LITERATURE

Astrid Scholte’s ‘Fallen Beauty’ fails to paint a dynamic portrait

Despite its lush language, the young adult novel “Fallen Beauty” promised way more than it could deliver.
A woman in front of a tree faces sideways and holds pieces of paper in her hands while three speech bubbles emerge from her mouth.

Finding language in the unwritten

Unconventional forms of poetry allow writers to reclaim language and culture.
Jodi Picoult talking with a book open at the LBJ Presidential Library.

‘Hollow Bones’ doesn’t take flight

Bestselling author Jodi Picoult’s latest novel centered on grief and motherhood has its highs but mostly lows.

‘The Knave and the Moon’ shines with weak plot armor

The ending of Rachel Gilig’s duology is mediocre in every way.
Patrick Schwarzenegger lounges on a beach chair.

There is an ‘I’ in relationship

The casting announcement for Emily Henry’s “Beach Read” proves that characters need to stand alone in a romance.

The book is better, but this isn’t the book

Adapting a book to the screen always means change, but that change can vary in quality.
A cartoon man and woman sit together on a beach.

‘Just Friends’ is just… fine

Haley Pham’s first novel can’t quite get out of its own way.
Benedict and Sophie Bridgerton dance together at the masquerade ball.

‘Bridgerton’ season four: a yearner is an earner

The latest installment of the series illustrates what makes period pieces so sexy.
Poppy Wright cries and Alex Nilsen consoles her in the film "People We Meet on Vacation."

In defense of Poppy Wright

The leading lady of the recent Emily Henry adaptation might be annoying but she’s real.

‘Half His Age’ is only half the page-turner it could have been

Jennette McCurdy’s debut novel underwhelms in idea and execution.

We’re losing women authors to ghosts

Ghostwriting benefits the privileged and neglects the most underrepresented voices.

Songwriters’ Forum thrives on collaboration

Students develop their song writing skills through group exercises and community.
© University of Southern California/Daily Trojan. All rights reserved.