Today's topic - What does book blogging mean to you?
Hmmmm, this is a tougher question than it sounds. Blogging means so many different things to me: a way to discover new authors, reading great recommendations that inspire me to stretch outside my comfort zone, a chance to discuss new titles with like-minded readers, having a place where I can put my thoughts about a book in writing, and allowing me the opportunity to attend BEA and meet awesome authors! All of these are due to book blogging. But the most important (and the one that keeps me around) is the feeling of acceptance.
This is my home.
You are my people.
I used to feel isolated as a reader, as most of the reviews I could find were for "literary gems" or non-fiction or other titles that just weren't all that interesting IMHO. Like music reviewers, professional book reviewers seemed pompous and pretentious and we had totally different taste in books. They insisted I read Hawthorne or Shakespeare, but I wanted Dean Koontz.
Then I found the blogosphere, full of people just like me! People who understood that just one more chapter could take hours. That sometimes it's worth staying up until 3am to finish a book, despite having to go to work the next day. That sometimes just owning a book is enough. That authors are better than rock stars!
Shangri-La.
Book blogging has changed quite a bit since I started. I'm sure it's going to change even more in the future, but I think I'm here to stay. The good outweighs the bad. The drama eventually blows over. Blogs come and blogs go, but the community endures.
What does book blogging mean to me? I may be a little overly sentimental, but to me it means the world.
Love you guys!
Another thing it means is "meeting" people you'd never come across in real life. I love a post whose title makes me sing...
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got the reference, as I was afraid no one would! Am having a blast meeting so many wonderful new bloggers!
DeleteAll you said is so true - it really gives us an outlet to connect with fellow readers & authors too.
ReplyDeleteTanya Patrice
Girlxoxo.com
Love the fact that blogging has introduced me to so many fellow book lovers
DeleteI love it. I agree with you sooooo much. Authors are BETTER than rock stars and I so get that owning a book is "enough."
ReplyDeleteSee, that's why I love blogging! Because you "get" me!
DeleteOverly sentimental? Pish posh! I heart your sentiments and agree fully. It's a world unto itself and an awesome place to be. I definitely feel lucky to be a part of it. ^_^ *hugs*
ReplyDeleteIt's a totally awesome place, as it's lead me to awesome bloggers like you! ;)
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more, well said Alexia.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tracy!
Delete"It means the world!" Gives me chills. Awesome post.
ReplyDeleteI love it when other people "get" me and don't think I'm weird when I gush about books!
Delete"This is my home.
ReplyDeleteYou are my people."
Amen, sister! Welcome home. This is a great post. I feel exactly the same way. Hurray for book bloggers!
Hurray! Couldn't agree more with your post that it's still fun, and love your conversational tone in your posts! You rock!
DeleteWonderful post. And so true. I feel so lucky to be a part of the book blogging community, and I'm glad you are a part of it too!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Really enjoyed your post today, as I got my love of reading from my father too. Yea for book-loving Dads!
DeleteVERY nice post...so heartfelt.
ReplyDeleteTo me blogging is all about the wonderful bloggers who make it happen.
Stop by to see my post if you like.
Have a fun day.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
http://silversolara.blogspot.com/2012/09/book-blogger-appreciation-week-day-3.html
Thank you for the kind words Elizabeth! One of my favorite parts of blogging is meeting other bloggers, so we have that in common too! Enjoyed your post!
DeleteHoly beautifully written! I couldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny!
DeleteRight on. I always felt like a strange outcast with what I loved to read, but out here, it is all in the same. :) Great post.
ReplyDeleteI know! Before I found the blogosphere, I felt like I was the only one who liked Koontz and Gaimen and fairy tales. So glad to have found you guys!
DeleteTerrific response! I love this bit: That authors are better than rock stars! Indeed they are.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are! Think the only person I would camp out on a sidewalk for is Neil Gaiman. Neverwhere is one of my favorite books, and he loves Doctor Who! Plus, he's got that gorgeous accent! *sigh*
DeleteI definitely prefer Koontz over Shakespeare. Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteYea for Koontz! I never could read Shakespeare, but really enjoy the plays! One of the few times I prefer the "movie" to the book! *L*
Delete"Just one more chapter" is my most frequent lie."
ReplyDeleteI totally mean it....every single time. :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful post! It explains exactly what a lot of us feel about the book blogging community, and the things you said about professional book reviewers are so true!!
ReplyDeleteOur generation is the one that will carry on the legacy of reading and literature, and if the only ones that we are "supposed" to read are the classics and well renowned, then my gosh we won't be able to create new stories and create new communities.
Thank you for the lovely comment you left on my Blog. I really appreciate it :)
Happy Reading.
Emma
http://emmaseminentbooks.blogspot.co.uk
So glad that I discovered your blog Emma! Finding new bloggers is one of my favorite benefits of BBAW!
DeleteWonderful post, well written and quite moving. I'm not much of a Shakespeare fan either, he wrote crowd pleasers (he'd be making movies if he were alive today) filled with raunchy sex and rude comedy. Unfortunately those elements do not stand the test of time.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Thank you for the kind words! I wonder if Shakespeare would be pleased or appalled at his stuffy reputation?
DeletePerfectly said!! I completely agree. As a new blogger, I am still in awe of how many like-minded people I am finding in this community. Happy BBAW!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kelly! I really love the book blogging community, as they are some of the most generous, welcoming people around! And they speak my language! :D
DeleteI felt the same way before blogging- isolated as a reader. Blogging has changed my life completely! I'm so glad I found you in the blogosphere!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I found you too Marie! Can you believe I'd never heard of The Booker Awards before I started reading your blog? *blush*
DeleteWell played, my friend, and well said. Once again, you wax poetic and really touch thte heart of the matter.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I will add one thing if I may. Sometimes, just having the book IS enough, but more often having more books is better. And that's why I get into trouble.
For me, book blogging is a way of trying to silence the critic in my head....and what you said.
I sometimes get all gushy about my blogging buddies.... And you're right, more books is always better! xoxo
DeleteAaww, that's beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your comment about "just one more chapter!"... so true...
Thanks Joanne! My DH knows that whenever I say that, it's going to be a long night! *L*
DeleteI am super late to the party, but I must say that I completely agree with you on so many of your comments! I guess that's why we have been around awhile!! :)
ReplyDelete