Thursday, September 15, 2011

BBAW - Day #4 --- it's all about the books

I'm a roll!!!   Well, I'm posting two days in a row, so that's something, at least.     Today's BBAW prompt is: 
We have no blogs without books! Today’s topic explores that even more!
Book bloggers blog because we love reading. Has book blogging changed the way you read? Have you discovered books you never would have apart from book blogging? How has book blogging affected your book acquisition habits? Have you made new connections with other readers because of book blogging? Choose any one of these topics and share your thoughts today!

I will admit that while I have always been a book addict, and I have always read a fair amount, book blogging has changed the way that I read.  Since I started blogging and posting reviews, I now make notes when I'm reading, and I never used to do that.   Originally, I was just trying to remember things from the book that I wanted to touch on, and then I saw some other bloggers posting about how they used index cards to make notes and now, that's what I do, too.   I don't take notes on every single thing I read, but if I think I want to post a review on it, I grab an index card and a pencil right away.

mwah ha ha -- I am the ever-growing book list!!!
Book blogging has been a great way for me to discover new books, and not just for my own personal reading.  Since I select books for my public library, I'm always keeping my eye out for new books.   And, I really appreciate the honest reviews I read on book blogs.   I read professional journals (Booklist, Library Journal, and a ton of other professional review sources), but it's nice to get the "real reader" experience.   Waiting on Wednesday posts give me the heads up on some cool-sounding books that will be coming out, so I can add those to my list of books to order.   And, book blogs allow me to discover interesting-sounding books that I want to read.   I've come across things that I totally wouldn't have seen otherwise, especially from bloggers outside the U.S.   Of course, this means that my TBR list just grows and grows (I think it's getting a bit out of control, like Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors).    Being a book addict and a librarian at a public library is both a blessing and a curse!


The one thing that hasn't changed too much is my "book acquisition habit."   You might not already know this, but --- librarians don't make a ton of money.  I know, shocking.    So, I was never a big buyer of books for myself.   Sure, I would treat myself every so often, but I'd try to save up, or visit my local used bookstore (love, love, love used bookstores).   And library book sales, too!   But, I still get the majority of my books from the library.  After all, the library lets me try before I buy --- I don't want to buy something and then not enjoy it.  If I get a book from the library, and I really enjoy it, then I consider buying myself a copy.    I also get ARCs from some authors and publishers, so that lets me add to my personal library, as well. 

Happy Thursday, everyone!!!

6 comments:

Erin said...

I love the Little Shop of Horrors plant!! Perfect!

I've always hated writing in books, so I use index cards, too. I use them as bookmarks, so it's always there in the book. I also like how I can store my notes right with the book, should I want to reference them later.

I'm a library/library sale girl, too. Good for the library, and good for my wallet and shelves, too :-)

Jenni Elyse said...

I love that you compared your TBR list to Audrey Jr. That's perfect! I feel the same way, lol.

I need to start doing the index card thing. I haven't done that as of yet and it sounds like such a good idea. When it comes to review time, I forget a lot of what I wanted to touch on. Thanks for the idea!

lisa :) said...

Maybe we could come up with a new musical "Little Library of Horrors" with the out of control TBR list - love the comparison!

Kailana said...

I am just browsing through blogs from the book blogger appreciation week and on a totally different note, I love the header for your blog!

Anonymous said...

Hi
I need to get better at taking notes while I read.

I have always put more stock in the 'reader experience' rather than the professional critics.

Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

Madigan Mirza said...

Sometimes I'll write in pencil in the margins of arcs, but I prefer to use Post-Its. Usually I don't take notes at all.

You are so right... working in a library is a blessing and a curse. It's wonderful because I go there nearly everyday, so my library shelves almost feel like an extension of my home shelves. On the other hand, I am nearly always finding more stuff to read, more than I could tackle in a lifetime, that's for sure.

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