In celebration of Book Bloggers Appreciation Week, I will be doing several posts this week for the occasion. Today, I'm spotlighting ColorOnline via an open letter...

Dear ColorOnline,
When I started my book blog just six short weeks ago, I was on a mad hunt for other book bloggers of color or that, at least, had a propensity towards writers of color. Needless to say, within a couple of weeks I finally stumbled across your blog and was so relieved. I'm grateful I discovered a kindred spirit in the book blogging family. It is so true that POC writers don't get nearly the attention that they often should. I'm on a mission to propel more of them to tops of bestseller lists and having their works revered and become required reading academically. I'm glad to know that I'm not in that mission alone.

When the BBAW shortlists were revealed, I found myself feeling disheartened that you were not in your most appropriate category: Best Cultural Blog. Altruistic you are and that's even a just nomination. So, cheers to you ColorOnline and the wonderful presence you've created in the blogosphere.

Sincerely,

So,  J.T. of bibliofreakblog is having a sweet giveaway in celebration of Book Blogger Appreciation Week. He's got some neat prize packs he put together so, you should head on over to enter. But, the Shakespeare insult buttons are MINE! :)

I was just reading this article on the NY times site. It's regarding the current list of top 10 hardcover fiction bestsellers for the week. The columnist notes that on January 31, 1993, 8 of the 10 current authors were on the list and then asks: "...and Terry McMillan, where are you?" Yes, where is Terry McMillan?

We know that there's been some unfortunate but, seemingly inevitable drama to unfold in her personal life over the last few years. By inevitable, I'm referring to her celebrity status and how they are guaranteed some highly publicized drama just because they're celebrities. Anyway, McMillan's always been one of my favorite authors simply because her stories and characters are so accessible. She's the perfect balance in works by Black authors as she levels neatly between urban street fiction and literary fiction. She gives solid writing without being vulgar or needing to take serious notes on the text.

I remember the first gift my now husband gave me. It included a bottle of Santa Margherita pinot grigio and a copy McMillan's just released A Day late And A Dollar Short. Now you all know why I married The Mr. *wink* And going further back, I can remember freshmen year in college being so engrossed in Disappearing Act that I was reading as i walked to and from classes. Seriously, I wasn't paying attention to nearly walking into a few walls.

So, I checked her website and no news of any upcoming books. I hope Terry hasn't closed that chapter of her life because i do think there are still many fans waiting patiently for her  next book with an awesome female protagonist who goes on a journey to discover self. Terry we can never have enough of those stories; women always need sources of empowerment. And btw Ms. McMillan, if you happen to stumble across this humble post, please feel free to comment.

On the heels of the Man Booker Prize longlist being released, The Guardian came up with their own award: The Not Booker Prize.  On some forums the chatter surrounding book prizes, especially Booker's, is that many of the shortlisted books, and the subsequent winner, may not be consistent with what most readers have raved about each year.

There are some who choose to follow the suggestive nature of book prizes like they are the omniscient authority on books. There are others, like myself, who take most book prizes with a grain of salt. In my case, the most well known prizes barely reflect my taste in literature enough for me to invest more than a few glances at the nominees and winners.

So, I ask my fellow bibliophiles: How much stock do you put into book prizes?

I've noticed that, like the number of other topic specific social networks, reading social networks have several options. I've been a devoted "Thingamabrarian" for a couple of years. I've even paid for a lifetime membership which is totally worth it. However, as a newly dedicated book blogger, I wonder if I should join others like Shelfari or Good Reads. I know that some of my online book buddies have accounts with more than one and seem to be active on them as well.  Since, book reviews are also apart of my work life it may behoove me to join at least one other.

Then there are the Ning groups. Thank goodness their setup includes the one depot for keeping track of all the groups you join. I've joined two and one looks very promising so far.

Do my fellow readers that use multiple social networks find that you have a unique set of friends on each network or are they all overlapping? I think this may be THE deciding factor for me.

So many choices. What's a book lover to do?