Soooo my blog kind of hit the 5 year mark this week…yesterday actually (sadly…or not sadly…the first 2 months of my blog basically got deleted when I transferred from Blogger to WordPress many moons ago). I had all these wild and fun plans for the occasion for months prior to actually getting remotely near June….but then summertime, laziness and other things got in the way.
Last year I wrote a sentimental post about how this journey has changed my life and in 2013 I wrote about why I keep blogging and did some crazy math which you know math is hard for meee (you can just add some days, minutes and seconds to those crazy figures to make it even MORE impressive haha) and if you didn’t read those you SHOULD because it talks a lot about how this whole thing changed my life and my journey and all the crazy life things YOU GUYS have seen me through over the years (seriously, that list makes me get teary and omg I could add so much more). I echo those sentiments wholeheartedly.
I feel like I don’t have a lot to say for this one because I’ve kind of said it already? I mean, I can’t say THANK YOU enough (thank you for reading/commenting/supporting/being awesome/making me not feel so alone in this passion of mine/being my friends) but outside of that? I don’t have much to add.
Maybe I could talk about all the reasons I’m in awe of the fact I’m still doing this? 5 years is a long time especially in blogland where blogs croak just as quickly as they are made. Maybe that I’m in awe that I’m still doing this because sometimes I’m too lazy or that sometimes it’s too hard or frustrating or feels not worth it. Or some days I feel like I’m irrelevant or that nobody is reading or cares what I have to say anymore…especially after five years. Sometimes I don’t have words to say or feel like I’m repeating myself when I talk about books. Or how I feel like I’ve run out of all my good unique & creative ideas that made me live up to my “most creative blogger” award (no really I didn’t make that up haha) too early on in my blogging career and now I’m just boring and generic. Some days I just plain ol’ feel like I have no balance in my life and I want to run far away from books. Or some days I’m just TIRED of it (tired of writing, tired of everything, tired of dumb blogging politics that I typically ignore anyways, tired of social media, tired of expectations, etc.). Some days I’ve felt like quitting.
But then….
You get a comment that brightens your day.
You get an email that is so kind.
You chat with an author that you really love.
You make a new friend in this community.
You connect a person with a book that they end up loving.
You read a really great book that you KNOW you found because of blogging and it speaks to you and maybe even changes your life.
You find out someone started a blog because of you or started reading again because of you.
You do something really awesome that you are proud of and people respond well to it.
You get inspiration from somewhere out in left field.
You get an awesome opportunity because of your blog.
You get a book that inspires you to talk about it personally or passionately.
You have a great discussion about a book with someone.
(this list could go on)
AND THEN YOU REMEMBER WHY YOU DO THIS.
The bullshit kind of fades away. Even the non-bullshit reasons that made you feel like you wanted to quit gently subside. And you find yourself placing your I HEART BOOK BLOGGING t-shirt back on and getting back to work with the clearest of mind and heart, full of a renewed passion and perspective.
So, I mean, I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you are feeling discouraged as a blogger, it’s okay. It happens for many reasons and it will happen many times to come unfortunately. But sometimes you get what you need to keep going through the ups and downs. Even veteran bloggers get the blues.
I think what I’ve learned in 5 years is to remember the things that make THIS JOURNEY worth it — the most simple and pure reasons of why I started all this and what truly makes me tick behind the scenes.
Your comments and views and followers will fluctuate. You won’t always get that coveted ARC you wanted. A certain person may not be that nice or won’t give you the time of day. You won’t always be the best or even runner-up. You will always be able to compare yourself to others and it will make you feel inferior. You will mess up. WordPress or Blogger will eat a post you spent 3 hours writing. You might have a slump where you hate what you write or you hate what you read. A lot of things can suck on this journey but also a lot of those things might not be things that will matter after a day. A week. A month. A YEAR.
