the third annual 2019 book blogger awards featured imageThe Third Annual 2019 Book Blogger Awards // In Which I Transmute Myself Into A Big Puddle of Emotions
the bibliosmile project featured imageThank You, Books // A Bibliosmile Guest Post by Alys
the bibliosmile project featured image
Published On: July 26, 2019Categories: Random WafflingsTags: 48 Comments

About the Project

There is a lot of negativity out there in the world – I’ve seen it, experienced it, and drowned in it. I’m sure we all have, to some degree. The world can be a toxic place, and according to some online articles, the bookish community is another one of those said unhealthy spaces.

Maybe there’s some truth to that; maybe this blogging sphere can be toxic. I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, that hasn’t been the case. Instead, my experience has been filled with overwhelming support, kindness – and most importantly – smiles. I’m talking about the kind of smiles that reach from ear to ear, that come at the end of a long day, and that come exactly at the right moment. To me, that is what books (and this community) is all about. They are instant smiles tucked lovingly away between worn pages, beautiful words, and blog comments.

How happy books (and all of you) make me feel.

Like I said, there is a lot of negativity out there in the world, but in my own little way, I want to do something to combat that. I want to bottle up all the laughter – all the unadulterated joy – that books have brought me, and then pass that on to you. We need more positive vibes out there and so, with this in mind, I dreamed up The Bibliosmile Project.

LET’S SHARE ALL THE POSITIVE VIBES

The Bibliosmile Project aims to spotlight how books (+ the bookish community), has brought smiles, happiness, and positivity into our lives. Through an ongoing series of guest posts here on Novels & Waffles, different readers will kindly share with us their stories of bookish happiness, excitement, and joy. They will tell how reading and book blogging has brought smiles to their faces, and hopefully, that will bring one to yours as well!

There’s a lot of negativity out there in the world, so let’s put some positivity back into it!

I created The Bibliosmile Project to promote happiness, smiles, and positivity!

My Bibliosmile Story

It’s only fitting that I kick off The Bibliosmile Project by sharing my own story. So here we go.

(CW: I talk about my depression and PPD below, but don’t worry, it ends on a happy note.)

When I gave birth to my son, I was living in the Middle-Of-Nowhere, Japan. It’s a real place; look it up. (WAIT NO – COME BACK! DON’T ACTUALLY GO AND LOOK IT UP. I CONFESS; I LIED ABOUT THE NAME.)

Actual footage of me living in Middle-Of-Nowhere, Japan

Located up the side of an old snowy mountain, the place my little family and I called home was a small ski resort town that moonlighted as a ghost town in the off season. It got so empty during the summer, I easily could go days on end without seeing anyone besides my husband, my infant son, and a few wild monkeys. (Yes, you read that right. Wild monkeys. I’m not lying to you about this one, I promise).

In fact, the town was so deserted, if one of those silly cartoon tumbleweeds blew through the streets, I wouldn’t have been the least bit surprised.

How deserted my little Japanese town felt sometimes.

Although I loved how serene it all was (JAPAN !!! SCENIC LITTLE MOUNTAIN TOWN!! SNOW !!! ) I didn’t love some things about it as well. One of those things was how isolated I felt. Flustered and frustrated with the newness of motherhood (in fact, I still get flustered and frustrated about being a mom…I guess that part never fully goes away), I found myself quickly falling into a bad mental space. I lost something very important to me, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get it back. That thing was my smile.

Although I had every reason in the world to be happy – I had a healthy baby boy in my arms and a doting husband by my side – I just couldn’t seem to manage it. Every morning, I would gaze hollowly into the mirror and try to muster up enough strength to produce a convincing smile, because fake it till you make it and all that, right? But even if I’d been gifted with Superman’s superhuman strength, I doubt I could’ve pulled it off. I was Clark Kent carrying Kryptonite around in a back pocket; every moment hurt and every second was numbing pain.

Me trying to smile a real smile, and desperately failing.

Then one day, I had a Sir-Issac-Newton-level epiphany, and no, it had nothing to do with gravity. What I realized (sans the falling fruit) was this: I still had my old library card number memorized. I went to the library so often growing up (yeah, I was that kid – you know, the one who begged her parents to take her to the library instead of to the movies or a friend’s house) that the numbers were still carved into the walls of my brain like bathroom graffiti.

