Meet the Reader: Rachel
aka my former penpal!
Welcome back to my reader interview series! This time, we’re hearing from Rachel, who is my former penpal (former only because I got too busy to keep up with letters unfortunately). Keep on reading to get to know the ultimate romance reader, Rachel!
Reader Profile:
Name - Rachel Shubin
Occupation - Freelance journalist
Where you grew up - Fairfax, Virginia
Where you live now - Cape May, New Jersey
Hobbies other than reading - Journaling (bullet, reading & junk), pen palling, creating jewelry
Where can readers find you? - (link Instagram, Goodreads, Substack, etc. Anything you want)
Questions:
When did you first get into reading? I like to say I’ve always been a reader, because I grew up in a family of readers. My parents/grandparents really fostered a love of reading and basically I haven’t put a book down since I learned how to read on my own.
What are you reading right now? I’m currently reading an ARC of Wild Goose Chase by Sarah Adler. She’s one of my favorite writers!
Best book you read in 2025? Honestly it’s tough to pick just one but if I must, Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid. I’ve always liked hockey romances but something about this one just hit different (I think because of the show and the amazing community it created). Honorable mentions have to go to Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros and What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon.
Top 5 all time favorite books?
Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
What is a book you recommend everyone? Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson. It’s young adult, a bit out of date – but the story’s sentiment still holds up. I have gifted a copy of it to so many people, both of my parents have read it, and I’ve read it at least five times myself.
What is a book you love but never recommend? What a great question. I honestly recommend so many books, but one I don’t know if I have recommended The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I read it in high school for a project and remember being captivated and devastated by the story. I spilled soda on my copy, damaging it. The 20th Anniversary edition was just released, so I picked that up. It has bonus content, so I’m hoping to reread it soon.
What is the biggest letdown book you’ve read last year? Honestly, no one book comes to mind. I think it’s an amalgamation of contemporary romances that just didn’t hit the mark.
What book was the biggest surprise you read last year? By far, It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard. It was an incredible story and hard to believe it was her debut! I haven’t stopped recommending it since I read it and I am anticipating her next book in August.
What was your favorite book or series as a kid/growing up? Besides a story about a young boy wizard and the author who shall not be named (a story very dear to me as I grew up), I absolutely loved A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. I still have my first editions!
Before the opinion speed round, leave the audience with an underrated book: Can I pick a whole series and its spinoff? The Vampire Academy & Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. It’s peak young adult vampire, but I think it got overshadowed by the Twilight series. It is infinitely better and if you can believe it, the spinoff series Bloodlines is one of my top five favorite YA series ever. I just ordered a special box set of it! Vampire Academy has gotten both a movie and show, but neither did the story justice, in my opinion.
Opinion speed round:
paperback or hardcover? paperback
audiobook or written book? Written book
library loan or own? own
read in a coffeeshop or a park? Coffee shop
sad ending or happy ending? Happy ending
romance or thriller? romance
kindle or physical copy? physical
series or standalone? series
long book or short book? long book
Thanks so much Rachel!! If anyone is interested in being next, please let me know - I love getting to know readers a bit deeper.
Happy Reading!
Wait this is inspiring me to have a penpal in adulthood hahah. Definitely going to check out The Vampire Academy- maybe it'll do for me what the Twilight books didn't. Thanks for sharing, Rachel!!
Aww love this, marking to read when I have time later!