So on a day/week/month when you are feeling like that? Slow it down. TAKE A BREAK. Reevaluate. Remember what made you start this. Remember what makes you tick. Strip all the things away that you can’t control or the things that you know are unimportant in the grand scheme of life. Remember the things that are TRULY important TO YOU in all this. Change what you can. Work with the things you might not be able to change. Remember this ONE THING does not define everything in your life. REMEMBER WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY ABOUT ALL THIS/THE GOOD THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED.
And really think about it. Sometimes it will be enough and give you a renewed sense of purpose. And sometimes you will realize it’s time to gracefully bow out. AND THAT IS OKAY. Sometimes we outgrow things, sometimes we change or life changes, sometimes it’s just time for a new chapter. I know one day that will happen and I will be okay with it. When I no longer have joy for it and when I slow it down and still can’t muster the enthusiasm for it? IT WILL BE OVER because I will not taint the good memories I’ve had with a bitter, less than excited attitude or just a lack of passion/sense of obligation.
So, if you still have that fiiiiire for it, keep at it. You can do it. (If I can, you can). On your own terms. Whether you blog every day or you blog once a week. It’s your blog, baby.
5 years might look super impressive (and I mean, I’m not downplaying how AWESOME it is) but it hasn’t always been a picnic (JUST KEEPIN IT REAL). There have been tears, days (okay a week sometimes) where I refuse to open my blog, threats to myself that I’m going to quit FOREVER, awful slumps. The road has been paved with ups and downs and hard work and perserverance. BUT I AM SO THANKFUL THAT I AM STILL HERE DOING THIS. In this moment and where I stand lately. And it’s been a HELL of a five years. I can’t even begin to recap the epicness and the fun and the shenanigans both online and off because of this blog.
GIVEAWAY
So now for the giveaway in honor of all this awesomeness that has been the last 5 years
WHAT ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL GET:
A care package curated BY ME
An idea of what will be in it: a favorite book or two of mine (I will have a way to guarantee it’s not something you have already if you win), maybe a super anticipated ARC or 2, some fun bookish goodies and just other things I LOVE. Basically like a Secret Santa box but no secret…it’s from meeeee. Because I love you guys and I want to do something special for someone who has supported my blog in any way.
*US only for the care package, sorry. ALTHOUGH. If you are an international reader, I will offer a $25 Amazon gift card. *
(Haha remember that time at the beginning-ish of this post where I said I feel like I had nothing to say this time? HAH I LIED).
Angie F. says
Happy blogoversary again, Jamie! 5 years really is long time to be doing this, but I’m glad you’ve stuck with it! 😀
Your giveaway is super creative and cute!
Maryam Dinzly says
Happy 5 years, Jamie! I’m glad that you never quit blogging, because then I wouldn’t have come across your blog and got to know you. And it has been REALLY a pleasure getting to know you. I get MOST of my book recs from your reviews and I always have fun reading the discussions, even though I may not have participated in them.
I think you’re an amazing blogger! 🙂
Jade @ Bedtime Bookworm says
I love this post and I think it hold great encouraging words for new and experienced bloggers alike. I think a lot of us put a lot of pressure on ourselves but we have to give ourselves a break sometimes. It’s also good to know that blogging slumps happen to everybody 🙂 Congrats on 5 years, what a great accomplishment!
Melissa says
Happy Blogoversary, Jamie! I started my blog in April of 2010, just a little bit before you, and though it was for another reason, I also lost a bunch of my early blog posts at one point. I’m glad that you’ve stuck with it, too, and hope that you continue to do so because I like a lot of what you write here.
(By the way, I’m in Canada, so it would have to be the international prize for me if I win.
Holly J says
I love this post! I’m so glad you’re still here; you are absolutely one of my all-time favorite blogs and bloggers, and I hope you’re around FOREVER (okay that’s totally unrealistic, but this way I don’t have to think about when that day might come). And this post? It is so RELEVANT. To everybody. I think it helps to know that other bloggers, especially older ones, have struggled as well. That they have thought about giving it up, moving on, finding other things to passionately write about. And that’s totally okay, even though it SUCKS when a blogger you love quits. This community is constantly fluctuating, and like life, it’s still sad to see someone go, but like you said this morning there will always be more bloggers and new friends to make. And if you’re stuck in a rut (which I kind of am at the moment), remembering why you started and why you continue to do this is a good way to find that spark again. That fiiiiire to write, and blog, and read, and comment, and socialize, and keep going on this wonderful (and definitely crazy) ride.
