So happy to celebrate my 1st blogiversary!

I had actually started reviewing a few books on another site, but it’s really only on Sept 29, 2010 that I launched into something more serious and dedicated.

This year of book blogging has been an amazing experience. I would like to paste here what I wrote during BBAW, with some additions, on how  book blogging has changed the way I read:

• in numbers: these past 10 years, I used to average between 50 to 65 books a year, and now I’m on my way to 100 and over
• in selection: I used to read just books I heard about through a small group of friends, or books that drew my attention in the library. Now, thanks to a great number of bloggers I follow, I discover lots of fascinating titles I would never have found by myself
• in publication date: I used to read books way after their publication date, because by the time the hot copies are available at the library, you may have a long waiting list in front of you. Now, I know when books are going to come out, and I can request them early enough to be on top of the waiting list, or even BEFORE the publication, with netgalley!
• in genre: since blogging, I have discovered a new genre to me: graphic novels!
• in format: I listen now more to audiobooks, because of great reviews, and I’ve started to read ebooks. I now have 3 formats always going on at the same time: reading a hardcover/paperback + an ebook + listening to an audiobook – you can see on my right menu what I’m up to right now
• in attention: by that I mean that I pay now more attention to audiobooks narrators, thanks to the encouragement of other bloggers, and even of publishers! For instance, I know that Europa books have a special and unique flavor to them – yes, I’m working on that Challenge too!
• in memory: the fact that I now write a review of every book I read has helped me a lot to remember better what the book is about
• in statistics: I’ve always kept a list of the books I read, but now I have more statistics, by fiction/non-fiction, male/female authors, countries visited through the books I read, etc, see my end of year wrap-up post to see

I have also connected with many book bloggers, and hope to meet some soon face to face.

It has been fun participating in reading challenges, and I’ve already heard of some cool ones for 2012!

One big thing I’m really happy about is the new meme I introduced: I love France! I hope many bloggers will link their reviews to it

Now to some statistics, as of tonight. This is still very small, but so much more than I ever expected a year ago!:

• 222 posts
• 629 comments
• poorly, only 42 subscriptions (16 via email/wordpress + 26 via google reader)
• 6,854 views/hits (that’s actually only 18/day)
• 117 views on my busiest day: 9/12/2011 (during BBAW!)

My very first post, launching this book blog

My very first review! on Claude and Camille, by S. Cowell

• Top post: Review of Of Mice And Men = 408 hits. This is a surprise for me, but I guess lots of students are looking for reviews for their studies! I read this book during a Classics tour on which I was invited, so that’s really thrilling
• Most commented post: review of Bel Canto and State of Wonder – with 24 comments
• Top commentator, with 24 comments: 50 year project – go visit her great book blog!

And now to some questions:

1. do you like my new theme? why or why not?
2. is there anything unique in my blog? what is it?
3. how could I improve it?
4. what would you recommend for me to do on this blog to make a few $, at least to cover expenses for giveaways?

THANKS TO ALL MY READERS,
THIS BLOG EXISTS THANKS TO YOU