Welcome to Literary Leanings, a weekly newsletter about books and life here in Maine. Come and join the community of 3,700+ other readers who love books as much as you do!

Hi! I’m Michelle.

I’m a book-loving photographer living on the coast of Maine. I’ve been talking about books online for six years now, and I love nothing more than thoughtfully curated book lists and connecting with fellow book lovers.

I’ve been an avid reader my entire life, but in 2015, after realizing I had read just two books in 2014, I made a goal of reading 25 books that year and rediscovered my love of reading. Since then, I started my book-focused Instagram in 2018 and this newsletter in 2021 and have been connecting with readers and sharing book recommendations.

After living in Boston and New York City, I settled down on the coast of Maine in 2021 with my husband and our two cats. When I’m not chatting about all things books, you can find me behind the camera as a full-time wedding and couples photographer.

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Featured in…

Downtime
Bookmarked with Michelle Martin
Welcome back to a new installment of Bookmarked, a series where our favorite authors, readers, and otherwise bookish people share their best book recommendations and reading rituals. If you’ve browsed bookstagram, you’ve likely come across Michelle Martin…
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The Mindful Librarian
Let's Talk About Books With Michelle Martin
Hello readers! Welcome to my brand new series that will feature my favorite kind of online writers ~ those who write about BOOKS! Just like my series What Writers Read, this series will introduce you to new writers and their favorite books. I do hope you enjoy it…
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Some nice words...

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“Can I just say that reading your updates is the ultimate relaxation for me. Seriously appreciating you and the content you put out into the world.”

“I loved this and especially the curated book list - I will be returning to it in the future when looking for something new to read!”

"Your recommendations spark great joy and broaden my horizons. Thank you."

“You always introduce me to great books!”

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Sharing thoughtfully curated book recommendations, reflections and tips on the reading life, and a little bit of my life here in Maine.

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Full-time photographer and part-time book lover living on the coast of Maine.