I know I’ve already said this on Twitter, but CONGRATS AGAIN!!! I think it’s an amazing feat to keep up with a hobby for a year (because I am terrible at continuing things, and this is why my TV show binges fizzle out before I’ve even gotten halfway through them), let alone five. HERE’S TO MANY, MANY, MANY MORE YEARS FOR YOU AND THE PERPETUAL PAGE-TURNER! 😀
Emmah says
Happy Blogiversary!! I’ve only known you for a couple years, but I absolutely love your blog! And I picked up SO many great books because of you (ToG series and Morgan Matson books, just to name a few)!
Thank you for being so awesome! 🙂
Kortni says
Congrats on five years 🙂
I’ve been reading your blog for a little over two years now, I believe and I take your recommendations very highly. You’re definitely one of my favorites and I obsessively check for new posts so I’m grateful that you have stuck around as long as you have.
Hopefully you stick around longer because I depend on blogger recommendations to discover books I may not have discovered otherwise! Haha.
Evie says
Happy Blogoversary!
Lillian says
YAY. YOU POSTED.
I’d like to think that I pushed you into making this post haha.
Your words are encouraging and so real. This is why I love your blog and you: because you’re honest and open and genuine while also shining your talent!
Curious: do you have an “I heart Book blogging” shirt?
Ari Carr says
Happy 5 year blogiversary! Here’s to 5 more! ^_^
Beatrice@Book For Thought says
Happy blogoversary! 5 years is an amazing milestone, and this post is wonderful!
Naina says
Happy blogoversry I live reading your blog so happy for it ❤️I can’t wait to keep reading
Brandie says
Happy Anniversary, Jamie! I’m normally a silent reader, but I adore your blog, your Instagram and Twitter posts, and your awesome personality. It’s bloggers like you that got me excited about blogging when I started and who continue to inspire me every week. I am glad you keep doing it. You have made such an impact on so many people over the years with your passion for books and authors and life! Thank you for putting yourself out there and coming back year after year. 🙂
Lily says
Happy Blogoversary!! It’s so amazing that you’ve been at this for 5 years, and are still going strong! Here’s to many more amazing years! 😀
xox
Sarah Reads Too Much says
Congrats on 5 years! I hit my 5 years in March… and I’ve gone through so many of the thoughts you’ve expressed here. That’s one of the things I’ve always liked about you over these years.. you are always refreshingly honest and not afraid to just keep it real. Thank you so much for that.
Reggie says
My gosh Jamie, you were one of the first book bloggers I found and the one that introduced me to the world of online book communities, and I couldn’t be more greatful for that. I haven’t been a huge participant in the community for long because I was too nervous to just jump in, but I would read your blog religiously, it was the only book blog in my Feedly (& Google RSS prior) for a long time. I’m so very glad you’ve kept with blogging. Congrats on FIVE years. That’s mind boggling and so very impressive! All the love to you as you continue with what you love.
Lisa @ Bookish Broads says
You are incredible! Congratulations on 5 years of creativity, humor, emotion and solid reviewing my dear friend! So happy to have found your blog and call you one of my favorites! MWAH
Holly @ Nut Free Nerd says
Wow, CONGRATS on 5 years of blogging! This post is honestly so inspiring. I’ve only been blogging seriously for about two years, and I can totally relate to how some days you feel burnt out or like what you have to say doesn’t even matter anymore. But your advice on how to deal with those feelings is wonderful! Thanks for doing what you do so fantastically, and here’s to another amazing five years! 🙂
MaryKate says
Congratulations, Jamie! Five years is a huge milestone :). I don’t have a blog, but I’m sure it can be difficult to continue writing when things get hard. But you’ve kept with it and you have such a beautiful blog and lovely followers/friends to show for it! I wish you five more years of happy blogging and reading :).
