BBAW: The blog that got me started
13 September, 2010
Since this is my first BBAW, I thought I’d talk about the blog that got me blogging^^
I spent about a year discovering, reading and following blogs before I built up the courage to start one of my own. Out of the many wonderful blogs out there, one blog that I kept coming back to was A Work in Progress. Danielle’s blog is gentle, informative and packed full of information about books that I was interested in and reminds me slightly of a bluestocking: erudite, enquiring, stylish and with a hint of crime. It was uncanny how many books I found on her blog that I wanted to read (not to mention the effect on my TBR pile!) Apart from her interest in interwar literature, British literature and mysteries, Danielle also regularly her travails with owning, buying and borrowing too many books which many of us can relate to. And when I started blogging, she was the first blogger that added me to her blogroll. For a rookie, that was a big and warm hug. Her generosity and warmth took me by surprise and I was genuinely touched. I’m sure she does this for everyone and I give her inclusive policy a big shiny 5 stars! So although I’m sure most of you are probably aware of Danielle’s fabulous blog, do go and visit her because her posts are amazing: informative, erudite and her discussions are always thoughtful. And she always shares her library finds with us!
I’m going to cheat and add one more blog that vastly improved and enriched my blogging experience and that’s Dolce Bellezza. Bellezza hosts the Japanese Literature Challenge every years (the 4th one is already in full swing). This is the first challenge I joined when I started blogging and I was surprised at how warm and welcoming Bellezza and all the other participants were. I’ve always been interested in reading Japanese literature as I’m half Japanese but they were sporadic at best. So the JLC was a good place where I could indulge my taste in Japanese literature every year, find titles I may not have come across before plus also discuss Japanese culture to my heart’s content. Wonderful challenge and wonderful blog, so check it out!
chasing bawa 
13 September, 2010 at 11:13 am
I always thought you would have been around longer and so I’m surprised that this is your first BBAW. A Work in Progress and Dolce Belleza are both on my favourite blogs list as well, I’m glad they’re receiving some well-deserved recognition!
13 September, 2010 at 11:41 am
I was around for last year’s BBAW but missed it as I was new and clueless! So I made sure I joined in time this year!
13 September, 2010 at 11:44 am
Obviously, I’m a big fan of the JLC too – as the now ever-expanding Japanese section of my library shows (about 35 books and counting!).
14 September, 2010 at 10:26 am
35 books? That is a very respectable figure!
14 September, 2010 at 11:18 am
I think it’ll be 50 before I even realise… 😦
13 September, 2010 at 11:49 am
great selection of Dolce Bellazza-her Japanese Reading Challenge opened up a whole new world of reading for me
13 September, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Wonderful choices! I’m a big fan of Danielle and her blog. She was one of my heroes when I got started (and still is).
13 September, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Ooohhh… a new blogger 🙂 I didn’t know about Danielle’s blog!
13 September, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Danielle was one of my very first inspirations too! 😀
13 September, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I read Bellezza’s blog, hers is one of the first ones I found after starting mine, and I’ve heard of the other but not read it before.
Seen that you’re reading The Ninth Circle, I read it a few months back and enjoyed it so I look forward to your review!
14 September, 2010 at 10:27 am
I just finished it and I really liked it. Will be posting a review next week!
13 September, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Two great bloggers to highlight!
13 September, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Great choices! I enjoy both blogs, but I’m a particular fan of the Japanese literature challenge – anything that encourages others to enjoy Japanese literature is great and Bellezza is a wonderful host 🙂
13 September, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Happy BBAW! 🙂
xx,
E.J
From the Shadows
13 September, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Oh! This is the second time these blogs have been mentioned! I must check them out now!
13 September, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Yay for Danielle! I hope she knows what an inspiration she is! Bellezza is fantastic too; you made some great choices to highlight!
13 September, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Thank you for the links to both blogs
13 September, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Happy BBAW! I just added you to my blogroll (I thought you were already there – when did WP take away the awesome add-blog button, darn it…)
I love the word erudite – great blogs to highlight.
13 September, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Great blogs!
Here is my BBAW: First Treasure post!
13 September, 2010 at 7:30 pm
You chose two excellent blogs. Thank you for stopping by mine because now I can follow yours. 🙂
13 September, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Thanks so much for the very kind words–I’m honored that other readers/bloggers drop by and read my posts and am especially flattered that you have mentioned me here and that I inspired you to blog as well! Enjoy BBAW-I’m looking forward to reading posts this week.
14 September, 2010 at 12:05 am
Danielle’s was also one of my first blogs read and I love it! She’s so friendly and she reads great books as well. 🙂
14 September, 2010 at 5:41 am
Like Danielle mentioned, I am honored and humbled by the kind words you wrote and others left. It is my joy to share literature with all of you, and those who participate in ‘my’ Japanese Literature Challenge only heighten my own understanding and appreciation of these fabulous genre. XOXO to you all.
14 September, 2010 at 10:28 am
Thanks everyone for stopping by! It’s been great sharing and reading about all the wonderful blogs that have touched people.