Book Blogger Awareness Week: A Sense of Community

This week celebrates the 4th year of Book Blogger Appreciation Week. The brain-child of Amy, from My Friend Amy, is to recognize the efforts of book bloggers worldwide. Complete with week-long activities, Amy has set up this fabulous week to network, promote book blogging, and honor those who go above and beyond by giving out awards! Best of wishes to all of those nominated in their respective categories!

I love that this year's theme is "Cultivating a Community of Bloggers and Readers". Throughout the week, participants will focus on building a wider community of bloggers and readers! I hope to grow from this experience and become a better blogger.

I would not even be blogging today had it not been for a beautiful woman who I just "ran into" on GoodReads. I had just joined the site and was looking for people close in proximity to my location. When I first began chatting with Margaret of Creative Madness she lived about 20 miles away. She was a newlywed who loved to read and as very encouraging to this "newbie" in the book blogging world. A few years ago, she lived just a stone throw's away down the street from me and was having her AppleBlossom. Then the news that her husband had been transferred resulted in a move to TN. Since moving away, she's now mommy to not only her beautiful AppleBlossom but now has OrangeBlossom! In betweeen her mommy duties, she still has time to read and encourage other bloggers. I appreciate you Margaret! Thank you for all you do for the community, especially those of of us who love Christian Historical Fiction! :)

Along the way, I've met some other fabulous people. One of my "sparring" partners is Renee. You can find her super comfy blog over at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Blog. Renee is a fantastic young woman who tries to steal my Discarded Heroes! I really shouldn't be trying to steal any of these fine young men since I'm a happily married woman! Renee and I, along with Rel, Joy, and Lydia, can blow up Twitter on any given night talking about Ronie Kendig's fabulous books!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the person who re-introduced me to my love of reading. I read A LOT as a child but really slacked off through college and early days of marriage. When I started teaching, a young lady named Mindi brought me Twilight (no haters please!) after she learned that I liked to watch vampire movies. I read the whole book in a weekend and haven't stopped since then! Mindi is now a freshman in college and I hope to encourage her to keep her love of reading forever!!

I hope you all have a fantastic week of reading. I'll try to post more later this week. It's going to be a busy week with a thesis and presentation due, along with a day to write lesson plans for the GA Dept. of Ed. and a day of STEM training! I love and appreciate you all and hope you'll continue to read and visit my blog! :)

It's Just Around the Corner!

I am so excited about this and I hope you'll join me and the thousands of other bloggers who come together to honor one another and make new bloggy friends! It's also a great chance to add more books to that already sagging TBR shelf! :)

What: Book Blogger Appreciation Week is a week long festival celebrating the community of book bloggers and their contribution to preserving a culture of literacy through book reviews and recommendations, reading reflections, and general bookish chat. BBAW also includes an awards component. For more information on the BBAW 2010 Awards and how to participate, please visit the BBAW 2010 Awards Blog. BBAW events include daily blogging topics, blogger interview swaps, special guest posts, and so much more!

Who: If you self-identify as a book blogger, this festival is for you! We have been excited to welcome participants from all over the world for past BBAWs.

When: September 13-17, 2010.

Where: Right here at the Book Blogger Appreciation Week blog. You can participate in the comfort of your own home and the convenience of your own time zone.

Why: Because book blogging is a fun and time intensive hobby that has created communities around books and played a crucial role in the continuing evolution of what books mean in our society.

How Can I Participate?
You can participate by filling out the registration form for BBAW 2010. Subscribe to the blog’s feed and follow us on Twitter to keep up with all of the developments!

BBAW Wrap-Up

This has been an incredibly amazing week full of lots of blogger love. I was not a blogger during last year's festivities but I am oh so glad that I'm a part of this year's!!! I want to give a huge shout out to Amy for all the time and effort that she has put into Book Blogger Appreciation Week! Amy, you ROCK!!

I do have a few things to wrap up, and I figured I'd get that taken care of. Sorry for the delay, it's been a pretty wild week for me. In between the J-O-B (teaching high school!) and the 2 CPR/First Aid classes I've taught this week, it's a miracle I've even had time to visit the few new blogs that I have found. I do promise to visit more of you soon as things start to die down a little here.

I have some giveaway winners that I would like to publicly announce at this time:

On Monday, I gave away How It Ends. The lucky winner is Rachel!