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog says
Congrats on 5 years!!! Pretty awesome. I am new so that seems like FOREVER. Lovely words and advice!
Alise @ Read.Write.Repeat. says
Congrats on 5 years! What a milestone!
Amanda R. says
Beautiful post! We’re so happy you are blogging! You’re spunky and nerdy and that’s the best way to be.
Jessica says
Congrats on 5 years Jaime! I’ve been following along and I still enjoy all your posts, which are incredibly real and heartfelt. I related to this post so, so incredibly much (“Slow it down. TAKE A BREAK. Reevaluate. Remember what made you start this. Remember what makes you tick. Strip all the things away that you can’t control or the things that you know are unimportant in the grand scheme of life.”) much like most of your other posts. Congrats again! I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction says
5 years!! That is so impressive. I’ve been at it for 2 and a half and I’ve already had slumps, bad times but mostly excitement and good times. I hope I’m still around at 5 years. It helps to know that even you get down and out at times. You’ve done such amazing things in the community its hard to think you ever feel irrelevant. Thanks so much for being awesome!
Stormy says
Happy blogoversary! 5 years is so awesome & I loved all the reasons you listed for why you keep going. It definitely gets tough some times, but there’s a reason people have been doing this for three/four/five/six/etc. years. Also, yours was one of the first book blogs I read when I started my own blog, so I’ve enjoyed reading your blog these past two and a half years!
Natalie Williamson says
I’ve enjoyed your blog for a couple of years now, and I am so impressed you’ve been doing this for five years! Congrats on that milestone, and thanks for sharing your bookish thoughts with the world.
Jordan says
Even though I’m a new-ish reader of your blog (maybe the last year or so), I really look forward to your posts. You’re very real and honest and I love that you LOVE books and you love people who love books!
Renate says
I’ve found so many great books through your blog! So thank you for that. As an aside, I’d totally pay for shipping to Canada to receive the care package if I won!
Kristin says
Aww happy blogiversary Jamie! <3
Lianne @ eclectictales.com says
Happy blogoversary! I’m so happy to have found your blog and TBTB a few years ago; I enjoy reading your posts and through you and TBTB I’ve connected with a larger book blogger community I didn’t know existed. May you have many more blogoversaries to come and great books to read and blog about 🙂
Thanks also for the awesome giveaway!
Nicole @ The Quiet Concert says
Jamie, I hope you never stop blogging because I can’t imagine this community without you! But thankfully you live somewhat close to me JUST IN CASE. Anyway, Happiest of Blogoversaries to you – you inspire us all. And I’m so happy to have gotten to know you better. xox
See you (hopefully) at next month’s book club (cause I will be on vaca during this weeks #sorrynotsorry) 🙂
Chachic says
Happy Happy Blogiversary, Jamie! I am really amazed at how you’ve been able to keep being active in the book blogosphere. I have no idea how you do it. Like I’ve mentioned on Twitter, we started blogging during the same year and I’ve noticed that most of the blogging buddies I used to follow back then have quit. Thankfully, I’m still in touch with some of them through other social media sites. But that just goes to show what a big deal it is for you to be still here and still enthusiastic about your blog. 😀
Nina says
Congratulations jamie!! it is hard to keep blogging non stop I can say that myself but you are a kind person and your blog is unique! keep the good work!!
Christina says
5 years is impressive! I’m a relatively new reader to your blog and I have gotten so many new recommendations from you! I love your enthusiasm for all things bookish!
Kitty says
I love your blog and have been following for a while. We blog because love books and want to share that love with other people. You’re such an awesome blogger:D
Kelly says
Congratulations on five years, Jamie! 🙂 You’re one of my favorites and I love when you love a book because it’s one of the best indicators that I will feel the same way.
Brianna @ Otakutwins Reviews says
Congrats on 5 years :)! That is such a LOOOONG time to be blogging. LOOOOVE your blog and awesome giveaway 🙂
Have a fantastic day!
