathtub of any sleep-lover keen on perfecting their shuteye conditions. This salt smells divine, and with a blend of lavender, chamomile, and melatonin, it *may* just help make you feel a little calmer before bedtime. Read more about short-term use of melatonin and insomnia at Mayo Clinic. And read more about how an Epsom salt soak or bath can help with mental stress at Cleveland reviews: "I love to use this melatonin bath salts every night." —Petty"I LOVE the Dr. Teal's bath products. A little spa retreat in my own tub without spending a fortune!" —KKTargetPrice: $6.99 A weighted knit blanket reviewers swear is the snuggle companion of dreams in weight, softness, and cuteness. Read more about how to choose a weight and what these blankets help with and how from Cleveland reviews: "Oh this is so plush at the fraction of some more big box stores selling them for way more. Its weighted but not uncomfortable which is why I love it, it doesn't feel like its crushing you. Anthro looks at target price? Win win! Buy it, you wont regret it!" —Hols"This is the 3rd weighted blanket I have tried and by far my favorite. Compared to traditional weighted blankets, the knitted design is elegant. It's not only functional, but a statement piece. The flexible knitted design also provides even weight distribution across my entire body creating a hugging sensation that prevents me from tossing and turning throughout the night. Unlike blankets filled with beads, this one is virtually silent as you move it. There are no distracting rusting sounds, allowing for uninterrupted sleep. Thanks to the knit pattern, this blanket also excels at temperature regulation and not trapping excessive heat. This blanket is fit for all seasons. My favorite feature is that it is perfectly oversized which gives me the freedom to sleep in any position i find comfortable while still enjoying the pressure of the blanket. The only drawback I've noticed is the light color, which makes me a bit more cautious about potential stains, especially since there's no removable cover. However, with proper care, I'm confident this blanket will continue to be a staple in my nightly routine." —JuliaPrice: $140 (available in two colors) A box of Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra tea I *always* have in my cabinet because it tastes like bedtime. Sometimes, I think our human brains just need a repetitive routine to tell our bodies IT'S BEDTIME, and this is certainly part of mine. Promising review: "This is a perfect turn down tea. It relaxes me, and puts me in a lights out zone." —Sexysiren74Price: $4.99 An itty bitty Nanit sound machine obviously perfect for parents, but also: I have taken this from my "kid travel kit" for my own uses. And those uses are I'm gonna take a cozy winter nap or read my cozy book and I don't wanna hear my neighbors blowing leaves while it happens. This one is perfectly sized, too, so if you're not keen on having a big machine permanently on your nightstand, this one can be easily tidied away. I got the Nanit traveling bundle for taking my preschooler out on overnight adventures (which absolutely should be in any small-children-havers cart for fall travels) and quickly grew enamored with the Polly Pocket-ness of the sound machine, and now even my kiddo calls it "Mama's good friend." I use it for naps or for white noise buffer if I'm working in my office and joyful-but-loud chaos is happening with my son and partner outside the doors. Price: $79.99 (originally $99.99) A cotton top mattress pad to give your mattress a little protection and a whole lot of fluff. If you're on the brink of needing a new mattress but aren't quite ready to crack open the piggy bank, this might extend the life (and your comfort!) a surprising amount. Promising reviews: "Absolutely love this mattress pad! It's a little puffy, and feels like a treat to sleep on below cotton sheets. My Temperpedic mattress sleeps very warm, and this pad provides a solution with the cotton covering. Very pleasant and cooling!" —ChiChi"This mattress pad fits my king size bed great. It washed up and dried nicely. The filling will add an extra level of comfort to my