I'm having a Giveaway to celebrate my 1st anniversary as a book blogger.
The Giveaway is open to new and old followers, no matter where you live, and you do not have to have a blog to win.
About the past year......I started this blog on June 28, 2008 because I live and breathe books. Now just 51 weeks later I've posted 306 entries; received approximately 1,100 comments (but just 69 in the 1st 6 months of blogging - in the future I plan to help new bloggers by commenting often -- starting out is tough). I've also had 1,000 profile views, 90+ subscribers, and 50 (+) followers. I'm pleased to say the least, and in case you haven't guessed, now at the one year mark, I'm also Blog Obsessed!
Two blogs in particular inspired me to begin blogging. These blogs are truly terrific in my opinion, and if my blog is someday just half as interesting as theirs, I'll be thrilled. My inspiration and thanks goes to: Wendy at Caribous Mom and another Wendy (maybe it's the name......ya think?) at Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Thanks ladies :)
It's not just Wendy and Wendy though, in the past year I have met so many wonderful book lovers through blogging. All of your reviews and your eclectic choices in books have added to my ever expanding wish list. I'd like to thank you all, by giving you a chance to win a little something (book related of course).
The Prizes:
1st Prize - $25.00 Barnes and Noble Gift Card (If the winner is from outside the US a $25.00 Amazon Gift Certificate will be sent to the winner instead).
2nd Prize - The Chosen One
; Carol Lynch William (audio cd book - like new, played one time)--it's very good! 3rd Prize - The Black Dog Summer on the Vineyard Cookbook
; Joseph Hall and Elaine Sullivan - (a popular place in my neck of the woods) .HERE'S HOW TO ENTER...............
I don't want to make you jump through a lot of hoops. So if you'd like a chance at the giveaways, here is all you have to do.
- Become a follower of my blog, and tell me the best book or books you've read so far in 2009.
- If you are already a follower, just tell me the name of the best book (s) you've read in 2009. and you will be entered in the drawing.
- BE SURE in either case to include your email in the same post.
- Winners will be drawn at 8PM EST on Sunday June 28th (My 1st Blogiversary) using random.org . All winners will be notified on that same day. (You will have (3) days to respond or alternates will be selected).
I am already a follower. Happy Blogiversary (a week early)! This is such a tough question - I've read some really good books this year. Someone asked me this the other day and I said that it was Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly. But now I'm thinking about it (a different mood on a different day) and I think that Stone's Fall by Iain Pears would come in ahead. I loved the vast scope of the story and how it was told in reverse chronological order.
ReplyDeleteakreese (at) hotmail (dot) com
Congratulations on reaching the first year mark! Definitely a cause for celebration!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much for your kind words, Diane. Truly, you have done a great job with your blog. I enjoy reading your insightful reviews and count you among my book blogging friends.
My favorite book so far this year . . . No One You Know by Michelle Richmond definitely tops the list; although, I have to say, a book I just finished this comes very close to that one. Sweeping Up the Glass by Carolyn Wall.
I do follow your blog on Google Reader, which I am trying to play catch up with today. It's so easy to fall behind!
Congratulations, Diane, and I wish you all the best with your blog in years to come.
literaryfeline AT gmail DOT com
Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for a while now, and love the way you always seem to find great books before everyone else.
I've just becpme an official follwer of yours!
My favourite book of the year so far is the Hunger Games, although I know that was published last year in the US. So if you'd like another recommendation I'd say Wilderness.
I look forward to your 2nd anniversary! Keep up the good work!
How exciting. Congrats on your 1st blogiversary. I would love to be entered and I am already a follower. The best book I have read this year would have to be City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, though there have been a lot of close seconds. Holly Black's Tithe and Valiant are definitely near the top.
ReplyDeleteI am outside of the US.
vivienne_dacostaathotmaildotcom
Congratulations on your first year anniversary! I had your blog bookmarked but I am now officially following it.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed so many books so far this year ... the one I enjoyed most is The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice but as that is from 2005 I would say If I Stay by Gayle Forman, which is a beautiful YA title that was recently published.
Happy Blogiversary, Diane! I've read some great books this year, so your question is a hard one. My favorites, so far, are both classics - Therese Raquin by Emile Zola and The Home-Maker by Dorothy Canfield. My favorite audiobook is easy though, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I'm already a follower!
ReplyDeletejqsteve (at) aol (dot) com
I'm brand-new to your blog - just found it while looking for a review of Perfection (which I just started reading last night). I'm a follower now.
ReplyDeleteProbably the best book I've read this year is the one I'm currently reading - The Brothers Karamazov. I try to alternate contemporary reads with classics that I missed along the way.
I look forward to reading your reviews!
Happy anniversary, Diane. I'm reading the best book of the year right now--A.S. Byatt's The Children's Book.