Anna Shuk says
WOWWOWWOW!
Congrats! I love your blog and look forwand to many more fun years by your side.
Party hard, Jam!=)
Jackie Lea Sommers says
You’re the BEST. Congrats on five years, Jamie!!
Hannah says
Happy 5 years in the book blogging world! I’ve very much enjoyed reading your reviews and other posts since I started out. Here’s to many more fabulous books, discussions and general bookish vibes.
Shelly G. says
Happy 5 Years!
Sandra says
Congratulations on 5 years!
Meredith M. says
Congrats on 5 years of blogging!!! That’s incredible and awesome! You’re a wonderful, amazing blogger and I look up to you and all you’ve done! <3
Dani Saunders says
Happy blog birthday & congrats on 5 years!
Kaitlin Michelle says
Congratulations!
Sarah says
Happy blogoversary & congrats on 5 years of blogging! That’s amazing!!! <3 Heres to another 5 more years and 5 years after that 😀
Hazel says
Happy Blogiversary! As someone who is in their first month of a new blog, then is something very impressive!
Elizabeth says
CONGRATS!!! Five years of blogging! That’s absolutely and incredible achievement! You should be very proud!
Emma @ Miss Print says
Happy blog birthday again! *confetti*
I’ve been doing prize packs for as many years as I’ve been blogging but I love your idea of curating a box–I might try something similar next year. Thanks for the idea!
Kimberly C. says
Congrats on 5 years of blogging! That is a huge deal – both in real life and internet life. I only discovered your blog in the last 6 months or so, but it’s quickly become one of my favorites.
Whether I’ve read the book myself, or just recommended it to the teens I work with based on what I read here, you have been so so helpful. I read Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda because of your review, and was so happy I did. I also discovered a new audiobook series in the comments of your post looking for audiobook recommendations. (Dublin Murder Squad series by Tana French. A fantastic series.)
Congrats again, and here’s to 5 more years!
Cynthia says
Thank you so much for the giveaway!! Happy blogoversary. I love your blog and hope you keep doing it!
Jessica @ a GREAT read says
Happy Blogoversary! 5 years?! Wow! I just had my 6th Blogoversary in January of this year! That’s awesome! I know I’ve only been following you for a few year, but it’s been great fun! Hope you have many more happy blogging years to come!
Emily says
Congrats on 5 years of blogging! Wow! That is just insane and awesome! And I love how you celebrated it. I always think it’s fun when people do a huge celebration and all, but I think that you made it so that it’s not all about the giveaway but it’s filled with some awesome advice for people who are new bloggers, old bloggers, or just thinking about giving it a try.
I am not quite sure how long I have been reading your blog…maybe a year or two. It’s kind of a whole new world that has opened up to me within the last few years, and though I am not necessarily new to the concept of blogging BOOK blogging is a bit more new to me. But I love that I can always come back to your blog. I have discovered some awesome books because of your reviews (Illusions of Fate jumps to mind because OHMYGOODNESS that book was awesome) and I have felt a little less alone when you get to your personal posts (it sounds ridiculous to make it seem like I thought I was the only one that has lost a parent and whatnot, but it is SO different when you find someone who talks about things like that pretty openly). I am so glad you are blogging Jamie and I hope you continue to do so for a long time to come! Congrats again on 5 years!!
Trina says
HAPPY FIVE YEAR BLOGIVERSARY!!
The idea of getting a Jamie care package is awesome to just think about!
Your blog inspired me to become part of the conversation by creating a YT channel. I’m so glad I found your blog and that you’re still blogging. It’s mah fave. 🙂
This post is so encouraging, so much great advice.
