So, I could pick out some of my favourite blogs and bloggers this week... but, instead, I'm going to ask you to do it. And it comes with a prize. Whilst I was at lunch with my friend Andrea today, I spotted two lovely 1931 copies of Helen Thomas' wonderful biography As It Was. She was the wife of poet Edward Thomas, but you don't have to know anything about him to enjoy this book and its sequel World Without End (which sadly wasn't in the shop) - I certainly didn't know anything about him before reading this. Anybody with an interest in early twentieth century Britain will love this memoir. For a full review of the book, which is on my list of 50 Books You Must Read, click here. To find out how to win a copy, keep reading...
I had thought about simply having a draw and offering two copies - but I've decided to do things a bit differently. I'd like you to tell me about a blogger you love. They can be one you've been following for years, or only discovered this week. Perhaps they're simply somebody you think would appreciate the book. The winning entry will secure a copy of As It Was for you, and for the blogger you nominated! And it's open worldwide.
If you to participate but don't fancy the book, that's fine, of course - just say so in your comment. Let's spread the blogging appreciation, everyone!
Hi! I regularly read only three bookish blogs - yours, cornflower, and dovegreyreader - and feel a particular bond with all three. I occasionally read other blogs, but no others have kept my interest as these have - and it's more than just what each of you write about books, I've gotten hooked on keeping up with your lives, your families.
ReplyDeleteNancy T.
Like "Nancy b t" I read only a few literary weblogs regularly. Cornflower is primus inter pares among them for me, but I should declare a long standing friendship that goes back over 30 years now. I nominate her.
ReplyDeleteI read so many book blogs that it's hard to nominate a favourite. But (present company excepted, of course) I think it would have to be Book Snob -- I never cease to marvel at Rachel's intelligent, perceptive, beautifully written reviews, generally of books I know I will love. I'm sure she'd love the Helen Thomas. I must mention the runners up, though -- Danielle's A Work in Progress and Litlove's Tales from the Reading Room are also wonderful as are a good few more...
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of blogs - as my reading tastes are rather eclectic. The one that inspired me was Sakura of chasing bawa.
ReplyDeleteI was hesitant to start blogging not knowing whether being so far away from access to books whether I could do it or not but it was this blog that gave me the impetus to try! I'd love her to win one of your books.
The book blog that I usually read first among the few that I follow regularly is dovegreyreaderscribbles. Fellow OU student, she also went some way to inspiring my attempt at blogging. And I know she has a keen interest in Helen Thomas.
ReplyDeleteI think Ieris of irisonbooks would love this simon can I put her forward to win it please ,all the best stu
ReplyDeleteHi Simon,
ReplyDeleteI think my favourite book blogger is Kevin from Interpolations. I love the way he writes, the certainty with which he expresses his views, and the way his blog is simply unlike any other.
Simon, after you, one of my favorites is Dani's A Work in progress.
ReplyDeletesherry
I would suggest Book Snob or Reading Matters (an Aussie blogger)... But then there is Cornflower, A Striped Armchair... the list goes on...
ReplyDeleteI read too many blogs to mention, but one that's not been mentioned yet is Random Jottings, and I'm sure Elaine would love this book.
ReplyDeleteBoy...I read quite a few. I think I'd have to say Sue over at Whispering Gums. This is primarily because she focuses on Australian literature and it has opened me up to authors I never would have learned about otherwise. She also has very thoughtful insights and discussions within the Australian genre.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy your drawing and sketches, too! I first learned about Virago books from your site, which is exciting because I feel I found an entire collection that looks appealing.
I'm not a huge reader of bookish blogs ... but I love Book Snob so I nominate Rachel :)
ReplyDeleteI regularly follow eight book blogs: Stuck in a Book (of course), as well as Citizen Reader, A Striped Armchair, A Book a Week, Tales from the Reading Room, Savidge Reads, Thomas at my Porch and Cornflower Books. You can take my name out of the running for the prize, however. Or give them both instead to any two of the bloggers listed above as a token of my appreciation!
ReplyDeleteWell I am bright red. Thank you to those who nominated me! I am so honoured.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I think my commenters are the best in the world. They make me feel fantastic and they stimulate such interesting conversation. I'd love to nominate them all! But obviously I can't. I don't read many blogs religiously because I don't have time any more, but one blog I never click 'mark all as read' on (apart from yours Simon) is Darlene of Roses over a Cottage Door. I love her writing and the lovely outings she has and her sense of humour. I also adore Nicola of Vintage Reads - she keeps her posts short but so sweet and she has put me on to many a marvellous treasure. Also Thomas at My Porch is excellent for that too. So many to mention!
There are many book blogs I enjoy (including this one, of course!), but one that hasn't been mentioned yet and always makes me laugh is Ros at My Romance Reviews. Her reviews, favourable and otherwise, are always entertaining.
ReplyDeleteBook Snob is the one for me. Aside from her very well thought out book reviews and her stunning essays on her life in New York City, she is a wonderful, thoughtful person. Hurrah for Rachel!
ReplyDeleteThis was a tough one for me as I regularly visit a number of blogs and it's impossible to name a favourite. But I have a soft spot for Danielle of A Work in Progress and I know that she is interested in early 20th century Britain, so I'd like to nominate her.
ReplyDeleteI read dovegreyreader, cornflower, book snob, random jottings, books please &, of course, yourself. If I have to choose just one, it would have to be dgr.
ReplyDelete