Tuesday's winner of Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz is none other than Emily and the winner of the 2 Michelle Moran books is Marie!

The Summer of Two Wishes winner on Wednesday was Debbie!

Thursday night's winner of The Science of Life After Death was Diane!

Books will be shipping out shortly to winners! Thank you to everyone for commenting and participating. I hope to see you again soon for more great giveaways!

Special thanks again to Amy and the BBAW team for the following badge. Isn't it just lovely? I love it! :)

I really hope to be more active in next year's festivities. I might just have to take the week off work!!! LOL


On that note....

Oct. 3 is a HUGE day for me...after all, it's the opening night of my hometown team the Atlanta Thrashers versus the Tampa Bay Lightening!! (That's hockey for those of you who don't know!) I love love love hockey, it's like the only sport (besides volleyball) that I even care about!! While my team is not doing it's best during pre-season, I hope to see some improvements and enjoy a few games this season. We opted to not get season tickets this year (trying to save some money) so I'm not sure how frequently I'll be able to go, but I will go as often as hubby will let me!!

BBAW: Goal Setting

Today for BBAW, we are to talk about some goals for our blogs in the coming year. Am I happy with my blog right now? I am ok with it but there is so much that I want to do!! So, my goals are as follows in no particular order:

1. Get my tabs fixed and in working order (Ali is helping me out with this! Thanks Ali!)
2. Go to 3-column instead of two
3. Clean up some of the "stuff" on my sidebars
4. Become a more active blog commenter
5. Write more interactive posts to gain more readers
6. Fix the gap between my "share" link and my "tweet" link
7. READ MORE BOOKS! :)

Happy Blogging and BBAW!!

BBAW: First Book Recommended on Another Blog

In celebration of BBAW, today we are to focus on the first book we read based on a recommendation from another book blog. The answer to this one is very easy for me! My first blogging buddy MJ recommended that I read The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen. She knew of my background as a nurse and that I enjoyed reading Christian fiction. She definitely knows how to recommend a great book! I read this book and absolutely LOVED it!! I was very appreciative of the feedback that MJ gave me when I wrote my review. You'll see that I amended my review based on what she recommended. I am so greatful for her constructive criticism!

I know you are just dying to read the reviews, so please do so!

MJ's review of this book is here

My review is here

Enjoy! I hope you find a new book to read today! :)

BBAW 5 Words or Less

I am having such a great week visiting with some of my blogger friends and meeting new ones. I didn't realize just how big the blogging community really is!!! Wow....

Today the goal is brevity. I'm going to try to answer these in pictures. My "madness method" is to type a word into google images and use the first picture to pop up (as long as it's appropriate!)

Here we go...

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?
Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?
Hard copy or audiobooks?
What are you currently reading?
What is the last book you bought?
Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can
you read more than one at a time?

BBAW Interview Swap: Meet Tricia!!

I am so excited to introduce Tricia to you today!! There's so much to learn about her, so without further ado, let's start the introductions!! Thank you Tricia for taking the time to answer some questions and let us get to know you. You can visit with Tricia over at Library Queue. She'd love to have you!
1. Who or what interested you in the world of blogging?

I had a personal blog for about 18 months before I started a book blog. I was at Rutgers getting my Masters in Library and Information Science and one of my co-students had a link to some book blogs on her blog. I started reading them and realized I wanted to start one too! Mainly, I started a book blog because my friends and family wanted to know what I was reading and what I would recommend. Giving them a URL was much easier than wracking my brain trying to come up with something on the spot!

2. You mainly blog about books, but what other topics might we see on your blog?

Probably not much else. I have kept my personal blog separate from the book blogging world. It is interesting though as I look back that the blogs where I do share some personal snippets are the blogs that get the most comments!

3. What would you say is your favorite genre of books? Your list looks pretty eclectic!!

Wow! I’ve never thought of myself as eclectic. Well, I used to love mysteries, but since library school I’ve really fallen in love with YA. Probably the biggest surprise to me is how much I’ve started enjoying fantasy. Even a year ago I didn’t read nearly as much as I do right now. I’m really enjoying it!

4. We have many books either read or to-be-read in common. Looking at your list of the books you've read in 2009, what would you say your top 3 choices would be?

Hmmm, that’s tough. Probably 84, Charing Cross Road, When You Reach Me, and my all-time favorite, These Is My Words.