Annie says
CONGRATULATIONS JAMIE!!! It’s crazy that you’ve been blogging for five years which is SO AMAZING but it’s also crazy that it’s already been 3 years since I’ve found your blog. You give some really great advice here that I try to take to heart as well when I blog, even though I haven’t been doing this nearly as long as you have. There are definitely moments when you want to give up but there are also times when you remember why you blog for all the reasons you mentioned and it’s because you love reading & this community. I loved this post as I do all your other posts and I’m hoping there are many more years of your awesome posts to come! (on a sidenote, I, along with many many others I’m sure, will always care / read what you have to say! I appreciate the honesty in your posts and the diversity / originality of your posts. They make me think, they make me laugh but they’re always a joy to read)
April @ Between the Pages says
Thanks for the giveaway. Congrats on 5 years of blogging.
Carlisa says
I really admire you! Five years is such an accomplishment. I use you to motivate me in my own blog. Keep doing great things and keep being an inspiration!
Emma P. says
That’s so exciting! I hope I’ll still be blogging after that long 🙂 Happy blogoversary, Jamie!
Chantal says
5 years! That is really inspiring! I hope I can make it that long I haven’t even made a year yet!
Samantha Wallace says
Happy Blogoversary and thanks for the great giveaway!! 😀
Heather Harmon says
Yay!! Happy Blogiversary! Your blog is my #1 go to for new books to pick up! I’m so glad you stuck around for 5 years and thanks for all the amazing book recs!
Patti (@TheLoveJunkee) says
Congratulations on hitting 5 years! Sometimes I love blogging and sometimes I’m over it but I wouldn’t change anything – it’s been an amazing journey. Glad to see yours is also amazing 🙂
Mallory @ The Local Muse says
Congrats on five years! I really appreciate the care that goes into your blog, and how real and honest you are with your readers! I remember reading your post about books that changed your life and I was glad to see someone that was as emotionally connected to certain books as I sometimes get. (BTW I’m actually reading Just One Day right now, and I can already feel a very emotional connection to the novel too.)
Hope you continue to love reading and blogging!
Peter says
Congrats on your anniversary! I look forward to reading you for the next 5.
Katie says
How exciting! 5 years is a long time!
Paola says
YAY FOR FIVE YEARS! Congrats!!
heather says
I commented here https://www.perpetualpageturner.com/book-blog
aentee says
Amazing accomplishment, happy blog birthday. Hope you have many more years of active book blogging to come. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Emily Seals says
Happy anniversary!
Seb Kay says
Congratulation on getting to 5 years! That’s truly something to commemorate, and I’m glad you’ve made it this far.
Here’s to 5 more! (And all the books from here to there. I can’t wait for those, too!)
Julia Anne @ Peach Print says
HAPPY 5 YEARS OF BLOGGING, JAMIE!! The Perpetual Page Turner is one of the first book blogs I came across when I joined the book blogosphere community a couple months ago. Thanks for all the stellar reviews and posts! I look forward to more. 🙂
Diamond @ Dee’s Reads says
I want to wish you an extremely hearty HAPPY 5 year BLOGOVERSARY, JAMIE! I am so proud to say that I have been following your blog for a few years now and have seen so many amazing posts and had such fun doing your surveys and various chats 😀 I can’t wait for the future, and your’e definitely one of the bloggers I look up to. (sorry to be cheesy—but it’s true!) <3
PS: I have to say, reading your post made me tear up a bit 🙂 You really hit the nail on the head, and it was so nice to be reminded of all the reasons why blogging IS wonderful.
Stefani @ Caught Read Handed says
FIVE YEARS IS AMAZING. Congratulations! You are one of the bloggers I look up to and it’s so awesome to see you continue to have such an incredible, interesting, and fun blog, especially after five years! Looking forward to more. 🙂
Alexa S. says
Happy five years of blogging, Jamie! Five years is definitely an achievement, and I love that you’ve shared a little about how, in spite of the ups and downs, you’re still enjoying this crazy ride that is being a book blogger. <3
Danielle D. says
Congrats for blogging for five years!! That’s a really freaking long time, and you’ve done such an amazing job of it
Marie says
I’m pretty sure I’ve been here since before your 3rd anniversary and I have loved your blog so much! I stopped reading book blogs long ago because it took up too much of my time, but yours is the only one I am still subscribed to and I always read. I don’t know what it is, but your style is so much more creative than what I see most of the time.
Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit says
I’m so behind on commenting. Happy 5 years, Jamie! I’ve only been reading for about 2 (I found you after you featured Margot and Aubry on your blog – don’t know how I hadn’t known about you before), but these two years of your thoughts have been a joy. Thanks for what you wrote about why you do this, and why you’re still in the game even after so many people have pulled out – you are definitely an inspiration. =)
Joli says
Jamie, this is a fantastic post because you totally get the ups and downs, and the curses and blessings of blogging. I’m getting ready to celebrate 5 years too (July 31) and I love that your blog has been around and thrived for so long. I love reading your posts and tweets and how you just keep going. There are times that I’m tempting to quit it all, but just like you said, there is something that creates a spark, gets you invigorated, and back on track.
Congratulations! I hope that this bookish adventure keeps bringing you joy!
Jen says
5 years of blogging sounds amazing to me since I can’t stay consistent about posting. I’m not letting myself give up this year. This is good inspiration. 🙂
Sarah J. says
Congrats on making five years! This post really spoke to me. Sometimes blogging feels more like a chore to me especially during the school year, but this post is exactly all the reasons that I love blogging and the community. Thanks for writing it because it brought a smile to my face and made me love what I do even more! Here’s to more books and more blogging!
Andrea G says
Happy 5 years blog anniversary! I love reading your book reviews, I’ve have gotten many great book recommendations from your blog.
Mel@thedailyprophecy says
5 years is such an amazing achievement and you can be proud of what you’ve done so far. I think you are a very inspirational blogger and such a sweet person. I hope to have you around for many more years 🙂
Chelsea Smith says
Congratulations on 5 years! I love your blog and check it religiously so I am very thankful for all you do!
Kristen says
congrats on 5 years! that is awesome. i for one am glad that you kept on going so i was able to find your blog because i just love to read it. i’m not a book blogger but i do love books (duh) and your style of writing is fabulous and i think you’re awesome in that creepy internety way. keep on keepin on!
threegoodrats says
I think that anything you do for this long is bound to have its ups and downs – that’s what commitment is all about (which I’m sure you understand since you are married!) It’s all about balance for me, I think. I post about twice a week unless I have a compelling to post more, because that way it doesn’t become to burdensome. I’m pretty good at posting regularly, but I do give myself time off – like, I was just away on vacation for a week and a half so I didn’t post during that time. It can be a lot of work to come up with posts, and it’s definitely work to write about every single book I read even if I don’t have a lot to say about it, but I think it’s worth it. I always enjoy reading your blog so I’m glad you’re sticking with it!
Pili @ In Love With Handmade says
Happy Blogiversary JAMIE!! 5 years is so impressive!! Book blogging is such a tough job! We all start the same way because we love books and we want to share that love with like-minded people but there’s so much more than that!!
I’m very happy to have discovered your blog and to have met you in person too! I do hope you’ll feel the fire to continue the blog for a long time!
Julie Anna says
Happy Blogoversary! What an awesome giveaway!
rose says
You’ve stuck out for five years because of your enthusiasm and charm.
Shelumiel @ Bookish and Awesome says
Wow. 5 years. What a journey! Happy blogoversary, Jamie! You inspire me to be more personal in my post. Keep inspiring people!
Erin @ The Hardcover Lover says
Congrats on five years, Jamie. I’m not even at one, and I sometimes get so frustrated with everything, but then I remember that I’ve been following you since before, and it gives me hope that maybe one day I’ll get there. 🙂
Danielle V says
Congratulations on the success of your blog! What a great accomplishment. It’s always wonderful to hear from bloggers who really care about what they’re doing and are “in it” for the right reasons. You’re an inspiration 🙂
Lea says
Congrats! How exciting!!
Lauren says
I think you know you’ve always been my fave book blogger and fave book lover ever! Congrats on FIVE years of blogging! I feel like I’ve been with your during your ups and downs and well… I just love you girl! Congrats!