I am excited about Armchair BEA. Last year, I had a good time on the sidelines of BEA. I did feel like I was there. Learning about the other book bloggers, and the authors, and publishers.
Thanks to some of the great bloggers, that posted their experiences I learned so much about the publishing business.
With no further adieu, I would like to say, Hi Y'all and welcome to my book blog, Seaside Book Blog. My original name was Susan's Literary Cafe, but I had to change the name because the graphic's don't fit. But, I am hoping to find someone to help me with the re-design of my blog some time soon, when I am not so busy with work, and school.
I started blogging, because when I moved to SC, and couldn't find any connection with others to talk about books. The book clubs they had were terrible. Then after a few years I finally was able to form a book club, 38th Ave. Diva Readers.
Then I found Book Club Girl on the web, and found some other bloggers. Then thought to my self, I can do that too.
To promote business Barnes and Noble was trying to start some different clubs. One of them was a web design club. I did not know anything about computers, other then surfing the web, and emails. One of my friend and I decided to give this a try and see what happens.
The club did not get much attention, that was great news for me but not for him. Because I was able to get one on one attention to develop my blog, and thanks to him susansliterarycafe.blogspot was born. That was approximately seven years ago. I then decided to develop a Jewish literary blog as well.
My blog has went through a few changes and ups and downs. In the beginning I surf, and did more surfing of other book bloggers. One of the first book blogging friends was Marie, at Bostonbibliophile. She helped me learn the best way to proceed. But, since then then my blog has suffered. I am not a stay at home mom, and working, and school has put the book blog on the back burner.
I have only had time recently, to post my review on books, occasionally a guest post. My blog has never picked up which, is mainly my fault because I don't have time to connect with other book bloggers. But, I am not in any competition like other bloggers. My blog is, what it is. It is for my pleasure, and if I get readers to comment occasionally I am happy.
One of my favorite authors, for years has been Chris Bohjalian. I found him, at a small book store in Martha's Vineyard, called Bunches of Grapes. I would love to have dinner with, Chris since I have read his novels for years. The other thing is he admires, and loves book clubs. He spoke to ours a few years ago.
I read literary fiction, but I am trying to get out of my comfort zone, and read things books that I usually don't read. I have read authors. and some debut authors, I would not have read since becoming a blogger. This year, I read Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It was awesome. You may read my thought here, on my blog.
I do like to read historical fiction, but not books in the normal romance, kings and queens. Historical fiction has changed. I like to read novels with some historical reference but not straight historical narrative.
The books that stand out of my mind, is Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy, A Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon. Just finished Joshua Henkin's novel, World Without You.
That was wonderful. I just started, Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand, that will be coming out soon.
I have a couple secrets, I have another book blog, called Bagels, Books and Schmooze. Only Jewish literary fiction, and I moderate two book clubs, the original 38th Ave. Diva Readers, and now I just formed Beach Babes Book Brigade.
We are so excited, of forming because we just organized a special guest to come to our book club, to discuss Dovekeeper by Alice Hoffman. I like to organize special guests from the local university, to discuss books.
Dovww
Thanks Armchair BEA for hosting, stop by and say hi and leave your comments.