For my first big post after the whole Shattering Stigmas event on the blog, I thought I’d ramble on and on about being a book blogger, because I missed it…. and I kind of hope you did, too?
IMPORTANT disclaimer: this is a fun post and not an offense in any case!!! I myself am a book blogger and I love it and you all know how much I admire, respect and love all book bloggers, too. Whether you’re a “cliché”, or not, it’s OKAY. Also, I know that cliché sometimes seems like a bad word but, for the purpose of this post, I swear it is not. at. all. whether you meet all the criteria and are actually doing everything or you just meet one, two, six, no.one.is.judging. because book blogging is a labour of love and criteria means NOTHING, as long as you do your thing and you love it, you’re a genuine, beautiful blogger and I admire you so very much for it. Okay? Okay. Thank you for listening.
Are you a book blogging cliché? Let’s start with the list!
? You have to read A LOT of books
That seems obvious. Book bloggers, are, by definition, book lovers, so that necessarily means we are supposed to be devouring books every second of every day of every year, even in the shower. We’re the masters of multi-tasking, reading while doing everything, basically. When the average human has read 1 book, the book blogger is supposed to have read, like, 10, or something.
Do I do it?
❎ No! Well… it depends on what you define being “a lot” of books. I have been reading around 60 books a year on average since I started book blogging. I know bloggers reading 200 books a year easily. I know bloggers reading 30 books a year, or less. That does not make them any less of a book blogger though. There are slow, medium, quick readers. As long as we read and enjoy reading books, we’re good.
? You have to read ARCs and hype up new releases
Uh oh. I went there, I’m sorry. I’ll admit that I have felt, most of the time, a bit conflicted about ARCs, new releases and everything else. It feels like a book blogger’s duty to hype up the new releases, the ARCs we are privileged enough to get from time to time. I also feel like I’m not boosting older titles and underrated books enough. Being a book blogger is complicated.
Do I do it?
✅ Yes. I’m going to be completely honest: I’ve been loving getting to know new releases so much more ever since I started book blogging, hearing about it, being able to read some titles early when I manage to get lucky. I love feeling part of the publishing process, in my own way, that way.
? You have to review books (preferably, a lot of them)
I thought that, when I first started, you had to review books when you’re a book blogger. Yet, little by little, I found out that not all book bloggers are reviewing books all the time – some aren’t writing conventional, written, long paragraphs reviews, and some aren’t even doing reviews, at all. And it’s OKAY not to. Being a book blogger is talking about books, no matter in what way.
Do I do it?
✅ Yes. I actually enjoy writing book reviews, even if they’re not the most popular posts out there, I love contributing to a book’s promotion that way and screaming my love for a title that way, too.
? You have to participate in blog tours
Much like book reviews, blog tour posts have been all around the blogosphere ever since I started and… well, I thought they were sort of a given in the book community. Turns out, if some book bloggers have a whole lot of blog tour posts, some others have one every now and then and others, just, don’t.
Do I do it?
✅ Yes, well… from time to time. If these opportunities are, just like ARCs, quite incredible, I am not a fan of subscribing to every blog tour I see to try my luck – I just really want to participate in blog tours I’m genuinely interested in.
? You have to do readathons
I did not know what readathons were until I stumbled upon them, a couple months in blogging. Turns out that readathons are, actually, quite popular among the blogosphere, and on booktube, too. Reading the same kind of books at the same time – like Spooky Reads for Halloween, or reading as many books as you can in a weekend or something. A LOT of book bloggers seem to participate in readathons, writing recap and intro blog posts about it and… well, they’re everywhere and at most times.
Do I do it?
❎ No. I’m always feeling like I’m a bad book blogger or something for that, but… I’m not a fan of readathons, for a couple of reasons: I never have tons of available books at hand to fill out the missions, nor can I get them at all times quickly ; I’m not a fan of the readathon pressure…
? You have to own a ton of books / you have to have bookshelves and books everywhere and get book mail every single day
When you think about book bloggers, you obviously think about bookshelves filled up to the very top of rooms, books in the mail every day from publishers, books lying around everywhere and more and more. YET, some bloggers don’t have TONS of physical copies of books and massive bookshelves. Some book bloggers don’t get mail from publishers, because they’re just starting out, international bloggers, just not interested in ARCs at all (and that’s OKAY, too).
Do I do it?
❎ Hmmmm not really? I do have bookshelves at home and I do have a little more books than my small bookshelves can contain. I don’t get tons of bookmail at all, because I’m an international book blogger, though I got lucky enough to have bookmail every now and then thanks to the generosity of some publishers.
? You have to participate in book blogging memes
Book blogging memes are… well, they’re pretty popular in the community: from TTT to Waiting on Wednesday, Top 5 Wednesday and all, on some days, that’s ALL you see on book blogs. It seems like a must to participate in them, to feel, included in the community somehow?
Do I do it?
❎ No. I stopped participating in memes for multiple reasons I already explained in that particular post,so I’m not going to ramble on here. Still, I’m not the only one not participating and it’s okay not to.
? You have to join instagram because #bookstagram is everything
I feel like being on bookstagram is part of the book blogging package, somehow. New and old bloggers are on instagram and it feels like one of the major platform to be on, too. It’s so popular and it feels like, when you’re not there, you’re missing out – at least, for me.
Do I do it?
❎ No. I’ve considered multiple times being on bookstagram, but I lack the time to take pictures and interact as much as I could along handling my blog. I also lack the imagination and talent for that, too. Do I feel like I’m missing out? Do I feel bad about it? Yes.
? You also need to be on twitter to be up-to-date with everything
The book blogging community is very very very active on twitter – along with instagram, it seems to be THE social media to be on, in order not to miss out. So many discussions are happening on there, too. New publishing deals, bookish discussions and, yes, drama, too, aerm.
Do I do it?
❎ Yes. I’ve been trying to be more and more active over on twitter and I feel like I’m doing okay with it – I’m having fun posting pictures of my current reads and trying to talk to people, even if I feel really shy about it sometimes. And even if, sometimes, it feels a bit overwhelming.
