Valentine's Day and Identity Explored in Fiction

Valentine's Day, initially rooted in the martyrdom of Saint Valentine who secretly wed lovers against a marriage ban, has evolved into a celebration of romantic love and includes modern trends embracing platonic and self-love. An opinion piece criticizes the materialistic measure of love on Valentine's Day, advocating for commitment and genuine care. Additionally, a personal narrative discusses the renewed interest in fiction reading as a means of digital-free escape. In contemporary fiction, Ibi Zoboi's novel '(S)kin' explores themes of identity and tradition through a fantasy lens, focusing on young women of color navigating their unique powers and cultural heritage.