Welcome to the second instalment of our new Meet the Bookstagrammers series. Designed to offer our readers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Bookstagrammer, this week we're chatting to one of our very favourite bookish accounts, Jess from What Jess Read, who also hosts the brilliant So Novel podcast.

Name: Jess or Jessica if I’m in trouble 

Instagram handle: what_jess_read 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a wife, mum of 2 humans and 3 dog babies. I work in the field of law and also have a bookish podcast I run on the side (shameless plug- @sonovelpodcast). 

How did you get into Bookstagramming?

It was a total fluke! I seen another account post on a FB group and I loved the idea so I started up my own. I was 2months postpartum with my second baby and stuck in a feeding chair for most of my day so I was reading a lot. 

What do you love most about the Bookstagram community?

The bookish chat! I love being influenced to read a book that I would not normally pick up and then being able to discuss it with the account/s that influenced me

Which are you favourite bookish accounts to follow?

Sooo many - @katie.reads.things, @sometimes_i_read_books, @hideandgoread, @books_bymybed, @thats.novel. 

Do you stick to the same genre or try to mix it up?

Pre bookstagram I was contemporary romance only. Now, I read a bit of everything! 

Do you have an all-time favourite book?

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. Fun fact- My daughter is name Savannah after the character from the book and Nic’s daughter! 

Are there any books you thought were over-hyped?

Red, White & Royal Blue. I’ve recently read Casey’s second novel- One Last Stop and realized that it’s actually her writing I dislike. I just don’t get the hype around either book. 

Is there a book that you’ve been meaning to read forever but haven’t yet got around to reading?

Go Set A Watchman- Harper Lee. I purchased the book when it was released then decided I want to reread To Kill A Mockingbird first and…..never got around to it. Since then I’ve heard a lot of not so good reviews that say maybe I’m not missing out on much? 

 

What would you perfect reading spot look like?

 

A hot peppermint tea in bed on a cold rainy night