It's been an exciting year, blog-wise, and it feels oddly appropriate that as I come to the end of seven years, the shiny new Shiny New Books initiative is kicking off (incidentally I wrote a sort of 'behind the scenes' post for Vulpes Libris today). Not that Stuck-in-a-Book is going anywhere, fear not. I'm hoping for at least another seven years.
To celebrate, I'd like to run a book giveaway. I haven't actually decided what the prize will be yet, but it may well be secondhand and lovely... so don't enter if you only love shiny new books (if that's you, there's a website I think you might like...)
If you would like to enter, just pop your name in the comments and, out of interest and because I'm feeling the egotism of the birthday boy, tell me how long you've been reading Stuck-in-a-Book.
Many Happy Returns of the Day and may there be many more! I think I've been reading your blog almost from the start, Simon and always look forward to your posts, and now we have Shiny New (and Not So New) Books too to enjoy - Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret! As I commented on your post, I always think it's fun that we started more or less at the same time, and are still going strong.
DeleteHappy Blog Birthday Simon! May there be many many more. (No need to enter me for the giveaway :) )
ReplyDeleteThanks Annabel! And thanks for being a big part of the next step :)
DeleteHere's to many more great blogging years - and what a great year this one has been for you, with the DPhil too. Happy Blogiversay - I always enjoy visiting.
ReplyDelete[No need to enter me, btw]
Thanks Vicki! It has been rather an eventful year, in all the best ways.
DeleteHappy anniversary Simon! Seven years is an amazing achievement:) I'm sure I've been reading your blog since before I started blogging so about 5 years, I think. How time flies, eh?
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it just! I think I said at the Penguin event, I thought your blog was older than mine - I can't imagine the blogosphere without it!
DeleteIt must be three or four years since I started enjoying your blog. I'm in a very rural area and before that only had dial up so didn't spend much time on line. I love Shiny New Books - many thanks to the four of you for coming up with such an interesting website where it is so easy to find everything. I probably buy half new and half secondhand books. I've also been converted to the usefulness of a kindle especially when travelling.
ReplyDeleteI don't think SIAB would have progressed quite so far if I'd had to rely on rural internet(!)
DeleteHappy blog birthday Simon - I think I've been reading you for at least 2 years now, and I definitely blame you for being part of the reason I started blogging!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen! And thank you for joining us in the blogosphere, you are already such a fundamental part of it :)
DeleteHappy blog anniversary Simon! I started reading your blog in 2011 (can't remember how I found my way to it, but that doesn't matter). In 2014, yours is still one of the first blogs I visit whenever in front of a computer. I've discovered a lot of wonderful books from your recommendation, and also many lovely blogs like The Captive Reader, Book Snob, Savidge Reads, Harriet Devine, My Porch, Random Jottings (the list could go on and on) from your 'people to see' section :)
ReplyDeleteSharanya
Lovely, Sharanya! And what a wonderful pantheon of people to be mentioned alongside; I love them all.
DeleteHappy anniversary to Stuck-in-a-Book! Yours was one of the first book blogs I found, so I've been reading it for quite a lot of the seven years, I think, though I probably lurked for months. It made me curious, though, to see when it was we met - it must have been sometime in 2008 when I was looking for places to hold a conference, so probably spring. Discovering book blogs and the people behind them has been, for me, one of the very best things about the last 7 years. And the advent of Shiny New Books bodes very well for the next 7...
ReplyDeleteThanks Jodie! I went to search my inbox to see if I could find an email arranging our meet-up and failed, but it was very early days. Let's hope it happens again before too long :)
DeleteHappy Birthday and Congratulations, Stuck-in-a-Book! I've been reading and enjoying your blog for over two years, I think. I look forward to enjoying Shiny New Books as well. Best Wishes to both!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joan, that's lovely!
DeleteMany happy returns! I'm curious - presumably you started this blog before you began writing your thesis, and I wonder how much of an impact this style of short-form writing impacted your thinking, both as a reader and an academic writer. Anyway, I've been reading your blog for about two years now, and have gotten so many wonderful recommendations from you!
ReplyDeleteA very good question, Samanatha! I did find, going back to academia for my masters after starting starting my blog, that my writing was less formal... so I over-formalised in response! I've always wished my academic writing came as easily as blog writing, but it definitely doesn't. However, I do think blogging has made me identify essential elements of a book more keenly.
DeleteMany happy returns from Barcelona! I started reading your blog two months ago and it's fantastic. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Laura!
