Happy 2nd Blogoversary To Me! + Giveaway (INT)

GUYS. I'VE BEEN BLOGGING FOR TWO YEARS. *flails*

OHMERGAWD

Two years ago today I made the decision to make a book blog, without a plan nor a goal--just a few scribblings on my notebook and a blog title that I had pulled out of the blue.

It was my first year of high school. I noticed all the students around me had talents and motivations and hobbies, while the only hobby I had was reading (not that there's anything wrong with that). I wanted to do something that would set me apart from my peers, something that would make me unique. After stalking a few blogs, (that I had discovered on Goodreads) I set about creating a blog during my Winter break, knowing little to nothing on reviewing and on blogging in general.


My first year of blogging was nothing compared to this year; while in my first year I was a bit shy and clueless, over time I became more confident in my reviewing abilities and in forging relationships with other bloggers.

This year, I wasn't afraid of publishers, and took the plunge into requesting ARCs. I'm not saying I was entirely successful on the first try, maybe not on the second or third, but eventually, I did get accepted for the books I requested, and I even got on the mailing list of Bloomsbury. Thank you to the pubs for these reviewing opportunities!

The past year, I've also been on a diversity panel for KidLitCon 2014 in Sacramento, California. It was amazing to meet fellow kidlit bloggers in real life, and especially rewarding to present on a panel with the wonderful ladies: Hannah from mclicious, Faythe from YALSA, and Kelly from STACKED. And everyone else who I had the pleasure of talking to and meeting: thanks for making the con such a great experience!

Andandand, this year I submitted to be a Cybils judge and got accepted! It's basically a book award run by bloggers that "recognizes the children’s and young adult authors and illustrators whose books combine the highest literary merit and popular appeal" (from their page). I also did a guest post for YALSA for Teen Read Week. :)

For everyone who I've ever talked to/fangirled with/has left a comment on my blog: I want to THANK YOU so much for motivating me to keep blogging and to keep reading critically. And a shout-out to my GR buddies these past two years who got me through my reading slumps and through the ups and downs of life. More recently I  got addicted became more active on Twitter, and to all my blogging friends on there: you guys are the best.

Last but not least, thanks to my old co-blogger, Tierra (who now goes by Lara, and blogs at The Paperback Palace) who made blogging infinitely more fun, because hey, two is always better than one.

Blogging has been such an amazing experience and has taught me so many valuable lessons. I hope I don't stop or tire of it anytime in the coming years--it really has shaped my life for the better.

CORNY SENTENCE FTW. ^.^

And now a giveaway to express my thanks. It's international, as long as The Book Depository ships to your country.

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
• The book you choose must be under $15, and before entering make sure TBD ships to your country. 
• No cheating, please, I'm planning on going through every entry to make sure you did what you entered. If not, I'll eliminate all your entries. (Sorry if  I sound harsh. >.>)

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