BBAW: A Little Blogger Love

I have been twiddling my thumbs, trying to decide how to kick off Book Blogger Appreciation Week here at Musings of a Bookish Kitty. My being away for the past couple of weeks meant missing out on some of the bigger announcements such as the upcoming award presentation schedule and the various giveaways and raffles being held.

Today's topic over at My Friend Amy's, the host site for the BBAW events, is to highlight favorite blogs and bloggers. There are many blogs out there that I am quite fond of--all unique in their own ways. When I began blogging, I never anticipated just how much of a community the blogosphere was. Your support, kindness, and generosity have not gone unnoticed and they are greatly appreciated. I am lucky enough to count many of you among my friends, having gotten to know you over the last couple of years.

Some of you take the time to comment on nearly every post I write, and I cannot even come close to expressing just how much that means to me. I also appreciate those who are only able to stop in now and then as well as the lurkers who visit but remain anonymous. I know how busy life can be--not too mention trying to keep up with all the terrific blogs out there.

I wanted to give a special shout out to one blog and blogger in particular that has become an important part of my blogging life. This particular person blogs about more than just books. She blogs about life as well. Her posts are always articulate and well thought out. Her comment box has become a place where I can express my own thoughts about topics that I do not broach on my own blog. Admittedly, that means my comments can sometimes get a little long. She's never complained though. She takes the time to respond to every comment left for her on her blog and has introduced me to many other blogs on a variety of topics.

She understands what it's like to be stuck in rush hour traffic, loves dogs just as much as I do, appreciates a good movie, and has good taste in music. She has introduced me to books I might never have discovered otherwise. She is honest and encouraging. If you have not already, please do stop in and visit Florinda over at The 3 R's: Reading, 'Riting, and Randomness. She is one of my blogging inspirations.

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In honor of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, I think a book giveaway or two is in order, don't you? I am giving away my extra copies of When A Crocodile Eats the Sun: A Memoir of Africa by Peter Goodwin and Helen Tse's Sweet Mandarin (which I will be reviewing in the near future--so stay on the look out).

To Enter:
1) Leave a Comment to this post along with the title of the book you are interested in winning (you can request both but will only be eligible to win one).
2) Share a link of a blogger or blog you appreciate and give a brief explanation as to why (if you are participating in today's BBAW topic, feel free to provide a direct link to your own post).

Please remember to include your e-mail address in the comment section if it is not easily accessible on your blog so I can contact you if you win. The winners will be chosen at random, and the deadline to enter is Friday, September 19th at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). I will announce the winner on Saturday, September 20th.

[Edited to add: Open to anyone with a valid mailing address regardless of country.]

Good luck!