I hadn’t read a book for pleasure in years – there simply hadn’t been time in college and now that I lived in Nowheresville, Japan, I hadn’t thought it was even an option. But as I booted up my computer, a rare bit of hope filtered into my chest, and the familiar sound of my Macbook’s startup chime sounded for all the world like the celestial bells of Heaven itself. A few clicks and a couple of Google searches later, everything had changed. I had logged into my childhood library account, and had logged out of my all-consuming loneliness.

Suddenly, I had thousands of free English ebooks and audiobooks available at my fingertips. Suddenly, I wasn’t only surrounded by poopy diapers, snowy ghost towns, and mirrors filled with empty smiles. Suddenly, I was also surrounded by magical worlds full of possibility, fictional characters who were perfectly imperfect, and mythical creatures that sparked the imagination. And for the first time in forever, I was able to smile. Really, truly smile.

Actual footage of me singing about how books helped me to find my smile again.

Don’t get me wrong, everything didn’t magically get better in a single instant, but reading helped me start making the changes that I needed. It helped me to look in the mirror and smile for real; it gave me the strength to take that kryptonite out of my pocket and toss it out the window.

When I was in a dark pit of despair, books lowered down a ladder and reached out a hand, beckoning me to climb out. They kept me company when I was the most alone I’d ever felt. They put a smile on my face when I found it difficult to do so on my own. Books helped me to smile back then, and they keep helping me to smile now.

😊 How Can I Participate? 😊

If you’re interested in writing a guest post as part of The Bibliosmile Project, then please contact me at my email, [email protected]. I created The Bibliosmile Project to promote happiness, smiles, and positivity, so let’s share our stories of bookish joy with the world!

What do you think of The Bibliosmile Project?

How have books helped you to keep smiling?

What is something that makes you smile?

48 Comments

  1. Jai Lynn July 26, 2019 at 9:51 pm - Reply

    Wow this is a great idea!! :) Through my whole life whenever I was lonely or afraid I always turned to my books. They got me through so many sad times, so many frightening times, and so many beautifully heartbreaking times too. They are the best friends who will always be there for you no matter what. Thanks for sharing your story Kat. <3

  2. Sophie @ Me and Ink July 26, 2019 at 11:04 pm - Reply

    Ahh… This is an amazing project!! It is such a lovely thing to do to prompt happiness and positivity in book community — we don’t deserve you, you are too kind!! 💛
    I’m so excited to read all these posts and thank you so much for sharing you story. It makes me so happy to think that books have helped you like this!! I agree that books can make you smile and feel less alone!! They are amazing!!
    Lovely post!! 💛💛

    • Fanna July 27, 2019 at 1:40 am - Reply

      Ahh, this sounds like the sweetest idea ever! Reading and books must have brought so many positive vibes to so many readers, I can’t wait to read all those stories 💕

  3. shri July 26, 2019 at 11:07 pm - Reply

    THIS IS SUCH A CUTE IDEA!!! your story is really heartwarming and i love the fact that you’re turning it into an initiative!!

  4. Nish and Ngoc July 26, 2019 at 11:22 pm - Reply

    Kat this is absolutely beautiful! 😭❤️ I’ve honestly never found the book community to be anything other than warm, welcoming and friendly but you have just added an extra dimension of syrupy sweetness (see what I did there? 😏) to it & honestly I love it so much! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, I’m sure that can’t have been easy ❤️

    – Ngoc

  5. Never Not Reading July 26, 2019 at 11:29 pm - Reply

    Oh, what a fantastic idea! I love this blogging community, and agree that on the whole it’s such a supportive, happy place. (I avoid Twitter like the plague…) I’m really looking forward to reading these posts. :)

  6. Malka @ Paper Procrastinators July 27, 2019 at 1:58 am - Reply

    I absolutely love the idea of this project and can’t wait to hear more stories! What I find most interesting about your story is that most people view reading as an isolated activity, not realizing how much joy and connection reading can bring us during times when we’re isolated!

  7. Holly July 27, 2019 at 2:27 am - Reply

    Absolutely love this idea!! Thank you so much for sharing your story <3

  8. Becca Leighanne (Bex) July 27, 2019 at 2:32 am - Reply

    This is such an AMAZING idea, I absolutely love it! <3 We could always use more positivity in this world!!

