Our Bookworms

While many of our reviews are written by myself, Sneak Peek also employs college students. These students write reviews and copyedit. Sneak Peek believes that reading and education are important and we strive to support students by giving them an opportunity to gain work experience doing something they love – reading books!

Interested in applying? Reach out here. 

Morgan Lynn

Co-Founder and Hiring Manager

School: University of Tulsa Alumni
Major: Biopsychology, Pre-Med
Favorite Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Whether I’m reading, writing or acting, stories are everything to me! I would not be who I am today if I had not picked up The Boxcar Children in second grade, and discovered an exciting way to learn and explore.

Cailey Folts

Editor

School: University of Virginia
Major: English and Government
Favorite Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Reading has always been an escape for me. The new world might be seemingly better or worse, but regardless it serves as a reminder of perspective. I find no better lesson on perspective and empathy than reading a book because it forces you to imagine for yourself what characters are going through. With a really good book, the emotional mental space of a character becomes your own.

Alli Kestler

Sports Writer

School: Augustana College
Major: Creative Writing, French, Political Science
Favorite Book: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

My parents read to my sister and me all the time growing up, but when I was eight, I latched onto books (specifically, Erin Hunter’s Warrior Cats series) and wouldn’t let go. As I aged, I occasionally thought about how I wanted to be an architect like Annabeth in Percy Jackson, or how cool it would be to be a detective like Sammy Keyes or Amy and Dan Cahill from the 39 Clues books. Instead, in my middle school years, I decided that I wanted to write stories. Personally, reading has helped shape the ways in which I’m curious, empathetic, and thoughtful. I hope that reading continues to give me those traits, and I especially hope it continues to bring me joy.

Paige Smith

Writer

School: University of Missouri – Columbia
Major: Bachelor of Health Science in Public Health
Favorite Book: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

Reading has always been a safe haven for me from a very young age. I always enjoyed getting lost in other worlds. Reading has helped me through many difficult times throughout my life. It was incredibly helpful to read about people, whether fictional or not, who have gone through similar situations as I have. Reading has been incredibly influential to the way I live my life.

Elena Brown

Writing Intern

School: University of Missouri
Major: English
Favorite Book: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Reading has always helped me in finding my place in the world and connect with people. When I was in 5th grade, my family moved to Singapore. I was just finishing the last Harry Potter book when we moved, and my love for the series, which I shared with the rest of my peers, sparked instant friendships in a new place. When I started college, I heard a lot of people say, “those who loved reading as a child hate it now,” but this has not been true for me. I still get a rush of joy walking through the aisles of a bookstore and feel exhilarated when I crack open a brand new book and run my hand down the first page before beginning my adventure.

Signe Nettum

Writer

School: University of Iowa
Major: English and Creative Writing; Journalism and Mass Communication
Favorite Book: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Reading shaped my life from a young age. After years of reading countless books, I was inspired to take on an English degree with the vision of participating in library sciences once I graduated undergrad. My dream goal is to become a famous author, but spreading the love of books is just as fulfilling.

Madison Shooter

Writing Intern

School: DePaul University
Major: Philosophy & English
Favorite Book: Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid

Ever since I was young, I loved stories of magic. Before I entered middle school, I read the Harry Potter series for the first time which prompted me to start creative writing. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to become an author of my own fantasy stories. As an English and Philosophy major, I still spend most of my time reading, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Daniel Klein

Writing Intern

School: American University
Major: Political Science & French
Favorite Book: Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

I believe that reading and the ability to wholeheartedly engage with texts has changed my life for the better. I can always point to one book that significantly altered who I am: George R. Stewart’s Earth Abides. I have always found this book inspiring because of the protagonist’s fortitude and determination to overcome both internal and external struggles. This book taught me that despite one’s circumstances and adversaries, there is always hope.

Sara Mansfield

Writing Intern

School: Rice University
Major: Economics & English
Favorite Book: Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Reading has always played a very large role in my life. Growing up, I was never without a book in hand, reading in school, in the car, or even while walking around. I could always find reprieve between the pages of novels, new reads, or ones that you come back to. Although there have been a couple of times where I have strayed away from books, it is never for long. Reading has opened new doors for me, helping improve my creativity, vocabulary, and empathy, and, of all the things in my life, I think reading has had the most profound impact.

Jemima Cooke

Writing Intern

School: University of Minnesota
Major: English
Favorite Book: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Reading has had a positive effect on my life. I have learned kindness and empathy in addition to becoming a well-rounded person. Regardless of the genre,  there was a lesson or reminder that I could carry to the real world. Moreover, my versatility in any subject allowed me to pursue any desired career. Ultimately,  I chose an English-orientated career because, in my opinion, words have a longer-lasting impact than actions.

Emma Hua

Writing Intern

School: American University
Major: Literature
Favorite Book: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Reading has impacted my life in many ways. Reading has influenced me so much that it inspired me to start pursuing writing and to begin telling my own stories, making my own fantasy worlds. Now as an adult, I see the impact books and reading have on people regarding representation and social issues and I am determined to bring that change as a writer.

Jennaly Nolan

Writing Intern

School: Centre College
Major: English, Economics & Finance
Favorite Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

As a child, I spent my free time reading, escaping into other worlds. I loved it and wanted others to experience the same joy I did when reading. I am a strong believer that everyone can have a positive experience from reading if they are given the right book for them. My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in publishing to help children find those books that will make their reading experience exciting and fulfilling. 

Hannah Olsson

Writing Intern

School: University of Iowa
Major: English and Creative Writing
Favorite Book: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater.

Reading has impacted my life in a number of ways. I read most of the Hunger Games through my anxious years in middle school, and every Fredrik Backman book whenever I felt stressed in high school. Books really aren’t an escape for me, but a way to be able to rest when the world seems to whirl around just a bit too fast. They are a guiding hand and an arm to hold onto when things get rough.

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