? You have to recommend all the best books
OBVIOUSLY. I mean, we’re book bloggers, aren’t we? We’re supposed to have a billion book recommendations at hand for whenever someone asks. Whatever the genre, whatever the kind of emotions the future reader wants to feel, we have a thousand book titles at hand and we’re ready to shove them down your face. Gently. Obviously.
Do I do it?
Well… you tell me?
I hope you enjoyed this post, it took me quite a while to write this down, but I had fun with it!
How many of these criteria do you meet? If you don’t meet all of these criteria, why? What do you like the most doing, out of this list, and the less?
What do you think could be added to this list?
What do you expect from yourself, as a book blogger? (I know I clearly expect myself to just… I don’t know, talk about books A LOT and maybe know all the latest very hyped books, but… it’s tiring. Isn’t it?)
Lily @ Sprinkles of Dreams says
Ohh I had so much fun reading this post, Marie! ❤️
I feel like my approach to blogging is pretty similar to yours—I only sign up to join blog tours, when I’m really interested in a book, and I don’t really join all the popular readathons or post memes all too often (though I’ve done a few meme posts lately, because I really liked the topics).
And I’m trying to be more active on Twitter as well, but I get so shy and anxious about posting anything, it’s Hard.
I actually don’t have a whole lot of books, either, and I totally relate to your intl blogger struggles (though I get sad to hear that from you, because you’re such an amazing blogger with such a huge reach, and that honestly makes no sense to me. ?)
Wonderful post, as always! ❤️❤️
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Lily, I was a bit nervous to post this, I’m happy you enjoyed it!! <3
I'm glad you feel the same way about blogging as I do – and I would never take you for a shy person over on twitter, I feel like I see you interacting a lot and that's great! You're doing awesome, don't worry about that 😀
You're way too sweet, really <3 Thank you so much!! <3 <3
Lily @ Sprinkles of Dreams says
Ahh no, you really don’t need to be – I always feel like I need to specify in posts that ~might be taken the wrong way, that it’s all in good fun &c. (and I noticed you doing that a little bit as well), but you really didn’t have to be nervous at all. <3
And ahh thank you!! Only with people I already know, haha, but that's really heartening to hear. <3
Marie says
I always try to do that too, I’m just too nervous otherwise haha ?
It’s the truth, really, you seem perfectly in your element there, that’s so great, I admire that aha 🙂
Kate (Reading Through Infinity) says
Marie I LOVE this! I’m definitely a book blogging cliche because i answered yes to basically all of these! But I think that’s fine, as it’s great to engage in the community in a variety of ways. I’d also say you DEFINITELY recommend great books! Your excitement about a book always gets me excited to start it! Brilliant post <3
Marie says
Agree! There are so many ways to talk about books and these things I mentioned are just a glimpse into what book bloggers can do, there is so much more. And I think it’s quite awesome you do everything – also I am wondering…. do you have some kind of superpowers, because WOW, to do everything, you’re INCREDIBLE.
Aww, thank you!! this means so much, you’re too sweet <3 <3
Kathy @ Books & Munches says
Pretty much “Yes” for most of these so I guess I’m a.. cliche.. And I hate being a cliche because I’ve always tried to be “ME”, hahah. I know it isn’t meant in that way though – no worries! – but it’s weird having to admit to being a cliche even when it comes to something as simple as book blogging. :’)
I’m not really a fan of blog tours, simply because I feel pressured to like the book and.. well.. I don’t like having a post for a blog tour with a Q&A or something like that. I don’t know. Simply not a huge fan of them, I guess? I’m also rarely tempted to read others’ blog tour posts so there’s that..
Book mail every day? Definitely not. Although I do own a ton of [unread]books so that balances it out enough to call myself a cliche on that part as well, haha.
I’ve tried bookstagram but.. I don’t think it’s my jam. The pressure the post every day – or even multiple times a day – is a thing I absolutely loathe. I would’ve love it if I could schedule everything on my pc but that’s.. not an option as far as I know, haha. I’m simply bad at the entire app. I do have Twitter and.. well.. it’s more a personal twitter when it comes to my use of it than anything else really, but I don’t roam the hashtags as others do. I’ve heard too much about discussions / whining / spoilers / “wars” going on between bloggers, readers and authors that I really can’t be arsed to go discovering more than just tweeting and checking out the profiles of favorite people. :’)
When it comes to recommending books.. It’s something I both love and hate doing because if you love one book, you can still hate that other book you were SURE you were going to love as well and stuff like that. I don’t want people killing me for being wrong about such things and.. well.. ugh.
I guess part of being a book blogger cliche [or more blogger in general] is constantly comparing ourselves to others. Doesn’t even matter if it comes to the amount of reading we do, the number of books we buy or get, our graphics, our statistics, ANYTHING. Simply the comparing-thing. And it’s an awful one, but unfortunately one we all struggle with [whether or not it’s in secret, it’s still there.]
Awesome post! Been a while since I left a comment like this on a discussion post-thing, I think. 😛
<3
Marie says
Awww, Kathy – I hope that this last sentence means that you enjoyed my post :p THANK YOU SO MUCH, I always love reading your long comments so, very much <3
I agree with you about blog tours – I do enjoy participating in them every now and then, but I do notice that I am not too fond of them all the time and pay a bit less attention to these posts than others… most especially when they're not reviews. Blog tour reviews, I'll read if the book interests me, but other things like just a snippet or a Q&A appeals to me less, for some reason :/
Oh I get that, it's a bit bothering and… well to be honest, handling bookstagram is a lot of work, too, so you have to get into it if you're really having the time to do so, too. I think there are solutions to schedule everything and plan things, apps and things like that, but… I'm not an expert at all so I won't have any good advice :/
Ugh I agree. Recommending books is a bit tricky – but then again, I guess we all have our own taste and people shouldn't be mad if a book didn't end up being for them after a recommendation 🙂
EXACTLY. It's all about the comparison, really, and I wish I could stop DOING IT but I just CAN'T hahahahaha. Oh, maybe someday we all will care less hahaha 🙂
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! <3 <3
Kathy @ Books & Munches says
Haha, it does! I don’t think I’d take the time and energy to put together a reply like that if I didn’t enjoy it. Don’t even know if I would’ve read the entire thing, for that matter.. 😛
Same here! It’s like.. I don’t want to read snippets because even those might contain some small spoiler and I hate that. Q&A’s with authors I don’t even know or have never heard of? Yeah, not that interested in those either.. Sometimes a cover does lure me in to check out what it’s about, but that’s it really.
