This is an award given by bloggers to other bloggers (of any type) and I was very kindly nominated by Hannah Renowden of Hannah Reads Stuff, a fantastic book blog that I've recently discovered. I am very grateful for the nomination and urge you all to go and check out Hannah's blog - she writes insightful and entertaining reviews and I always enjoy reading them.
The award has the following rules:
- Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
- List the rules and display the award.
- Share seven facts about yourself.
- Nominate 15 other amazing blogs and comment on their posts to let them know they have been nominated.
- Optional: display the award logo on your blog and follow the blogger who nominated you (luckily I already follow Hannah and I couldn't resist posting the amazing logo!).
So. The 'facts about yourself' bit. Hmm! Here goes...
- I have always loved reading, but the book that got me into 'literature' was Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I studied it for my GCSEs under a very inspiring teacher and fell in love with words - and analysing them. My battered old school copy is filled with pencilled notes and highlighted sections.
- I have a terrier cross called Polly, though she lives with my mum. We got her from the amazing Dogs Trust when she was a year old, and she has been our little darling ever since.
- I am a very proud auntie. My older sister Alex has two little ones - Eddie, who is about to turn three (!), and Seren, who is almost six months old. I adore them and wish I could keep them!
- I have been known to state that I hate chick lit. This can sometimes sound judgmental, but for me it is incredibly narrow and a huge cliché - and it also represents a negative view of women and women's tastes that is sometimes purported by the media. I also read some chick lit when I was a teenager and it was awful.
- I've never been 'sporty' but I grew up watching Wimbledon (it's a big deal) and I love rugby too. In fact my boyfriend and I have just got season tickets for London Welsh.
- I learned to ride horses when I was about four, but I haven't done it for over fifteen years. I often think about getting back in the saddle (literally!).
- I've only read the first book of A Song of Ice and Fire but I LOVE watching Game of Thrones on TV. Therefore I'm not that bothered when the TV show deviates from the books. Sorry.
Phew!
And now for the fifteen blogs that I would like to nominate for the Very Inspiring Blogger award. These are all blogs that I actively follow and read on a regular basis. They are all about books, surprise surprise, and though I do read non-book blogs, I think these are 'inspiring' because they are run by individuals who put in their own time and effort to share their passion for books. I've also just realised they're all women, but that wasn't intentional. But I have found that the majority of book bloggers (that I've come across at least) tend to be women - a possible discussion topic? Anyway, I think these blogs and the people who write them are really great at what they do, and deserve recognition and a wider readership. They are:
- Books and Reviews - this blog has a big focus on both feminism and crime fiction. It's written by Elena from Spain who is super passionate and enthusiastic, and who always comes up with very interesting and engaging posts.
- Books Speak Volumes - this is written by Leah, who lives in the US. I love discovering new books on her site that are bigger in the US than the UK, and Leah is a great writer too. Her blog also looks great, which is always a bonus.
- Word by Word - Claire lives in France and writes a lot about translated fiction, as well as books that might have gone under the radar. She's also been a great supporter of this blog, for which I'm very grateful.
- A Life in Books - a very insightful blog written by Susan, who always picks interesting and thought-provoking books to write about. I like that she chooses slightly unusual books to write about.
- The Literary Sisters - this is the only blog on my list written by more than one person, though sometimes you can't tell! Kirsty and April are both big readers and prolific bloggers - they post more than anyone else I follow, but their content is always top-notch. Look out for their flash reviews to discover hidden gems.
- Charlotte Reads Classics - a 'classic' book blog written beautifully by the Charlotte of the title. She features a range of books, and her reviews are always intelligent and engaging.
- Bloomsbury Bell - this blog started off purely as a book blog but has recently branched out to include a bit of lifestyle too. Naomi's posts are always lovely and she takes excellent photos. I also like that she is a fellow Oxford resident and writes about it now and then.
- - another mix of books and lifestyle, brought together to form one stylish package. Rachel writes about travel and her life as a teacher as well as books, and I always enjoy reading her posts.
- The Surrey Edit - this is more of a lifestyle blog that features the odd book review. Alice is a friend of mine from university and I was very pleased to hear that she was entering the world of blogging earlier this year. She posts about a wide range of things, from journalism and books to heritage and beauty products.
- - this is a new book blog by the lovely Alice, who themes all her posts, which I like. She writes book reviews and also blogs about 'Getting Married', and has a very intelligent and enjoyable way of writing.
- - Cathy owns 746 unread books. I know. On the blog she documents her journey through reading every single one of them.
- - I met Claire at the Penguin Bloggers' Do earlier this year and have really enjoyed following her blog. It is both attractive and engaging, with great posts about non-obvious books.
- Lizzy's Literary Life - Lizzy is a very successful blogger (doesn't that sounds nice! - Lizzi) and rightly so, as she covers a range of books and topics, and always writes very well.
- Other Sashas - I come across Sasha's blog through the recommendations in my WordPress Reader, and it was a lucky find. Her blog looks great and I love her content too - it's varied and interesting, and I like that she has a different perspective on things from her home in the Philippines.
- Literary Relish - I've followed Lucy's blog since it was on Ye Olde Blogspot, and love that it's now on WordPress. She is another blogger who features very varied content, and who doesn't limit herself by 'I'm reviewing this specific book'. Worth a read.
Well! Fifteen is quite a lot of blogs isn't it! I hope I've kept your attention, and that you will click on the links above and go and explore the wonderful world of book blogging. All these bloggers really deserve this nomination, and I hope you enjoy their blogs as much as I do.
I'll be contacting the 'nominees' now to let them know.