ReplyDeleteI don't officially "follow" anyone (for some reason my icon pic goes all blurry on this app and I haven't taken the time to figure out why), but I link to you on my blog and follow you on on bloglines.
pagesturned (at) carolina (dot) rr (dot) com
Happy early blogiversary! I follow your blog on Google Reader. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book I've read in 2009 (that's new to me!) - tough question! I scrolled through my 2009 book list for a long time before deciding. I'm going to go with Joan Wyndham's war diaries, Love Lessons, though it's tough given all the really fantastic books I've read this year!
bastet57 (at) gmail (dot) com
Hm, I thought I was a follower before...but regardless, I am now! I have lots of favorites this year but I started a series this year I have really liked: The Lady Emily Ashton series (first one is And Only to Deceive) by Tasha Alexander. The fourth one comes out later this year.
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary!
I'm not sure if this counts, but I subscribe in Google Reader. I think the best book I've read this year is The School of Essential Ingredients. Congratulations on your blogiversary! milou2ster(at)gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and also in a book club with you. I always enjoy what you have to say about what you have read. I can't think of what my favorite has been so far but I have enjoyed The Help, Shanghai Girls, Love Stories in this Town, Handle With Care.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and Happy blogiversary. My favorite read for the year 2009 is Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiwan.
ReplyDeleteEmail address is:
Shannanusar(at)aol(dot)com
Happy almost Blogiversary! I'm already a follower and gosh it's hard to pick a favorite. I've read so many good ones since the beginning of the year but I think I'll pick Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly. Great way to celebrate your blogiversary!
ReplyDeletebj19662001 (at) yahoo (dot) ca
Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI follow - janetfaye
The best book that I have read so far in 2009 is The Secret Life of Bees.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Congrats on your Blogiversary!! :) I'm a Follower of your blog! My fav book of 2009 so far is Julie Lessman's 'A Passion Denied'. Would love, love to win the Barnes & Noble gc! I've had my eye on a Bible to get for a year or so now so might get that if I win. *Hoping* :) purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteA new follower here, since you just found me and I just found you :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your blogiversary!!
Best book, hard, need to pick at least 2.
I loved The Guernsey Literary and potato peel pie society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. So well-written and I was hooked.
The second is Mucho Caliente! by Francesca Prescott cos it had me rolling on the floor laughing
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
I'm a follower! (ally/rubymoon/Blogger).
ReplyDeleteThe best book in 2009 has to be The Girl Who Stopped Swimming!
espressogurl at hotmail dot com
Congratulations on 1 yr of blogging!
Happy Blogiversary!
ReplyDeleteThat is a tough question... but I think I'm going to have to go with The Hunger Games.
I just subscribed through google reader.
I have a question... how do you find out how many subscribers you have?
vtgoat[at]gmail[dot]com
I just started to follow your blog. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment on my blog.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the first year of blogging. Wishing you many more blogging years.
Favorite book of the year to date? Wow that is hard An offer you can't refuse by Jill Mansell. I love chick lit.
cindysloveofbooksarcATgmailDOTcom
Happy Blogiversary, Diane! I just added your subscription to my Google reader. I'm looking forward to your next years of blogging! :-)
ReplyDeleteBest book this year? Hmmm . . . The one that comes to mind right away is A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines.
Lezlie
Books 'N Border Collies
BooksnBCs (at) gmail (dot) com
How fun!! Congrats on your first blogiverary, Diane!!
ReplyDeleteMy faves for the year? Well, can I pick one adult and one YA? My YA pick would be Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson and my Adult pick would be The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society!!!
Congratulations and happy anniversary! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and commenting. It means a lot. It's true that it's hard to start off as a blogger as I've only started last month, but it's book lovers like you that make blogger so enjoyable and a thrill. Thank you! =)
ReplyDeleteHmm, it's hard to pick which was my best read, especially since I read different genres and it's hard to judge...
Hmm, I would have to say that Tuesdays with Morrie is probably the most insightful of all my reads. It is an eye-opener. I remember you've stopped by my blog to say you've enjoyed it too. =)
I think when I reach my 100th post, I'll host my first giveaway. It's always fun to give. =)
Thank you for hosting these giveaways and hurray for blogging! =) I am definitely following.
lindanmc (at) hotmail.com
I'm so thankful that I came across your blog, I love it...Happy Blogiversary!!! That is such a generous giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite read for this year would be Still Alice by Lisa Genova. That one touched me on so many levels!!
I'm already a follower :)
I am a follower!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your upcoming anniversary which happens to by my husband's birthday!
I've read so many great books so far this year. One I recently finished, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was really good.
Congratulations on your first blogiversary!!