Hah, I wanted to revive the thing a while back but being pregnant, I completely gave up on the idea by now. Not to mention how 80% of my books is in boxes at the moment so it’d be a bland repeat of the same books over and over again. Guess I’ll have to scratch “bookstagram” off the list for the.. uh.. next couple of years? I don’t know. 😛
That’s true. And being recommended a book doesn’t mean you just have to have blind faith in the person recommending it. Usually it just makes me look up some more reviews to see whether others feel the same way and – hopefully – find a review by someone I already KNOW I can absolutely trust when it comes to books, hah.
Let’s hope that day comes sooner rather than later though! The comparing can be SOOO exhausting sometimes!
You’re VERY welcome! <3
Marie says
I feel the same way – sometimes I’m intrigued enough to check out the post, but that rarely happens. The only reason I really might read these kind of posts is when there’s a review in this post as well ahah 🙂
Who knows, you might give it another try someday! As long as you’re content with what you’re doing right now that’s what matters, too <3 And you're doing AMAZING. <3
Agree, it is quite exhausting, well… oh someday that'll go and in the meantime, we'll scream at each other if we're getting back into that bad comparison game 😛
<3 <3
Kelly Brigid says
Lovely post, Marie!! I tend to do a few of these, but don’t participate in many blog tours or readathons, and so far have read 68 novels this year! I engage on Bookstagram but not as much as I wish I did! Hahaha.
Marie says
Oh thank you so much Kelly, I’m so happy you enjoyed it 🙂
And yay, that’s SO great, 68 books!! 😀
I get that – like everything, bookstagram takes a bit of time and…. we unfortunately can’t do it all.
Thank you so much! <3
Camilla @ Reader in the Attic says
I think I meet almost all the criteria, just fail a bit at meme (things like www wednesday are terrible for me but I kind like the top ten tuesday) and being active on Twitter. I try my best but sometimes I fail. I reach a good number of public, but fail to interact a lot XD
Marie says
Oh I get your struggle – I mean, we try our very best but sometimes we just can’t do it all. It doesn’t mean we are failing though, it just means we’re human 🙂 you’re doing fantastic Camilla! 😀
Thank you so much for your comment! 😀
thebookprophet says
1) hahahaha no. i mean i read more books than the average person, if that counts?
2) i do that. most of what i read nowadays is actually arcs!
3) yes i do this of course, since i get arcs
4) i do this sometimes, like maybe 2-3 times a year?
5) i’ve done maybe two? but i haven’t done any in a while. i’m just really bad at them but i should try it sometime before the year is over cause i’m behind on my reading challenge.
6) i think i have a lot of books? i mean – again – more than the average person. but if you compare the amount of books i have to a lot of bookworms it’s not *that* much. mainly because i don’t like having too many taking up space. and i definitely don’t get book mail every day. i don’t remember the last time i purchased a book (i read arcs a lot, like i said)
7) i used to but i haven’t in like a year
8) i mean. i have a “bookstagram” account. but a) i barely post and b) it’s not just books anymore so~
9) i have one but i’m barely ever on it and when i am i usually don’t talk about books
10) DUH!
Marie says
Wow, you passed that test brightly haha, you have almost all YES-es everywhere, that’s great!! 😀
I understand your thoughts about having books – sometimes, I feel like I have a lot of books and, sometimes when I see other people’s shelves, I’m telling myself it’s not out of control just yet, hahahaha 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, I loved seeing your answers!! 😀
thebookprophet says
😀 I guess I’m more of a book blogger than I thought! Yeah, compared to what I’ve seen on bookstagram, my shelves barely compare and honestly I like that because I like having a lot of books, but it can be overwhelming and I don’t like having too much stuff. You’re welcome I found it fun to answer 🙂
Marie says
Agree – it can be a bit overwhelming to have too many, especially if we don’t have big places to live and put them all in haha 🙂 <3
Margaret @ Weird Zeal says
Lol I almost feel like that fact that you say reading 60 books a year is not a lot shows how much of a book blogger you are! Most people read only a handful of books per year, and for many, 60 is a huge number!
But yes, this post is spot on. I fill a number of the criteria here, but for others I definitely don’t, such as bookstagram, and that’s okay!
Marie says
To be completely honest, being surrounded by bloggers reading 100+ books every year is making me feel like I’m not that much of a reader hahaha, but in another environment I guess you’re right and I am more than average??
I’m so happy you enjoyed this post!! And I agree, it’s okay if we don’t do everything, we can’t be everywhere and it’s best to focus on what we like doing the most, too 😀
Thank you so much for your comment! 😀
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
Haha, I’m kind of cliché. I read 100+ books a year, participate in memes, and review books. The rest of the stuff? Not so much. I expect myself to brighten people’s day. I don’t really like ranting or getting caught up in drama. I want my blog to mostly be fun and upbeat.
Marie says
I think it’s SO awesome that you get to read so many books a year. I’d love to be as fast a reader as you are 😀
And I completely agree with your blogging philosophy here!! I am ALL for brightening up people’s day and just trying to keep this fun and upbeat and everything, that’s my goal <3
Thank you so, so much for your comment! 😀
ashley @ socially awkward bookworm says
Great post, Marie! I definitely do some of these things. I’m not really a fan of readathons either. Too much pressure and in the end, it makes me not even want to read. I like book memes and tags, but lately I’ve been doing them less and less. I’m not sure why either. On occasion I’ll do some here and there.
Marie says
Oh thank you so much Ashley, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I’m with you on readathons – if they seem fun, at first, I am 100% certain that they would stress me out and make me want to read less ?
