Book Blogger Appreciation Week: First & Unexpected Treasures

It's that wonderful time of year again when book bloggers get a chance to celebrate what we do!  Yes, we all love books, and in that process we meet some wonderful bloggers and add to those mountain high "To Be Read" piles from all of their recommendations.  I'm a little bit behind, but wanted to catch up by posting about two of the BBAW memes up this week.

The first topic for Monday was about new book blogs we've found in the last year.  I actually have to copycat for a second.  My good friend Colette, over at A Buckeye Girl Reads, listed me as a new find this year and I was shocked that we haven't known each other for longer!  Honestly, I have loved following Colette and chatting with her on Twitter.  We both have matched up on some fun "Chick-Lit" we both like, and have found a friend when it comes time for our favorite TV shows and sporting events.  Half of my family live in Ohio, so it's fun to have a fellow Ohio State Buckeye fan online.  I love Colette's willingness to try challenges (which I chicken out of) and her love for romance and paranormal reads.  Although I feel like I've known her forever, I'm happy to point her out as one of MY treasure finds from this last year!

Another blogger I met earlier this year was Iris, from Iris on Books.  I love the range of books that Iris reads and her instant dedication and enthusiasm for blogging.  I know Iris has a busy schedule as a student, and yet I have to say that her blog doesn't seem to suffer for her academic pursuits.  I highly recommend you check out her blog!

Also, I have to give a shout out to a couple of my friends. My friend Gretchen was my graduate school compadre and blogs from time to time about books.  She might just disown me for doing this, but I wanted to share Gretchen's Bookshelf with everyone!  She is one amazingly smart chica, who wowed me in graduate school, and continues to wow me today.  I know she doesn't like to post very often, but I always love to see what she has to say!

Also, I recently found out that one of my best friends in high school is working on getting a novel published.  I shouldn't be surprised though, since Jenni was always super talented. Jenni blogs at Wolf Tales, as well as having her own author page.  I wish her lots of luck!

For Wednesday, we are supposed to post on Unexpected Treasures.  These are books or a genre you tried due to the influence of another blogger. 

One big influence I had this last year was my interest in books about Hawaii or books written by Hawaiian authors.  I started following Hawaii Book Blog over a year ago, but have to say that I'm constantly inspired to seek out more great books through the reviews and news they post.   I actually first contacted Hawaii Book Blog when I noticed a post about our local library in Kahuku on the island of Oahu.  Now I know I didn't grow up there, but have grown to feel a sense of community and home in that area, so seeing that post made me a little homesick for my mom and my home there. 

On a consistent basis, Hawaii Book Blog posts library information as well as book signings and other great events going on.  Their dedication to keeping book news and information up to date and in reviewing local authors and books about Hawaii is amazing.  For me, this was a very unexpected treasure to find them and want to say a big Mahalo for all of their great work!

Tune in for more about Book Blogger Appreciation Week, and take a look at some of the great book blogs that are out there writing about a world of amazing reads!