Blogoversary

This week is my Blogoversary Week! 

I started this blog on October 16th 2011 and to celebrate I asked 6 of my all time favorite book bloggers to write a review of their favorite book that they read 

between October 2011 and September 2012. 

First of all, congrats to Karin on reaching one year! Karin has been a lovely friend of mine, and so I was delighted and honored when she wrote and asked me to participate in her Blogoversary celebration week!

Anyway, I’m Jana. You might know me as That Artsy Reader Girl or one of the crew over at The Broke and the Bookish. I’ve been blogging about books for about two and a half years, but started That Artsy Reader Girl in November 2011. I live in the Rocky Mountains of the USA, and am a 25-year-old graphic designer/singer/world traveler/book lover. A huge chunk of my life (like 10 years) was spent pretty much hating reading, so I’ve been making up for lost time over the past few years. There are so many amazing books out there, and it’s become my mission to read as many as possible! When I’m not reading, I’m working on design projects for my clients, shopping, making jewelry, watching movies and old TV show re-runs, or baking yummy food!

Karin asked me to talk about a favorite book of mine that I’ve read during the life of her blog. What a hard question! I’ve read so many amazing books during the past year, that it’s hard to select which one I enjoyed the most. I think I’m going to pick Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard to discuss, though. I love that book so much.

I’m sure many of you know about Wanderlove, but for those of you who don’t, it’s all about a girl who goes on a journey of self-discovery as she gets lost (in a good way) with a cute boy in Central America. She throws caution to the wind and ends up on a crazy adventure that ignites this fire of confidence and self-worth in her soul. This girl is me. She’s artsy, and she loves to travel. I identified with her so much as her love of art and culture dripped off the pages. Part of the book takes place in Belize, which I love. I was in Belize a few years ago, so I was able to picture everything in my mind. The book just came alive, and the scenery was written beautifully. I loved the boy, Rowan. He’s bookish! Can I have him? 

The main reason this book is a favorite, though, is because it made me discover the good things in myself as I read it. I came away refreshed and excited. It inspired me to make all these goals to travel more and experience life more fully. To better my art, and to make more friends. To be spontaneous and more easy-going. I set this huge goal to go on a major trip so that I could have the same journey of self-discovery that Bria did. I never thought I’d actually do it, but I did just this past summer. And you know what? It worked. I spent 6 weeks traveling through Europe with my mom, and came away knowing myself so much better than I thought I ever would. I was extremely sick through most of the trip, but I pushed myself and found out what I’m capable of. I had an amazing time that I will never forget. I didn’t fall in love with some sexy guy on this trip, but I think I got something even better out of it. I fell in love with myself.

Thanks again, Karin, for asking me to participate in your celebration! And thanks for hosting me on your blog. Here’s to another year full of books and reading!  

Thank you Jana for being in part in my wonderful Blogoversary Week! 

Jana is one of the sweetest people I know out there in the blogging community and I cannot tell you how much I would love to go book shopping with her. Or we could meet for a coffee and talk for days. Stupid Atlantic Ocean - why do you have to be between me and her? 

I had Wanderlove on my Kindle for ages and I still didn't pick it up. I wrote it basically at the top of my TBR list and hopefully will read it soon so that I can tell her how awesome I found this book. 

Giveaway

To celebrate my first blogoversary 

I will give away a book of your choice 

up to $15 from Book Depo

VII - very important information:

• to enter please follow the instructions in the rafflecopter form.
• you must be at least 13 years old or have your parents permission to enter.
• this giveaway is open internationally as long as Book Depo ships to you.
• the winner will be announced on the blog after the giveaway ends.
• to protect your privacy please do not leave your e-mail adress in the comment section.

a Rafflecopter giveaway