Angela says
Very cute post, Marie! I do some of these things – I do talk about new releases, but I never have ARCs; I read A LOT; and I still write book reviews! I just started using Instagram and I love taking pictures of books, but it’s also my personal account, so there’s other stuff on there, too! I wish I had tons of books, but they cost money and take up a lot of room! I participate in memes but I don’t do twitter. And I love giving out recommendations!
Marie says
Aww thank you Angela, I’m so happy you enjoyed it 😀
I’m glad I’m not the only one with a… semi bookstagram account, I’d say. I like to publish the occasional bookish picture, but otherwise my instagram is more personal, with travels and other things, so… definitely not a real bookstagram haha 🙂
Thank you so much!! <3
Cee Arr @ Dora Reads says
I do maybe like one or two of these fully, and two or three partly. Lol! I tend to play fast and loose with the term ‘book blogger,’ my regular posts are comics, fanfiction, and whatever people wanna call my Nerd Church posts, with bookish stuff slotted in in between – and that’s what it’s the f**k about, after all… doing our own thing! 🙂
(But I do love reviews. Which is why I get so frustrated when I don’t have time to write as many as I want to!)
Marie says
YES exactly, we’re all doing our own thing no matter what, and that’s the most important 🙂 it’s great that you’re mixing up bookish posts with other kind of posts, too 😀
And oh, I get that. Reviews take a whole lot of time, haha 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
Pamela Nicole says
It IS tiring. So sometimes we need to be chill and make fun posts like this one or maybe take breaks? I think the problem is we often expect TOO much of ourselves, when the reality is that nobody is really demanding for us to do anything? It’s something we choose to do and then we kinda go extra with it and let it take over.
I’m pretty much the same as you with all these blogger cliches! Except for social media, which is the other way around for me. I’m active on instagram but not so much on twitter. And I feel exactly the same, like I’m missing out, but then I imagine myself trying to stay active on both platforms and I realize it wouldn’t work at all for me so I feel calm again 🙂
Marie says
EXACTLY! Nobody is demanding us to do anything, yet we tend to put this pressure on ourselves anyway, we can’t help it, I guess haha. It’s important to remind ourselves of that, too 🙂
I’m glad to hear it works out okay – I feel the same way, even if I feel like I am missing out, I know I couldn’t handle it all 🙂
Thank you so, so much Pam! <3
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
When I first started reading this I was thinking ‘hmm, I definitely am a book blogging cliche’ but actually there are more I don’t do than I do actually. I tried Bookstagram but couldn’t really get into it the same way I did book blogging so that quickly fizzled out, and despite saying I’m going to start a Twitter account I still haven’t gotten around to it yet. 🙂
Also I’ve never taken part in a Readathon or a blog tour, but both of those are things I want to do so maybe one day.
After reading your post I feel like my aim should be to be able to cross off all ten points on your list, so I can say with certainty I am a book blogging cliche! 😀
Great post Marie. 🙂 <3
Marie says
Ohhh well that could be a great goal ahha, I hope you’ll make it there – though for me, doing everything seems a bit… not impossible, but certainly really time consuming and we can’t do it all, sometimes. What matters is to focus on what we love doing the most 😀 <3
Thank you so much, Beth! <3
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
It’s something to aim for right?! 😀 And yeah at the end of the day it’s about enjoying blogging more than anything else. ❤️
That’s all right. 🙂 ❤️
myabsoluteliving says
I love your post Mary. Am new in blogging but i hope to be like you in the future wish me luck…
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, you’re too sweet! <3
myabsoluteliving says
Oh thanks Mary.
Catarina @ Pages & Plots says
Damn, I loved this post! As someone that just recently joined the book blogging/instagramming community, there is definitely a certain pressure to read all the books, join all the readathons, take a lot of pics and just interact, interact, interact. Which, for someone just starting and that works full time (my case), it can be really overwhelming.
Personally, I just want to have some place to talk about the books I read (and other random pop culture stuff) while improving my copywriting skills (that’s what you get when you work in marketing/communication). I restarted reading this year, so I don’t feel comfortable making book recommendations since I haven’t read many in the last 4 years. I’m also a big mood reader so joining readathons is fun but not every single month. The only thing I’m not going into for, at least a few years, is definitely ARCs. I have so many older books to catch up with, I just want to enjoy reading.
Marie says
Oh I get that feeling – it feels like we have to do everything all at once and, even as an almost 4-years blogger, I’m still feeling that pressure every now and then, too. But then again, we are only human and can’t juggle with it all, what matters is that we do what we love the most and take care of ourselves <3
I think that's fantastic that you started book blogging and I hope it'll bring you everything you'd like and that you will discover great books 🙂
Thank you so much!! <3 <3
Theresa says
I don’t do the memes either and i stink at Twitter, but I am trying to be better at it!! Great post!!
Marie says
Oh I am certain that you don’t, don’t be so harsh on yourself <3 You can do this, take it one step at a time and be yourself and remember that what matters is that you enjoy it 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! 😀
Norrie says
This was so funny ?
I’m defo the first one. Would read in the shower if i could!
Never participated in readathon. Don’t think i will, unless it’s without a theme, or i have books already for tne topic.
Marie says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, thank you 😀
I get that – I’m ever doing readathons because I never have enough books at hand or can buy all the books at a time haha. 🙂
Mel says
This was such a fun post! I’m weirdly relieved that I’m only about half the things.
I totally feel you about bookstagram. I feel like it’s so important to be on it if you’re a blogger because it’s such a huge part of the book community now, but I lack the talent, skills, props, and frankly enough of a variety of books to do it. I also feel like I’m missing out by not doing it and I’ve tried a few times but I’m just not sure it’s for me.
Marie says
Oh thank you so much Mel, so happy you enjoyed it 😀
I 100% agree with you about bookstagram. It feels like such a big part of the community now and it kind of makes me sad, not being a part of it. But then again, I have the same feelings as you do, I feel like I lack talent, skills and time to do it, too. I guess there’s nothing we can do, except trying to be content with what we have 😀
Mel says
I hope I can be content with what I have eventually. Every couple of months I panic about not being on insta, try to be on insta, get frustrated by my lack of photo tools/skills, and give up again. Ideally I’d like to either give up on Insta entirely and be ok with it or commit to trying it out and getting better at it.
