About PhDiva
Hi all! I’m Mackenzie Harms and I’m excited you are here! On this page I talk a bit about myself and why I started this blog. I also talk about my work and how I publicize books. If you are interested in contacting me about reviewing a book, there is a contact form (linked at the end of this page and in the header bar under “Contact Me”). I’d love to hear from you!
About Me
I started this blog as another way to make my impact on the world. I’ve been a lifelong reader. My parents actually only let me watch 30 minutes of television per week as a kid (outside of family movie nights). Books have always allowed me to let my imagination run away with me. I remember so many nights I stayed up late reading, promising myself just one more page.
Now as an adult, I find reading to be the way I am able to really focus and immerse myself in a story. Do I love movies and television shows? Of course! Who doesn’t? But I find that within 30 minutes or so, I’m checking my phone for texts or browsing the internet, only halfway paying attention to what I’m watching. Books are so different from that. I lose all track of what is happening around me. I think books are such an important way for us to disconnect from the stresses of life. I find reading to be replenishing in a way other activities aren’t. I am a classic worrier, but when I read I find that my mind is so engaged in the story, that I’m not able to ruminate or fixate on other things. I hope to help others find the same experience!
I’m currently finishing my PhD in Psychology, and finding time to read for pleasure has been so important to me. My hope is to open up others to the joy of reading. I teach at a university (undergraduate and graduate courses), and I also create recommended book lists for post-graduate readers in my city through the public school system and the public libraries. So many people lose their love of reading as they enter adulthood, and some never had a chance to find it at all. Through reading circles, support groups, clubs, classes, and other activities sponsored by my organization, I have an opportunity to get books that will speak to people into their hands, and I find it so rewarding.
About My Reviews
Why aren’t there star ratings?
On my blog, I only post about books that I recommend to my followers, whether they be students of mine, readers, book sellers, or people who just want to know more about books. That means if I post a review here, I am 100% behind that book. By reviewing it on PhDiva.blog, I’m recommending it to readers. I don’t use star-ratings because I think it sometimes promotes unfair comparisons of books. If you want to see my star ratings, you can always go to my Goodreads profile or see my reviews on Amazon.
I’m all about positivity, and I don’t want to bash any books on my blog just because they weren’t a good fit for me. My reviews are honest, but respectful. Publishing is hard work, and I respect anyone getting their book written and out there to the world. I don’t believe there is a book in this world that won’t speak to some readers. I will post feedback about what did and didn’t work for me personally, and what may work or not work for other readers. I am also really happy to answer any questions from those considering if a book is for them!
Where do I get books to review?
My reviews are about 50% books I sought out and purchased myself, and 50% advanced reader copies that publishers have allowed me a chance to read and review honestly. I love to help out publishers and authors by publicizing books I read and loved. If you are a publisher or author, please reach out to me! I accept eBooks or physical ARCs. I’m happy to provide my mailing address to Publishers if you send me an email.
Where do I publicize my reviews?
I am really active about publicizing books, because it is a huge passion of mine! In my professional work, I reach about 500 people with my recommendations depending on the semester, through students at the university and post-graduates in my city. On my blog and social media, I reach about 1,500 additional people. I am active on twitter, facebook, instagram, and goodreads as a book reviewer. I also post all reviews to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book sellers on publication day, to help books I love be visible to readers. If you have an additional website you’d like me to publicize on, please reach out! I am open to new avenues to support books.
To contact me, visit my contact page or click here.
Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!!!