Today’s prompt for Book Blogger Appreciation Week: “Share with us a book or genre you tried due to the influence of another blogger. What made you cave in to try something new and what was the experience like?”
I always feel bad, or at least a little guilty, when I try to answer this prompt (and others like it). I’m not one of those bloggers who has picked up a book from a genre she’s totally opposed to on the sole basis of another blogger’s recommendation. Does that mean I shouldn’t be answering the question? I think I’m still justified.
One book I picked up because of a blogger: Wounded: A Love Story by Claudia Mair Burney. It’s one of my faves of the whole year, and I probably wouldn’t even have heard of this author if it hadn’t been for My Friend Amy — and now I’m seeking out her entire back list.
But. It’s a book I would have totally read. Although I likely wouldn’t have found it apart from this (Alas).
Others:
- I probably wouldn’t have read The Book Thief if it weren’t for bloggers. I forget which blog pushed me over the edge on this one, though.
- It was bloggers (mostly @JenForbus from Jen’s Book Thoughts) that pushed me into starting Louise Penny’s Three Pines Mysteries (Still Life) — and while I haven’t read past the first one yet, I’m so glad for the nudge(s)!
- The Fiddler’s Gun by A.S. Peterson. I probably wouldn’t have read this if it weren’t for My Friend Amy (@MyFriendAmy).
So, I do read books based on bloggers’ recommendations.
On a larger scale, perhaps I’m stubborn. Or cautious. Just slow?
I am definitely ready to explore more young adult literature, and this is largely because of book bloggers. It’s taken me a long time to get this far, though. Hopefully the rest of the journey won’t be nearly as long.
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I think this was an excellent answer to that prompt. Even if the books aren’t exactly out of your comfort zone, it’s great to know that bloggers push you toward books you ended up loving.
I’m looking forward to seeing how you like reading YA.
Thanks, Michelle! (And: Me too.)
I agree with Michelle! And it’s good advice for if we do a prompt like this next year.🙂
I’m so glad we both read and loved Wounded and The Fiddler’s Gun!
Amy and Jen have influenced a lot of people!
So true!
I don’t necessarily think of it as books I’m opposed to, but books I probably wouldn’t have known about if it weren’t for blogging–both in and out of my comfort zone. The Book Thief was a great blogging discovery for me, too.
Honestly it’s not just blogger recommendation that makes me pick up a book either. I also have to think the book sounds interesting and get into it myself. I just have certain bloggers I trust more because they’ve consistently liked books similar to mine in the past.
Agreed.
I have ventured into YA fiction too after reading book blogs.
This is a great answer. I can’t attribute one blogger to any particular book either.
So glad to hear I’m not alone!
I agree Hannah – Wounded was a fantastic read and one that I still refelct back on.
I wasn’t even aware of YA before blogging.
You’re definitely not alone in that!