Marie says
This is EXACTLY my mood haha, except that I never tried going on bookstagram. Every couple months I get this urge, like I need to be on there haha. Hopefully someday this will pass, and we will either really focus on it a little bit and enjoy it, or just give it up 🙂 I’m sure you’ll find what you’re more at ease with <3
Fadwa @ Word Wonders says
I do 5 constantly and memes only rarely hahaha! I loved this so much. Readathons aren’t my thing and my experience with blogtours hasn’t been the best, I haven’t loved a single book I read so far and I avoid them like the plague now. Oops. This was such a great post to read though <3
Marie says
Oh no, I’m so sorry you had bad experiences with blog tours :/ I am always nervous about blog tours and ARCs, too, so I really try to request or be part of opportunities where I have a feeling I’ll really enjoy it- and I think about it for a long, long time before doing it hahaha.
Thank you so much, Fadwa, I’m so happy you enjoyed it <3
Fadwa @ Word Wonders says
I only chose books i was already interested in and yet i found myself in that situation ? i think from this point forward if i ever do blog tours again i’ll choose posts other than reviews, it’ll be safer haha.
Marie says
Oh damn it ?? well hopefully, if you ever decide to do blog tours again, it will be better and… better safe than sorry haha 🙂
Consu says
Great posts! You raise some really good points and I love how you can look critically into bookblogging and at the same time show how much you love this community.
I got 5! I though I’d get more since I’m pretty standard but it’s a pretty good number. I do a lot of memes because it’s easier for me to have a given prompt when I don’t have much time to think a post over but I try to give my own twists to them every once in a while.
Marie says
Aww thank you so, so much, this means so much <3
I think 5 is a pretty awesome number! And I get that – memes are so useful and give us some fantastic ideas, too 😀
Consu says
Yeah! I don’t do them every week but they are nice to fall back on when you need a break ?
Marie says
Agree 🙂
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions says
I definitely meet some of these criteria’s but not all of them. I don’t participate in blog tours, and do book memes. I’ve a bookstagram account but i’m not much active at there because i mostly spend my time on my Blog. I’m not fan of readathons either! I do read a lot of books because i love to read as many books as possible, but not because i had to for my blog.
This is a great post btw! I enjoyed reading your answers! 🙂
Marie says
I get that – I feel like we can’t do it all, can we? 🙂 I considered bookstagram, but I couldn’t spend as much time on my blog if I did and… I don’t want that, aha 🙂
Thank you so, so much Raven, I’m so happy you enjoyed this post 😀
The Candid Cover says
Could you imagine if we all did every single thing on your list? I don’t think that I would have time for actual reading. I have drifted in and out of Instagram as well. It takes so much time, doesn’t it? I think that you have such a lovely blog. Thanks for this reality check. 😉
Marie says
Agree! There is just too much to do and if I did everything there, I don’t think I’d read much or…. would be able to handle other life’s responsibilities as well and work hahahaha 🙂
Thank you so, so much, you’re too sweet! <3 <3
Ellyn says
This was such a great post, it would be a really cool tag!
I feel like I was a “no” for most of these because I don’t read a lot of books, I don’t write many reviews and I don’t do bookstagram but I’m okay with that!
Great post! ??
Marie says
Aww thank you so much, I’m so happy you enjoyed it 😀
You’re definitely MORE than okay, you’re an awesome blogger ❤
Thank you!! ❤
Ellyn says
❤❤❤
Dezzy @ The Thoughtful Voice says
Love this post, Marie! You’re always so uplifting and inspiring, I love it ? (and I love your disclaimer at the beginning and throughout the post!) Omg haha I’m always so amazed at book bloggers who read 100-200 books a year; I could never do that! My Goodreads goal for this year is 40 books (and I’m at 38, so I’m almost there ?) and I know that’s not a lot at all. But it’s ok, I’ve read some pretty amazing books this year and that’s all that matters, right? ? And aww you’re doing great on Twitter, Marie, honestly ? I totally get you though about being overwhelmed! Social media is definitely a lot (or too much, sometimes) ? Oh and you DEFINITELY recommend the best books, Marie! I should know, since we love so many of the same books ?❤️ Great post as always!
Marie says
Oh Dezzy thank you so, so, so very much for your sweet words, this means a lot ❤
YAY! It’s so great you’re getting close to your goal! I’ve been reading more and more ever since I started book blogging (there are so many books haha), but still I know I couldn’t read 100 books a year at all, I just don’t have the time and reading speed and it’s okay, too 🙂 as long as we read amazing books, like you said 😀
Thank you so, so, so much, you’re a sweetheart ❤❤❤
Morgane @ Bookworms Eat Brains says
I must admit I generally do not read reviews on blogs. ? It’s why I decided to post my reviews (that are rather short anyway) exclusively on Goodreads and think of companion posts for my blog. So, that’s definitely not a criteria I meet! I’m also way too perfectionist for bookstagram. It was worst than a time-eater! I’m thinking about doing something else with my Instagram. I’d like to read more books and have gigantic, colour-coded bookshelves but it’s more because I’m a bookworm. ?
Marie says
Oh that’s interesting! Can I ask why you don’t read reviews on blogs? You’d rather read them exclusively on Goodreads? 🙂 I’m not judging at all, I’m just really curious about it 😀
I get that – I’m a bit of a perfectionist too and everything blogging makes me do… well it already takes so much time, I couldn’t add instagram to it haha 🙂
And YAY for color-coded bookshelves. I did that with my shelves at home and I love it ❤
Thank you so, so, much Morgane! 😀
Morgane @ Bookworms Eat Brains says
It isn’t classified so I can tell you! I like reading book reviews. It lets me know what someone else thinks about the book and it allowed me to talk about what I read sometimes. BUT! reviews on blogs are mostly of books that are barely even out in the world, it kinda eats my happiness to discover it on my own; they are also often long and detailed which is cool when you read the book, less when you didn’t. ? So, I’m sticking to mini-generic reviews when I can. ?
