Lit 50 2022: Who Really Books in Chicago
By Brian Hieggelke | NewCity Magazine | 2022
Excerpt: “What do Hailey Dezort, Ashley Hasty, Emma McMullen, Caro Paniagua, Leah von Essen have in common? Just one thing, and that is that they are all part of an influential trend in publishing called “bookstagramming,” meaning they use their social media feed to promote books they’ve read, are reading, plan to read or, in some cases, simply recommend.”
Reading in a bar? The best spots to do it in Chicago
By Hannah Steinkopf-Frank | Chicago RedEye | 2018
Excerpt: “Hyde Park-based writer Leah von Essen does more than just dive into books at bars: She reads while walking. It’s a practice the New Jersey native started in high school and continued in college to enjoy books while keeping up with her University of Chicago coursework.”
Reader of the Week
Printer’s Row Chicago Tribune | 2016
Featured as the Printer’s Row Reader of the Week, sharing my favorite and least favorite books. I no longer agree with some of my answers, but was thrilled to be featured.
Photograph by Jessee Fish