Today marks the first day of Book Blogger Appreciation Week … many, many thanks to the tireless work that has gone into this event and the many bloggers who stepped up to help – and a special thanks to Amy who conceived this event and whose dedication to the book blogging community is amazing.
Amy has asked us to recognize those blogs who are our favorites, but which did not make the shortlists in any category.
This is almost an impossible task for me because I subscribe to over 300 blogs in my Google Reader…and I am always at a loss when it comes to singling any one out for recognition. But, I am taking a deep breath and will name a few who have been in my reader for a long time. Please know that if your name is not in this post, it does not mean I don’t think you have an awesome blog!!
Laura at Musings
I discovered Laura’s blog some time ago…and immediately knew I’d found my bookie soulmate – a reader whose interests nearly always parallel my own. Laura’s reviews are concise, well thought out, and I never miss them. My bookshelves are filled with books Laura has recommended – more than any other blogger, Laura adds to my TBR mountain!
Wendy at Musings of a Bookish Kitty
Not only do Wendy and I share a name (and our state of residence!) but we often share the love of the same books. Wendy’s reviews are always beautifully written…and I love reading about her animals too. Wendy’s kind heart shines through on her blog which I think was the first thing that drew me to it.
Staci at Life in the Thumb
Staci’s blog was one of the first that found its way into my Google Reader. Her blog is welcoming, filled with insight and just plain fun to read. Here is another blogger whose reviews I trust to lead me to some great books.
Jackie at Farm Lane Books
This blogger from across the pond is one I am glad I found. Like me, Jackie enjoys literary fiction and haunts the award lists. She is a terrific writer and her reviews are some of the best out there. Jackie’s reviews of the Orange Prize books are ones I treasure since I am slowly working my way though that prize list. I trust her impressions and value her opinions.
Michelle at 1MoreChapter
Michelle maintains more than one blog, and they are all incredible – easy to navigate, classically designed, and filled with all things bookish. Michelle has helped me out IMMENSELY on my blog (she designed my header among other things). Her blog Novels Now is a collaborative blog which pulls together reviews of all the newest fiction. Her challenges are some of the most popular. If you haven’t visited Michelle’s blog, you should!
Les at Lesley’s Book Nook
I can’t even remember any more how I found Lesley’s wonderful blog – it seems like it has always been there in my reader! Lesley loves the women’s fiction that I also adore (although she reads from lots of other genres too), and reading her reviews is like sitting down with a good friend and just talking books. Here is another blogger whose heart shines through the pages of her blog. I often wish Les lived closer to me so we could meet in person.
To all of the other fantastic blogs which I read daily….THANK YOU for your hard work, your amazing reviews, your incredible insights and (often) your friendship. You have enriched my life in more ways then you will ever know!
= Excellent
= Good/Very Good
= Okay read
= Not recommended
= Ugh! Don't waste your time.
I second every blog you mentioned here. Excellent list.
Thank you for posting these links. I’m always happy to find new sites through recommendations.
Wonderful list! I read some of these, but will check the others out.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I love playing snap with the ratings on your reviews! We seem to share the same taste in books so accurately it is funny sometimes! I love your blog and you have chosen a great selection of blogs to honour. Thanks again!
There are a couple of blogs listed here that are brand new to me. Thanks for the introduction and Happy BBAW!
There are some great blogs out there that I’ve never gotten to read. Here is mine
I love your list. Farm Lane Books wasn’t a blog I’d heard of until I saw it on someone else’s shortlist this morning, and I can see why hers has been mentioned more than once–great blog!
Great list! Several of those are blogs I read regularly, but there are a couple that I haven’t heard of before and will have to check out!
Thank you so much Wendy!!
Great list! Need to go check several of these out!
Great list, Wendy! I see quite a few new-to-me blogs that I can’t wait to check out!
Fantastic list. Only one blog is new to me and I’m going to check it out now.
Ooh, three of these are new-to-me blogs … thanks for the great recommendations!
Enjoy the BBAW festivities
Over 300 blogs in your reader????? however do you do this! You have some great choices here … and it is wonderful when you find a blogging soulmate, isn’t it?
I have tears in my eyes. Your words mean more to me than you can know. Thank you, Wendy. I hope we can meet some day, too. Perhaps an Oregon retreat is in store for us.
Thank you so much, Wendy! I feel the same way about you and your blog. The other blogs you mention are must read blogs for me as well. I feel so lucky to be a part of this wonderful blogging community and to have met you.
Beth: I think you and I frequent similar blogs
Laura E: You’re welcome…I love sharing them!
Swapna: I hope you will! And congratulations again on your win as best Cultural Review blog…very well deserved!
Jackie: You are so very welcome! LOL re: playing “snap” with the ratings…but I know what you mean. Rarely do we disagree on a book!
Molly: Happy BBAW to you as well! Glad to introduce you to some new blogs.
Bluestocking: I am hoping to get out there today and see other people’s lists! I am so behind!
Stephanie: *nods* Jackie’s blog is fantastic. She is definitely one of my favorites.
Kailana: Glad to see I introduced you to a couple of new blogs!
Laura: You are so welcome, my friend…there was NO WAY I could leave you off this list
TexasRed: I hope you will!!
Andi: Thanks! I hope you’ll find some new favorites here!
Kathy: You really make the rounds on the blogs…I’m surprised I could find a blog you didn’t already know about *laughs!*
Dawn: Hope you will also enjoy BBAW!! And glad I could introduce you to three new blogs!
Jenners: It is awesome to find blogging soulmates! Yes, 300 blogs…and I am afraid I am not doing so well lately in terms of keeping up. There are more than 1000 unread posts in there right now *sighs*
Les: I meant everything I said…you feel like an old friend to me…and I really do hope I get to meet you in person some day *hugs*
WendyCat: I am so happy we have gotten to know each other too…through blogs and Yahoo groups, etc…One of these days I hope we get to actually meet in person!
Wendy – Thanks for introducing me to Michelle’s blogs!
Excellent choices – all great blogs!!
Gavin: My pleasure!
Suzi: Glad you agree!!