sleeping experience. Couldn't be happier with my purchase!" —Mimito5Price: $38.99+ (originally $64.99+, available in sizes twin–California king and in three colors) And finally, a weighted dragon plush perfect for kids and adults who want a comforting, plush presence to cuddle. Read more about their weighted blanket cousins and how they help with sleep from Cleveland review: "He is so cute!! This little dragon is a great sleeping buddy and he's just right, not too heavy, not too light! Honestly he's so good I would contemplate buying a different too!! Great for side sleepers not just little kids!" —KimberlyPrice: $25 (also available as a dinosaur, a pegasus, and a chicken)


Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Marginalia can sometimes add great value to a book
I recently bought a history of 19th-century France from a reputable second-hand books site, where its condition was described as 'very good'. When it arrived, I was dismayed to find it scrawled all over with underlinings, asterisks and marginal comments. Fortunately, most of the annotations were in pencil and some busy work with an eraser got rid of the worst of them. Afterwards, I wondered why I had found these harmless marginalia so upsetting, and concluded that it was probably because I spent my childhood reading library books. Now, writing in library books is pure vandalism – 'blood relative to that large-scale, public form of marginalia we call graffiti', as Kevin Jackson pointed out in his wonderful book Invisible Forms. But when it comes to annotating your own books, bibliophiles across the ages, from medieval monks to social-media book-fanciers, are all in favour: 'I consider as lovers of books those out all the margins with annotations of many kinds,' wrote the Renaissance philosopher Erasmus. Half a millennium later, a growing community of BookTokkers and Bookstagrammers are taking Erasmus at his word, posting images of books embellished with pastel highlighting and marginal drawings of flowers and kittens, wantonly smeared with lipstick kisses, or neatly stuffed with colour-coded tabs (romance and romantasy are favourite genres for this treatment). For the novice marginalist, there are even helpful essays on how to get started: 'Think of it as connecting with either the author, the text, or even to yourself.' For the author Ann Patchett, annotating her own text proved an unexpected way to connect with her readers. As she explained in her introduction to the annotated edition of Bel Canto, she was initially asked to annotate a copy of her 2023 novel Tom Lake as part of an auction to support an independent bookshop. As she worked, she 'saw patterns in the book I'd scarcely been aware of... it helped me clarify the way I write'. And so the idea formed to publish an annotated edition of Bel Canto. Patchett is only the latest in a succession of authors whose marginalia serve to enrich rather than deface the texts they appear on. Ezra Pound's pithy scrawls on T S Eliot's The Waste Land ('Perhaps be damned') are familiar from the facsimile edition. But the most prolific and brilliant of all marginalists (according to Jackson) was Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who is credited with introducing the word 'marginalia' to the English language in 1832. To lend your books to Coleridge was to have them returned, as his friend Charles Lamb wrote, 'enriched with annotations, tripling their value'. We can trace a direct line of descent from Coleridge's marginalia to the social-media annotators who painstakingly embellish a copy of a friend's favourite novel as a gift. But the ancestry of those cute marginal kittens extends even further back, to around 1420, when a scribe from the Netherlands left a manuscript on his desk overnight. A spreading stain, a Latin curse (Confundatur pessimus cattus qui minxit super librum istum in nocte...) and a furious marginal drawing of two accusing fingers pointing at a shifty-looking cat have ensured for the manuscript (now held at the Historiches Archiv in Cologne) a global fame and affection beyond the wildest dreams of an angry scribe pointing the marginal finger at a miscreant feline.


