We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaitlyn “The Literary Lawyer” and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaitlyn, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
My favorite book of the year thus far has been Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson.

Set in a 1970’s logging town in Northern California, the plot centers around the environmental impact of logging on the ecosystem and the families who call the town home.

It’s a very character driven story, and each perspective is written with such care and emotion I felt like my heart was breaking by the end. I would not be surprised to see Damnation Spring wind up as a choice for some of the celebrity bookclubs in 2022.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There are many book bloggers, Bookstagrammers, and even BookTok accounts out there. I think what sets TheLiteraryLawyer apart is that I truly read what I love and review from the heart.

It’s easy to get bogged down by the volume of books being sent out for promotional review, and feel the pressure to only post what’s new or hot. However, I think the content suffers when you’re not truly interested in what you are reading. The viewer can tell, and it starts to feel very flat and scammy.

At this point I only choose to post review copies that I have read completely and I only choose to read ones that I am personally interested in. I think that level of genuine engagement makes my posts and reviews more approachable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in San Diego I have lots of visitors from the East Coast especially in the winter months!

For dinner, I always opt for Cowboy Star in East Village. Their bar is beautiful, the food is fantastic, and their mezcal cocktail is to die for.

I love a good dive bar and so do my friends, so I would definitely head over to Club Marina in Point Loma or The Waterfront in Little Italy. Cheap cold beer, friendly staff, and free popcorn can’t be beat.

For brunch, I love The Catamaran for out of town guests. The hotel is gorgeous and their seafood brunch buffet is killer. Crab legs and bottomless mimosas with a view of the water? Total crowd pleaser.

San Diego has amazing yoga studios including Indie Yoga in Ocean Beach. Taking a Saturday morning yoga class then walking one block to the beach is the perfect way to spend the day. Throw in a cooler of post-sweat refreshments and a big beach blanket and you’re set.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In 2019 I was struggling quite a bit with work related stress and really feeling burnt out. A friend and mentor asked “what do you like to do just for the enjoyment of it?” In that moment, I realized that I had really abandoned all my passion projects in favor of work and professional networking.

I went back to basics. I am a lifelong reader, and I have always used books as stress relief and a way to relax. I truly loved recommending books to others as well. My mentor encouraged me to find an outlet to use those skills, flex my creative side, and do something truly just for me. That’s when my blog, TheLiteraryLawyer, was born.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theliterarylawyer/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=Elkw8CZONcZa1H5jO17qkQ&utm_source=ishare

Image Credits
Jen Jordan Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.