Meet Andre Kelton | Book reviewer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andre Kelton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andre, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my Instagram page because I was previously in the book business as a Black bookstore entrepreneur running a store named Ourstory. And when I had to close the store, one of the things I missed most, was the conversation around books, and so I was hoping to replicate those conversations, debates, heated discussions in the IG space. I post about books that I’ve read, and I believe are worthy of being shared. I don’t just post books with pretty covers, but if I post it, I include a brief review of the book. And, although it’s rare that deep discussion follows any book posts, there is some back and forth at times as the merits of a particular book or author are debated. If you visit my page you are bound to learn about books that you probably didn’t previously know were available. I don’t just post the hot commercial titles, but I’m always reading and posting about books off the mainstream highway. So visiting @books4usbyus is a good way to expand your reading experience .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take someone visiting me to my favorite store, which is also the place I’m shouting out. Kindred Stories! A wonderful bookstore in 3rd ward Houston, bringing Black stories and Artisans to the community. They have brought many authors and creatives to Houston to meet the local readers and supporters. Kindred Stories is doing it big and professionally. You can find them on IG @kindredstories or the web https://kindredstorieshtx.com/

Instagram: @kindredstories