Monday, May 23, 2011

Armchair BEA Day 1: Introductions

Last year I got to go to Book Expo and had a wonderful time, but this year I can't make it to NYC so I'm participating in the week-long book-blogging community event called Armchair BEA,  from my home in Massachusetts. Every day this week I'll have a post with a theme designated at Armchair BEA Central. Today's post is meant to be an introduction for folks visiting my blog for the first time, so here goes.
I've been blogging here for 3 1/2 years or so (actually closer to 4- my blogiversary is in August). When I started blogging, the book blogging community was pretty small; it's since grown a lot! As far as what I read and review, mostly I read and write about literary fiction and some nonfiction; lately the balance has been tilting more and more towards fiction though.

My interests include Jewish fiction and fiction from the Balkans, India, Ireland, France, Italy and the Middle East. I read graphic novels now and then but not as often as I used to. For a while I did a Graphic Novel Monday post almost every week, and way back at the beginning my blog was the original home for the Tuesday Thingers meme, where people answered a question about their use of the website LibraryThing.com.

I'm participating in two challenges this year- the 2011 Complete Man Booker Prize Challenge (and reading a Booker winner every month) and the 2011 Ireland Reading Challenge.  Lately I've been doing theme months to help work through neglected areas of my TBR pile; this month I'm reading 2011 releases. Next month is "anything goes" but my intention is to read some older books. I review almost everything I read.

I also have a movie blog called Marie's Movies which I post to occasionally.

Blogging has been great for me so far; I've made so many wonderful friends, discovered great books and authors and even had a professional opportunity or two cross my path. And it just keeps getting better! I'm so excited to be participating in Armchair BEA this week and I can't wait to meet you and visit your blog, so leave a comment and let me know you were here!

12 comments:

Kristen M. said...

I'll start my Armchair BEA rounds here with you! I hope you have a great week and find a lot of fun new blogs. I'm glad you're participating!

Zibilee said...

I didn't know that you have been blogging for 4 plus years, Marie! I have been at it for about the same time! I look forward to reading more of your posts this week!

Athira said...

I remember seeing a few of your Graphic Novel Mondays posts and getting some good recommendations. Since I love graphic novels, I'm going to check out your posts again. Have fun during armchair BEA!

Care said...

Nice to meet you! Oh yea - we've met. :) and we really need to figure out a day to do a Cambridge book tour. Not this week and not next week... Why does summer already feel like it's over before it's begun?

Anonymous said...

I forgot all the stuff you are, and have been, involved in: very, very cool, not just the stuff, but also of course you. I can't remember how I first met you, but I do remember I've never gone back to...not meeting you? not knowing you? And I wouldn't do that, for the world, not staying friends with you and the other folks I've met through book blogging.

Anonymous said...

I forgot all the stuff you are, and have been, involved in: very, very cool, not just the stuff, but also of course you. I can't remember how I first met you, but I do remember I've never gone back to...not meeting you? not knowing you? And I wouldn't do that, for the world, not staying friends with you and the other folks I've met through book blogging.

Kathleen said...

Well although I have been reading your blog for awhile now it is nice to have a "formal" introduction. Hope you enjoy all of the activities around the Armchair BEA. I think it is a great way to still feel like we are participating even if we can't be there in person.

Alison Can Read said...

Welcome to Armchair BEA! Wow - almost 4 yrs of blogging. What an accomplishment.

Brimful Curiosities said...

Nice to meet you by way of Armchair BEA. I wish I was organized enought to partipate in some of the book challenges out there. The two you are participating in sound interesting.

Carina said...

I think you're the only blogger I follow who regularly reads and reviews Jewish-interest books. It's great, because it gives me a bit more of a balanced selection of books to go after! Have a great week. :-)

Susan said...

Nice to "meet" you! I'm always excited to find great new book blogs. I like historical fiction, but don't read enough of it. Looking forward to getting some great recommendations from you.

Bonnie Jacobs said...

Do you know about Helen's Middle East Reading Challenge? The minimum is ONE book, but you could list what you've read since last summer. Here's the link to her post (and her blog): http://www.helensbookblog.com/p/middle-east-reading-challenge.html