Meet the Founder

Hello, I'm Ella, the founder and curator of The Obsidian Library.

My professional journey began at Stanford University, where I studied Earth Sciences and was deeply involved in research and debate. This foundation in analytical rigor and structured argument led to a career in the tech industry, where I've spent the past 10 years in a strategic consulting capacity, helping brands navigate the complexities of data, operations, and digital marketing.

Like many, my lifelong reading habit took a backseat during my early professional years. A few years ago, I made a conscious decision to reintegrate this passion into my life. In doing so, I rediscovered the profound value that reading offers: it provides essential context, reminds us of the breadth of human experience, and offers new frameworks for understanding our own lives.

Our Philosophy: The "Why" Behind The Obsidian Library

Working at the forefront of advancements in AI, I was struck by a powerful paradox: as information becomes more accessible, human context and critical thinking become more essential. I created The Obsidian Library as a response, a place to champion the importance of reading and to provide the tools to think critically about the media we consume.

This philosophy is built into the fabric of the site:

  • The Name: The name is a reference to obsidian stone—a volcanic glass known for its sharpness and clarity. Our reviews aim to provide precisely that: sharp analysis and clear insights to help you choose your next read with intention.

  • The Review Structure: My analytical style is born from a desire to make the best use of our most precious resource: time. Each review is structured to answer the questions I ask myself: What will I learn? Is it well-researched? And most importantly, is it worth the investment?

  • The Rating Systems: I created the Content Rating Scale and The Shelf Test to empower readers. In a world where we get content ratings for movies and TV shows, it’s time we expected the same transparency from books. These systems are not moral judgments, but practical tools to help you make informed, intentional reading choices.

This library is a space for discourse and discovery. Thank you for being here. I hope you'll not only find books you love but also rediscover the joy and power of reading that connects us all.

Happy exploring,

Ella

Founder, The Obsidian Library