How Batman Rescued Me from a Reading Slump
ADHD, doomscrolling, and endless distractions nearly stole my love for reading—until I found an unexpected hero. Enter Batman.
If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for your phone instead of your book, this strategy might be exactly what you need. Find out how it works and how you can use it to escape your own reading slump.
Idaho’s Library Censorship Law: A Dangerous Precedent
Censorship isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s happening now in Idaho, where a new law restricts access to books in public and school libraries. Under House Bill 710, materials deemed “harmful to minors” are being relocated to adult-only sections, limiting young readers’ access to literature on topics like sexuality and identity. Meanwhile, books containing graphic violence remain untouched, exposing a glaring double standard.
This law isn’t about protecting children—it’s about controlling information. As digital censorship rises alongside book bans, the fight for intellectual freedom is more critical than ever. Learn how these restrictions affect your rights and what you can do to push back.
The Joy of Thrifting: building a Book Collection Under $20
I went thrifting with just $19—less than the price of a single new hardcover—and walked away with a stack of incredible books. From modern bestsellers to classic literature, I uncovered hidden gems in the unlikeliest places. Want to know what I found? Come along for the journey and see just how far a little cash can go!
Reflections on the Proposed TikTok Ban
The proposed TikTok ban threatens more than just an app—it threatens the communities and connections that give so many of us purpose and joy. As a creator who found inspiration and resilience through TikTok, I reflect on what this potential loss means and how we can adapt to whatever comes next.
A Neurodivergent Perspective on Reading
My lifelong relationship with reading has been shaped by the unique lens of neurodivergence. From childhood library trips to late-night Kindle marathons, books have always been a refuge and a challenge. This is my journey through the worlds I’ve explored, the tools I’ve adapted, and the joy I’ve found in stories.
My Favorite Books of 2024
2024 was a year of chaos, growth, and a few curveballs that hit harder than expected. Maybe that’s why I kept gravitating toward darker, haunting stories—they seemed to reflect the turbulence of the year perfectly. Through job loss, unexpected challenges, and moments of clarity, these books became my escape, my comfort, and, at times, a mirror to my own journey.
This list isn’t just a collection of great reads. These are the stories that stayed with me—books I couldn’t stop thinking about long after I turned the final page. From chilling horrors and psychological thrillers to breathtaking literary fiction, here are the ten books that made the biggest impact on me in 2024. If you’re looking for stories that unsettle, surprise, or simply make you feel something, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive in.
Monsters, Manuscripts, and Me
Stories have always been my great escape. From a childhood love of books like There’s a Monster at the End of This Book to the hundreds of eBooks I devour on my Kindle today, stories have shaped my world. Now, it’s time to write my own—and I’m inviting you to join me on the journey. Welcome to Ryan Reads and Writes, where we’ll celebrate storytelling in all its forms, geek out over books, and chase the dream of creating something truly special.