5. I have learned that you are the creator of Book Blogs on the Ning.com network. How long have you been doing this and who or what inspired you to start this incredible network?

I started Book Blog on Ning in April 2008. I was taking a social software class for my MLIS and learned about Ning there. I thought it would be fun to have a place where book bloggers could congregate. The whole thing really took off more than I anticipated, and I couldn’t be happier about it!

6. We both have 4 kids and know what a challenge that raising them can be. How do you instill the importance of reading into your children?

Most importantly, by example. When they see that I love to read and that I read for fun, I think that inspires them. When I find my kids are sneakily reading late into the night, I’m secretly pleased. I truly believe that reading should be fun, and I never want my kids to see it as drudgery.

7. If you were to win a shopping spree to any store in the world, where would you shop and what would you buy?

I would love a shopping spree in Anthropologie. I would by clothes, shoes, jewelry, and fun stuff for my house. I love that store!

8. Do you think a person should judge a book by its cover? Why or why not?

Nope. Most authors have nothing to do with their covers, so it isn’t fair to their work to judge based on the cover. Plus, so many great classics have the most boring covers imaginable!

9. How many books would you estimate that you own?

About 600, not including the kids’ books.

10. What would you say is the top book on your wishlist? (Christmas is coming soon!!)

I’m looking forward to reading Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock and Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson.

11. There has been a lot of talk lately about book bloggers disclosing their sources for the books that they obtain. What do you think about this? Should bloggers disclose their sources or not?

I think bloggers should disclose if they received the book from the publisher/publicist. If nothing else, I think it is just good manners to acknowledge that a book has been received for free.

12. Where is your favorite place to read?

I read pretty much anywhere--in bed, on the couch, in a chair, in the carpool line. But, my bed is probably my favorite.

13. What book would you like most to be made into a movie?

Hunger Games.

14. What items must be in place before you sit down to read?

My pillows have to be arranged just right.

15. Would you rather borrow or purchase the books you read?

Both. I love the library and truly believe in their inherent community benefits. I’m not a big re-reader, so the library is also an economical choice if I know I’m not going to read it again. But I also really enjoy buying books I know I’ll want to have or lend out, or just to support an author I really like. I also really like BookMooch.

16. If you could dine with any author of your choosing, alive or dead, who would it be?

Jane Austen, of course.

New Book Blog Baby....Welcome Mindi!!

What a great start to BBAW!!!! I want to take a minute to introduce a new blogging baby!! I'm so excited because having Mindi blogging is like coming full circle. Mindi is a student of mine who rejuvenated my love of reading last year. Just a few hours ago, she started her own blog!! I would LOVE for you to check her out and become a follower. She is still learning the ropes and I'm sure she'd appreciate any input you'd be willing to give to her.



On another, more somber note, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Patrick Swayze. He will certainly be missed and I'll never be able to watch Dirty Dancing the same way again. I just love the man!!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week is FINALLY Here!!!

First of all, is this not the coolest visual you've ever seen!?!?!? I mean, this picture is incredible and I think it really shows how committed book bloggers are to reading! The sky is the limit when it comes to what we read or write about! That's not to mention that many of us also have To-Be-Read piles this high too! LOL

Today is Day 1 of Book Blogger Appreciation Week. We are supposed to thank those blogs for their time and dedication to the book blogging world that didn't make the BBAW shortlists. There are a few that I would like to say a few words about...the envelope please!

1. Amy from My Friend Amy: She has been nominated in several categories but this event would not take place without her!! Amy, you are fantastic and I'm so glad to have been able to get to know you a little better. A large part of our meeting had to do with Amy hosting a guest chat with Beth Kephart concerning her Nothing But Ghosts book. Incredible work Amy!

2. Margaret "MJ" from Creative Madness That Makes Me Myself: I would not be blogging had it not been for MJ. I met her through a customer on eBay, found out she lived near me, and began to get to know her. She has been a great source of encouragement and I appreciate her critiques. She is also an awesome book blogger and new mommy to her precious AppleBlossom!! Needless to say, I was very disappointed that she was not nominated in the finals for any of the categories because I feel that she is more than worthy of receiving awards in the categories that she was first nominated for. I will continue to vote for her in future years!!

