Leah Rachel von Essen

Leah Rachel von Essen reviews genre-bending fiction for Booklist, and writes regularly as a senior contributor at Book Riot. Her blog While Reading and Walking has over 10,000 dedicated followers over several social media outlets, including Instagram. She writes passionately about books in translation, chronic illness and bias in healthcare, queer books, twisty SFF, and magical realism and folklore. She was one of a select few bookstagrammers named to NewCity’s Chicago Lit50 in 2022. She is an avid traveler, a passionate fan of women’s basketball and soccer, and a lifelong learner. Twitter: @reading_while

The Best Books to Give to Grads

Books are a great choice for a graduation gift. These titles offer both practical advice and inspiration to your recent grad.

Straight on ’til Morning: Enchanting Merch for Peter Pan Day

Celebrate Peter Pan Day (aka J.M. Barrie's birthday) with these Peter Pan-themed accessories and decorations!

The Best Cozy Books of 2025

From healing fiction to low-drama romance to cozy mysteries, here are the best cozy books out in 2025 to curl up with.

9 Captivating Books Set in Remote Places

These books set in remote places evoke so much of what makes us human, from our survival instincts to our desperate need for connection.

A Healing, Fascinating Book on Fatphobia

I’ve always been big. Big-boned, chubby, curvy, fat, obese, whatever I or my doctors called it, I was always bigger ...

Romantic Gifts for the Romance-Obsessed Valentine in Your Life

These romantic gifts for readers will make any bookworm swoon. They're perfect for Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and more!

8 Moving Novels About Grief & Healing

Celadon Books, publishers of Penitence, the thrilling new novel by Kristin KovalFor readers of Ann Patchett and Celeste Ng, Penitence ...

The Best Gifts for Readers 2024

Need gift ideas for the brilliant bookworms in your life? We've got you covered, with crafts, jewelry, shirts, and more!

A Multigenerational Trilogy Set in 1492 Spain

This trilogy chronicles three generations of a Muslim family trying to survive the aftermath of their city's conquest.

How to Motivate Yourself to Read More

How do you get out of a reading slump?