You know, I never would have imagined I could find a group of people — strangers, initially — with whom I could talk about books and life and cupcakes and form these lasting friendships that have already sustained me through challenging times.
Here’s the thing about book blogging: we’re not just reviewing books. We bring to our environment a shared passion for the written word — whether that’s fantasy, romance, science fiction — and never let it go. We connect with each other over novels but come together with so much more. In fact, when I imagine the major milestones in my life — marriage, children, a new job — I often fantasize about how I’ll share the news with my book blogger buddies.
Is that weird? Maybe. But I love you guys.
Today, the first day of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, we’re asked to recognize the people who have made book blogging a unique experience for us. I long consider Rebecca of The Book Lady’s Blog to be a mentor of sorts — mostly because she’s awesome, and she’s one of the first book blogs I discovered. We got our sites up and running around the same time and both worked for corporate booksellers back in 2008. A friendship blossomed and I’ve been overjoyed as her range of influence has only widened, and she’s a darn hilarious and fine person. So rock on, my friend.
Over time, you may have noticed that the quality of my photos is slowing improving . . . and I’ve worked harder to make write meg! visually pleasing. I’ve always been interested in graphic design and enjoy the coding aspects of blogging, but it’s Kay from The Infinite Shelf who really inspired me to step up my game. Her blog is both interesting and beautiful, and her photos are incredible achievements. She inspires me with her cute comics and awesome book thoughts, and I feel motivated to make changes here every time I visit.
And who do I credit with turning me onto my favorite book series of all time? Natalie of Book, Line, and Sinker, who is also a stellar friend. A few years back she encouraged me to read Megan McCafferty’s Jessica Darling series, and it wasn’t long before I rejoiced in my new book crush. I’ve remained devoted to Marcus ever since. Sloppy Firsts was probably not a book I would have picked up on my own, so I’m eternally grateful to Nat for contributing to Marcus’ and my blossoming romance.
The first person to get me to crack open a graphic novel? Credit goes to Lu from Regular Rumination, a blogger I adore. Her recommendation that I read Craig Thompson’s Blankets was perfect, and I fell in love with Thompson’s tale of first love and the way it affects the rest of our lives. His illustrations paired perfectly with the book’s emotional content, and I never thought a graphic novel could make me cry. But it did.
In January, I read several awesome works of literary fiction for the Indie Lit Awards — including Safe From The Sea, which is one of my favorite reads this year. It was a novel that surprised and moved me, and another book I wouldn’t have read if I hadn’t gotten involved in the awards process.
My friendships with book bloggers have impacted my life in countless ways, and I’m grateful for the way they’ve inspired me to try new books and branch outside my vanilla reading life. My bookshelves are heaving beneath the weight of their recommendations — and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
write meg! 
I just stumbled upon your blog this morning from another BBAW post! (The big upside to these posts is all the fun new blogs to follow…)
I recently just fell in love with the Jessica Darling Series; so I love that you mention that! I read the first one last week, then got distracted by life. I’m hoping to finish at least #2 and #3 this week!!
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Great list of blogs! I love it that you think about how to share real life news with the blogging community. I do the same thing. People don’t understand how an online community can become a group of friends (and friends of friends, etc.).
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I’m off to check out those gals you mentioned. Great list.
Your right about Kay. She’s so cool 😉
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Great list! It’s amazing how many friendships have developed through blogging.
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Natalie at Book Line and Sinker is a favorite of mine … though I haven’t broken down and read the Jessica Darling books … yet! Happy BBAW!
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I really liked that you highlighted Kay’s comics – I love them and always look forward to them (a recent favorite was the Pride and Prejudice via text) one. And I definitely agree that her blog is visually quite beautiful.
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I am having so much fun seeing who everyone’s picks are today. It’s wonderful how much we learn from one another!
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Thanks for sharing some of your favorites, Meg! Looking forward to visiting some of these new-to-me blogs. 🙂
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Great list of blogs! Rebecca was the very first book blog I discovered.
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Rebecca makes me laugh, and I’ve just recently started following Natalie. And I’ve got some new bloggers to go visit! These are great. I love the lists, which make my reader explode by about Wednesday.
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I love visiting blogs and finding not only sites with which I’m familiar, but others that open up the blogging community just a bit more.
Here’s MY BBAW 2011 POST and
MY WEBSITE
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Another selection of blogs that have escaped my notice till now, thanks for the intro
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Thanks so much, Meg! It’s been a blast raising our blogs together and following your journey (and actually meeting Spencer in person at Book Blogger Con this year!), and I too look forward to your continuing to make big announcements and share your life—bookish and otherwise—with us here.
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I agree when something amazing happens in real life you think I have to tell my blogging friends 🙂 that says so much for the blogging community.
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So wonderful! I agree that it’s amazing the friends we have made online and how they have all encouraged us to be better bloggers. What a great tribute post.
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It’s amazing, isn’t it, what a strong community can spring up around books? I feel like I know some bloggers better than I know most of the people in my life I’ve actually met. Happy BBAW!
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Ooh you don’t know how happy this makes me Meg!!!!!! I love that I got you to read Blankets. I would make it my mission in life to influence the world to read Blankets if I could. Thank you for having such an amazing blog. I am continually looking to Write Meg for inspiration. You are an amazing blogger and such a talented writer. I always love reading every single post you write, even if I don’t comment on all of them!
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Beautifully written Meg!! I love reading your blog, and I know I don’t comment enough. You have the right mix of reviews and personal information.
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It still amazes me as well sometimes how the blogging relationships have transformed into real and concrete friendships. I would have never guessed but I’m so glad. I admire the bloggers you’ve chosen but you also bring such a bright spark to the blogosphere. Have a great BBAW week Meg!
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Meg, this is such an honor to be featured here, and in such amazing company, too! *blushes* If you haven’t already I suggest that you stop by my blog to see my own list; you’ll see that the admiration is mutual and that I appreciate you and your blog every day! 🙂
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I love any blogger who recommends BLANKETS. Ok, I love all bloggers, but you know… Two of the blogs are new to me! I need to check them out. It’s fantastic that you and Rebecca started your blogs together!
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meggy, my love! thank you so much for including me in your bbaw roundup! it’s such a pleasure blog in a community like this one because the people are so great and supportive!!! i love visiting your blog and look forward to your photos, etsy features, cooking adventures, and book reviews. i love your authenticity and know that when we meet, we’re going to have a grand old time. xoxo
mrs. marcus flutie
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