ReplyDeleteHmm, my favorite book of the year? That's so tough to say since I've read so many good books! I think I will have to go with Tana French's The Likeness. Kathryn Stockett's The Help, Lisa Genova's Still Alice and Erica Bauermeister's The School of Essential Ingredients are right behind, though. Oh, and The Hunger Games! :)
Again, congrats on the anniversary. Here's to many, many more!
lscher at neb dot rr dot com
Congrats on you approaching Blogiversary.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower:
I have two best favorite reads for 2009:
The Book of Night Women by Marlon James
Hold Love Stong by Matthew Aaron Goodman
beachlover20855[at]yahoo[dot]com
I just became a follower of your blog and my favorite book this year has been Boneman's Daughters and Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Congrats on your blogiversary.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog. It's an oldie, but my first time reading Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss, I loved it!
ReplyDeletelavery328 at yahoo dot com
One of the best books I've read this year is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I'm now reading his latest, The Angel's Game.
ReplyDeleteHi, Thanks for stopping by yesterday and becoming a follower and entering my contest. Please enter me in your blogiversary drawing. Congrats on the year.
ReplyDeleteThere have been so many good books this year: Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly, The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, Irreplaceable by Stephen Lovely.
I'm a new follower.
florida982002[at]yahoo[dot]com
I would love to be entered in this contest! I am also a follower of your blog. And to answer the question, I think the best book I have read this year is The Angel's Game. If you have not read it yet, you definitely should!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blogiversary! I don't "follow" but I keep updated with bloglines.
ReplyDeleteWishing you many more years of book blogging... Favorite book so far, oh so many but for now I'm going with the Post Office Girl by Stefan Zweig.
I subscribe to you via bloglines! My favorite book so far in 2009 is Molly Wizenberg's A Homemade Life. I would love to be entered! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your year blogiversary! I'm new to the "blog world" and still learning my way around!
ReplyDeleteI signed up as a follower of your blog. I enjoy reading it.
My favorite book so far this year is Richard Russo's "The Bridge of Sighs". I love his characters, he makes me feel like I know them & I really come to like or dilike them, pity them, worry about them and I come to care what happens in their lives!
Thank you!
Amy
Aimala02@yahoo.com
Congrats! Happy Blogiversary! I love reading your blog, keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and my fave book (so far) is The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz.
jedziedz@hotmail.com
jess
barney's book blog
Congratulations on your first year! I just became a follower - funny, I thought I already was!
ReplyDeleteLet's see, my favorite book so far this year would be ... probably just about any I've read. But to pick one, I think it would be SARAH'S KEY. That's the only book I've read this year that really touched me, made me cry, and stayed with me for a long time. If you haven't read it, please do.
Happy Blogiversary! I've just started in the last few months so I know what that feels like - congrats on getting this far and having an excellent blog.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in your contest. I'm already a follower and my favorite book so far in 2009 has to be Fragment by Warren Fahy which just came out recently.
I am already a follower/subscriber and my best book so far in 2009 has been Loving Natalee by Beth Holloway
ReplyDeleteyk(at)toptruecrimebooks(dot)com
I do follow and love your blog Diane...I'm reading and enjoying the Lytton Trilogy by Penny Vincenzi this year..No Angel is the first book and I really loved it...
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!! As you know, I've been following for a while. :)
ReplyDeleteI've read some great books this year. A couple of favorites are The Help, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and Guernsey and Thirteen Reasons Why on audio.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
shhhimreading at hotmail dot com
Diane,
ReplyDeleteI think you already know how much I enjoy your blog. To keep up better, I've become a follower!
As far as favorite books this year, probably The Help by Kathryn Stockett, but it was a difficult choice! Close behind would be Still Alive by Lisa Genova. I can't stop recommending these books.
Happy blogiversary! My goal is to find time to keep up my blog as well as you do yours!
Maudeen
beachreader (at) gmail (dot) com
Happy Blogiversary. I'm already a follower. I missed this because I don't usually read Sunday Salon posts. Yikes. I've learned my lesson.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about the best: Killing Tree, Wicked Lovely, or Wintergirls. All great & different genres. Please don't make me choose!!!
BFish(dot)Reads(at)gmail(dot)com
Congrats!!!!
Happy Blogaversary to you and many more years to come. I don't have a favorite. But one book that stayed with me for weeks because of discussion was Testimony by Anita Shreve. None that I can say that I actually loved this year.
ReplyDeletemy email is bookmark60 at hotmail dot com. If you did not guess enter me.
First, CONGRATULATIONS! and HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! You've got a great blog.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I am already a Follower.
Third. I'm reading so many good books this year, it's hard to pick, but SCOTTSBORO by Ellen Feldman has knocked my socks off!
Thanks for sharing your celebration!
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com
Oh no! I think i'm a few minutes too late on this one...but I'm following now.
ReplyDeleteAnd some books I loved this year:
Willow by Julia Hoban
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Must-Reads
-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
Happy Blogiversary!! I just recently found your blog and have become a follower. Picking favorites - always hard. But I think I have to go with 2 books by C.S. Lewis: The Problem of Pain and The Screwtape Letters. Wonderful, wonderful books for anyone on a spiritual journey.
ReplyDeleteTammy, missporkchop AT yahoo DOT com