diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/status.py b/bookwyrm/models/status.py
index 767841c86..d3fcc2545 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/status.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/status.py
@@ -189,10 +189,9 @@ class Status(OrderedCollectionPageMixin, BookWyrmModel):
             if hasattr(activity, "name"):
                 activity.name = self.pure_name
             activity.type = self.pure_type
+            books = [getattr(self, "book", None)] + list(self.mention_books.all())
             covers = [
-                b.to_activity().get("cover")
-                for b in [getattr(self, "book", None)] + list(self.mention_books.all())
-                if b
+                b.to_activity().get("cover") for b in books if b
             ]
             activity.attachment = covers
         return activity