Leah Rachel von Essen

By day, Leah Rachel von Essen is the editor-in-chief of Chicago Booth Magazine at the University of Chicago. By night, she 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

New and Recent Gothic Horror

The punch doesn't taste right, you can't find the friend you came with, and you aren't sure how you're getting home: it's gothic horror.

12 Awesome Books Translated from Arabic

These 12 books in translation from Arabic will make you think, hurt your heart, and encourage you to read more translated literature.

Investigating My Teenage Obsession with the Fruits Basket Manga

When I was in middle school, Fruits Basket had a grip on me that still affects me to this day. I reread the series to figure out why.

15 Compelling Chilean Books in Translation

Discover more about the land of poets by picking up some of these unforgettable Chilean books available translated into English, including My Tender Matador.

Standalone Fantasy Books for Newbies to the Genre

Curious about the fantasy genre but are overwhelmed by series? These standalone fantasy books are great for beginners.

12 Stunning German Language Books Available in Translation

Check out a dozen superb German novels about dispossession, dislocation, loss, and love, including several exciting new releases.

20 Must-Read Queer Nonfiction Books from Around The World

These must-read books from around the world tell true stories in the voices of queer writers, from Kenya, India, Jamaica, Cuba, and more.

Why It Matters that Horror Protagonists Make Bad Decisions

We all love to judge horror characters making bad decisions. But could we do any better? And why does it matter?

14 Books in Translation from Western Africa

Get ready to dig into these 14 fantastic books in translation from Mauritania, Senegal, Cote D'Ivoire, Togo, Mali, and more.

11 Amazing Books About the Wonder of Trees

Whether you're a fellow tree hugger or just starting your tree-loving journey, there's so much to learn and love in these books about trees, including Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li.