BBAW 2012: Bloggers I Appreciate

Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW) was created by Amy of My Friend Amy. This is the fifth year of the event and it's all about showing your love of all things people and book blogging.   

Today's post prompt for BBAW 2012 is to list the bloggers or blogs you appreciate. I would rather not call specific people out, but instead list what I appreciate.
So here goes:

• First and foremost I appreciate my dear readers and commenters.  You provide more love and support then I think you realize.  You're there to cheer me up, provide a shoulder to cry on, and remind me what this blogging world is all about.  So thank you.
• I appreciate those bloggers that call attention to issues in the community, such as plagiarism, bully commenters, copyright issues, all the craziness that happens with book covers in the U.S.  These are issues I never considered before or never heard of, so thank you for bringing attention to these issues.
• I appreciate bloggers who write honest reviews, regardless of the source of the book.  I want your opinion, not how you think you should feel.
• I appreciate bloggers who force me to try a book I never would think to read before, or try cooking a meal that's brand new to me.  Strongly suggesting I broaden my horizons.
• I appreciate bloggers who make me reconsider how I feel on a subject; making me analyze why I think the way I do and why.  You help me to grow.
• I appreciate all of the individuality of the book blogging community.  There are blogs out there for every person under the sun.  The choice is yours on who to read.
• I appreciate the friends I've made through blogging.  I know everyone says that, but it's true.  There have been times when I've thought about giving up blogging, but then I think about the friends I've made.  I would miss them.  How can I give this up?
• Overall, I appreciate the sense of community I have discovered through book blogging.  Each one of us contributes a little piece to this community, and don't you forget it!

You may think this post is a cop out since I didn't post specific blog names.  But you know what, that's what I appreciate about this book blogging community the most: being able to do what I damn well please on my own blog and having people respect it.

What do you appreciate in this community?

© Jenny Girl - 2012 "All Rights Reserved"

Suddenly Sunday....Suddenly Fall Edition

Hello dear readers!  How are you? Hope the weather has cooled down and dried out wherever you may be.  Here in Philly, there is a bit of crispness in the air and I love it.  Now if my allergies would just calm down all would be right in my world.

September brings many things to me this year. Teaching classes this semester, which requires preparation, but I enjoy it.  And my students seem like good eggs, so that's always a plus.  This month at work is always crazy due to annual education there, that needs to be created and presented.  I always poop my pants thinking I won't be ready, but I pull it out every year, and it's always well received.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week is this coming week (9/10 to 9/15) and although there are no awards (which I'm glad because it was driving the organizers crazy) there are daily topics to post about.  Think of BBAW as a time to reflect on why you really blog, what you like, and why you continue to do it.  That's my plan anyway.  That and try to get some reviews done.  Been trying for three weeks and have not been successful.  However, on Thursday the 13th, I am a tour stop on the Written in the Ashes book tour, so will definitely be finished in time :)  So if you have a minute, do stop back on Thursday and see what's up with this ancient Egyptian novel.

On the TV watching front, summer TV on the whole has been disappointing.  Warehouse 13 has turned everyone into idiots.  Alphas has some promise but I'm not as sold on this season as I was last year.  There were two highlights of the season though.  Boss with Kelsey Grammer on Starz.  He is one mean SOB.  The mayor of Chicago and the crazy world that is Chicago city hall politics.  Everyone on that show is amazing and I look forward to it every week.  The other highlight was Longmire on A&E. This is about a sheriff in Wyoming dealing with murders, personal loss, and relations with the reservation.  This show is as much about the man as it is about solving crimes.  Supporting cast is great (Lou Diamond Phillips, Katee Sackoff) scenery is gorgeous, and writing is smart and witty.  I highly recommend jumping on this bandwagon, and at only 13 episodes, it's easy to catch up.


Labor Day weekend saw me finally finish Battlestar Galactica (the new version), and I am sad it has ended.  I know you're thinking Sci-Fi, really, but this show which came out after 9/11 explores what it means to be human, and what is faith or god, really?  Black is white and white is black, and the characters are all lovable and interesting.  I remember people were disappointed with the show finale, because not all questions were answered, but in this post LOST era, I am much more forgiving if the show wraps up most big elements.  (This doesn't mean I have forgiven LOST, because I haven't.)   I think watching all of the episodes back to back, instead of at the time, week to week, influenced my perception as well.  I didn't have time to dwell on minutiae. That being said, BSG is one of my all time favorite shows, and I will always rewatch it, given the chance.

I think that is enough scoop for now.  So go enjoy the beautiful weather, with or without a good book, and have a fantastic day!  See you all later :)


 © Jenny Girl - 2012 "All Rights Reserved"

BBAW Week Post 1

This week is Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW).  (If you're not familiar with BBAW, please visit the website here.)  I wasn't going to participate that much, since I am super behind on things, but I can't help myself.  I just have to join in with the rest of my community, or at least make some sort of effort. 

