It’s already Day 4 of Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Today we’re discussing how blogging has changed our reading habits.
New Authors, New Books
I’ve always been an eclectic reader and that hasn’t changed. I still enjoy a wide range of genres. I can read scifi one week and chicklit the next. What has changed are the authors I read. Occasionally I would discover a new author but often I’d stick with my old favorites.
When I discovered the book blogging community I became exposed to new authors, publishers, publicists and media reps. I subscribe to many newsletters and am constantly tempted by the multitude of new books. And then there’s the stack of to-be-read books that keeps growing taller.
Audiobooks
I found audiobooks. Yes, I’ve always known about them but I never really gave them a chance until last year. How did it happen? There were so many good books I wanted to read and I just didn’t have the time to sit down and read them. So I made an effort to listen to a few of those books and I am so glad I did. I can ‘read’ an additional two or three books per month with audiobooks. And if I pick the right ones, they are just as good or better than print. Now that time spent walking to work, cleaning the house or in my garden doesn’t go to waste.
Community
I have finally discovered people with whom I can discuss a great book. Real life friends and family would humor me when I’d start raving about a book I loved. They would nod and say oh, ok. They read but they aren’t passionate about their books.
How do I fit in all this reading, blogging, working, family, etc? I’m not too sure but I know I’ve been yawning a lot more lately and devoting less time to sleep!
Almost Wordless: He’s cute but annoying. He also eats flowers and bean plants.
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More Wordless Wednesday.
It’s only Tuesday and BBAW feels like it’s flying by and I’m just getting into the swing of it.
I didn’t get a post up yesterday about community so I want to mention here that I agree, a big part of book blogging is about the interaction and the people I meet along the way. When I gave this blog a focus on books, as opposed to being a little bit of everything, I had no idea about the wonderful community of bloggers that awaited me.
And now on to the giveaway. One of my favorite books this year is The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. I have a gently read ARC which I would like to pass on so one of you may also enjoy it.
Since BBAW is about community, instead of using the google form for the giveaway, leave a comment and be sure to include the link to your blog (if you have one) and email in the comment box. I’m always excited to discover new blogs and meet more bloggers and one of the ways I’ve done that is through comments on other blogs.
Contest is open to US and Canada addresses. You don’t need to be a subscriber to enter but following is always appreciated. I’ll draw a random winner on Sunday, September 17th when I turn on my computer. I’m running this an extra day because I can’t be the only person who reads blogs and catches up on the weekend.
A few days ago I heard the unmistakable cry of a Blue Jay. I grabbed my camera and ran outside just in time to see two Jays fly down from the apple tree and take over the tray feeder.
While I was shooting the pictures I noticed that all the other birds had left the feeders but hadn’t left the yard. I had to laugh when I looked up at the garage roof and saw over twenty sparrows sitting and waiting for the Jays to finish eating.
There really is a pecking order at the feeder but the Blue Jays are the only birds I’ve observed actually announcing their presence from a nearby tree to clear out the feeder before they approach.
In spite of their tendency be bullies I enjoy having them stop by my yard. They are beautiful birds and wonderful subjects to photograph. They only stayed a few minutes and the sparrows and finches returned to the feeder.
If you are interested in learning more about birds take a look at my review of The Joy of Birding: A Beginner’s Guide and enter my giveaway to win your own copy. Enter through September 18th.
I link up my bird photos on Saturday Snapshot hosted by Alyce at At Home With Books. Visit her blog to see more great photos or add your own.
The Joy of Birding: A Beginner’s Guide
by Kate Rowinski
Genre: Non-Fiction, Birds
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Publish Date: February 8, 2011
Format: Paperback | 256 pages
Rating: 4 of 5
As soon as I began reading this book I could tell author Kate Rowinski is someone who is enthusiastic about birds. As a hobbyist and not a biologist or researcher, she speaks to the novice bird watcher in a welcoming and easy to comprehend manner.
The book begins with the basics. Where do birds live, what do they eat, where do they nest, what do their different songs and calls mean; understanding the bird is your first step. There are chapters on bird identification, basic anatomy, bird feeding basics such as where to place your feeders and what to feed them. Yes, placement and types of food make a big difference in whether or not you will have birds in your yard. There are chapters on bird photography, how to make your yard a more friendly place for birds and information on binoculars and other field gear. All written in plain english.
One of the chapters lists the 25 Backyard Birds You Should Know. There are beautiful color photos of each bird and a few paragraphs of interesting facts and information. I have seen many of these birds in my yard or within a few miles of my house. These are birds that have a wide range across the US and southern Canada and are good choices to begin learning to identify. You don’t even need a backyard to enjoy watching the birds, you can find them at a local park or nature area.
While I already have bird books, I’m always looking for new ones, especially ones I can recommend to others. I was impressed with the coverage of birding basics, the colorful photos and overall easy reading style. This is an excellent guide for the beginning birder. Add a good field guide and you will be on your way to identifying, enjoying and even photographing birds.
I picked up an extra copy of this book to give away to one of my Weekend Birding readers. As regular visitors already know, I love birds and I’m always encouraging people to enjoy them.
Giveaway Information
- Giveaway is open to those in the continental US and southern Canada as that is the birding range this book covers.
- Leave a comment to enter. You can tell me about your birding experience or lack of it, or just let me know you like birds and you’d like to enter the drawing.
- Giveaway will run through Sunday, September 18th. On Monday when I turn on my computer I’ll draw the winner.
Almost Wordless: One of my Dahlias is finally beginning to bloom.
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More Wordless Wednesday.
Under My Apple Tree 