When May @ Forever and Everly announced The Third Annual 2019 Book Blogger Awards, I was Hermione-in-a-gigantic-library level excited about it.
From the very beginning, one of my favorite things about being a book blogger has been all the support, love, and kindness that people have shown me. It has meant and continues to mean more than I’ve ever adequately been able to articulate using the limited construct of the written word (wow that sentence was a mouthful). BUT I hope that this post conveys (at least a little bit) of my gratitude, my awe, and my complete admiration to all of you wonderful bloggers out there.
So, this post is for the lovely people I’ve listed below, and for the ones that I’ve inevitably forgotten (because I just KNOW that I’ve forgotten somebody). This is for those of you who have made me laugh. For those who have supported me. For those who have inspired me and filled me with courage. On your darkest days, or better yet, everyday – please remember that one inconsequential, waffle-loving Ginger (that’s me btw) thinks that you are amazing. That you are a winner. That you are her hero.
BEST OF THEIR AGE
Best Pre-Teen/Teen Book Blogger (13-19)
Vicky @ Vicky Who Reads was one of the first book blogs I ever stumbled upon, and for good reason. She is a LITERAL QUEEN. Not only is her blog design on fire (I mean, just look at how cute her little logo is with all those pink flowers and gold lettering *starts to drool*), but she is total blogging #goals. She writes great reviews, spotlights diverse books, discusses hard topics in articulate and educated ways, and is super involved in the community. 10/10 would recommend.
Best Adult Book Blogger (20+)
CW, Joce, + Stella @ The Quiet Pond took the book blogging world by storm last October, when CW first introduced us all to the most magical of magical places: The Quiet Pond. Described as a “book blog with a narrative,” CW created something truly unique when she combined books with RPGs, cute animals (if you don’t love Xiaolong more than your very life, then we can no longer be friends), and even cuter art. CW, Joce, and Stella are all amazing beyond words and I am always excited to take a trip to see my beloved pond friends.
BEST GENRE BLOGGERS
Young Adult
May @ My 1st Chapter is an utter gem and I might as well start selling merch with the words, “MAY’S NUMBER ONE FAN” plastered all over it because I’LL EAT HER UP, I LOVE HER SO. (Yes, that’s a Where the Wild Things Are reference for ya…Folks, this is what happens when you have a two-year-old with a very limited reading repertoire.) In any case, not only does May blog like a champ, but she’s a freaking Goodreads Goddess, and I aspire to be as active on my Goodreads account as she is (or even a fraction as hilarious. Her jokes = 👍👍).
Middle Grade or Younger
Mandy + Sha @ Book Princess Reviews have so many Disney references cleverly scattered around their website, and it sets my inner Disnerd singing and my hands reaching for a pair of Mouse ears (and a crown, of course). Their creativity, their ingenuity, their dedication to posting daily – it’s (dare I say it) supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Every time I visit their blog, I feel like I must be getting sprinkled with fairy dust because it’s just all so magical.
New Adult / General Adult
The Orangutan Librarian is one of the most creative blogs I have ever had the pleasure of stumbling upon, and every time I visit, I come away humming, “I Wanna Be Like You,” from Disneys’ The Jungle Book. But seriously, I do wanna be more like this wonderful blog! Not only are all the orangutan illustrations a whole MOOD unto themselves, but the content is creative and utterly delightful!
Romance
Mel @ Mel to the Any is a staple of this community and just SO. DANG. NICE. She is enthusiastic about what she does, and her love of reading shines through in every article she posts. Not only that, but she does an excellent job including a very detailed Content + Trigger Warnings section in all her reviews, and I honestly look up to her so much for this.
Science Fiction / Fantasy
Rain @ Book Dragonism makes me want to unleash my inner dragon and go on a roaring bookish rampage across all the known realms because her fantasy reviews are always on fire 🔥🔥🔥 Plus, she always is in the know about the latest + greatest YA Fantasy novels. As somebody who is complete Fantasy Trash™, her blog is indispensable for my TBR (and also a fiend towards it).
BEST OF BOOK BLOGGING
Best Book Reviews
Kaleena @ Reader Voracious writes the best reviews, hands down. She articulates her thoughts clearly, distinctly, and fairly. Basically, her reviews could step on my face and I would thank them for it. Might I also note that Kal works her darnedest (is that even a word people say anymore??) to spotlight international bloggers, and as an international blogger myself, I weep tears of unending gratitude for that. This gal is basically my idol and a giant role model for book bloggers everywhere.
Best Book Recommendations
Malanie @ Malanie Loves Fiction has a seriously bad influence on my TBR (not that I’m complaining). Every time I visit her blog, my TBR goes on strike because I inevitably add at least a hundred and one books to it. She talks about each book with such excitement and energy, that I can’t help but get excited and energized about it too.
