At the beginning of the year, I posted my 750th blog post. It was a milestone I never expected to hit, having never imagined I’d still be blogging over two years after I made my blog. I know that to some people it is a “sad” hobby, or others may not understand why anyone would spend so much time doing something they’re not getting paid for, but the simple truth is that I love book blogging. And why would anyone want to give up something they love?

A message from a blog reader a few days ago, who was considering setting up a book blog but wasn’t sure if it was worth it, got me thinking of all the reasons why I enjoy book blogging. So not just because I am procrastinating on writing a few book reviews, I decided to share all the reasons I love being a book blogger and why you are not getting rid of me just yet…



1) It’s the middle of January and I’ve already read three incredible books and contenders for my book of the year – two of them authors I wouldn’t have discovered if I wasn’t a blogger.

2) I’ve always got something new to read. None of this leaving the house because I’ve run out of books business.

3) It makes me feel all valued and trusted to receive a book to review that isn’t even out yet.

4) Ever read a book and have a million questions you want to ask the author? As a blogger, you have the opportunity to question the author about all the juicy bits.

5) A blog is a lovely way to keep track of the books you’ve read, the authors you’ve chatted to and the events you’ve attended. I understand the simple appeal of just reviewing, and not blogging, but I do love scrolling through my blog and reminding myself of all the bookish goodness the year has brought.

6) Nobody you know in real life may read but there’s always a blogger about who has read the book you’re dying to talk about.

7) Sometimes you get an invite to a book launch. Which means heading to London, dressing up and drinking wine or nibbling canapes. Leaving the house is exciting enough.

8) You never walk out of a bookshop empty-handed. Blogging means you have a never-ending list of favourite authors, series to finish, unmissable debuts. It’s easy to find a book or five to buy.

9) That plot was mega confusing. That twist didn’t even make any sense. How could they kill him off??? All are questions or thoughts you no longer need to keep to yourself because your fellow bloggers understand how you feel. They’ll help you through the devastating day the author killed your favourite character or the infuriating moment the girl got with the wrong guy.

10) It doesn’t matter how socially awkward you are. There’s always a fellow book blogger there to befriend you. You like books – that’s enough.

11) The postman actually brings us nice things and not just bills.

12) Meeting an author we love is the equivalent of meeting a celebrity – ie. very very exciting.

13) Meeting book blogger friends is just as exciting. I met my fab friend Bookaholic Holly last year after chatting for aaaaages online, and I got a bit fangirly about it.

14) Sometimes we’re lucky enough to have our review quoted in books or on their covers, which is an incredible feeling.

15) After book blogging for a while, you’ll find you think more in-depth about each book you’re reading. Sometimes it’s nice to have more to say than it was brilliant or I hated it.

16) It’s ok to spend all day on Twitter and Facebook. Bloggers are meant to be social media savvy.

17) Blogging has genuinely changed my life. It’s made me confident enough to travel on my own, to share my opinions and not feel afraid to have a voice. My writing has improved. It’s inspired me to start writing my own novel, something I’d never have even considered had I not met all the brilliant authors through my blog.



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