This year the posts are about the treasures of books and book blogging.  
So here is today's post topic:

Let’s talk about that first treasure today.



For those of you who participated in BBAW last year, what’s a great new book blog you’ve discovered since last year’s BBAW?


For those you new to BBAW, what was the first book blog you discovered?

Tell us all about this blog and why you love it…why do you keep going back for more?

I participated in BBAW last year, so I will name new bloggers I discovered.  The two bloggers that stick out most in my mind, are Trisha from eclectic/eccentric and Ju-Ju from Tales of Whimsy.  Not only are these eye catching blogs, but both provide content I enjoy.  They make me laugh, draw my attention to current events, post pretty pictures, and make my tbr grow.  Ju-Ju lets me know about those fun, totally indulgent YA books, and Trisha makes me want to read more of the classics or what I consider "proper" fiction.  Both are two very cool gals and leave excellent comments too.   

So please stop by and give these bloggers a try.

Also please be sure to stop by this BBAW post for other First Treasure posts today.
 
 

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BBAW Wrap-Up

Ah well, sad to say it, but the end of BBAW has come. I had really intended to post much more than I did this week, but events beyond my control intervened. Therefore, I was forced to snatch moments of reading new blogs here and there. I have discovered many new blogs and people out there which is very cool. The land of blogs never ceases to amaze me.

Super big kudos and props to Amy and her gang for putting together a wonderfully fantastic week of events. Massive congratulations to all of the winners and nominees too!

I have also had some time to reflect on my reading habits and goals. There are so many books out there I would like to read, not just because I have always wanted to, but because of some of the challenges I joined. Oh yes those reading challenges! I have become completely side tracked of late, and it is completely my fault. I should know better, but it's those pretty little badges that people come up with that sucks me in. Oh so pretty (eyes widening and glazing over)!

So what did all these reflecting do for me? Well, I will prioratize my reading for the rest of the year, and be more selective in choosing my ARCs. I overextended myself this year, and I should know better. I am like a hungry puppy when it comes to books. And you know what happens when puppies eat too much food.

Anyway, in the midst of this, I also came up with a great reading challenge for 2010 I KNOW! Did I not just bitch and complain about my reading challenges? But this one will be different! It will help me accomplish some of my reading goals, and keep me on track. It's my challenge so I have to set a good example, right?

So what is this challenge, you may be asking yourself? Well, since I'm setting the start date to coincide with the new year, I am going to hold off on the official unveiling until December. Then I'll have an offical page with sign up. I think I will have some prizes too. Sure, personal achievment and satisfaction should be the greatest prize you receive, but really, it's all about the free stuff!
I know what's up! And yes, it will be international. I have several friends across the pond, and I would not want to leave them out.
I even created a cute picture to go with it, so here's a sneak peak:



I hope you have all had loads of fun this week. I certainly did when I could. So here's to next year, and fingers crossed, maybe some book reviews next week :)
Enjoy your weekend everybody!

BBAW Interview Swap with Sarah from A Devoted Reader

I signed up to interview a fellow book blogger as part of the BBAW festivities this year. I am paired up with Sarah from A Devoted Reader
And surprise, surprise, she is from Australia! Really no surprise to me, because for whatever reason, I am drawn to Australians. Some of my most chatty blogger friends are from down under.

So with out further ado, I introduce you to Sarah.

1.) Besides, discussing books, were there any other reasons for starting your blog?

The only reason I started my blog is so I can bang on about books to my heart's content, and without boring all my friends and family. Blogging is an enjoyable way to participate in a conversation about what I and others are reading. That said, procrastination and sheer laziness mean I don't blog as often as I'd like.

2.) It looks like you enjoy reading the classics, old books, and some from the current year. Besides the classics, because I could certainly sense the attraction of those, what leads you to choose the books you do? Subject matter, stumble upon, etc.

I choose books based on previous experiences of an author's work, blog and print reviews and serendipitous book shop browsing. I love crime fiction, 19th century novels and short stories, and am ever ready to add to my collection of these as my TBR pile demonstrates.

3.) Who are some of your favorite classic authors? How about your favorite current authors?

A hard one! Today my favourite classic authors are Jane Austen, the Brontes, Anthony Trollope and Thomas Hardy. There are so many things I've yet to read though- if "favourite" can be for one book, I'd add Gustave Flaubert (Madame Bovary), William Thackery (Vanity Fair), Leo Tolstoy (Anna Karenina) ,Albert Camus (The Plague) and Joseph Heller (Catch 22) for starters. More contemporary favourites are Alice Munro, Jeanette Winterson, David Malouf, Shirley Hazzard, Ian Rankin and Peter Temple.

4.) Dog ear or book mark?

Bookmark. Always.

5.) Do you keep all the books you read or sell them to used bookstores or trade online?

I keep anything I've read and enjoyed so I can re-read and recommend/lend it to others. The odd book I don't keep goes to bookmooch or an op shop.

