I am really excited about Book Blogger Appreciation Week this week and had a great time visiting old and new-to-me blogs. I met some interesting people—including my fabulous interview partner, Amanda. It is events like BBAW which bring bloggers together and help foster that community aspect I love so much. It also has re-inspired me, reminding me what it is about blogging I love so much.
Posts like Andi's and Carrie's particularly struck a chord with me. They're stories could be mine. As a veteran (six years doesn't really seem like a lot to me though) book blogger, I have seen big and small changes in blogging over the years--and made some myself. And yet some things remain the same: the joy in reading and sharing about the books we read in particular.
My favorite day in celebration of BBAW was day four, when participants got the chance to "pimp" those unappreciated books. It was impossible not to get caught up in the moment--the enthusiasm was overflowing, not to mention contagious. If you are anything like me, your wish list grew by leaps and bounds. Heck, I didn't even pause after reading Memory's post about Under the Poppy by Kathe Koja. I bought the book on the spot. And then after reading Adam's praise of the book too . . . Well, I know I made a good choice. There were many other books that caught my eye that day. Some I already own and have read. Others I have yet to read but have copies of (and now want to drop everything and read--but how to manage that since there's so many?!).
The interviews are always a blast, getting to know our fellow bloggers better. I wasn't able to get to everyone's interviews this week, but I will still make an effort to try in the coming weeks. The links will be there for a long while.
Posts like Andi's and Carrie's particularly struck a chord with me. They're stories could be mine. As a veteran (six years doesn't really seem like a lot to me though) book blogger, I have seen big and small changes in blogging over the years--and made some myself. And yet some things remain the same: the joy in reading and sharing about the books we read in particular.
My favorite day in celebration of BBAW was day four, when participants got the chance to "pimp" those unappreciated books. It was impossible not to get caught up in the moment--the enthusiasm was overflowing, not to mention contagious. If you are anything like me, your wish list grew by leaps and bounds. Heck, I didn't even pause after reading Memory's post about Under the Poppy by Kathe Koja. I bought the book on the spot. And then after reading Adam's praise of the book too . . . Well, I know I made a good choice. There were many other books that caught my eye that day. Some I already own and have read. Others I have yet to read but have copies of (and now want to drop everything and read--but how to manage that since there's so many?!).
The interviews are always a blast, getting to know our fellow bloggers better. I wasn't able to get to everyone's interviews this week, but I will still make an effort to try in the coming weeks. The links will be there for a long while.
BBAW opened this year with the opportunity for participants to give shout outs to some of their favorite blogs. It's never easy to do, is it? We hate to leave anyone out, but we inevitably do. Any show of appreciation is worthwhile though--and when the person you recognize sees their name--well, it's smiles all around (and sometimes a few tears too). There's something very rewarding in that.
I understand there were giveaways, none of which I really took part in, and some great articles on the BBAW website. I especially liked Hannah and Amy's retrospective about BBAW and Sheila's article about Book Blogging and Community.
I understand there were giveaways, none of which I really took part in, and some great articles on the BBAW website. I especially liked Hannah and Amy's retrospective about BBAW and Sheila's article about Book Blogging and Community.
I like that the book blogging community is so varied and diverse in our styles, focus, and just in who we are. I think we each provide something valuable to the community.
What has this week meant for me? It has been a reaffirmation of who I am as a blogger and why I continue to blog about books. It has been a great week. One whose spirit I hope will stay with me for another year at least.
What have you taken away from BBAW this year? What part did you enjoy the most?
A special thanks to the hosts of BBAW who worked hard to pull this week together and make it fun for everyone.
© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Well said, Wendy! Every year, since the first BBAW in 2008, I enjoyed being a participant as this event has helped me to know more new-to-me book bloggers. I look forward to next year's BBAW.
ReplyDeleteMelody - Thank you! It's been a busy, but fun week, hasn't it? I also look forward to seeing what next year's BBAW will hold.
DeleteI think you got it exactly. The best part about book blogs and BBAW is that we're all so different yet we're all the same.
ReplyDeleteKathy - Exactly! There really is room for everyone in the book blogging community. We all share in our love for books and our desire to talk about them. We may go about it in different ways, but that's okay.
DeleteNice post, Wendy. This was a really fun week, and I enjoyed it for many of the same reasons as you. What will I do next week?! Oh I know: read! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteLaura - Thank you. It has been a fun week. I am exhausted. LOL I think next week that's exactly what I will do: read. You have a good weekend too!
DeleteIt's been great meeting everyone and reading their blogs. Always good to find new reading material. :)
ReplyDeleteVikk - I agree! I enjoyed getting to know everyone--some for the first time and some just a little better. :-)
DeleteA beautiful post, Wendy! This week has been refreshing and rejuvenating for me. And you know what? I didn't even miss the awards this year. I like the added focus on community and gratitude/appreciation. Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteAndi - Ah, thanks, Andi! I'm with you. I liked that the focus was more on the community and appreciation rather than the awards. BBAW seemed to come back to its roots in a way, and I really appreciated that this year.
DeleteExactly - your experiences this week were so similar to mine. I was reminded how much I love this community, and how much I love blogging. :) Thanks for linking to my post.
ReplyDeleteCarrie - Me too! I came away from this week feeling good about being a book blogger and feel a sense of excitement for it I haven't felt in awhile.
