Hello everyone and happy January 31!! It’s the most special of days–a birthday! Specifically the fantastical @olivieblake’s birthday. HAPPY HAPPY DAY, OLIVIE!!! 🥳🎂🎉
For such a special day, we have to have a special celebration to match, so we’re giving YOU the first look at the stunning interior art of #GiftedandTalented, created by the incredible @polartss! Take a look now and don’t forget to pre-order Gifted & Talented, on sale 4/1!
Things I Won't Do On Bookstagram (I am FOR SURE about the lose followers for this)
Share Dishonest Reviews
If I didn’t like a book, you probably won’t hear about it from me at all. If I LOVED it, get ready for a 12 page carousal raving all about it.
Gatekeep Bookstagram Tips Like They’re Trade Secrets
If there’s something you need help with, DM me.
Ask questions. That’s how I learned, + I’m more than happy to pay that knowledge forward.
Follow Bookstagram Accounts That Don’t Share My Reading Tastes
I’m not interested in this f4f culture. If I follow you, it’s because I’m interested, entertained, engaged, or most likely, consider you a friend. Friends > Followers.
Post About the Same, Over-Hyped Book 110 Times (Especially Ones by Problematic Authors)
Some accounts only highlight “popular,” over-hyped books to gain followers. If those are the books you love + want to talk about, great! But I’m here to amplify marginalized voices; BIPOC + SWANA authors, queer stories, diverse reads that don’t get the attention they deserve.
Shrink Myself to Suit an Algorithm
I’m queer, Muslim, Palestinian, + a woman. The odds are not in my favor. But I’m not hiding who I am to become an influencer. If any of those bother you, I’m here for Friends > Followers.
Post Aesthetic or “Whimsical” Pics
Someone called my account "whimsical" a few months ago and I was honestly insulted. If that’s your vibe, or what you want to see on your feed, AWESOME! Curate your Bookstagram experience to YOUR preferences. I prefer posting helpful content, book reviews, guides. I scroll past aesthetic pics without a second glance--you won’t find those here.
Lovebomb Your Posts to Try + Get Your Attention
Another weird Bookstagram cultural habit I’m entirely uninterested in. I’ll COMMENT on the posts that spark my interests--I’ll start genuine, meaningful conversations to try + get to know you. I won’t notice if you like my last 100 posts.
Create Useless, Click-Baity Bookstagram Guides
Fun fact: I don’t monetize this account. I’m not going to trick you into clicking or sharing or saving posts. My Bookstagram guides are meant to help fellow Bookstagrammers who are struggling on this app. I create guides so you have fast, easy access to information.
Use or Recommend You Use AI for ANY Purpose
AI is the reason I’m currently unemployed. It’s the reason so many publishing companies are experiencing layoffs. And it’s the reason bad books are hitting the shelves (books with STOLEN content). I can show you how to create Bookstagram content WITHOUT lazy, mindless AI tools.
A little reintroduction for newer followers. I'm Leah! I blog about books—particularly books in translation, nonfiction, and sci-fi/fantasy. I'm a book reviewer and editor for Booklist (the American Library Association's magazine), and a writer for Chicago Review of Books and Book Riot. I live on the South Side of Chicago and love the lake and our stunning independent bookstores. And yes, I do read and walk.
Some other things to know about me:
- I love to travel, both alone & with loved ones, and all things willing, you'll get to see some wonderful travel content here.
- I have fibromyalgia and recurring pericarditis. I mask up and like to keep others aware and awake to the threats of Covid-19 and other illnesses. Sometimes I open up about the struggles of being chronically ill, in chronic pain, and/or living in a fat body, and I often read books about these issues.
- My cat's name is Ms Nellie Bly. She's a hard-hitting journalist who has been deep undercover on an expose of the human day-to-day for about a decade now.
- You will not encounter any fat shaming, transphobia, or other nonsense on this page.
- I am a sports lover! I don't post about it often, but I'm a huge Chicago Stars (NWSL), Chicago Sky (WNBA), and USWNT (soccer) fan.
- One day, you'll see my books in your local bookstores. I'm on my 3rd novel right now, and praying that one day an agent will see my MS's potential.
- I am on the all-volunteers board of Chicago Books to Women in Prison, and am very passionate about our cause!
- I love theater, and have a partnership with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, so I'll often post about upcoming shows .If you ever want to see a show, please hit me up for the most recent discount codes!
- This blog takes a lot of work, and I do it all alongside my full-time and part-time gigs. If you appreciate my work and want to 'buy me a $3 coffee,' visit my Ko-fi page. I drink a /lot/ of coffee, so it will be put to good use.