Best Discussion Posts
Ilsa @ A Whisper Of Ink creates such thought-provoking discussion posts, and I think the reason I like them so much is that she is genuine while writing them. She readily shares her honest feelings, and that really speaks to me. Her words always get me to think deeply about myself, my blog, and the content I create.
Best Blog Aesthetic
Tiffany @ Read by Tiffany recently went self-hosted, and although her blog was uber cute before, it is baby-hedgehog-in-a-sweatervest adorable now. The pastel pinks! The cherry blossoms! The aesthetically-pleasing photography! Oh my! I could literally stare at her blog all day and not get tired. In fact, it would probably heal my horrible eyesight (it’s just THAT good).
Best Blogging/Writing Voice
Cait @ Paper Fury is a legend. A LEGEND, I SAY. That’s it. I don’t need to say anything else because you all probably already know how amazing Cait is. We all aspire to her greatness. True fact.
Julianna @ Paper Blots has the most hilariously hilarious posts, so much so that I always have to wait to read her updates until I get home. Why? Because otherwise I would be cackling out loud like an old crone on the train and everybody would think I was some sort of WEIRDO™ (whether or not I actually am is up for debate). But I digress. Ju is great. End of story.
MISCELLANEOUS
Most Engaged in the Community
May @ Forever and Everly is the wonderful mastermind behind [resurrecting] the Book Blogger Awards and I honestly think that speaks for itself. But if you need more convincing (which you really shouldn’t, because May is a cherry and a half…that’s a good thing btw), then let me just say that she truly loves this community and wants to support everyone. She is a mango angel and I could spout her praises for approximately 366 days.
Best Social Media Influencer
Jen @ Pop! Goes the Reader is one of my blogging idols. Not only does her blog make me weep heart eye emojis (VICKI SIGH’S ART IS TO DIE FOR), but she does such a wonderful job working with authors, spotlighting cover designers/illustrators, and just basically being a positive influence all around.
Best Personality
Lily @ Sprinkle of Dreams is a ray of sunshine. She is a diamond in the rough. She is the sweetest thing to bless this planet since the invention of ice-cream. Okay, enough with my horribly trite metaphors. IN ANY CASE, Lily is really such a kind, lovely, and wonderful person. Every time I interacted with her, I come away with a smile on my face and my heart a little bit lighter. Thank you Lily, for being so sweet and uplifting!
Friendliest Member of the Community
Kelly @ Another Book In The Wall was one of the very first people I really interacted with on my blog, and to this day, she remains one of the most friendly and supportive bloggers I have ever talked to! She is great at boosting other people’s content and always has positive things to say. When I saw this category, I immediately knew that Kelly was the person I wanted to nominate for it.
Best at Promoting Diverse Books
Shealea @ Shut Up, Shealea is one hard-working cookie, and I don’t know how she does it all. She must have a time-turner or something, because this lady is pure magic when it comes to advocating for diversity. Between co-hosting the Year of the Asian Reading Challenge, being the mastermind behind the Asian Book Bloggers Directory, and running Augvocacy, Shealea is, without a doubt, an inspiration to us all.
MOST IMPORTANTLY
Best New Book Blogger
(started blog after August 2018)
I stumbled upon Caitlin @ Caitlin Althea just recently, and let me just take this moment to scream into the void about HOW GREAT CAITLIN IS. She leaves the funniest, most uplifting comments. She writes entertaining, in-depth reviews. Her blogging game is on point. Basically, if you aren’t already following her, GO DO SO FORTHWITH.
Best Small Book Blogger
(under 1,000 followers)
Tracy @ Truffle’s Literary Wonders not only has a website that makes me drool like a two-year-old whenever I visit (and believe me, I know a thing or two about toddler drool. #themommylife), but she is a radiant individual that I love talking to! Tracy writes the best tutorials and is my go-to-gal for anything and everything related to graphic design/CSS/HTML. She deserves a large stack of waffles, and all the good things this world has to offer (which some could debate are one and the same haha).
Olivia @ Purely Olivia is a fellow Hufflepuff (WOOT WOOT BADGER PRIDE 4EVA) and I adore her soft blog so much. Whenever I read one of Olivia’s posts, my heart sings a few refrains of that happy song by Pharrell Williams. (Don’t ask me about the semantics of how a heart can sing when it has no lips – it just happens, okay???) Basically, what I’m trying to say here is that Olivia and her blog are so positive, so happy, that I can’t help but smile whenever I stop by.
Best Overall Book Blogger
Marie + Nyx @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books are basically my queens – no, no, no, my EMPRESSES – and have been my blogging inspirations since the very beginning. I think that if I was cursed by an evil witch, their blog would be able to break the spell, because it quite possibly is my one true love. Marie + Nyx are a light in this community and I’m so thankful everyday for all that they both do. Seriously, they are magic.