Marie says
Oooohhh okay! Thank you so much for letting me know, I was curious 🙂 I get that – it is a bit frustrating when you see reviews for books that aren’t out for months and months, it just makes you crave them even more sometimes haha 🙂
(also because I can’t help it, my reviews are spoiler free and I review books as close to the release date as I can, but that’s just me self-promoting my reviews sorry ??)
No but, more seriously, I get your point – long reviews are interesting too, but sometimes when you don’t want to know a whole lot, it’s better to stick to smaller ones 🙂
Thank you again for your answer! 😀
Morgane @ Bookworms Eat Brains says
I read your reviews actually! Thanks to your Eliza and her Monsters review, it’s waiting on my reading queue ( and desk. ) ?
Marie says
Awww this makes me so, so, very happy <3 <3
Lauren @ Wonderless Reviews says
I love this post, Marie ? You always think of such amazing ideas!!! I feel like I can be a totally blogging cliche at times especially when it comes to new releases and Twitter, but I definitely don’t review a lot of books or get a constant influx of book mail (unfortunately ?). When I first started blogging I went overboard with ARCs but now I’ll only request what I really need. Same as if I get asked to be part of a blog tour or whatever. I also don’t have Bookstagram and that is definitely one that I’ve felt at times like I’ve needed to have just because it seems to be such a huge part of the community, but like I quickly realised that whole thing is not for me and I’m much better at Twitter ?
Marie says
Ahh Lauren you’re too sweet, thank you so much ??
I get that feeling – I never really requested too many physical ARCs, because international blogger and all, but I did request a little bit on netgalley back when it wasn’t so restricted and… now I’d rather focus on the ones I’m really, REALLY excited for haha 🙂
I’m with you on instagram, I’m glad you’re feeling the same way! It seems like such a big part of it all, but I don’t know if it would be my scene ahah 🙂
thank you so much! ?
flippingthruthepages says
Loved this post, Marie 🙂 I was thinking about doing a post another day on the similar kind of topic. But I guess you have done it better than I could have ever done it 😛
I too am not a reader who reads every day, every single time of day or at every free time. yes, I do love reading but that’s not the only thing that I like. I have other things to do as well.
Now I feel like I am not that much interested in ARCs since the arcs situation got a bit out of my hand. I was constantly feeling pressured to read them and that was killing my mood. Nowadays I am trying to read whatever I feel like reading.
I love writing book reviews too, no matter how less popular they are. I love sharing my thoughts 🙂 I suck at readathons too especially if they are 24 or 48 hours long. I can’t read continuously for that long. I don’t know how people actually pull it off 😀
Well, I can’t argue about #bookstagram but I love being there and interacting with others and seeing beautiful pics. But yes, as you said, that’s a huge task in itself. So don’t feel bad about it 🙂
Marie says
Aww thank you Sim, well I guess great minds think alike 😀 you’re too sweet ?
I’m with you about that – sometimes I feel like I’m less of a bookworm because I’d rather not read every single day sometimes, but…. I mean, we’re still book lovers, as long as we read and love it!
Oh I understand your thoughts about ARCs – it is true that they bring on some kind of pressure and can take away the reading pleasure all together. It’s great to focus on books we’re really excited about and that are already released, too! ?
SAME! I have no idea how people pull it off either. reading for so many hours on end, I couldn’t haha 🙂
Thank you so, so much Sim ??
Ilsa @ A Whisper Of Ink says
Ooh I love this post, such a great idea! I feel like i used to quite a lot of these (hype up new releases, review a lot of books, get loads of bookmail, read LOADS of books) but I’ve definitely stopped doing a lot of those although I’ve never been too amazing at readathons aha. Considering most of these points, I don’t think that I am a cliche book blogger aha.
Marie says
Aww thank you, I’m so happy you enjoyed it! ?
I think what matters the most is that we take, in or outside of this list, the things we enjoy doing the most and just do them, because we should be happy bloggers 😀
Lauren Becker says
Fun post! I don’t get a ton of review books, so I kind of mix what I review – new and old. I like that type of reading anyway. And I read a lot in a year, but I’m not always the fastest reader, so I try not to think about the number too much. I do review books on the blog – but I focus on other types of posts too (I do more than just books, so that helps). I do some memes, mainly Top Ten Tuesday, but only every now and then. I don’t take part in a ton of blog tours because it’s too much pressure sometimes, and I don’t get invited to a ton that I’m all that interested in. It works well for me though. Basically, I’m a book blogger, but not your typical book blogger, and I’m okay with that. 🙂
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Marie says
Oh thank you so much Lauren, I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
I think it’s fantastic that you’re mixing things up with other kind of non-bookish posts! and it’s good to mix things up with your reviews, too, old and new books, that keeps it interesting 🙂
Thank you so much!! ?
Laura says
I was so sure upon reading the title of this blog post that I was going to be a huge book blogging cliche, but surprisingly I’m not! I don’t request ARCs (I’m a mood reader, so I don’t like feeling like I have to read anything in particular!), I don’t do memes, I don’t do blog tours or readathons… I do love bookstagram though, but my own account is kind of up and down, as I’ll get really into it for a while, and then not post for months.
Great post! 🙂
Marie says
Oh well I’m glad you were surprised 😀
I guess juggling with ARCs is hard when you’re a big mood reader, and the pressure that comes with it too isn’t fun, it’s nice to read whatever we want, whenever we want, too 🙂
Thank you so much Laura! ?
Gayathri Lakshminarayanan says
How do you even come with such spectacular posts? And no, I don’t fill most of the categories.
I don’t own a lot of books (at least right now), nor do I participate in blog tours or the ARC hypes. Just typing them makes me feel so lost.
But I like what I do, that is read books I like (mostly from the backlists), review if I want to, accept Indie review requests when I can, and talk about books I read with other readers. I am good with that.
Marie says
Ahhh what you’re too sweet, thank you so, so much ??