  9. Marie July 27, 2019 at 2:50 am - Reply

    You already know I adore that idea, Kat and I can’t wait to see it coming to life, thank you SO much for putting all of this together <3 <3 <3

  10. Abi @ Scribbles and Stories July 27, 2019 at 7:01 am - Reply

    This is such a wonderful project! I can’t wait to read everyone’s stories of how reading has made them happy. I definitely remember how rediscovering reading after a hard time felt – it was like coming home and finding myself again. Then I discovered this wonderful community! You were actually one of the people who commented on my very first blog post, I’m forever grateful for that ❤️

  11. Olivia @ Purely Olivia July 27, 2019 at 8:51 am - Reply

    Oh my gosh, this project is such a phenomenal idea! I truly can’t wait to read more installments of this, and I think it’s amazing that you put this together.💛Thank you for sharing your story, and I can’t wait to watch more positivity + book joy be spread!☺️

  12. trufflereads July 27, 2019 at 10:59 am - Reply

    I can’t wait to be a part of this project and I’m so happy that it’s now easier for you to smile :) I want to make you smile even more <3

  13. Emma @ AFCTL July 27, 2019 at 2:23 pm - Reply

    This is such an amazing idea!
    Thank you for sharing your story with us! It must have been hard to do, but it was amazing to see how you found your life slowly getting lighter through books!
    – Emma :)

  14. Caitlin @ Caitlin Althea July 28, 2019 at 12:56 am - Reply

    Yes, Kat!! I’m so excited to be a part of this project! And I’m so happy that you shared your story with us because it’ so inspiring. this idea is just amazing, and I’m so excited to see everyone’s guest posts!

  15. Dani @ Perspective of a Writer July 28, 2019 at 3:41 am - Reply

    It’s so amazing how books can take us to new places and give us a sense that we just experienced something wonderful! Thanks for sharing your story Kat, and I’m so glad you were able to climb out of your pit through books! This is such a neat initiative!! ❤️❤️❤️

  16. Caro @ bookcheshirecat July 28, 2019 at 4:25 am - Reply

    Oh this is such a fantastic project! 😍 I love that you’re giving an opportunity to talk about happy memories with books and how they have helped you, that’s so great :) I’ll definitely be brainstorming for myself a bit, because I loved the story that you shared with us ❤

  17. rabbitearsblog July 28, 2019 at 7:07 am - Reply

    I love this idea! You’re right! There is a lot of negativity going on in the world. Let’s brighten this up!

  18. Macey Gloria July 28, 2019 at 7:54 am - Reply

    I adore the idea behind this project; it’s brilliant!! I loved hearing your story, especially since I’m still a newer reader of yours. It is so incredibly wonderful how powerful a story can be–they transport you away from the present and into a whole new world. I’m so excited to hear from others throughout this project; thanks for spreading so much joy & positivity to this community <3

    twinklexthoughts.blogspot.com

  19. Dani's Bulletin Board #29 - Week of July 21st-27th - Perspective of a Writer July 28, 2019 at 2:02 pm - Reply

    […] …shares Introducing The Bibliosmile Project. First she shares her own story of how books brought smiles back into her life. Then she proposes a guest post opportunity for you to share your own stories! Such a great idea. How do books makes you smile? […]

  20. kozbisa July 28, 2019 at 10:19 pm - Reply

    This is so wonderful! Yes, we need more of this!!! And, it’s super impressive, that you could remember your library card number. I am still struggling with my new cell phone number, and it’s only 3 more than the perfect memory “chunk”.

