Originally an Instagram account dedicated only to posting book reviews with pretty pictures (think GoodReads +), it eventually grew into a space on the Internet where I met bookish people from around the world and connected with authors, publishers, and the independent bookstores that are the cornerstones of our community. Now, Shelf Love is an online resource for all your bookish desires. Here, you can find new books to read, genres to try, trends in the publishing industry, new ways to consume your media, and everything in between.

After graduating law school and beginning a career in the legal profession, I found myself craving a creative outlet that lined up with my favorite hobby: reading. And when you tell people you “love to read,” nine times out of ten, their first question is “what is your favorite book?” A question that, in my humble opinion, is not one easily answered.

Shelf Love teamed up with Read & Wright to bring you a bookish podcast. Read It or List It is the podcast for the thoughtful, busy reader who needs to know: add to cart or save it for later? We will be taking a critical look into the books we read in all genres and in all mediums (audio, e-reader, and physical) to help you decide which books to read and when and to generate important conversations in the literary world.

What is your rating scale?

I follow a five star rating scale and occasionally do half-stars. A five star read for me is a book that either (a) has a compelling and perfectly executed plot with complex characters and has no faults (to me); or (b) is a book that evoked such strong emotion from me that I could not fathom taking a star off for minor criticisms or objective critiques. A four star read for me is a book that I loved with a solid premise that kept me entertained throughout. Typically, four star reads check a lot of objective boxes, like good character development, good pacing, and is well executed, but is missing the "it" factor of a five star read. A three star read for me is a book I liked and one in which I found the story and characters enjoyable enough to keep reading. I would recommend a three star read to fans of the genre/tropes/plot devices employed throughout the book. A two star read for me is a book I did not like, but one that could be the right book for a different person. A one star read is a book I strongly disliked and would not recommend.

Do you review every book you've read?

At this time, I do not feature one star reads or DNFs (a "did not finish" book) on my blog or on my bookstagram. I do, however, provide ratings for all books on my goodreads profile.

Do you read every book you are sent from an author or a publisher?

It depends on the nature of the relationship with the author or publisher. If I receive a book in exchange for an honest review, I will read that book in a timely fashion (usually on or around publication date). I have a reading schedule that permits me to read 2 to 3 gifted books a month. Every book I am sent will be featured on my blog and on my bookstagram as "book mail." These posts will provide the book's publication date and synopsis.

Do you accept books from self-published authors?

At this time, I do not accept books from self-published authors in exchange for reviews. Occasionally, I will share information about a self-published book on my bookstagram.

Will you be a beta reader for my book?

At this time, I cannot commit to being a beta reader for any unfinished works.