That’s awesome! I think what matters the most is that we all enjoy what we do, no matter how many criteria we might fill out, or not 🙂
chellesbookramblings says
This was one heck of a good post… and I guess I’m not quite a cliche since I “failed” at most of the prompts… Now I feel bad…LOL.. I don’t do Memes, or Blog Tours (quite frankly I don’t know how) I don’t receive ARCs (Sadly, because I woulkd love to) and my library isn’t physical but virtual (so that counts) I’m on Instagram but I suck at it…. So there you have it…
Marie says
Oh wow, thank you, you’re so sweet, that means a lot <3
You're NOT failing at all – this is not any kind of test to pass, we're all doing things differently and whether you meet all of the criteria or don't, that doesn't make you a great or a bad blogger at all. I think we're all doing our thing and I am absolutely certain you're doing great!! ? and don't give up on ARCs, I am certain you'll get there too <3
Thank you for your comment! <3
Melina Elisa says
I knew from the beginning that I wasn’t considered a book blogger, specifically because I only review books once a month, and sometimes not even that! I loved reading your responses though! Great post Marie xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Marie says
Aww thank you Melina, I’m glad you enjoyed it!! ? xxx
may says
I
LOVE
THIS
im so going to take this “quiz” this is too fun! the HYPE is always real. I’m gonna have to agree with the reviewing books, there’s just something really gratifying about putting all your thoughts and feelings down in a review and also promoting the book ofc.
you gif game is always so strong, sis teach us your skills. great post as always!! <3
Marie says
Ahhhh thank you you’re way too sweet ❤❤❤
I agree – I just really like writing reviews a whole lot, it makes me sad they’re not that popular, but… at least we’re doing a good thing for the book ahah and YES it feels gratifying, too, I agree!! ❤
Thank you!!
Evelina @ AvalinahsBooks says
I am so tired of hyping about new books! It’s… exhausting! I’ve decided I like my weird, obscure reads, whether new or old, and I just don’t hype anymore. It’s probably more of a newbie thing, I guess 🙂 you just get so drawn in by the beauty/sparkles/colors/WOW LOOKS AT THAT NEW RELEASE xD it’s so hard to get unhyped as well, haha.
I’ve actually stopped enjoying writing reviews so much. I’ve had ONE review on the blog in the past month 😀 and I’m happy about that. I also tried ONE blog tour and decided that they’re not for me. Wow, they are so stressful! Readathons are fun though. I guess since I use the kindle, there’s no shortage of books there xD
I also don’t like memes too much. Except for the Sunday post! I just love that one. It’s sometimes the content I enjoy the most on my blog, haha. And I can relate to feeling bad about bookstagram. I have one, but I’m always feeling bad about it xD I do enjoy my Twitter though. Twitter is fun most of the time for me.
Great post!
Marie says
I get that -it is hard to stop once you start and there’s something so exciting about brand new books. Personally, feeling a small part of it all by promoting a new book will never get old, even if sometimes we all need small breaks 🙂
Oh I think it’s so great you found a meme you really like! 🙂 and I think what matters is that you find the kind of social media you enjoy the most 🙂
Thank you so much! <3
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
This is SO FUN hahahha. I actually do almost all of these, so YEP one big old cliché and I am very okay with it hah. I do all of these things really except Readathons. I have done one or two, but just to join cause I like the sound of them/the other activities, not because I can actually participate. And Instagram… well I generally hate it, but I do it every so often, mostly out of feelings of obligation. So I guess I do wish I felt less of the obligation? But everything else, like I said, bring on the clichés ?
Marie says
Ahahah well I’m glad you could relate to a lot of these things! I get what you mean about feeling the obligation, at times, we can’t really help it but feel like we have to be part of certain things to be in the community, too.
Thank you so, so much Shannon!! <3
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
Oh, I’m a book blogging cliche and proud of it! 🙂
Marie says
YAY!! That’s great!! 😀
Sophie Li says
Hello Marie!!!
Love this post! I wasn’t sure what was a “book blogging cliche” until I read this post, but everything on your list makes sense and I can see these aspects in my blog and many of the blogs that I follow.
My Goodreads goal each year tend to be around 50 books, which doesn’t seem a lot compared to a lot of the other book bloggers out there. However it is HUGE compared to what I was reading before! (I used to be proud when I read 12 books a year….. hahahaha :D)
I also can’t help but tell everyone about the books that I love (on WordPress as well as in real life!) I am also finding instagram difficult because I don’t own many books as physical copies or have time to take pretty photos. However I am trying to (very slowly) get into the Twitter community 🙂 Great post <3
Marie says
Hi Sophie!! <3
OH thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed this post! <3
I'm with you about the goodreads goal: I am reading SO much more than I used to before and I feel so proud about that now 😀
I understand – instagram is complicated, especially when you don't have a lot of physical copies :/
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Sophie!! <3
Olivia-Savannah says
I do 7 of the 10! So I’ll talk about the ones I don’t do. I don’t do the ARCs and new releases. I do like reading the occasional one, but truth be told I can’t keep up and can’t be bothered to. I’m actually also really happy reading backlist titles. So many great books published before I was born as well as while I am alive but not this year! I want to read them all. I sorta do blog tours. Only once in a while and even then I only do review posts for the tour. If it’s not a review tour, I don’t join in. Sorry not sorry but I love writing reviews xD
Marie says
Oh I get that – it is SO hard to keep up with all the new releases, there are too many haha. And there are some awesome books already released, waiting to be read, too! ❤
I understand your thoughts about that, too, I’m the same way – I prefer writing a review, because the other kind of blog tour posts don’t interest me that much 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment Olivia!! ❤
Charvi says
I meet a few but not all criteria(glad to know)
Some of it is because I’m still a relatively new blogger and some of it I’m genuinely not interested in doing. Great post! ?
Marie says
Well, you don’t have to do everything anyway – I think that what matters the most is that you do what you love and want to do the most 😀
Thank you for your sweet comment Charvi!! ❤
callista83 says
I’ve been book blogging for 15 years and I’ve evolved multiple times over those years. I’ve done most of the things you mentioned (well Instagram and twitter wasn’t around when I started but I’m on them now) but not always at the same times. I only do book tours if I’m reviewing the book. I have no interest in author interviews or posting book covers only or things like that. I get lots of books from publishers and authors to review but very few of them are ARCs and some of them are even older books. As you said, there is no right or wrong way to book blog.