The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Reading books is the new sexy
Reading is the new sexy, books are back, and they're printed, from bookstores. Over the past few years people have... Reading is the new sexy, books are back, and they're printed, from bookstores. Over the past few years people have started shelving devices and reverted to turning pages. Social media's full of it with channels like Book Tok and even Instagram turning the well read into sexy, cultural winners. Reading is no longer just a pastime, it's becoming cultural currency and it's hot. A recent article in The Guardian reported that Gen Z is 'flocking to physical books and libraries,' with print books making up 80% of their purchases. Libraries are suddenly popular again, with a 71% increase in foot traffic from young people. They are checking out Jane Austen and Zadie Smith with the same enthusiasm they reserve for the latest Sabrina Carpenter album. Books are no longer just something to read. Literature seems to have become an accessory to trend. Sylvia de Wet, Publishing Director at Penguin Random House South Africa, said the resurgence is tied to a larger cultural change. 'We're seeing a broader cultural return to tactile, meaningful experiences, and books are at the heart of that shift,' she said. 'In a world saturated with digital media, reading offers something both grounding and enriching. For many South Africans, books have become lifestyle statements and a form of self-expression.' Larger cultural change This isn't just about what's on the page, either. Covers matter a lot in a society obsessed with visual appeal. Readers are posing with their current reads like fashion accessories, and it's not by accident. 'It goes back to the aesthetic of how books look and feel,' said Kelly Ansara, Marketing and Publicity Director at Jonathan Ball Publishers. 'Do you feel cool pulling this book out at a trendy bar with a cocktail or coffee shop? It all goes back to how the book looks. But will you also look cute, smart or professional?' Also Read: Chris Carter's 'Death Watcher': Unputdownable Online magazine Rowdy called it 'a sexy renaissance,' with readers turning to romance, fantasy and even classic literature. The visual language of reading has changed. BookTok is awash with soft pastel spines, annotated page flips, and tear-streaked reaction videos. And it's moving books. Ansara said genre fiction and fantasy are seeing the biggest gains. 'Readers aren't afraid of chunky reads or heavy subjects, but they do want to escape sometimes and read fun romance or easy beach read thrillers,' she said. 'However, we still see the big sales in local political biographies or current affairs books. Non-fiction still is the biggest seller in the South African market.' Non-fiction a mainstay in reading De Wet added that nonfiction remains a mainstay, but fiction is fighting back in all the right ways. 'Escapism remains a powerful driver,' she said. 'Irma Joubert's sweeping historical novels, Jackie Phamotse's emotionally charged dramas, Sven Axelrad's whimsical and wildly original narratives, and Martin Steyn and Leon van Nierop's pulse-racing thrillers all show how deeply readers continue to embrace historical fiction, romance, crime and suspense.' It's not just what readers are reading, it's how they're reading. Social media has fused style and substance. 'Readers are no longer passive receivers of content,' said de Wet. 'They write online book reviews, participate in online book discussions, and actively promote the authors and books they love. It becomes part of their own image and identity.' Authors are also being packaged as cultural figures, not just writers. 'An author is no longer just a name on a cover. They're a voice, a personality and often a cultural influencer,' said de Wet. Bookish Cool is amplified by aesthetics According to Rowdy Magazine, this rise in 'bookish cool' isn't new. It has beginnings in past literary movements but is now amplified by aesthetics. The article also noted an 8.2% jump in global book sales in 2020, a trend that's kept steady. The aesthetic angle is important, but so is identity. 'Books also bring the look and feel of aesthetic, so be it expensive designer books, or buckled paperbacks,' said Ansara. 'People are using books to find identity or sense of self, and to connect with others.' This visibility has translated into sales. At Penguin Random House SA, de Wet said they've 'seen growth in key categories,' with international fiction like Jojo Moyes still going strong, and local favourites like Antjie Krog's Blood's Inner Rhyme and Tom Eaton's An Act of Murder drawing readers across the board. Ansara noted that South African fiction sales follow different rules than international ones, and while trends like dragons and enemies-to-lovers romances dominate BookTok abroad, the local market has its own rhythm. 'We have only just stuck to our publishing values that lean neither left nor right,' she said. For publishers, it means adapting. De Wet said discoverability is now digital-first. 'BookTok, Instagram and other social media have become important pathways into reading communities, particularly for younger audiences. We're leaning into these channels while still nurturing traditional bookselling partnerships,' she said. Now Read: Muse in motion: Louisa Treger redefines the creative spark


Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I started a book club to make friends — now I'm a professional bookworm
