2010 in Review

Its hard to believe 2010 is almost wrapping up. Where did the year go? I found that it just seemed to have zipped by. Did anyone else notice that?

As I sit here and look back over 2010, I have to say that is was a fantastic year and one that I will always remember and wouldn’t change a thing about it.

Earlier this year Cindy’s Love of Books got a whole new look and I have to say that I really loved how it turned out. I am thinking of doing some tweaking in 2011 to the blog. Not sure yet but I am sure something will happen.

A major event happened to me and that was, I went to NYC and BEA in May. It was my first time for doing both. I wasn’t alone in my adventures, I was with the Montreal book blogger group. Going to BEA was alot of fun and over whelming to say the least. I loved NYC and I can’t wait to go back one day soon.

If you have never heard of BEA its called Book Expo America and its held in NYC over a two-three day period. You get to me some great authors, get some great books signed and if you are lucky you get to nab some great books that are coming out in the year.

The Montreal book bloggers met almost monthly at our little tea shop for some great talks (planning our NYC trip) and to share some great books with each other. Its hard to believe we will be going into our third year. I have to say its amazing sharing a passion with other people who are like you. I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world.

With an event like BEA it gives you the chance to meet the reps that you might work with and many of your favorite authors that you might normally not get to see. That was all an added bonus but what you can expect to see is tons of bloggers and I got to meet so many great bloggers in person. Its really nice to put a real face behind the blogs I have read.

Some of the great authors I met this year were: Rick Springfield, Clinton Kelly, Holly Black (again), Justin Larbalestier, Mick Foley, Melissa Anderson, Catherine McKenzie, Laura Fabiani, Sheila Kindellan-Sheehan, Lesley Fletcher, Adele Griffin, Cecil Castelucci, Lisa Brown, Kristian Alfonso, and my favorite Helen Ellis.

Another great thing I got to do this year was vacation in Illinois. (The only other US city I have ever been to was Detroit and various places in Vermont) While in Illinois I was able to meet up with my reps from Sourcebooks and I got a tour of the office. That is another great thing about blogging being able to meet the people you work with. Hopefully I will get to see them again in 2011 when I am in town visiting.

Another big thing for me was getting an eReader after I said I would never get one because nothing beats the feel or smell of a book in your hands. I haven’t given up on actual books but felt I needed to open another avenue for getting books since alot of publishers don’t want to send to Canada and ARCs can be very limited. Plus when I travel I tend to bring way to many books with me (who doesn’t?) and at least this way I can have a ton of books in one small space. With that being said I have already downloaded way to much and need to read them very soon.

As I look back I have to say I read alot of great books and my total read is actually down this year compared to last year. Not sure how that happened as I thought I had read more then what I did. Oh well its something to work on for 2011.

I want to send out a huge thank you to all the reps that I work with and they know who they are and know they mean alot to me. Thank you for sending me all those great books this past year.

Secondly I really have to thank my mailman, UPS, FedEx, Purolator and DHL for delivering my many, many packages this past year.

Thirdly, you my readers who encourage me with all your comments and emails. I promise to comment more on your blogs.

To the all the authors who have contacted me about reviewing their books, I thank you for reaching out and sending me your books.

Its hard to believe that in a few months I will be celebrating my third year of blogging.

I am looking forward to another great year of blogging, reading and discovering a ton of great books. I am sure 2011 will be a great year for books.

Happy New Year Everyone!