We are happy to welcome author, cultural critic, and social media explainer Leigh Stein to Ask A Jew today! We discuss her new novel, If You’re Seeing This, It’s Meant for You — a modern-day gothic page-turner set in a Los Angeles social media influencer hype house (if you don’t know what a hype house is, even more of a reason to tune in!)

We discuss whether or not the internet is real life, what Leigh learned from being a student of TikTok, and the new controverial best-seller “Let Them”, as well as Chaya Leah’s follow up smash hit, “Stop It”. Also:

* Covid weddings

* The world of Bookfluencers

* Are hype houses influencer sweatshops?

* Leigh had to hire a consultant to help her learn TikTok (check out the fruits of her labor!)

* Girl, edit out your millennial pause

* Will Gen alpha save us?

* The way you take selfies is OLD!

* An Internet friend saved Leighs life

* Let Them? Stop it!

* Selling a book means selling your brand

* Tea on some of your favorite authors…

* Grieving the loss of a relationship and the loss of a life

* Philip Roth revival

And more!

In New York tonight? Friend of the pod (and the guest) Meghan Daum is hosting a talk with author Lionel Shriver (We Need to Talk About Kevin) and you can still get a ticket! 2/3rds of the people on this pod will be there! Here is Meghan interview with Leigh.

Go buy the book immediately! And while you’re at it, pick up a copy of the Torah. And Let Them. They’re both supposed to be good.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe