I used to roll my eyes when friends of my parents would say that about me; now, of course, I say it about my own kids and the children of friends. And, I can say it about this blog – if it were a baby it would be walking. She is Too Fond of Books is one year old!
And, I need to send myself a “belated blogoversary” card … it was on May 14 (not the 15th!) that I wrote my first post, explaining who was “too fond of books.” A few days later I posted my first (bloggish) book review, about Slow Fat Triathlete (there are some pics of my sprint triathlon here, if you’re a glutton for punishment!), and talked about book club names. Hmm, looking at the dearth of comments on those first posts, I can see that no one was reading my blog back then (except family, thanks Mom!).
I’ve introduced you to my husband, “J,” and our kids. I told you a little bit more about myself in memes like Six Random Things and the story of “the big bang“. There have been books I’ve loved, and others, not so much.
In the past year I’ve posted about 100 book reviews, had visits from 25 authors (in the form of interviews, guest posts, recaps of author events I’ve attended), and brought attention to 40 bookstores through the weekly Spotlight on Bookstores series. Many thanks to the dozens of people who have contributed posts to this series, it’s something I look forward to every week!
Thanks to everyone who comes by to read She is Too Fond of Books, I’m especially grateful to those who take time to leave comments and engage in cyber-conversations; yay! I’m not talking to myself!! It’s nice to have so many “imaginary friends,” as my 13-year-old calls my buddies in the blogosphere!
In the spirit of thanks (and party favors), I have gifts for three of you … I’ll draw three names to win a book of their choice (up to $25). Yes, this giveaway celebration is open internationally. What do you have to do to get in the running? Just leave a comment below sharing something you’ve found at She is Too Fond of Books – a book you’ve read because of my recommendation, something that’s made you laugh, a recipe you loved (or hated), things you’d like to see more (or less!) of. I’m open to suggestions! Enter by midnight EST on Friday May 22; I’ll post the winners’ names on May 23.
Thanks for a great year!!
I’m a fairly new visitor to She Is Too Fond of Books so I don’t have any really special memories to share (though I look forward to some in the future!), but I just wanted to say Happy Blogiversary! Time goes by so fast when you’re having fun, doesn’t it?
Happy Blogiversary! Your blog is so impressive, I can’t believe it’s only a year old. I love your Spotlight on Bookstores series – it always leaves me jealous that we don’t have a store like that close by. I printed your recipe for Plum-Glaze Pork Loin but haven’t tried it yet.
Love the bookstore highlights. As a reader nice to find bookstores that I may not know about. As an author, same thing, but from an author prespective. If you ever want to have other bookstores hightlighted–let me know. There’s two good indie ones here in town–Creatures and Crooks and Fountain Bookstore.
Congratulations on your 1st birthday!
I loved your article on authors not being characters in their books:
http://www.sheistoofondofbooks.com/2009/04/16/authors-are-not-the-characters-in-their-books/
Very well said!
Thanks for another contest! Happy 1-Year of blogging, too.
I am reluctant to pick any one book review. But I keep coming back not only because the reviews are well thought out but also because of the choice of books. I’ve also really enjoyed the spotlight on bookstore series, and I think you perform a wonderful service by doing it. There are so many blogs out there, and eventually one has to get choosy because of constraints of time. Yours is intelligent enough to merit inclusion on anyone’s list. Happy Blogoversary!
I love your Spotlight on Bookstores, and not just because I wrote a post for it.
I think it was a great idea and I love seeing other bookstores that make me drool. I don’t get to travel much, so it’s the best way to do some traveling without having to leave my home. You’re awesome, Dawn!
I am a recent follower, but I am so glad I found you! Happy Blogiversary! 1 year in regular years is like 7 in blog years, isn’t it? I’m trying to remember what drew me originally to your site. It was either the spirited discussion about “the characters in the books are not the same as the authors” or the spotlight on indie bookstores. Either way, I found you!
I’ve learned that you have a big heart and support great causes! Happy Blogiversary!
Happy Blogiversary! I enjoyed the book review for Best Intentions and I will definitely be buying this special novel as it sounds amazing. Your blog is wonderful and interesting.
I like the amount of content to your posts, and have to say that more memorable for me are your Twitters that not only engage everyone in conversations, but also link back here. Honestly, that’s where I gained the interest and push to follow your posts more regularly!
Happy Blogiversary to you! I know I’ve linked to a few of your posts in my Saturday Review posts, entered (and did not win!) a couple of your giveaways, and have generally enjoyed my time here.
I also need to thank you for something you mentioned on Twitter, but I don’t recall is I saw it here as well – associate membership in the National Book Critics’ Circle. I joined a few weeks ago
– wouldn’t have even known about it if not for you!
I love the spotlight on bookstores. My particular favorite is the one that mentions Capitol Book and News. One of my best friends works there
Happy Blogiversary!!!
Happy blogiversary! I meant to have my song posted at 6am your time, but at 9:00 last night, 6am EST somehow translated to 6am PST. It’s also one of my lamer attempts, but oh well…it’s the thought, blah, blah, blah.
I love the spotlight on bookstores, even if they do make me green with envy. I’m also waiting for the vlog with you dancing in go go boots.
Congrats on getting to the one year mark with strong and growing blog! One thing I love about your blog is the spotlight on bookstores posts. I love reading about places around the country (world?) and seeing if any are near my normal vacation spots.
No need to enter me, but I did want to tell you congratulations!!! Hope you’re here for many years to come!
I can’t believe your blog has only been up and running for one year! You’ve accomplished quite a bit in one year. I didn’t even notice when my one year came up. I am so lame.
What really brought me to your blog was the Spotlight on Bookstores series. I love that series and always look forward to it. There are just so many bookstores out there to visit now.
And I don’t know how it happened but I am so glad that my feed issue fixed itself. I was following you manually (because I enjoy your blog so much) but it sure is nice for the posts to show up automatically now in my reader
** To all ** – wow! I know where to turn when I need a little pick-me-up! I’ll come back to this post and read all the kind comments! I truly am grateful for the comments and conversations.
The Spotlights seem to be a favorite (I’m glad you all enjoy them as much as I do). They not only bring attention to the bookstore, but give a nice spotlight to the guest blogger.
A year ago I had no idea how this would grow, and what a true spirit of community there is in the sterile-sounding “blogosphere”. Thanks for being part of my world!
Happy, Happy Blogiversary!! I’ve enjoyed so many things here – your reviews, book store features, the vlogs….but I must say that your plum-glazed pork tenderloin recipe has become a family favorite. I’ve made it twice (so far)!
I only recently became a follower of your blog. I love your reviews, they are so well written. I fell in love with the Egg Plant though! My kids are dying to try this out, though we haven’t gotten around to it yet!
Congratulations on your blog and thanks for the giveaway!
Congrats!!!!
I’m not sure if this counts (since it’s not technically your post), but your hosting of Trish’s guest post made me go visit the Book Passage bookstore. We were visiting some friends in San Jose, and Corte Madera is only a skip and a jump from there. Btw, the restrooms posters are exactly as awesome as she says!!!
Here’s to another year of books!!!
Congratulations!! I love how you add quotes to your reviews.
Happy Blogoversary!!!! It is a momentous day and I’m so happy you’re here. I keep forgetting to celebrate mine. I’ll have to remember to do that next year because I’ll be turning three. I’ll officially be a pre-schooler. LOL!!!! Enjoy the day!
Congratulations! Your blog is one of my regular stops because there is always something interesting here. I can’t pick just one thing. You read a wide variety of books and always say how you feel about the book. Your author interviews make me feel as if you personally know these people. Visiting various bookstores, your marathon experiences, recipes – I like it all. Basically, you share yourself and I like that you do. Tell your daughter that I’m real and I’m one of your friends.
I love the book reviews on this blog. They are so honest and really give readers some idea of whether or not they want to try the books. I have this blog on my list of those I visit every day. I might not always leave a comment, but I do read all the posts. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with everyone out there in cyberland. We do appreciate it.
Happy blogiversary!! I’ve enjoyed getting to know your through your blog. Your reviews are well thought out and honest, and you read a lot of the kinds of books I enjoy. I may not always be a timely commenter, but I try. Wishing you many more years of bloggy happiness!
Happy Blogiversary! I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging for a year. Look at all you’ve accomplished. Can’t wait to actually meet you in less than 2 weeks!
Only one year? Are you sure? You certainly entered the blog world seamlessly.
Congratulations, my friend. And no need to enter me; your hosting me here for a few days was gift enough. Here’s to many more years of that!
Dawn, congratulations on the anniversary. I never would have guessed it — your blog has always looked so polished. Like many others, I enjoy the store profiles; thanks for letting me contribute. Have a great Year Two!
Happy anniversary! I love your reviews and bought Tomato Girl based on your recommendation.
No need to enter me, but I wanted to wish you a happy blogging anniversary
Here’s to many more years!
Seriously, it is your birthday (or blogiversary) and YOU are not supposed to give presents!!! I just came by to wish you more and more years of great reading and reviewing. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Bloggiversary! I have so enjoyed getting better acquainted with your blog recently. And, as you can imagine one of my favorite features is your Spotlight on Bookstores. I keep thinking that it’ll be the perfect place to look for for when I plan our next vacation! Gotta do a bit of book shopping along the way you know
Anyway, wishing you many more anniversaries!
Ciongrats on your 1st birthday! May it be one of many.
Happy Blogoversary! I’ve learned through your blog that putting lots of work into your book blog will help you succeed. My blog had been around longer but you’ve built up more of a fan base because you’ve kept your blog with a clean design, you engage your readers, you post interesting things and you have a sense of humour. You also respond to anyone who engages you. I was so shocked the day I found out you were younger than me (not by much though) because you seem so mature! I’ve enjoyed visiting your blog.
Your review of Sarahs Key sent me running to my bookstore. And the Book Buddy is amazing. I need to find one fast..lol.
Happy Blogoversary!! Hope you’ll be here for a long time. One of the features that I really love is your spotlight on bookstores. Even though I don’t live near you, I appreciate these posts because they encourage us all to look for a local bookstore instead of reflexively buying online. Looking forward to meeting you face to face in NYC.
What I meant to say is that even though I don’t live near any of you who write about the bookstores . . . . Sigh. I’ve had too many ‘ritas!
One Year! Happy Bloggiversary! I love reading your blog; it’s diverse with posts about family activities, charitable causes, books, and bookstores. I have an aunt who is an avid reader and has an “open-borrow policy,” so I’ll also pass on being an entry
I tried to comment yesterday but couldn’t get in to your blog! So, I’m really bad at remembering who posted what so I know I’m forgetting my most favorite post ever, but I’ve really enjoyed the posts where you tried recipes from cookbooks.
I’m so glad you’re a blogger!
ANd the best thing I’ve discovered through She Is Too Fond of Books is a wonderful bookish friend who has lots of heart and warmth. You’re seriously fabulous, Dawn!
Happy blogiversary!
I think what I enjoy most is you, and that is what has struck me as a fairly new blogger, that I meet so many new, kind, interesting, thought ful people from all over the world.
I also enjoy your posts on bookshops, however.
Dawn, I just wanted to say Happy Blogaversary! Hope there’s many more to come.
Happy anniversary from one imaginary friend! I love the book reviews that come from your family experiences. Love the latest one about the ways to save the planet and enjoy the cooking ones too! You have a great blog and I always love to stop by
Congrats! I’ve enjoyed the LibraryThing Author challenge (I have more links to send you, I’m just VERY behind, ha!). And I look forward to meeting you at BEA!
I love your conversational style and how you include not only books but a little personal stuff as well, like your 3 Day posts and sometimes little bits about your family. Plus you give great Secret Santa presents!
I also like how you’ve pushed me to add some things to my blog with your own updates.
happy blogaversary!
Congratulations! I like that you add some personal tidbits, too.
Hi. I am very new to the world of book blogs. (I just set up my own today.) I found your site while looking for inspiration, and I am impressed!
I like the clean layout, the variety of the content, and how the tone is personal, yet remains focused on books. Also, I had heard of Library Thing before, but didn’t really know what it was. Your posts about it have convinced me that I really should check it out.
Congratulations, and keep up the good work! I look forward to reading more in the future.
Congratulations! That is quite a milestone! I know so many bloggers who are giving up their blogs — I know it can be a lot of work but I hope you think it is worth it! I love your honesty in your book reviews, your thoughtful comments and learning about the bookstores around the country. Most of all, though, I appreciate your openness and friendliness to me — a relatively new book blogger! Thank you and here’s to years more of She Is Too Fond Of Books!
Happy 1st Birthday! I love spending time here and reading your reviews. I would have to say that my favorite discovery on your blog is the spotlight on bookstores. I really love that feature, and look forward to reading it whenever I stop by. I hope your blog is around for many other birthdays!