Happy 15th Blogiversary to Me!

On February 6th, 2006,  this blog started as a way to remember the books I was reading. When I started working at Blendon Middle School in 2002 (after volunteering for five years), I vowed to read all of the fiction books in the library. And on my fifth blogiversary, I finished. 

Since, my reviews have become a bit more refined, and since 1 January 2012, I have posted at least one review a day. In a blog survey once, people complained that there were TOO MANY book reviews, so I try to limit myself. Most years have 400 reviews, and I read over 800 books a year.

Blogs aren't the same as they were in 2006. There aren't as many. Most of the book promotion happens on Twitter, and everything there is constantly "Yeay, book! Best thing ever!" 

I get that. I do. As C.J. Redwine, who runs Young Adult Books Central told me, when I started reviewing there in 2012 (for books for my school!), my blog is great for when I am wearing my librarian hat, but for YABC, I need to put on my cheerleader hat.

However, as a school librarian my budget does not allow me to buy every book published. I read 99% of the books before purchasing them. I don't review every book I read. Longtime readers will know how I REALLY really feel about a book by my tone and certain key phrases. 

I try to spare writers' feelings by giving everything at least three stars on Goodreads, by listing Strengths, Weaknesses, and What I Really Think for each book, and by being kind. There aren't a lot of really horrible books, but they are out there. The books I don't buy are ones that I don't think MY students will want to read. I am constantly talking about books with students and getting feedback. 

Not liking something personally does not mean a book is bad. I do find myself at odds with many teachers and librarians about certain titles, usually ones that are sad and "lyrical". I hate books with grieving parents who are dysfunctional. It's insulting and rude to portray such parents that way. I have a personal dislike of talking animals. I don't like football, but I love football books. I love a really good fantasy, but don't have many readers who like fantasy, so skim way more than I read, and read more than I purchase. Also, bad fantasy is BAD. I can think of at least two specific titles that scarred me. 

But I won't reveal them. I don't want to hurt people's feelings. But you know, aside from all of my blogger friends whom I used to visit every day, the thing I miss the most is just shooting my mouth off about books. 

Here's to another 15 years of reviews! Enjoy these screen shots from The Wayback Machine archive. (And yes, my picture on the sidebar is from 2012, and life has not treated my face kindly. I was going to have my daughter take new pictures this summer, but I haven't had a professional haircut since September, 2019! I'm useful, not decorative.)