With summer in the rearview and the hazy embrace of Autumn lulling us to sleep at the wheel, we could all use a burst of energy. Thank God for Up-And-Coming Bookstagrammers like @christopermetts who keep us constantly entertained. Whether you’re lit up by his infectious personality or peeking one eye out from the blanket you’re cowering under, unable to tear yourself away from his thrilling, repulsive realism recommendations, Christopher’s Bookstagram is sure to leave a lasting impression. Christopher goes a step further than most Bookstagrammers; not only does he let you into his library, he lets you into his life. What a gift for us all. Read on to get to know Christopher better and hear my favorite ‘fictional crush’ answer we’ve ever received.
Christopher of @christophermetts
Instagram | Goodreads
Why did you start your Bookstagram? What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
Well! My husband, @Bernie.Lombardi (a fellow Bookstagrammer), started getting invited to all these exciting book events, and, as a Leo, the FOMO was real. I was already doing all the reading, so he encouraged me to start posting about books, and then maybe I could be invited along with him one day! And now we thoroughly prance about at the book events hand-in-hand.
Where are you from?
Tennessee – and even though I’ve lived in NY since 2014, ‘y’all’ is still very much in my vernacular.
Fun Fact about you:
I work for Penguin Random House as a marketer for Pantheon. So I get to live out my book dreams in my work life and home life. No balance needed.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
I feel like I would get in trouble if I didn’t say @Bernie.Lombardi – but he is truly my favorite Bookstagrammer!
Favorite Books and Authors:
Sarah Waters, Sally Rooney (hardcore Rooney Toon over here), Akwaeke Emezi, Percival Everett, Melissa Broder, Ted Chiang, Ali Smith, Lily King, Mieko Kawakami, Anne Tyler, Mariana Enríquez, Richard Powers, Lydia Millet, Yiyun Li, Olga Tokarczuk, Jon Fosse
Fictional Crush:
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
5 Books on your TBR:
The Booker Prize Longlist, Just Above My Head by James Baldwin, Heart the Lover by Lily King, The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy, The Country Girls by Edna O’Brien
What’s a book on your TBR you’ve been putting off reading, and why?
My TBR is constantly screaming at me — too many books to name!
Name a popular author/book/book series that you haven’t read yet but want to?`
I’m obsessed with repulsive realism as a genre. BUT I’ve never read one of the OGs in the field: Ottessa Moshfegh.
Name a publisher/publishing company that never misses with their new releases?
Pantheon, of course!
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I’m a big book prize girlie. If there’s a book prize out there, then I’m definitely posting about it.
Author you wish to take a selfie with:
Seán Hewitt, let’s goooooo
Favorite book cover:
Ædnan by Linnea Axelsson, tr by Saskia Vogel, is my ultimate color scheme and represents the vast beauty of the book expertly. It’s absolutely stunning.
What are your favorite creative avenues to explore when putting together a post for your page, and why? (graphics, editing the photos, creating edits, etc.)
I love developing graphics and exploring my creative side in that way. Playing with color, font, placement, and form gives me that ooh-ah sensation. I also love finding moments to be silly and goofy when editing my videos. Sometimes the best content comes from the spontaneity of the editing room.
What do you like most about bookstagram?
The community! I love connecting with you all, hyping our favorite books, fostering conversations, and geeking out over books and authors. I have even developed irl friendships with some bookstagrammers. This August, I’m even meeting up with a few at a literary festival in Copenhagen!
What’s a memorable or favorite interaction you’ve had with an author or follower?
Barbara Kingsolver received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Book Awards last year. We ended up dancing together at the after-party, and she proceeded to place the award around my neck because she said I was the best-dressed at the ball.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
I have two main nuggets of advice: (1) engage with others — if you give to the community, then the community will give back to you, (2) if you post what you think you should post, then it might come off as forced. Post what you love, and your passion will shine through!
Thank you to the charming Christopher for chatting with us and providing a deeper insight into his bookish brain. He leaves us with an important message: be yourself, love what you do, love your community, and the universe will reward you. Don’t miss out — follow Christopher on Instagram and GoodReads today for recommendations that might send a shiver down your spine, but will definitely scratch that literary itch.
Looking to spice it up? Check out Bookstagrammer Makenna for steamy romance recommendations here.
Find Christopher’s recommendations and countless other favorite Bookstagrammer Picks on our Bookshop.