DeleteSeven years is a great run...looking forward to the next 7! I'm sure I've been reading you since very early on...can not quite remember but you've been a fixture for a long time!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly feels like you've been here since the early days, Melwyk!
DeleteHappy happy blog birthday! Mine was the beginning of April and I always miss it... But lots of cake and crackers and party poppers to you! Stuck in a Book is a blog world treasure and we wouldn't be without it. No need to stick me in the hat for a book. I've, ahem, got quite a bit to read at the minute... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Victoria! Mine sneaks up on me, but is somehow emblazoned in my mind. And you've got some unread books recently, have you? ;)
DeleteHappy happy blog birthday...
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteHappy birthday! You were the first blogger I started reading and led me into this wonderful world!
ReplyDeleteOh lovely, Abigail! It's always nice to be the portal into this world :)
DeleteHappy blog birthday, I've been visiting for ages ( 2 or 3 years??) only subscribed recently but have gone back to enjoy many many old posts, if not all?. You are one of the few I'm aware of who appreciate Ivy Compton Burnett. Of the 50 books you must read list there is only one I'm unsure of, it was Oxfammed long ago so can't check it to see if I was mistaken. Thank you for a pleasurable read anyway.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol - and you have hit upon the author I'm always most delighted to share! There are so few ICB fans around, and those of us who love her REALLY love her.
DeleteOh, I'm so impressed you've been blogging 7 years. I've been coming here for a long time, but not as long as that. You're one of my morning coffee blogs. (Except I'm coming in late today, due to email grief and raking the garden first.)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogday 2 U.
You've been for a long time, Susan, and I always love seeing your name in my inbox!
DeleteWow, seven years, that's impressive! Happy blog birthday! I just discovered your site about two months ago, and I love it. I wholy appreciate your dedication to books, and I always look forward to reading your knowledgeable, lovely entries :-D.
ReplyDeletePS: No need to enter me for the giveaway, either.
Welcome, Marsar, I'm so pleased you've found SIAB!
DeleteHappy blog birthday! I'm not sure, but I think I discovered you in '09? You never cease to introduce me to *new* authors. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us for all these years.
ReplyDeleteIt feels like you've been here since the beginning, but I do remember you started reading during my 'Project 24' - and didn't realise quite what a book-buying fiend I was!
DeleteI stumbled on your blog about a couple of months and ever since have been popping in time and again as you talked about the books that go unread, the compulsive need to visit second bookshops and how you picked up a long forgotten book and enjoyed it thoroughly. It totally resonates with my sensibilities and I suppose that is why i keep coming back ....keep it up
ReplyDeleteand congratulations on completing another year of blogging!!!
It's very nice to find a community of people who 'suffer' from the same 'afflictions', isn't it? :)
DeleteSally Tarbox
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Have been reading your blog for 2 or 3 years now, and read a number of your recommendations - keep blogging! xx
Thanks Sally! I certainly intend to keep going :)
DeleteAdding my birthday congratulations! I think I first found your blog through a posting on the Janeites listserv on Yahoo, back in 2011. You have definitely added books to my shelves (both the read & the TBR sections).
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! That's interesting, I didn't realise anybody had come from the Janeites - especially since I have posted there so seldom - but that's lovely!
DeleteHappy blogiversary! You've had a busy year! I hope there are many more blogging years to come :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Stefanie :)
DeleteMy congratulations for maintaining and interesting blog for 7 years! I just discoverd the it so I have a lot to catching up to do. What advice do you have when a 'blogger' (me) is ready to 'throw in the towel"....stop...tired? I've only been blogging for 2 years but am having difficulty keeping motivated. Did you ever consider stopping with writing on your blog?
ReplyDeleteThanks! And it's a good question - a lot of bloggers seem to hit that at about the 18 month / 2 yr mark, and my only advice is to realise that blogging isn't a job - and that you can do it as and when you want, writing about exactly what you want.
DeleteI don't think I ever thought I'd quit, but after 18 months I had to stop reviewing new books I was being sent, and realise that I wanted to read old books instead! And I have taken fortnight- or month-long breaks sometimes.
_7_ Years?? You're sure? Wow, that does call for Congratulations. You've kept it up, never wavered, still an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Thanks so much, Nancy! And yes, I am sure, but... it's bizarre, isn't it!
