I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Bibliophile: Diverse Spines by Jane Mount, Jamise Harper Published by Chronicle Books on October 18, 2021
Genres: Antiques & Collectibles / Books, Literary Criticism / Books & Reading
Pages: 128
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Bookshop
Goodreads
It's time to diversify your reading list.
This richly illustrated and vastly inclusive collection uplifts the works of authors who are often underrepresented in the literary world. Using their keen knowledge and deep love for all things literary, coauthors Jamise Harper (founder of the Diverse Spines book community) and Jane Mount (author of Bibliophile) collaborated to create an essential volume filled with treasures for every reader:
• Dozens of themed illustrated book stacks—like Classics, Contemporary Fiction, Mysteries, Cookbooks, and more—all with an emphasis on authors of color and authors from diverse cultural backgrounds
• A look inside beloved bookstores owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
• Reading recommendations from leading BIPOC literary influencersDiversify your reading list to expand your world and shift your perspective. Kickstart your next literary adventure now!
EASY TO GIFT: This portable guide is packed with more than 150 colorful illustrations is a perfect gift for any booklover. The textured paper cover, gold foil, and ribbon marker make this book a special gift or self-purchase.
DISCOVER UNSUNG LITERARY HEROES: The authors dive deep into a wide variety of genres, such as Contemporary Fiction, Classics, Young Adult, Sci-Fi, and more to bring the works of authors of color to the fore.
ENDLESS READING INSPIRATION: Themed book stacks and reading suggestions from luminaries of the literary world provide curated book recommendations. Your to-read list will thank you.
Perfect for: bookish people; literary lovers; book club members; Mother's Day shoppers; stocking stuffers; followers of #DiverseSpines; Jane Mount and Ideal Bookshelf fans; Reese's Book Club and Oprah's Book Club followers; people who use Goodreads.com; readers wanting to expand/decolonize their book collections; people interested in uplifting BIPOC voices; antiracist activists and educators; grads and students; librarians and library patrons wanting to expand/decolonize their book collections; people interested in uplifting BIPOC voices; antiracist activists and educators; grads and students; librarians and library patrons
Okay ya’ll get ready for me to gush about this new book, Bibliophile: Diverse Spines that was a collaboration by a phenomenal Bookstagrammer Jamise Harper, that I follow, and a superb illustrator Jane Mount, whose art I plan to one day purchase.
No Brainer Holiday Gift for Book Lovers
Now I know that book lovers are picky about books they get as presents. Usually you should air on the side of caution by just giving us a gift card. But in this case, you might have a solid gift book on your hands here. I am reviewing this from a digital arc. I have already told my husband that this is one that I want for Christmas. But here is your warning: buy now! Because…supply chain issues are rough right now.
Required Reading for Bibliophiles
This book should be a required asset and on all bibliophile’s book shelves. Some people see themselves as well-read. But have you stopped to ask yourself if you are widely-read? If your answer is hesitant, then you need to check out this book. It is an awesome reference for so many biblio-related topics. It covers bookstores, book lists, book recommendations by authors and bookstagrammers, influential book people and more.
You Learn Something New Everyday
I pride myself at being somewhat widely read, but I learned so much from this book. There were facts and book recommendations that I had never even heard of before. That is why I recommend it not just as a coffee table book but as a reference book that you actively and frequently refer back to during your reading journeys. Also, if you ever hit a reading slump, all you have to do is whip this baby out and you will definitely find something to inspire you!
Bookstore Road Trip
The book showcases bookstores owned by BIPOC. As a I was reading, I thought what a cool road trip idea! Instead of visiting national parks (which is cool) I could visit as many Black-owned, Indigenous-owned, Latinx-owned and POC-owned bookstores as possible!
The Art
Jane Mount’s art is phenomenal! I love her illustrations of book covers and spines. I was first introduced to it when I came across a coffee mug that she had designed. It is currently on my Christmas list as well. The book stack illustrations in the book are my favorite.
About the Authors
Jamise Harper: Instagram– @diversespines, @spinesvines Website: https://www.diversespines.com/
Jane Mount: Instagram– @jane_mount, @Idealbookshelf Website: https://www.idealbookshelf.com/
More Fall Book Releases
Looking for more fall reading inspiration or book gift ideas? Check out my post on Fall Book Releases That I Am Excited To Read. I featured Bibliophile: Diverse Spines there too.
HAVE A SIP OF COCOA ☕…
I came for… the support of a fellow bookstagrammer and to champion diverse books!
I stayed for…. all the facts, details and book recommendations that I didn’t even know I needed to know!
Hot Cocoa Moments: Seeing my fellow bookstagrammers featured in the book! (Squeals and screams!!!)
Would I Read it Again: Oh definitely! This is a great reference book for my bookshelf!
Educator Recommendations: I recommend this book to educators on two fronts. One: As an educator, you need to be widely-read. If all you have read are books from “the canon” then you have barely even seen the tip of the iceberg that is genius in writing in the world. There are so many good book recommendations, history and information packed into this book. It should be a constant source of reference for you as a reader. Two: Share it with your students! This is such a great way to widen your students’ reading world beyond anything they could imagine!
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