Title: Recommended Reading Facts, History & Quizzes | Mental Floss
Open Graph Title: Recommended Reading Facts, History & Quizzes | Mental Floss
X Title: Recommended Reading Facts, History & Quizzes | Mental Floss
Description: Discover fun recommended reading facts, trivia, and surprising stories on Mental Floss—content that entertains, educates, and satisfies your curiosity.
Open Graph Description: Discover fun recommended reading facts, trivia, and surprising stories on Mental Floss—content that entertains, educates, and satisfies your curiosity.
X Description: Discover fun recommended reading facts, trivia, and surprising stories on Mental Floss—content that entertains, educates, and satisfies your curiosity.
Opengraph URL: https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading
Domain: www.mentalfloss.com
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{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/classic-scary-stories-christmas","headline":"10 Classic Scary Stories to Read for Christmas (That Aren’t ‘A Christmas Carol’)","description":"Add these 10 to your TBR in time for the holiday season.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Paul Anthony Jones"},"datePublished":"2025-12-14T15:00:00Z","dateModified":"2025-12-14T15:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/classic-scary-stories-christmas"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/books-foresaw-digital-lives","headline":"Science Fiction or Silicon Valley? 7 Books That Foresaw Our Digital Lives","description":"These books eerily predicted technological advancements of today, including ‘Snow Crash,’ ‘Player Piano,’ and more.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Nicolle Sloane"},"datePublished":"2025-12-08T15:00:00Z","dateModified":"2025-12-08T15:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/books-foresaw-digital-lives"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/best-utopian-novels","headline":"8 Utopian Fiction Novels to Get You Through These Dystopian Times","description":"If you fancy a break from corrupt politicians and dark futures, consider diving into one of these books.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chris Wheatley"},"datePublished":"2025-11-03T20:57:00Z","dateModified":"2025-11-03T20:57:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/best-utopian-novels"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/lesser-known-novels-by-iconic-horror-writers","headline":"7 Lesser-Known Novels by Iconic Horror Writers","description":"Add these books to your TBR this spooky season.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chris Wheatley"},"datePublished":"2025-10-10T12:02:00Z","dateModified":"2025-10-10T12:02:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/lesser-known-novels-by-iconic-horror-writers"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/best-post-apocalyptic-novels","headline":"8 Post-Apocalyptic Novels You Need to Read","description":"Though post-apocalyptic literature is experiencing a recent boom, the genre is anything but new. From a 19th-century tale of catastrophe to a modern-day classic made into a film, these are books you’ll want to add to your reading list. ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chris Wheatley"},"datePublished":"2025-09-24T12:04:00Z","dateModified":"2025-09-24T12:04:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/best-post-apocalyptic-novels"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/best-dark-academia-novels","headline":"From Murders to Mysterious Codes: 6 of the Best Dark Academia Novels","description":"From murder mysteries to secret societies and more, the best dark academia novels from Donna Tartt and other authors capture the macabre in the most unlikely of places. ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chris Wheatley"},"datePublished":"2023-12-13T23:00:03Z","dateModified":"2023-12-13T23:00:03Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/best-dark-academia-novels"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/best-afrofuturism-books","headline":"8 Afrofuturism Novels Worth Adding to Your Collection","description":"These fascinating Afrofuturism novels from authors like Octavia Butler and Colson Whitehead are a great way to discover more about this genre. ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chris Wheatley"},"datePublished":"2022-09-19T12:00:01Z","dateModified":"2024-05-16T01:33:08Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/best-afrofuturism-books"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/unforgettable-doomed-romance-books","headline":"12 of the Most Unforgettable Books About Doomed Romances","description":"The star-crossed lovers captured in these Gothic romance books will give you a new reason to hate Valentine’s Day. ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chris Wheatley"},"datePublished":"2025-02-07T17:01:00Z","dateModified":"2025-02-07T17:01:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/unforgettable-doomed-romance-books"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/essential-books-by-irish-authors","headline":"11 Essential Books by Irish Authors That Are Worth Reading","description":"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. ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chris Wheatley"},"datePublished":"2025-03-14T20:04:00Z","dateModified":"2025-03-14T20:04:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/essential-books-by-irish-authors"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/hugo-award-winning-novels-written-by-women","headline":"5 of the Most Incredible Hugo Award-Winning Novels Written by Women","description":"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.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chris Wheatley"},"datePublished":"2025-03-30T16:01:00Z","dateModified":"2025-03-30T16:01:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/hugo-award-winning-novels-written-by-women"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/books-to-transport-you-when-you-cant-afford-a-vacation","headline":"7 Books to Transport You When You Can’t Afford a Vacation","description":"If a plane ticket and hotel stay are out of your budget, a paperback book (or a loaner from the library) can help transport you to far-flung, sun soaked climes. ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Faye Keegan"},"datePublished":"2025-08-04T12:01:00Z","dateModified":"2025-08-04T12:01:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/books-to-transport-you-when-you-cant-afford-a-vacation"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/true-crime-books-recommended-by-casey-sherman","headline":"5 Fascinating True Crime Books to Read, Recommended by Casey Sherman","description":"Casey Sherman’s latest book, ‘A Murder in Hollywood,’ covers a sensational crime involving actress Lana Turner and the mob. The author discusses the book alongside some of his favorite recent reads.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Erin McCarthy"},"datePublished":"2024-02-08T01:02:00Z","dateModified":"2024-02-08T01:02:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/true-crime-books-recommended-by-casey-sherman"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/mental-floss-summer-reading-list-2022","headline":"The Mental Floss Summer 2022 Reading List","description":"From sci-fi and horror to heartfelt memoirs and enthralling non-fiction, the Mental Floss Summer 2022 Reading List has something for everyone. ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"mentalfloss .com"},"datePublished":"2022-06-22T20:00:16Z","dateModified":"2022-06-22T20:00:16Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/mental-floss-summer-reading-list-2022"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/alma-katsu-favorite-historical-horror-books","headline":"7 Historical Horror Books to Read, Recommended by Author Alma Katsu","description":"Ahead of the release of 'The Fervor,' Alma Katsu's supernatural reimaging of Japanese internment, here are her favorite historical horror novels","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Michele Debczak"},"datePublished":"2022-03-04T14:00:00Z","dateModified":"2022-03-04T14:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/alma-katsu-favorite-historical-horror-books"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/smart-shopping/books-give-as-gifts-holidays","headline":"25 Books to Give as Gifts This Holiday Season, as Chosen by the Mental Floss Staff","description":"Whether you’re shopping for a history buff, curator of weird anecdotes, or a fan of fiction, we’ve got plenty of books for your holiday gift list.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"mentalfloss .com"},"datePublished":"2021-11-17T14:00:00Z","dateModified":"2022-10-12T14:52:43Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/smart-shopping/books-give-as-gifts-holidays"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/erik-larson-favorite-scary-book-recommendations","headline":"7 “Deliciously Scary” Books, Recommended by Erik Larson","description":"‘The Devil in the White City’ author Erik Larson loves to be spooked—here are some scary stories that do just that.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Ellen Gutoskey"},"datePublished":"2021-10-14T16:00:00Z","dateModified":"2024-05-20T13:45:04Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/erik-larson-favorite-scary-book-recommendations"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/author-grady-hendrix-recommended-horror-novels","headline":"6 Atmospheric Horror Novels to Read, Recommended by Author Grady Hendrix","description":"Author Grady Hendrix shared six of his favorite atmospheric horror novels that any fan of the genre should pick up this Halloween season.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"April Snellings"},"datePublished":"2021-09-23T10:00:00Z","dateModified":"2024-05-17T21:57:18Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/author-grady-hendrix-recommended-horror-novels"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/author-anna-north-recommends-genre-defying-westerns","headline":"6 Genre-Defying Westerns to Read, Recommended by Author Anna North","description":"Today’s best Western books don’t revolve around John Wayne wannabes and other Old West tropes. ‘Outlawed’ author Anna North recommends her favorites.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Ellen Gutoskey"},"datePublished":"2021-09-09T12:00:00Z","dateModified":"2024-05-17T21:47:24Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/author-anna-north-recommends-genre-defying-westerns"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/book-recommendations-simon-rich-author","headline":"9 Hilarious Books to Read, Recommended by Comedy Writer Simon Rich","description":"‘Saturday Night Live’ alum and ‘An American Pickle’ screenwriter Simon Rich shares which books he considers comedic genius.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Ellen Gutoskey"},"datePublished":"2021-07-27T10:00:00Z","dateModified":"2024-05-17T21:42:26Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/recommended-reading/book-recommendations-simon-rich-author"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/folklore-mythology/real-mythology-helped-inspire-jrr-tolkien-elves","headline":"The Real Mythology That Helped Inspire J.R.R. Tolkien's Elves","description":"How Old Norse sagas, Anglo-Saxon poems, and Irish mythology helped J.R.R. Tolkien transform tiny Victorian fairies into the majestic Elves of Middle-earth.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Matt Hoffman"},"datePublished":"2026-11-11T23:00:03Z","dateModified":"2026-11-11T23:00:03Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/folklore-mythology/real-mythology-helped-inspire-jrr-tolkien-elves"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/movies-tv/name-lord-of-the-rings-character-one-quote","headline":"Quiz: Can You Name the ‘Lord of the Rings’ Character From One Clue?","description":"In honor of the third season of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ releasing, test your knowledge on the characters in Middle-earth.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Alexandria Ingham"},"datePublished":"2026-11-11T15:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-11-11T15:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/movies-tv/name-lord-of-the-rings-character-one-quote"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/kurt-vonnegut-best-worst-books","headline":"The Books Kurt Vonnegut Considered His Best—and Worst","description":"In 1981, Kurt Vonnegut gave his own books a report card from A+ to D. Here is how he graded his best work—and the self-portrait that got his lowest mark.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Matt Hoffman"},"datePublished":"2026-11-11T01:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-11-11T01:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/kurt-vonnegut-best-worst-books"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/authors/jane-austen-daily-routine","headline":"The Surprising Daily Routine Jane Austen Followed While Writing Her Novels","description":"Jane Austen never had a room of her own. Instead, she completed all of her published works in the middle of her family's bustling sitting room in their Chawton cottage.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-11-10T23:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-11-10T23:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/authors/jane-austen-daily-routine"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/what-readers-thought-dracula-when-published-1897","headline":"What Readers Thought of 'Dracula' When It Was Published in 1897","description":"'We would not, however, recommend it to nervous persons for evening reading.'","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jane Alexander"},"datePublished":"2026-11-08T17:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-11-08T17:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/what-readers-thought-dracula-when-published-1897"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/authors/why-bram-stoker-dracula-almost-had-different-name","headline":"Why Bram Stoker’s 'Dracula' Almost Had a Very Different Name","description":"The novel had a different title until the last few weeks before publication, but nobody knows for sure who renamed it. ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Matt Hoffman"},"datePublished":"2026-11-07T22:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-11-07T22:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/authors/why-bram-stoker-dracula-almost-had-different-name"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/government-politics/why-guy-fawkes-associated-with-anonymous-mask","headline":"Why Is Guy Fawkes Associated With the Anonymous Mask?","description":"Who was Guy Fawkes and how is he connected to the \"hacktivist\" group Anonymous?","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chelsea Thatcher"},"datePublished":"2026-11-05T21:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-11-05T21:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/government-politics/why-guy-fawkes-associated-with-anonymous-mask"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/zombie-novels","headline":"8 Zombie Novels to Feast On","description":"Zombies might be most famous as onscreen villains, but they're the subject of a whole lot of gory, funny, and thought-provoking novels, too.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Lorna Wallace"},"datePublished":"2026-10-31T17:00:03Z","dateModified":"2026-10-31T17:00:03Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/zombie-novels"}}
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