  21. Cailin @ Rose Petal Pages July 28, 2019 at 11:50 pm - Reply

    Aw I think this is such a wonderful idea! I love how you’re spreading so much positivity to the rest of the book community and bringing us back to why we all love books + reading. <3

  22. […] Horror Fiction partnered up to create the LOHF Writer’s Grant!Kat from Novels & Waffles introduces us to the Bibliosmile Project; check out her post to see how you can spread positivity &a…!Noura from The Perks of Being Noura shares a printable review copy tracker!Avalinah tells us some […]

  23. Mandy @ Book Princess Reviews July 29, 2019 at 10:48 am - Reply

    Omigosh, this is an amazing project. Thank you so much for sharing your story and creating something that will bring something bright and light to the bookish community. I love this concept so much, and I’m super excited to see where it goes!! Books really have changed so much in our lives, and I’ve definitely had a change in realizing that loneliness can take a backseat sometimes with a good book to escape into. Wonderful post! :)

  24. Crystal @ Lost in Storyland July 29, 2019 at 10:42 pm - Reply

    This is a fantastic initiative, Kat. Thanks so much for sharing your story and for starting this project. I look forward to hearing from other readers! :)

  25. […] a smile to their faces, it will bring one to yours as well. You can read more about this series in my introduction and catch up on previous guest posts […]

  26. […] Kat @ Novels and Waffles kicks off the Bibliosmile Project! […]

  27. […] Introducing The Bibliosmile Project (Kat ⛱ novelsandwaffles) […]

  28. […] @ Novels and Waffles introduced the Bibliosmile project, which is an absolutely amazing initiative I highly encourage you all to check […]

  29. […] you heard about the Bibliosmile Project? Kat from Novels & Waffles started an amazing initiative to share our love for books and our […]

  30. theorangutanlibrarian August 5, 2019 at 12:33 am - Reply

    What a lovely idea and thank you for sharing your story!

  31. […] Post: INTRODUCING THE BIBLIOSMILE PROJECT […]

  32. […] @ Novels And Waffles began her series ‘The Bibliosmile Project‘ talking about the positive impacts of books and spreading lots of smiles which sounds […]

  33. […] @ Novels & Waffles introduced The BiblioSmile Project which is honestly the most wholesome thing since Tom Holland graced our screens. Side note […]

  34. […] a smile to their faces, it will bring one to yours as well. You can read more about this series in my introduction and catch up on previous guest posts […]

  35. may August 8, 2019 at 1:45 am - Reply

    this is the sweetest, most adorable bibliosmile story i’ve ever heard 😭😭 i always knew memorizing library cards would be a secret power. i absolutely adore this project you created and i cant wait to read more of these sweet stories

    also, something that makes me smile??? hmmmm,,,,,,,your blog 😉😘

  36. Hunida August 9, 2019 at 6:54 am - Reply

    What a cute & inspiring project, Kat!! Thanks for sharing your story with us. I can’t believe you remembered library card number!!

  37. Becky (Blogs of a Bookaholic) August 10, 2019 at 12:40 am - Reply

    This is honestly such a wonderful and inspiring post, Kat. Thank you SO much for sharing your story and experiences. It’s so lovely to hear that reading has been such a positive force in your life! <3

  38. […] a smile to their faces, it will bring one to yours as well. You can read more about this series in my introduction and catch up on previous guest posts […]

  39. Zoe's Library August 14, 2019 at 6:00 am - Reply

    Hi! I just found your blog, and WOW it is so gorgeous! I love this project you are doing so much, I can definitely relate to your story. Books have gave me so much strength during hard times. Keep being awesome!

  40. […] a smile to their faces, it will bring one to yours as well. You can read more about this series in my introduction and catch up on previous guest posts […]

  41. Kal @ Reader Voracious August 21, 2019 at 8:29 am - Reply

    Thank you so much for sharing your story and creating this project to spread some bookish smiles into the world!

  42. […] a smile to their faces, it will bring one to yours as well. You can read more about this series in my introduction and catch up on previous guest posts […]

  43. […] a smile to their faces, it will bring one to yours as well. You can read more about this series in my introduction and catch up on previous guest posts […]

  44. […] a smile to their faces, it will bring one to yours as well. You can read more about this series in my introduction and catch up on previous guest posts […]

  45. […] Kat @ Novels and Waffles started a really sweet endeavor called the Bibliosmile Project. […]

  46. […] much-needed positivity, joy, and bring a smile to your face. You can read more about this series in my introduction post where things get personal and you can catch up on previous guest posts […]

  47. […] much-needed positivity, joy, and bring a smile to your face. You can read more about this series in my introduction and catch up on previous guest posts […]

Write Your Waffling

HIYA, I’M KAT!

Trending Posts

01

02

03

JOIN THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Get exclusive updates, guides, templates, and more delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGN ME UP!

Keep Reading