I was going to write something about the books I’ve been voraciously tearing through this month (given that I read ONLY two books in August, the fact that I’ve read 2 books by the 15th of Sept. constitutes “voracious”…!) but I actually feel more like giving a cheer for Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Once again book bloggers all across the internet are spending a week celebrating how fun it is to blog about books, and are spreading the love around in the form of awards, giveaways, memes, and shout-outs. I haven’t been a very diligent blogger over the summer, and unlike last year when I presented the world with a barrage of BBAW-related posts, this will probably be the only one I can get to. My heart is sill 100% in the right place though. Blogging about books and whatever other nonsense occurs to me is still one of my favorite things to do, so hurray for blogging and for books!
Getting into the spirit of the thing, let me raise a glass to a few of the fabulous bloggers whom I discovered this year.
Isabella at Magnificent Octopus has grabbed my attention in a few lovely lines more than once, bring a book into my life that I had never heard of before. My TBR list is littered with her suggestions – plus the name of her blog is the coolest. 🙂
Sasha of Sasha & The Silverfish has a distinctive voice and blogging style that I really enjoy. She touches down in a wide variety of literary landscapes and always has something interesting to say about them.
Amateur Reader at Wuthering Expectations writes with wicked wit and balances entertainment with criticism in a fashion that is spot on. I enjoy how thoroughly he explores his reading choices, devoting weeks at a time to an author or a single book.
It’s been splendid getting to know these readers, and all the others that I have stumbled across even briefly. It’s been amazing to deepen the relationships I’ve developed with Emily, Richard, Frances, Claire, E. L. Fay – we’ve had some great adventures together! I am eagerly looking forward to another year of book blogging, with hopes of getting better at it myself, and full of certainty that it will continue to be loads of fun.
(As an aside, I will note that the books I mentioned earlier were The Yellow Room Conspiracy by Peter Dickinson, and The Innkeeper’s Song by Peter S. Beagle – both excellent, and both by authors whom I like very much and would expect no less from. I also read in July Aiding and Abetting by Muriel Spark and in August The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford – books that I will never get around to writing about. With this mention, I will lay all of these books to rest, reminding myself that I blog for fun and that every book I read need not be written about, and promising myself that when I am less busy and have more readily accessible internet at my disposal, I will of course be better about getting book reviews written up! 🙂 )
Happy book blogging, one and all!
what we have here is a failure to communicate 
Happy BBAW, Sarah! I don’t know if I’ll get around to an appreciation post at all this year, and this week is so busy for me that I’m only dipping my toe in the ocean of activities, but it’s still a fun reminder of all the bookish love out there. 🙂 Looking forward to discussing Eloy Martínez with the gang in a few weeks!
By: Emily on September 15, 2010
at 12:39 pm
I’ve read only the first 20 pages or so, but that’s enough to see that it’s shaping up to be a fascinating read. I’m looking forward to the discussion as well.
By: tuulenhaiven on September 16, 2010
at 7:26 am
Thanks for the kind words, Sarah! I recommended Wuthering Expectations too for my BBAW post. She is so unique!
By: EL Fay on September 15, 2010
at 6:35 pm
Indeed – a very welcome presence to have along on our reading ventures. As are you! 🙂
By: tuulenhaiven on September 16, 2010
at 7:29 am
Sarah, I will raise a glass to you and your fine blog, my friend. No, make that a pint of pumpkin ale–just one of many excellent ideas I’ve picked up from you in the last year!!!
By: Richard on September 15, 2010
at 11:13 pm
Hurray! You’re too kind. Now I’ve got to get you drinking Octoberfests. 🙂
By: tuulenhaiven on September 16, 2010
at 7:31 am
Oops, I almost forgot to say thanks. Thanks! Same to you. Thanks especially for putting me in such good company.
By: Amateur Reader on September 16, 2010
at 4:30 pm
Just tellin’ it like it is. 🙂
By: tuulenhaiven on September 17, 2010
at 7:15 am
Thank you so much, Sarah. I wasn’t able to get into BBAW as much as I wanted to — real life and all that — but book bloggers keep being awesome. And I’m constantly surprised when someone says they like what I’m doing, haha.
And I love love Isabella and Wuthering Expectations.
No, really, you’re awesome. I’m babbling and blushing, I know.
By: Sasha on September 19, 2010
at 10:16 am
It is a constant surprise to me as well to be told that my little narcissistic outlet has a bit of value to others. So amazing, and so fabulous. Thank goodness for bloggers, and I’ll say again that I’m grateful to have come across you in this world! 🙂
By: tuulenhaiven on September 20, 2010
at 1:07 pm
I totally missed BBAW! Just wanted to say thanks for the friendship and LOVE your new header image, stunning colours! *hugs*
By: kiss a cloud on September 22, 2010
at 10:44 pm
Thanks Claire! *hugs back*
By: tuulenhaiven on September 24, 2010
at 7:41 am