Welcome, curious readers! The Book Snack is serving up mini book reviews, book recommendations, and an ongoing monthly reading diary. Searching for your next great read? Browse here. All genres are delectable, but our sweet spot is upmarket and literary fiction. Enjoy!

“Reading, writing have always been my way of soothing myself.” - Elena Ferrante 

 About 

What’s your next book?

Searching for a book to gift? Your turn to select your book club’s next pick? Look no further.

The average American reads five books a year. Angelenos read more than in any U.S. market — although upmarket/literary fiction isn’t as popular here as on the East Coast.

Reading is personal. Quirky characters are my delight. I prefer books that leave room for interpretation. Reading is a process. I’m thrilled to discover connections between texts — connections that make sense to me, not those generated by algorithm.

The Book Snack can guide readers who are stumped about what to read next. “Snacks” consist of short reviews with occasional musings in a longer format. None exceed one page. 

Read to be enlightened, to be surprised, to be transported and entertained. Discover characters who are alive the page. Grab your favorite beverage, adjust your light, and enjoy. 

 I’m Kathryn Kantner, a reader since age nine. I have a clear memory of visiting the public library in Hershey, Pennsylvania as a child, where the street lights are giant Hershey Kisses, both silver-foil-wrapped and plain chocolate versions. My first job after college was with HarperCollins publishers, where we lunched with Allen Ginsberg. Later career prospects involved the Manhattan art industry and the nonprofit sector in Los Angeles, after earning a master’s in social welfare from UCLA. I live in Los Angeles with my husband, three children, and two scruffy dogs. thebooksnack.com launched in January 2022 is a passion project. Who knows, maybe a community of readers will take root here.