6.) Are you a friend of the library?

As a kid, I haunted my school and local libraries. Now that I have disposable income which I spend a la Erasmus, I have more books than I know what to do with and don't visit the library. If I did, I might end up being buried by books.

7.) Do have any other hobbies which distract you from your reading?

Reading is my favourite use of free time, so few things distract me from it. Like everyone else, I can waste an amazing amount of time on the Internet. I'm a big fan of cricket, so when watching that books are neglected. If it's a beautiful Summer's day in Sydney, I can't resist going for a swim. And when my eight-year-old brother James is over, we play many, MANY games on the Wii.

8.) What would be your ideal setting for reading your book for a couple of hours? Like a comfy chair or in the park or something?

I confess I love reading in the bath with a glass of wine. This combination has resulted in the odd disaster e.g. completely immersing Persuasion. I had to painstakingly dry each page with a hairdryer in order to read Captain Wentworth's letter. Of course, it was worth it.

9.) Coffee or tea?

Tea, although I enjoy a flat white from time to time.

10.) Is there anything you would like to learn, accomplish, or do better with respect to your blog?

First and foremost, I'd like to blog more regularly. As I write more, I hope to improve in style and clarity. Updike's rules for reviewers are something I aspire to follow. (Here is an alternate link to an article about Updike's rules for reviewers. I couldn't link to the original Sarah sent me)

Please check out Sarah's blog. She may not post regularly, but if you look at her list of books read in both 2008 and 2009 you will see why. Her list has definitely inspired me to branch out more into older literature, albeit at a slower pace.

I also plan to read up on both Updike and his rules. (No...I haven't read any Updike. And, yes, I know it is an injustice. It's one of my 2010 reading resolutions. Oh and I think I just came up with a possible challenge!)

Sarah, thanks again for corresponding with me and I look forward to chatting with you again in the future.

For more interview swaps, stop by the BBAW website for some links.



(Vintage photo found online at Chick57's photostream from Flickr)

BBAW New Participant Meme

Sometimes I read things so fast, I miss important stuff...like this meme for bloggers new to BBAW this year! Duh, Jenny!
So here we go:

1) What has been one of the highlights of blogging for you?

Well there have been many, but the biggest one would have to be all of the friends I have made online. I did not realize there were that many wonderful, warm, and welcoming people out there in blog land. I have connected and become friends with people I may not have otherwise. It truly is a community, because we support and respect each other out there. We are there for one another.

I have also learned many things from friends, such as blog improvements, different authors, and how to improve my reviews. I learn something new almost every day.

2) What blogger has helped you out with your blog by answering questions, linking to you, or inspiring you?

I can't say there has been one single blogger out there. It truly was everyone. I no sooner started, and I guess I was lucky, because some of the first blogs I found are the ones everybody knows about. (I don't think I need to name names. Besides I don't want to accidentally leave anyone out.) It just exploded from there.

3) What one question do you have about BBAW that someone who participated last year could answer?

Hmmm...What was your big take away from last year? Did you learn a new blogging or reviewing skill? Or just discovering new bloggers?

So head on over to the BBAW website and join in on the fun!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week September 14-18, 2009

This the second year for the Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW), which was started last year by Amy from My Friend Amy.

I didn't start book blogging until December of last year, or something like that. But in my short time as a book blogger I have met so many wonderful, friendly, and caring people. From reading all of your blogs, I have learned historical facts, discovered books new and old, discovered authors, and have basically learned something new eveyrday, whether personal or not. I have also made some really great friends, homw and abroad.

BBAW is a way to show appreciation for your book blogging community. And I think with all the brew-ha-ha over book blogs lately, it's more important than ever to show others you care. Lets take some pride in our community, come together and celebrate this marvelous thing we have going.

So here's the scoop about BBAW from the website:

Last year over 400 blogs came together to celebrate the art of book blogging during the first ever Book Blogger Appreciation Week! I am so pleased to announce that the second annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week will be taking place September 14-18.

WHO Anyone who blogs about books is invited to participate. In fact, we want everyone who blogs about books and reading to be a part of this week!

WHAT A week where we come together, celebrate the contribution and hard work of book bloggers in promoting a culture of literacy, connecting readers to books and authors, and recogonizing the best among us with the Second Annual BBAW Awards. There will be special guest posts, daily blogging themes, and giveaways.

WHEN September 14-18, 2009

WHERE Here at the new Book Blogger Appreciation Week Blog! (Please note that this year there are three separate blogs and feeds—one for the main event, one for giveaways, and one for awards.)

WHY Because books matter. In a world full of options, the people talking about books pour hard work, time, energy, and money into creating a community around the written word. I, Amy, the founder of Book Blogger Appreciation Week love this community of bloggers and want to shower my appreciation on you


So please, stop by the website, check it out, register, and nominate your favorite blogs. You will probably even discover a few you never knew about.