3. Sheila from One Person's Journey Through A World of Books: I'm not sure how I met Shelia but she is another book blogger who is full of encouragement and always has a positive word to say! You can follow her and her morning coffee cup through a world of book blogs and get some really great book recommendations! She also has a super fun meme that she created (Word Verification Balderdash) that can keep you super busy, especially when you are visiting many different blogs. I was hoping to see her get nods in the new blogger category and general blogging category. Be sure to check out where Sheila is going...she's always on the road, either on her bike, out with her super cool book club, or hanging out with hubby. As always, she has a book in hand!

4. Alison over at That's a Novel Idea: It is ironic that I "accidentally" met Ali while visiting Amy during the Nothing But Ghosts chat. She thought I was someone else and we were having a conversation that I quickly became lost in. We soon figured out that she had the wrong person but that didn't stop our blogging friendship! Alison is currently helping me figure out my design and layout of my blog, mainly where tabbing is concerned (it's a work in progress on my part!). I was looking for her to get a nod in the area of Best New Blog. She writes awesome reviews and has some pretty gnarly giveaways too! She is one that's not afraid to speak her mind about a book, but is respectful while doing so! I appreciate that from her. Be sure to check out her new meme, Show Me 5 Saturday! I will caution you in doing so because I promise you'll add more books to that TBR list!

5. Another shout out goes to Tricia at Library Queue! She is the founder of the Book Blogs on the Ning network. I'm just getting to know Tricia and I want you to come back tomorrow and meet her! She will be right here answering a few questions about herself and her book blogging world.

We hope to see you tomorrow!! Party on BBAW!!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week is Coming Soon!!

September 14-18, 2009 has been officially declared as Book Blogger Appreciation Week. This wonderful dedication to book bloggers world wide was started by My Friend Amy last year to recognize the efforts that take place in the community of book bloggers.

This is my first year participating so Amy has asked a few questions that I will attempt to answer here...

1) What has been one of the highlights of blogging for you?
For me, it's been "meeting" great people and learning more about the blogging and book world! It's been such a fun experience networking with others who like to read!

2) What blogger has helped you out with your blog by answering questions, linking to you, or inspiring you?
I have several influences, but probably the most influential has been MJ of Creative Madness (congrats new mommy!!). Others who have been extremely helpful are Amy, Sheila, Jessica, and Ali. I would not have met several of these people had it not been for Amy's "Nothing But Ghosts" chat to promote Beth Kephart's newest release! I'm so glad I attended!!

3) What one question do you have about BBAW that someone who participated last year could answer?
Is there anything I can do to help out? I'm trying to patiently wait for the "big week" but feel like I could be doing something. I'm open to suggestions!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week September 14-18

Book Blogger Appreciation was started by Amy Riley of My Friend Amy in an effort to recognize the hard work and contribution of book bloggers to the promotion and preservation of a literate culture actively engaged in discussing books, authors, and a lifestyle of reading.

The first Book Blogger Appreciation was observed in the fall of 2008 and occurs every September. The week spotlights and celebrates the work of active book bloggers through guest posts, awards, giveaways, and community activities. Book Bloggers are encouraged to register their participation for inclusion in a database of book bloggers.

Announcing the Second Annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week September 14-18, 2009

Last year over 400 blogs came together to celebrate the art of book blogging during the first ever Book Blogger Appreciation Week! I am so pleased to announce that the second annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week will be taking place September 14-18.

WHO Anyone who blogs about books is invited to participate. In fact, we want everyone who blogs about books and reading to be a part of this week!
WHAT A week where we come together, celebrate the contribution and hard work of book bloggers in promoting a culture of literacy, connecting readers to books and authors, and recogonizing the best among us with the Second Annual BBAW Awards. There will be special guest posts, daily blogging themes, and giveaways.
WHEN September 14-18, 2009
WHERE Here at the new Book Blogger Appreciation Week Blog! (Please note that this year there are three separate blogs and feeds—one for the main event, one for giveaways, and one for awards.)
WHY Because books matter. In a world full of options, the people talking about books pour hard work, time, energy, and money into creating a community around the written word. I, Amy, the founder of Book Blogger Appreciation Week love this community of bloggers and want to shower my appreciation on you!

WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
Please help us spread the word about Book Blogger Appreciation Week by posting about it on your blog, stumbling this post, twittering about it, and telling everyone you know that it’s time to have a party and celebrate book bloggers!

Please register by filling out the registration form! Registering ensures your inclusion in the BBAW 09 Database of Book Bloggers and enters you into the drawing for the BBAW 09 Grand Prize!