Many argue that technology has devalued the written word. Although book sales may be hindered by technology to some degree, the internet has many things to offer the world of literature. It is in the multitudes of weblogs concerning literature and literary criticism that some very important discussions are taking place. The internet allows for a vast number of opinions to be voiced on any given topic all within one public arena. As any person who studies literature knows, there are an endless number of ways to interpret any given text. Exploring the differing opinions on a written work is essential to gaining a better understanding of it. Whether you are an aspiring literary scholar or just enjoy reading what others have to say about the things they have read, these 25 literary criticism blogs offer an excellent way to explore and participate in the world of literary criticism.

1. Publishers Weekly: With a huge amount of information on authors, books, and the publishing industry itself, this site provides insight on almost all areas of the literary world. While there are endless sites dedicated to literary criticism, Publishers Weekly is one of the best when seeking perspectives on the world of publishing itself.
2. The New York Review of Books: Started in 1963, The New York Review of Books has established itself as one of the leading “literary-intellectual” publications. With its extensive look at new releases, children’s books, classic novels, and other forms of art, such as theater and film, this site offers something for everyone.
3. Critical Mass: Started and maintained by The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC), Critical Mass acknowledges superior writing and encourages conversations about not only literature, but also literary criticism.
4. Asylum: John Self provides an in-depth look at the various books he reads, examining not only the content of the prose, but also the authors themselves. Self provides a kind of “everyman” perspective on works of literature and specific authors.
5. Voices from the Gaps: Unfortunately still overlooked in many aspects of the literary and academic world, this blog celebrates work created by women of color. While the blog offers reviews of prose and poetry spanning generations and cultures, it also provides helpful and innovative teaching and research tools.
6. A Piece of Monologue: Founded as a personal blog that analyzed only literature, A Piece of Monologue has expanded its discussion to include art, philosophy, theater, and film. This blog offers a broad selection of commentary and analysis, focusing on specific theoretical approaches to literary critique.
7. The Shakespearean Rag: As the Review Editor of Quill and Quire magazine, Steven W. Beattie has limitless knowledge of literature, publishing, and criticism. In his personal blog he provides commentary on various topics, including literature, education, publishing, politics, and more.
8. The Valve: This blog strives to gain a wider audience, and thus a wider array of voices and an overall broader opinion on the literary world. As a collaborative effort to circulate ideas about literary studies, The Valve is one of the most varied blogs available on the web.
9. Blographia Literaria: Blogger Andrew Seal imparts his own criticism of literature, film, and poetry that he encounters
10. Book Lit: Stewart McAbney offers reviews of the many books he reads ranging from contemporary fiction, to classic fiction, to the occasional non-fiction work. McAbney wishes to create a site that archives an extensive number of easily navigable book reviews.
11. Bookgasm: This quirky site examines all kinds of genre fiction, including horror, science fiction, mystery, and suspense, as well as graphic novels, romance paperbacks, and magazines. The site explains that its mission is to discuss “reading material to get excited about.”
12. Shakespeare Geek: Started and maintained by self proclaimed “Shakespeare geek” Duane Morin, this site is dedicated to discussing related topic you can think of. Shakespeare Geek is the perfect place to come to read The Bard’s celebrated sonnets or ask a question about King Lear.
13. The Penguin Blog: This blog is the United States affiliate of the Penguin Group publishing company. With vast experience in the world of books and publishing, The Penguin Blog provides information about booksellers and publishers, as well as, educated book reviews and more.
14. The Graphic Novel Reporter: Providing reviews of graphic novels and comics, interviews with prominent illustrators, and much more books, The Graphic Novel Reporter is a colorful and exciting website dedicated to the world where written word and art combine.
15. NPR Books: This site, run by National Public Radio, offers book reviews, author interviews, and the latest book news in one easily navigable area. NPR Books is a great place to choose your next read with its variety of essential and bestseller lists.
16. The Elegant Variation: This blog is one of the top ranked lit blogs available online. It offers interviews with famous authors and examinations of a wide array of modern and classical literature.
17. Esther’s Classic Literature Blog: Esther Lombardi, who received her master’s degree in English Literature from California State University, is a self proclaimed “avid reader and constant writer.” Her blog explores all aspects of classic literature and literary criticism.
18. Best American Poetry: This blog is dedicated solely to the discussion and exploration of poetry. Best American Poetry invites guest bloggers from all different spheres of the literary world, allowing for a range of views to be voiced on any give topic.
19. The Reading Experience 2.0: Daniel Green explores the world of online literary criticism, emphasizing contemporary American fiction.
20. N Plus One: This litblog is associated with the print only magazine of the same name, focusing on politics, literature and culture. N Plus One offers provocative and intelligent insight into all forms of literature and literary criticism.
21. The Caustic Cover Critic: This blog takes a unique approach to literary criticism, focusing solely on the cover art and design of various books. The Caustic Cover Critic explores the success and failure of cover design as an interpretation of the literature it contains.
22. Maitresse: Lauren Elkin, an English Literature PhD student in Paris, looks at books, art, and ideas in an investigation of various cultural worldviews.
23. The Long Eighteenth: This blog is dedicated to the discussion of eighteenth-century scholarship and criticism.
24. In the Middle: This blog is a collaborative effort to explore all aspects of medieval literature, including a look at new scholarship concerned with related works as well as the bloggers’ own personal criticism.
25. On Fiction: Focused on a psychoanalytic approach to fiction, this blog examines how readers and audience members engage in works of fiction.