DeleteForgot to say how long I've followed the blog - have looked about in my bookmarks & only found one: "To Hear Ourselves" Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - but, that wasn't the beginning. Just checked - & went well into November of 2007 - gave up on searching back when you wrote "...Blogger homepage tells me I've written 150 posts - though I saw other posts I remembered past that - so, sometime in that first year.
ReplyDeleteGosh, you must have been here from almost the beginning then. Thank you, Nancy!
DeleteCongratulations on your brilliant blog, Simon! I started following it just after I'd met you at the Persephone Book shop at a 'Possibly Persephone' meeting where you spoke about A.A. Milne's 'Mr Pym Passes By'. I think that must have been about four years ago now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun afternoon that was! And that's why I went and read Here Be Dragons - which I believe was your recommendation there? I hope they'll do another event soon.
DeleteI don't know how long I've been reading your blog, maybe since 2009? It's been a pleasure and through your blog many other blogs have been discovered. It's a wonderful journey of reading books I may never have known about otherwise...
ReplyDeleteThank you
Sue.
Thanks Sue! I do like the way that blogs all intersect and lead to one another.
DeleteI'm a few days late with my congratulations, but nevertheless here they are! Seven years is amazing, Simon. Well done!!!
ReplyDeleteAs for how long I've been reading, yours was one of the very first book blogs I discovered back in October 2009. Because I didn't feel comfortable commenting as a non-blogger, after a few months I decided that I should start my own book blog. And now here we are!
Thanks! If I've been even partly responsible for you joining the blogosphere, then I count it amongst my greatest blogging achievements :)
DeleteCongratulations! I always enjoy reading your blog, and appreciate the hard work you must put into it. I think I've been reading for a year or so, can't remember how I first came across it, possibly through Persephone.
ReplyDeleteThat would be a very apt way to come to SIAB :) Thanks Meg!
DeleteHappy birthday, Simon! I'm in awe of your longevity and all you've accomplished. I must have started reading about three years ago, as I had been reading and getting inspired by you for a year or two before starting my own blog, which at 1 is a mere babe in the woods next to yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks Scott! It's been great fun - as I hope you're finding yours!
DeleteAdding my Happy (Blog) Birthday wishes! One of my favourite book blogs - you always have something interesting to say, and have increased my must-read list quite a lot. I've followed up on quite a few of your recommendations, and have been introduced to some grand writers. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI've been visiting for 5 years or so; it took me quite some time to work up the gumption to jump in to the blogging pond, but now that I'm in it's quite comfortable. Two whole years this April for my own; so nice that we share a birthday month! ;-)
Thanks! It's lovely when people follow up recommendations, and thank you for your kind words :) I'm so glad you did jump into that pond, as I love your blog :)
DeleteHappy Birthday, Simon. I hope you had a huge celebration. I started reading Stuck in a Book in 2008 when I was ill for 6 months. I could not do much but lie around in bed and when I discovered you and some other wonderful bloggers I did not feel so alone as you all became my dear companions. So, thank you.
ReplyDeleteHope I win. There is nothing, well almost nothing, better than a surprise in the post.
Thanks Ellen! I'm sorry that you came through illness, but definitely glad you came along :)
DeleteHappy birthday to the blog! I think I've been reading you for around 5 years
ReplyDeleteThanks Karoline! Lovely that you've been here for so long :)
DeleteHappy Blogness Birthday, Simon! I smile whenever I see your blog described as ‘quirky’ (only have seen that in a few places) because I would say that, then, you, my daughter (who reads your blog as well) and I must quirk in quite similar ways - I would describe your blog as comforting, incisive, interestingly perceptive, delightful, original and always intriguing. We first found your blog I think perhaps as early as 2008ish, just a bit after you had started. You also provided us with our introduction into the world of bookish blogs … thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have seen that in some places myself, and always enjoy it! I hadn't realised you'd been here for so long, which is lovely :)
DeleteHappy Birthday! I have been reading your blog for a couple of years and think it an absolute delight. It was lovely to connect with someone who shared my penchant for neglected books.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Deborah, that's lovely of you!
DeleteHappy birthday, SIAB! I'm not sure when I started reading, but I suspect in 2008 or 2009.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday, Simon, and happy Easter too!
ReplyDeleteHow long have I been reading Stuck in a Book? Hmmm, not sure. Since 2010, but I believe that I found and lost you a year or so before that.
Best wishes for the next seven years!
Happy blog birthday, Simon! I'm sure I've been reading for almost as long as I've been blogging so I'll say almost six years? You have consistently great content so I do hope you continue for at least seven years more!
ReplyDelete