Monday, September 26, 2016

Less is More: 6 Years of Book Blogging


Six years ago today, I posted my first book review here at GReads!  Never did I anticipate that I'd still be here, in my little corner of the internet, talking about books all these years later.  I've read some amazing things; stories that have made me laugh, cry, and connect on such a personal level.  Expressing my thoughts and feelings on the books I read is a constant in my world, and one I hope that will never change.  Though I haven't been as active as I used to be, I'm still sharing my voice in this community, for whoever wants to listen.  Sometimes less can be more.  I'm a firm believer that life should be about quality, not always quantity.


In 6 years of book blogging I've learned... to read a little less, and really value the stories that I take the time to read.  My reading time is precious and I'd much rather spend those hours with something that entertains me, consumes me, makes me laugh, or fall in love.  If I'm not feeling a certain book, it's okay to put it aside.


In 6 years of book blogging I've learned... to engage less when drama soars high. It's important to have a voice, and to share those opinions when you think they matter.  But I've also learned that taking a step back, evaluating my thoughts, and thinking before I speak (or type, text, etc.) may be a better option than adding to the chaos.


In 6 years of book blogging I've learned... less content with more personal thoughtfulness holds increasingly more impact on readers than something that is being written, or posted, just to be written, or posted.  I'd much rather write a sincere book review, or share a personal list few and far between, than produce words that hold no value in my reading world.


In 6 years of book blogging I've learned... worry less about the latest & greatest book hype, and focus more on the beautiful words I have the pleasure of reading in front of me now.  Y'all, I've had the opportunity to read some really amazing things in these six years.  It still takes my breath away that I had the chance to experience these author's gifts and talents in the form of words.  THIS is what it's all about.


To celebrate these past six years, I am offering a giveaway, featuring my most favorite books from the last six years.  Now, this was insanely difficult to narrow down.  So, I decided to go back & check out my end of year surveys in order to decide which books would be part of the giveaway.  One lucky winner will have the chance to choose one book from the following list.  This opportunity is open to international readers, but please make sure book depository ships to you!


The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase
Breakfast Served Anytime by Sarah Combs
Golden by Jessi Kirby
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Where Things Comes Back by John Corey Whaley

a Rafflecopter giveaway



30 comments:

  1. Happy anniversary to six years of blogging! I fell in love with To All the Boys I've Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han. I would love to read The Summer I Turned Pretty.

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  2. Happy 6 Years!!! And here's to many more :)

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  3. Happy Blogoversary! I would love to read The One That Got Away! Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  4. Happy 6 Years Blogging! I've enjoyed getting to read your thoughts on all these books. Any book you thoroughly enjoy is usually one i enjoy as well!

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  5. Congratulations. I remember that we started our blogs very close together -- my 6th "blogoversary" was a couple weeks ago, and went by without my even noticing! Too many other things going on. I hope you still enjoy blogging. Thanks for your hard work.

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  6. Yay, happy 6 years!!1 I'd love to read The One that Got Away because that's the only one I don't have a copy of. Thanks, Ginger!

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  7. Ginger, I love your reflections and I'm glad that you are still around after all this time! I wish like you, I would include more personal posts (and less promotion), I still haven't found that balance. I'm not entering your giveaway, I just wanted to congratulate you. And I want to let you know that most of the books you are giving away, I've read or plan to read because of your recommendations. So thank you!

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  8. Happy Blogoversary!!! Six years! Wow! What an accomplishment! I totally agree with you on so many of your points. I have found, especially this year, that I should spend more time reading each book instead of reading as many books as I can. I have found my ratings for books are more subjective that way and that they truly reflect my opinion. And it is vital to keep other reviews out of your mind for hyped books! Great life lessons!
    I think I would pick Attachments. I love Rainbow' Fangirl and would love to check out her other works.

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  9. Happy six years of blogging, Ginger! That's incredible <3 I'm so glad we became friends through this online book community.

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  10. Happy Blogoversary and more happy blogging years to come... I always loved reading your updates and your book recommendation. Btw, great book selection. I've read most of them except Breakfast Served Anytime by Sarah Combs and Attachment. I'm excited to read them. Thank you for the giveaway! :)

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  11. Happy blogoversary! I'm so glad I found your blog! You have helped me discover and love so many great books over the past couple of years that I might not have read otherwise (I'm looking at you, Hating Game!). If I won, I would choose The One That Got Away, because I've read all the others! Haha but it's actually been on my TBR since you originally posted about it, especially because it takes place in Austin! I had it checked out from the library at one point but didn't make it in time.

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  12. HAPPY 6 YEARS, GINGER! I love, love GOLDEN too! But this time, I wanna read Breakfast Served Anytime so I hope I win. :D

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  13. Congrats on 6 years! That is amazing! If I had to choose a book I'd pick The Summer I Turned Pretty or Attachments :) Thanks for doing this!

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  14. I'm torn between Golden and The Summer I Turnd Pretty. 😊 Thanks for the giveaway.

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  15. Hi Ginger,
    Congratulations on 6 years!
    I read The Summer I Turned Pretty years ago when you blogged about it!
    I'm yet to read anything by Jessi Kirby, so I think I'd pick Golden.

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  16. Happy six years! <3 I've been thinking of making a blog of my own but I'm afraid of not being able to be committed for it in the long run but man, you just inspire me. Six years! Wow. Congratulations, really.

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  17. Happy Blogiversary,best wishes for many more great and wondedful blogging years ahead :)
    I would love to read The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase - heard great things about both books from this author and looking forward to read :)
    Thank you for the amazing opportunity to win!

    :)

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  18. Happy Blogoversary! I think I would go for Golden or The Summmer I Turned Pretty :-)

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  19. I am reading Attachments right now! But I would choose The Summer I Turned Pretty, been on my reading list for ages. Happy Anniversary!

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  20. Congrats on your anniversary ! Six years is a hell of a time :)
    Cheers from http://blogtopuse.com

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  21. Congrats on 6 years!
    I'd pick Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

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  22. I've been hearing so much about GOLDEN. I think I'd choose that one!

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  23. Congrats on 6 years! I would choose Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  24. Happy blogiversary, Ginger!!!! And here's to many more! ♥
    I'd definitely choose "Attachments", by Rainbow Rowell. It's been in my wishlist for ages!! Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  25. Congratulations on six years! My students love Rainbow Rowell and Attachments is the only book I'm missing of hers in my classroom library. :)

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  26. Happy 6th Blogiversary! It's a tough choice, but I think I would go with Attachments by Rainbow Rowell since I've enjoyed her YA books so much and have yet to try any of her adult stories.

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  27. Attachments, by Rainbow Rowell!!! I'm dying to read it!!!
    Happy 6th blogiversary!!!! :D :D

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  28. Happy belated blogoversary, Ginger! I’ve only recently discovered your blog through Angie, and I like it so much. Here to many years ahead!

    Thanks for you thoughtful post, many of your points resonate with me. I find it easier to did-not-finish a book when I don’t like it. I used to be a reader who finishes a book no matter what. And I agree with you that quality is more important than quantity.

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