DeleteYou are one book blogger I am always going to read!
ReplyDeleteBBAW: Highlight
Gautami - Thanks so much! I really enjoy your blog too. :-)
DeleteI'm glad you're taking a chance with Under the Poppy - it's definitely an interesting, experimental experience; it won't be for everyone, but it was beautiful and I hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteAdam - It has many elements I like in a book (although it does scare me a little) so hopefully the book and I will get along. I am looking forward to reading it!
DeleteI'm glad you had a great week! I loved the interviews, too, and have more books and more blogs on my lists!
ReplyDeleteJoy - It truly was a fun week! The interviews are always so much fun, and I really liked my partner this year (although, I always seems to get great partners!).
DeleteI added Under the Poppy to my to read list too! I saw Adam's post, now I have to go read Memory's.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, this has been a great week, but I'm pooped. It's been a long time since I made such an effort to post every day of the week. LOL
Woo hoo!
DeleteUnder the Poppy just sounds THAT good. :-) I hope we both enjoy it.
DeleteI'm exhausted too. Whew. It's been one crazy busy week. It's been awhile since I've been able to spend so much time in front of my computer. It has been fun though and I'm glad I got to take part in BBAW this year.
Nice post, you sum up all the highlights of the week! I am the proud owner of a copy of Under the Poppy (courtesy of Adam) and I'm looking forward to reading it soon. Maybe we could read it at the same time. I have no real idea about your reading taste so it could be interesting. :-)
ReplyDeleteJudith - Thank you! So you plan to tackle Under the Poppy too? It would be fun if we read it at the same time. I'm a slow reader though, so I would hate to hold you back.
DeleteI'm a fast reader, so if you made a head start, I could catch up later. I probably need 4 or 5 days to read it. I want to read it this month or the next, so let me know if that suits you.
DeleteJudith - I think that will work! Next month would probably work best for me, but I'm going to check my schedule and see if I can fit it in sooner just in case.
DeleteFor me, one of the highlights of BBAW was seeing so much participation from you :-)! I focused on catching up with old friends in my feed reader, but as usual for BBAW, met some new folks too. I feel reconnected, and I really hope I can hang on to that. Have a great weekend, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteFlorinda - It helped that I had the week off and didn't have the baby with me the entire time. :-) I've enjoyed reconnecting with old friends as well.
DeleteYes to bringing us together. I think that's one undeniable thing about BBAW, although challenges and read-a-longs can bring us together, there is nothing quite like this week. Wow to the six years, how have I not found your blog before :( How awesome that you bought a book straight away, I was very interested in some of the ones mentioned but managed to keep my long TBR in mind - and I regret doing that.
ReplyDeleteHere's to the spirit of BBAW lasting, I completely agree with you, when today dawned I was a bit upset to be honest, having enjoyed this week so much.
Charlie - I think my husband sometimes wishes I wasn't so quick to buy a book like that. ;-)
DeleteYes, there's nothing quite like BBAW for bringing so many book bloggers together. I'm glad we could be a part of it!
I'm so glad I found BBAW because I have found so many great book bloggers! I didn't even know before that such a community existed, but it's good to know! Now I have so many new blogger friends that I will follow hopefully for years! :)
ReplyDeleteChauntelle - Isn't it amazing just how many of book bloggers there are out there? I love it.
DeleteThis was a super event for me.
ReplyDeleteNEW FOLLOWER of your blog.
I found so many great blogs and more wonderful books. This was my first time participating.
I got to know new bloggers and got to know my old blogger friends even better.
It is has been a fabulous week. I loved it all.
Stop by my blog if you like to see my Day 3, 4, and 5 responses if you like.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
http://silversolara.blogspot.com
Elizabeth - Thank you! I had a really good time as well and am glad you enjoyed your first BBAW so much!
DeleteWhat a lovely post! I really enjoyed the week, and am looking forward to reading all of the posts I haven't gotten to yet. The book blogging community it amazing!
ReplyDeleteTerri (aka Alexia) - Thanks! Me too. I have quite a few still to go. I'll be busy for awhile yet. :-)
DeleteI love that you bought Under the Poppy right after reading Memory's post! Congrats on a great week.
ReplyDeleteCass - Her enthusiasm for the book was contagious! I was hoping to read Under the Poppy this month, but it may have to wait until next month. :-(
DeleteOne of the highlights of the week for me has been seeing some of the veterans, like you, posting regularly again. I like that we still have times we can all get together. ♥
ReplyDeleteAmy - That's what happens when I take a vacation and am sick. LOL I am glad so many of us could reconnect again too.
DeleteWell you read my highlights, but another one is seeing what others took away from the week!
ReplyDeleteI didnt get a chance to participate due to a dead laptop but am playing a little bit of catch up now. It is a great event though and enjoy it every year.
ReplyDeleteOh, lordy, my reader and book wish list have both just exploded this week!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to stop by my blog! Wow, you have a huge list of reviews here- you've done a lot in six years! Another great resource I can turn to!
ReplyDeleteI was away for most of the week, so I've got a lot to catch up on, but I do agree that it's a wonderful event to highlight the special bonds between bloggers and to appreciate each other. Oh, and I also downloaded Under the Poppy!
ReplyDelete