Tastemaker Salon: An interview with Steph (@books.in.badgerland)
Keeping humanity in mind on social media, a tastemaker has questions for YOU, and a book to read if you liked the show Adolescence
I first met Steph “face-to-face” (or however we’re self-consciously terming virtual meetings these days) when we did a group interview of Layne Fargo on the Bookwild podcast for her tremendous smash hit, The Favorites. (You can watch that interview here; there’s a not-insignificant portion of it devoted to the ways that Layne and I have experienced an enormous number of deeply romantic times together.) I’m also such a fan of her Instagram posts and her interviews with Kate (@bookwild) on the Bookwild podcast!
What's your bookstagram handle?
When did you start your bookstagram?
November 2022
How did you get started/what made you get started?
After getting back into reading in 2021, I suddenly found myself overwhelmed by my physical TBR. (I'm sure many can relate!) I started this account after discovering the Bookstagram community to hold myself accountable to read everything on my shelf by posting reviews.
How many books a year do you read?
~150 the past couple of years since adding audiobooks to my reading routine.
What are your favorite genres? How would you describe your taste/social media aesthetic?
I read mostly thrillers with a sprinkle of "other". Thrillers can blend together after a while, so I've been adding quite a few "women's fiction" (whatever that really means??) into the mix. My aesthetic is low-maintenance aka my dining room table.
What do you know about Bookstagram now that you didn't when you first started?
Like anything else, Bookstagram is full of humans. What started as just reviews and pretty pictures grew to be a community of friendships, author connections, and drama I try to stay out of.
Who are some of your favorite authors? What about their work really captures you?
There are so many! My last three five star reads have been by Layne Fargo, Alison Espach, Rachel Harrison, and Ashley Winstead. I struggle with literary fiction at times, but I still want strong emotion. These authors have clever dialogue, a strong voice, astute observations about things like womanhood, and solid pacing. [Editor’s note: Couldn’t agree more!!]
What makes a book stand out to you?
Books with a unique premise that suck me in and hook me emotionally will always stick out to me.
What do you wish people knew about bookstagram/booktok/the book blogging community?
A) It's a great place to learn how to get more involved in the book community! I was exposed to NetGalley and encouraged to engage with authors, especially indie ones! Early on those things seemed like something out of reach for me. B) I think it's easy with social media in general to forget humans exist behind the accounts. Sometimes it's best to keep scrolling rather than engage if you disagree.
How do you decide which books to read, and then which books to feature?
Time and reading lots of books has helped me find my niche. I've enjoyed being pickier so my TBR isn't as overwhelming, but I've also found some of my favorite books by being spontaneous. I've progressed from reviewing every book on my Bookstagram to highlighting my 4-5 star recommendations. While I appreciate respectful, honest reviews, I prefer to share my favorites.
What's the best way for authors to reach out to you? Are there things authors do when they reach out that you hate?
Instagram is the best way for authors to reach me. I feel surprised when I see an author like my review on my GoodReads when it was less than 4-stars. I am respectful in my reviews, but I feel some—probably irrational—guilt for not enjoying the book more.
What kind of book are you dying to read? (I don't mean a book that exists—but if you could design the perfect book you're dying to read, what would it be/what kind of elements would it have?)
My favorite books include: clever dialogue, strong friendship (typically female), probably revenge, dry humor, astute observations about the world and life (lately rage), and reasonable chapter length. I don't need to like the characters, but I want to "get" them and feel compassion, empathy, or be able to relate in some way.
What's a thing you see publishers or authors do on social media that drives you CRAZY and not in a good way? (you don't have to name names!)
A) I think marketing books inappropriately is such a disservice. If a book is more of a drama with a hint of mystery, don't call it a thriller. It's setting up a bunch reviewers to complain (which they're more than happy to do lol). [Editor’s note: Can’t speak for ALL authors, of course, but this author STRONGLY AGREES with this assessment.] B) I personally have been trying to read more diversely, and I don't feel like enough hype is given to authors of color, especially in the thriller space. As readers we can try and try to search, but I think the issue is more systemic. It seems like the "darlings" every year are becoming predictable in a variety of ways. C) I’m not sure why some publishers are stingy with ARCs when I see how few GoodReads reviews show up for that author’s books. It doesn’t make sense or feel like they’re helping that author get exposure.
What's the book you recommend the most often and why?
Hard question! One of my themes is female rage and revenge, so They Never Learn by Layne Fargo is always a recommendation. After reading Don't Tell Me How to Die by Marshall Karp this year, I could see myself recommending it a lot. I think it will be well-loved by readers of multiple genres.
What's a book you love that you don't see getting enough love on social media?
Another hard question! There are so many. Bodies to Die For by Lori Brand was such a fun thriller with a great message. As a person who worked in the fitness industry for years, it's a fantastic setting for a thriller.
What hooks you about a book and keeps you reading? And for the books that you really love, what do you notice that makes you connect with them so strongly?
I love a strong voice, deadpan humor that doesn't try too hard, and sharp observations (especially about women or shitty men). I know there are more things that are hard for me to put into words. I’m currently reading a collection of short stories called The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw. The stories range from less than 10 to 40ish pages, and somehow I’m immediately immersed in each story. I think it comes down to enjoying writing that makes me feel like I’m talking to a friend: casual, easy, transparent, uncomplicated, and vulnerable.
Do you ever DNF books? And if so, at what point/what causes you to DNF?
I never used to DNF, but that has changed. I try to give it enough time to be able to say "it wasn't for me, but it might work for someone who enjoys X". If I don't care what happens or I have to work too hard to understand (some lit fic), then I know it's time to stop.
What question(s) do you wish people asked the bookstagram community more (and then answer it!)?
It would be nice to have some general information on a post pinned to most Bookstagrammer profiles to help figure out if we have the same taste. For example... [Steph’s answers in bold, below]
Would you rather predict the twist but love the story OR be completely surprised by the twist? predict the twist but love the story
Do you like character-driven or plot-driven books? I like to mix it up, but the more I read the more I enjoy emotional, character-driven books. I need to mix up though.
What are your thoughts on chapter length? If the chapters are longer than 10 pages, I better be ABSORBED.
Favorite thriller subgenres? female rage and revenge
Least favorite subgenres? locked room mysteries, police procedurals
Thank you, Steph, for the great answers! I also love her suggestion for finding out if Bookstagrammers have similar taste—pop your own responses to her questions in the comments!
Backlist beauties
Recommending: The Swallows by Lisa Lutz
Year published: 2019
Once upon a time, every time I opened a book, I was excited to read it. A book! Hooray! What could be better?! What’ll happen?
Like most simple joys in life, time has beaten that sense of just excited to be here and be reading joy out of me.
The Swallows was a book that, from the jump, brought that sense of joy and immediate connection back to me. Never mind that it’s an excellent take on dark academia, or that it reads like a companion piece of a sorts to the buzzy tv show Adolescence that’s gaining all that traction on Netflix. It’s also just a voice-y marvel to read.
Here’s the basic gist: A woman starts a new job as a teacher at a prep academy pushes the girls in her class to resist the “boys will be boys” narrative of the bad behavior of their male peers—a gender war that will end with a body count.1
If you read it, come back here and let me know what you think! There was a moment that took my absolute breath away in the telling.
But Halley, I can hear you thinking, why wouldn’t you suggest a book that’s RELEVANT?? lolololol *sob*
Love this!!