Marie says
Wow, it’s incredible that you have been blogging for so long, I admire that so much! 😀
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic!! 😀
Caro @ bookcheshirecat says
Oh this was such a great, fun post Marie! ? I’m totally a blogging cliché in many ways ? Especially with my obsession for all book tags, book memes and Readathons, I just love them so much and can never stop myself from joining in ? Something I have never gotten into is bookstagram as well, I admire anyone who does it, but I can’t seem to find the energy to invest my time into it, as I already have hands full with my blog.
Marie says
I always admire all of the readathons you’re taking part in, Caro, I find that amazing! 😀
I get that, I can’t find the energy to invest in instagram even if I wanted to, I’d rather focus on my blog. We can’t do it all, can we, haha ❤
Thank you so much!! ❤
Olivia @ Purely Olivia says
Ahh, Marie, this post is so creative and just overall lovely.?The part about hyping up new releases is so interesting! I’m conflicted, too- I haven’t joined Netgalley/Edelweiss to request ARCs, and part of me wants to but part of me also just wants to talk about Harry Potter for eternity.?I also have never done a readathon! I just don’t like feeling forced to read and I feel like it would stress me out, haha, which is the last thing I want when I’m reading. And I also don’t participate in the memes- mostly because I only post once a week, so when I do post, I want it to be something I planned out and came up with, if that makes sense. I have recently joined bookstagram, but I haven’t, and don’t have plans to, join book twitter. It looks like a lot of fun, but I just don’t have the time. XD
Marie says
ohh thank you so much, you’re too sweet! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! ?
Ahah I get that – and readathons and ARCs can be stressful at times, they’re not for everyone, that’s for sure. I prefer to read and to feel… well, a bit less stressed out hahaha 🙂
I get that, we can’t do it all, can we? You’re doing an amazing work on instagram though, so exciting to see your pictures on here, yay! ?
Thank you so much!! <3
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
Love this post Marie!! I love how you framed it out with a normally perceived negative word… cliche! I agree that it is generally seen as being a bad thing but it really isn’t one. I recently started bookstagram and its been fun but stressful. If you don’t enjoy taking pictures then I wouldn’t do it. I’m blessed with a friend who has an excellent eye who helps me otherwise i couldn’t get up the energy to do it. ❤️
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Dani! I’m so happy you liked it ❤
I’m so happy to hear that and I hope that you’ll keep on having fun while bookstagramming, don’t let the stress get to you, and, if it does, breaks are good, too ❤ you can do this ❤
Ivyclad Ideas says
I love book blogging memes, but I only participate in them when I like the prompt or the topic. I can’t make myself do them every week, especially TTT as Tuesday is usually my discussion day. Of course, if I can’t think of any discussions TTT becomes a lifesaver. :’)
I took part in a readathon, decided I didn’t like the pressure to keep reading even if I wanted to do something else, then ran a readathon on VERY short notice, and remembered that I do not like readathon pressure.
I don’t put in for ARCs and I’m not really sure what you mean by bookmail, but I’m pretty sure I don’t get that either. I do own A LOT of books though.
I was reading more than 100 books a year, but this year I’ve cut my Goodreads’ Goal down to 75. I don’t think I read a lot in comparison to some other book bloggers. :’)
Marie says
Oh I get that, memes and TTT are the best when you’re not feeling too inspired 😀
I’m glad I’m not the only one not made for the readathon pressure, haha, I just can’t handle it.
What I mean by, bookmail, is receiving books at home, whether they’re from publishers or from books you’ve ordered yourself 🙂
I think it’s incredible that you manage to read 100 books a year! I wish I could read that much 😀
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic!! ❤
Beware Of The Reader says
Hahaha I checked 9 out of 10 so I think I fit the bill 😉
Marie says
Yay haha mission accomplished 😉
theorangutanlibrarian says
Yeah I agree that it’s all good as long as we read and enjoy books 🙂 hehehe you definitely recommend fantastic books! Love this post! 😀 Really fun to do it! <3
Marie says
Awww thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed it 😀 <3
Alyssa says
I got 7/10!!! Perhaps I am cliche??? I dunno. Regardless, I am fabulous, haha. Seriously, though, this was super fun!!!! I’m actually surprised at my high number! ?
Marie says
Ahah yes, you ARE fabulous indeed and you do SO much, that’s amazing! 😀
Ilsa @ A Whisper Of Ink says
I don’t do readathons or reading challenges, or own lots of books, or have a great bookstagram, or participate in book memes…SO I MEAN. I own quite a few books but definitely not overflowing bookshelves and this year I’ve definitely cut down on book mail so I can focus on unread books I own! I don’t even have a Goodreads now! So I feel like a lot less of a book blogger than before?? which feels strange. I write reviews, but I’m not reading A LOT I don’t think (but Idk what you count as a lot tbh??) And i think you recommend very good books okay Marie!! you’re a queen and can do nothing wrong!!
Marie says
I feel like it’s so strange when we start comparing ourselves to other bookworms and bloggers, because sometimes we feel like something’s missing… when we don’t have as many books, don’t update goodreads or even have goodreads or don’t read a ton of books either. But that doesn’t make us any less of a book blogger. If you ask me, as long as we’re passionate about books, that’s what mattters 🙂
Awwwww you’re way too sweet!! <3 <3
Tree and Bree says
this is such a fun post! I definitely am a few of these!
xx, tree
Marie says
Thank you so much, I’m so happy you enjoyed it!! 🙂
Marta says
Got 3/10! Not a blogging cliché, but everyone does it differently, so it’s okay!! 😀 I actually love to participate in readathons, but most times I don’t have the books to fill in the categories, so I do so rarely. And yes, you do recommend awesome books!! I wish I had the time to read everything haha
Marie says
Oh I get that – I feel like readathons could be a lot of fun, sometimes, but I never have the right books at my disposal and with no library and not an unlimited budget, it’s hard to get them all haha 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Marta! <3 <3