Sitting down at a café, 27-year-old Lucy Ellis is one of the few people that doesn't have her phone in her hand. Instead, she has a book, and she's waiting for company. When Lucy first moved to London, she struggled to make friends. Already a keen athlete, she didn't want to join a running group, and post-work pints are expensive — and come with a hangover. She started searching for book clubs, but when the only options available seemed to be overly-academic, she decided to create a more laid-back club of her own. Posting on Instagram in 2023, she told the world she was starting a book club, and asked people to join. Seventeen people showed up to the first meeting where they discussed Yomi Adegoke's The List. Since then, it's snowballed, and now, Lucy's quit her job to run a book club full time. It's fair to say that we're experiencing a reading renaissance. Between 2020 and 2024, Eventbrite saw a 350% increase in book-related gatherings, and 'book club' became one of the top 10 most searched terms on the site. New data from Tinder shows that we're seeing an uptick (16% over the last year) in mentions of 'reading' in dating bios, while uses of the term 'book boyfriend' increased by 77% between January 2024 and 2025. And, unit sales of print books rose for the first time in three years in 2024, with adult fiction leaping 4.8 %, according to Publishers Weekly. While celebrity book clubs by the likes of Richard & Judy and Oprah have been running for decades, now they being embraced by younger A-listers too. Last month, Dua Lipa relaunched her literary podcast, Service95 Book Club, uniting booklovers and fans with titles that promise to make them 'laugh, cry or rethink something you thought you knew.' BookTok continues to drive sales too. According to Forbes, 'TikTok is nowpublishing's most powerful marketing engine', adding that it now 'steers marketing plans, inspires collector editions, and often sets the stage for film and TV deals.' At the time of writing, the hashtag BookTok has accumulated more than 412 billion views. Growing up, Lucy says she was a 'huge bookworm' — but when she started working full-time, she began to neglect her hobby. Instead, she'd spend evenings staying up late with housemates or on dates. She started her book club purely as a way to encourage her to read more. 'I just wanted a reason to either meet new people, or get my friends together to do something that wasn't about going out and spending loads of money,' she tells Metro. The group has since grown in numbers, but the premise has remained the same. Meeting once a month, they've read an array of books: from Intermezzo by Sally Rooney to Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna and Butter by Asako Yuzuki — all picks Lucy makes a couple of months in advance. For now, she's finalised the reading list up until August 2025. 'I'd pick a book I really wanted to read that I knew people might not have read yet,' she adds, noting that she usually goes for 'hot topic' type releases. Reading has had a positive effect on her mental health too, with Lucy saying it gives her 'purpose'. 'I spend less time doomscrolling,' she says, adding that fiction books have moved her into a positive headspace when she's been struggling. Now, Lucy says she's a 'professional bookworm'. Lucy's Book Club has almost 9,000 Instagram followers, and she's hosted conversations with authors including Roxie Nafousi and Jordan Stephens. 'It seems that us young people in London are craving community,' she wrote on LinkedIn. 'I'm so proud to be providing just that!' Amy Rowland, 40, is a journalist, and reviews book for magazines. While she's always enjoyed swapping book recommendations with friends, actually discussing the novel never seemed to happen. But last November, she joined a book club, started by her friend Sam, called Under The Covers. 'I often review women's fiction or crime, so I wanted to join a club, and get stuck into something that would push me out of my comfort zone,' Amy tells Metro. 'We recently read a book called Wellness. At 600 pages long it's a beast and I didn't think it was for me — but I loved every page of it. That's the beauty of a book club.' After being in the group for a few months, she was telling some friends about it, which sparked the idea to start their own club, The Plot Thickens… 'It's lovely, because I used to feel that I was reading these brilliant books, with no one to talk to about them. But now, all my friends are into reading.' They're only a small group of six the moment, but Amy says they're looking to open it out in the future. 'Someone is nominated each month to pick the book and do the organising,' explains Amy. 'We always try to find a venue that links to the book. For example, we recently read Last One At The Party, which is a bit dystopian, so we met at a restaurant in an underground bunker!' While Amy can't say for sure why book clubs are back in fashion, she has her theories. 'In a time when we're all on our phones, mindlessly scrolling, it's nice to have something else for everyone to focus on — that's certainly the case for me. 'I also think that while the news is so heavy, everyone wants to escape and go into another world for a bit. 'I'm just glad book clubs are cool again,' Amy adds. 'I think everyone should be in one.' Kate Galloway is an occupational therapist with a degree in psychology — she's also a best-selling author. Kate says that reading is an 'analogue' way to switch off in our always-online world. 'It offers an antidote to the overstimulation we experience online,' Kate tells Metro. 'The constant scrolling, the short attention spans, the pressure to always be 'on'. Reading requires focus and presence, two things we're losing in a world of endless notifications,' she says. It's a sentiment echoed by psychologist Emma Kenny who notes that with print books there are 'no pop-ups, no infinite scroll'. 'We're exhausted,' says Emma. 'The Deloitte 2024 Connectivity Survey found that 53% of 18 to 40‑year‑olds are struggling to limit their screen time to levels they find comfortable. More Trending 'But reading requires sustained attention, narrative reasoning and the capacity for empathy. These all flourish when we follow a plot rather than a newsfeed. 'In a culture worried about polarisation and shortened attention spans, picking up a book is a quiet act of resistance.' Emma also notes the economic climate has a part to play. 'A £10 paperback offers hours of engagement for around the price of three take out coffees. 'That equation of value for money, plus the emotional payoff is hard to beat.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I went from homeless to entrepreneur — these are my key tips to make your side hustle a success MORE: Phone thefts hit record high in London with 37 a day snatched in West End alone MORE: Porn sites to make major change to who can watch x-rated videos Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.


Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Five romantasy book series' to get your heart racing if you loved ACOTAR
As we wait for the next A Court of Thorns and Roses instalment, we've found five romantasy recommendations that'll sweep you into a spicy situationship that won't leave you high and dry this summer The viral romantasy (a combination of romance and fantasy) book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses - better known as ACOTAR - has been confirmed to release its sixth book between the tail-end of 2025 to 2026. Whilst you wait, here's five recommendations for series that are just as good summer escapes. With over 200 billion views on BookTok, a steamy holiday romance and adventure is guaranteed to be yours with these addictive and trending reads that will get your heart racing! From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout The winner of Goodreads Choice Award for Readers' Favourite Romance in 2020, this dark romance questions gender roles and duty, as protagonist Poppy between maidenhood and fighting to defend her Kingdom. Full of vampires, monsters, gods, and a steamy enemies-to-lovers trope with a golden-eyed guard, it's no surprise this series continues to be raved about. READ MORE: Romance is in the air as new London bookshop selling only 'spicy novels' opens From Blood and Ash boast nearly 69,000 reviews on Goodreads and is rated 4.22 out of five - any Romantasy reader would like those chances! Phantasma: The Wicked Games trilogy by Kaylie smith Said to be a medley of ACOTAR and BookTok favourite Caraval, Phantasma is the first in a trilogy of a dark fantasy adventure. With an intense romance, a morally grey heart-throb and unexpected plot twists, Phantasma is a brilliant choice for those who loved Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing, Nisha J. Tuli and Carissa Broadbent. Rated more than four stars on Amazon and Goodreads, the complex characters and inescapable tension is sure to set your summer alight. Godkiller, Fallen Gods trilogy by Hannah Kaner Godkiller is a personal favourite, with brilliant world building and imagery right from page one. Kaner's characters are lovable, wholesome and total feminist icons. Full of assassins, gods and handsome knights, this epic quest is a definite page-turner and uniquely written. Furthermore, Kaner's world is queer-casual and here to stay as an instant Sunday Times Bestseller - the Daily Mail calling the first instalment: "A wonderful, gritty, explosively violent, and beautifully realised debut". It is also available on QueerLit. Ember in The Ashes, Ember Quartet series by Sabaa Tahir The Young Adult fantasy series is smart social commentary inspired on Ancient Rome's Centuria, and follows the character arc of a young Laia, a girl from a hunted minority group, and a leading soldier named Elias as their paths cross and entwine as they fight the corruption of their empire. If you loved Divergent and The Hunger Games as a teen, this resurgence of Dystopian literature will consume you - a perfect choice for those who love Fantasy just as much as Romance. I couldn't put them down! For more stories like this visit The Gulp or subscribe to our weekly newsletter for a curated roundup of top stories, interviews, and lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Shadow and Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo Now made into a popular Netflix series starring the dreamy Ben Barnes, Shadow and Bone is a series that refuses to let you go. Set in the Grimshaverse, this three-part series explores the dark and dangerous 'rip' in the country Ravka that swallows light and where no person survives. When Alina, a military cartographer and orphan unlocks her Grimsha gift that she repressed as a child, her world changes overnight. The Shadow and Bone series is imaginative, romantic and full of yearning and childhood romance. Whilst a Young Adult series, the novels stand the test of time and was nominated for Goodreads Choice Awards for Readers' Favourite Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction in 2012. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!