There are far too many books to be read and far too little time. I truly believe that we should always “Book It Forward” to our fellow readers. If you loved a book, share it! My goal is to read as many books as I can in order to make recommendations that you all will love! I have been reading as long as I can remember thanks to my parents who taught me to love the journeys books can take you on. You can count on Book It Forward to always pass on our favorite reads and we welcome you to do the same!
Here’s a bit of Book It Forward’s backstory…
Early in 2016, I discovered a new podcast called “What Should I Read Next” hosted by Anne Bogel. Find it and subscribe on iTunes. This podcast really inspired me to step up my reading game and because of it, my “To Be Read” list has gotten out of control! Haha. I constantly have people asking me for book recommendations which I love and I kept thinking “How I can I make my love of reading into more of a public hobby?” I decided it was time to reach out to the public and create a space for my fellow readers and I to talk all things books. Book It Forward began (and still remains) a group on Facebook by the same name. I invited friends, and friends of friends that enjoyed reading as much as I did to join. Initially we just posted what we were reading or book recommendations, but then we decided to read a book as a group every other month and discuss it online. The host of the month selects four books and the remaining members vote on the one they are most interested in. Whichever book polls the highest wins and then we then read it and chat about it. The Book It Forward Facebook group inspired me to think bigger. I decided to branch out and create a blog space to review and suggest books to whomever asked. By the way, my lovely husband came up with the name Book It Forward! He is way more creative than I am. Shortly after my blog went public, I became a professional reader with NetGalley. This really has taken my reading to a whole new level of amazingness! I think it is one of the coolest things ever to be given a copy of a book that has yet to be published. On top of that, my reviews become public and the author’s actually reach out to thank me!! I am such a nerd because every time this happens I get so ridiculously excited! I recently joined Twitter and have been meeting some fantastic writers, fellow bloggers and publishers. 2016 was such a great year for me and my favorite hobby and I cannot wait to see how 2017 goes!
Happy Reading!
Aimee
Book It Forward 
Reading has always been one of my passions. There is nothing more exciting than finding the perfect book that you can just devour. I can’t imagine a life without books. I am so sad that that all the book stores near me have closed. I could and did spend hours browsing books and searching for the perfect read.
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I agree! I miss book stores so much. I noticed that Barnes and Noble was very busy the last time I was there. It seems like actual hard copy books are coming back into “style”. One of the podcasts I listen to actually said that ereadership is kind of stagnant right now and people seem to be purchasing more hard copies of books. I imagine it’s because people like to collect their favorite books to #BookItForward!
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Hi, what a lively vibrant blog you have here! Your love of reading is bursting out of the iPad! Thank you for visiting my blog post where I tried to bring together my two hobbies of reading and art – that didn’t go too well. I do however, post a review of my year in books every year that might interest you. I started elizabeth Gaskell’s The life of Charlotte Bronte this dinner time at work and it’s looking good. One of my few forays into biography and must have been bought some time ago secondhand as cost 50p. I don’t seem to fit any of the reader types you found online, was there a category of ‘reads whatever they can find in charity shops’?!
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Let’s create that character! My mom would also fall into that category too. Thank you for your kind words about my blog. I really enjoy yours too. Happy Friday new friend!
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Question…Do have any suggestions you can give me to increase the traffic to my blogsite? I’m fairly new at this and would love some advice. Thanks!
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I am very, very far from being an expert on this, but visiting other sites regularly and liking and commenting sincerely seems to be what others suggest. Also posting regularly, be it once a week or fortnight or whatever. In the end I guess it is giving it time. Some people follow for the content, but sometimes it’s the personality of the blogger. Oh yes, do you tag posts? I didn’t catch onto that for ages. Joining in with tagged themes can encourage visitors, I’ve done one art related one – ‘draw a bird day’, there must be book ones. Good luck! Anna who I follow does regular meet and greets where people leave their link and a message in the comments. I will find her link and send it to you.
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Thank you so much for this information! I really appreciate the advice.
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https://fargaregardsanna.wordpress.com – have a good look around Anna’s blog. She has lots of followers, ideas and advice!
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Awesome! Thanks again.
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I have just discovered a love for reading. That is so sad to say because now I am devouring books. I have missed out on so much! Growing up at a private school, being forced to read books I wasn’t interested in and honestly never actually reading an entire book gave me a distaste for reading. I probably only read a handful of chapter books before 20. I was always a television watcher. Now being married, raising two little girls and working leaves little time for relaxing with a good book. How have I “read” over 60 books in the past maybe 4 years? Audible is the answer. I am addicted! Mainly because of my job and the lack of stimulation there. I have TIME to listen to books. Yes, I agree, it is the lazy way of reading. If I had the time to actually read a book I believe my vocabulary, grammar, spelling and reading comprehension would improve but for now I’m enjoying listening to someone else read fantastic novels that I can get lost in. I just learned about your blog tonight from Ryan and I am excited to explore your site and find my next good read.
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Hi Ashley! I’m so excited you decided to join! Anytime you ever need a book suggestion, let me know. My blog has been quiet for the past few months with this baby coming but I hope to work on it once I am on maternity leave. My energy has been zapped even for writing a blog post. I think no matter how you experience a book whether it be audio or reading, it counts! I am only able to read so many books with my limited time too so I turn to audio as much as I can. Welcome to world of reading! 🙂
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Thank you! Yes, please! I would love to hear your top favorites! I totally understand the low energy…and can we say motivation at the end of pregnancy? I hope I get to see some current action on your blog and facebook page but I wouldn’t expect it. Baby time is precious and you will never get it back. I hope you get to read and enjoy relaxing! *Fingers crossed.*
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Hi Aimee!
I saw your comment on my post ( https://jmtuckerman.com/2017/09/12/so-you-want-to-start-a-book-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-1591 ) so I’m looking around your site. I have a little clean-up advise:
1. Find a theme that has content previews so that some of your post comes up on the home page.
2. Shorten your menu text so that it fits on one line.
3. Since neither menu is fixed (doesn’t scroll with the page), I would pick one location.
4. Look at the newer themes. You can choose all sorts of colors and change the fonts and sizes of headers to really give your blog a more unique and personal feel.
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Thanks for the feedback!! I will definitely be checking out some new themes. I will send you a link when I’ve made some updates. I appreciate your advice. 🙂
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