Have you written a nomination post for the Third Annual Book Blogger Awards? Was it SUPER difficult to do, or am I the only one who struggled?
Who are some of your biggest blogging inspirations?
Please share with me your favorite book bloggers in the comments! I’m always looking for more bookish friends 💛
I’m so honoured to be included here amongst these amazing voices 😭💛thank you!!
Of course! 💛You deserve it 1,001%
I am so freakin HONOURED AHHH TYSM KAT ilysm and can’t express how happy I am that we met and we’re friends and omg your blog is too adorable ❤️❤️
OF COURSE!! YOU DESERVE IT SO MUCH! 💛💛 I’m so glad we met too, and I’m sorry that I’m trash at messaging you back on Instagram! I still love you, promise! hahaha
Naww sorry that i’m bad at messenging back too!!! THANK YOU <3 <3 <3 love you heaps!
AAAAHHH EXCUSE ME WHILE I FLAIL AND CRY IN THE CORNER. Thank you so much for nominating me! This means a lot especially because it’s coming from you—the blog graphics queen. So many legendary bloggers in this post too. It’s an honor to be part of this list 💖💕
I’M A QUEEN OF SOMETHING????? WOW WOW WOW 💛 And of course – you’re so great, and totally deserve all the nice things this world has to offer :)
I loved reading your nominees! There are so many wonderful bloggers out there!
Thank you so much! 💛 I agree, the world has so many wonderful bloggers!
ahhhhh, thank you so much, Kat! words can’t express how grateful I am that you thought of me for your nominations 😭😭 I could literally just read your posts forever, and wow I thought that I couldn’t express my love for my faves, but somehow you were able to capture it here? i love all of these people as well, but I got to follow some brand new ones, so thank you for that! Also, my comments are only amazing because your posts are so amazing that I just have to leave a response worthy of them!! once again, thank you so much 💖💖💖
OF COURSE I WOULD THINK OF YOU, CAITLIN!! You are amazing and deserve all the good things! 💛💛 Also, how is it that when I’m complimenting you, you somehow turn it around and compliment me???? LIKE SERIOUSLY YOU ARE THE SWEETEST AND YOU ARE SO KIND TO ME. Thank you for being amazing and for the light you bring to this community!
AWWW, Thank you for nominating me, Kat!!! *wipes tears from eyes* I think someone is cutting an onion in here! <3 <3
Onions can be pesky like that haha. But seriously Kelly, you are amazing! You deserve all the good things, and don’t you forget it 💛💛💛
I really have to check some of these bloggers out!!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Please do! They are all so amazing!
Aahh Kat!! First of all, I appreciate you so much for writing up a nominations post and participating in the awards — I know it was hard for you! And all those lovely things you wrote about all those bloggers?? I loved it 💖 And second of all, thank you so much for nominating ME for an award oh my god!!! You truly are too kind and it means so so much to me 😭💕
Bwhahaaha it was difficult, but only because there are SO many wonderful people that I love and want to spotlight! Also, I’m just a drama queen so everything has to be AN EFFORT hahaha. But gosh, of COURSE I would nominate you, May! You are amazing and wonderful and work so hard! You deserve all the love and support 💛💛💛 I can’t imagine how much time and effort this whole thing has taken you, so THANK YOU for organizing the Book Blogger Awards!
I cried.
Like, I really did. Oh my god Kat you can’t do these kind of things to MY EMOTIONS ahhhhhhh😭😭😭 It’s such an honor to be on your list when I admire you and your blog and everything you do so, SO much more than words can say and ahh to be mentioned alongside all of these other incredible bloggers I love all so, so much. I’m just going to be here crying in a corner because I have too many emotions now. 😭 thank you for this, Kat, this brightened my day, my entire week and ahh, thank you, this honestly means the entire world <3
Dawwwwww now I think I’m going to cry, Marie! But seriously, I meant every word. You are an inspiration and deserve all the love and support that the world has to offer 💛
I LOVE YOU KAT ahh 💛💛💛💛💛
Oh my goodness, thank you SO MUCH, Kat! I am so honored to be included among so many of my favorite bloggers, and not only that but YOU LOVE MY REVIEWS?!?! Really?! sdnlnfkw;lfm I’m weak. This means so much, thanks for making my day!
You are SO welcome, Kal! You are so amazing and work so hard, I easily could have put you into so many of these categories. It was hard to choose just one haha. But seriously, you’re awesome and please don’t forget that!
Gosh thank you so much for including me- it means so much!! Especially among so many incredible bloggers- I love so many of them too!! Super grateful for your kind words!! <3 <3 <3
Of course! I love your blog – it’s so unique and fun!
KAT I’M GOING TO CRY WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME???? omg i love you sooooo much and your nomination means so much to my tiny little heart. you are SO MUCH more hilarious than me what are you talking about???!!???!! 💖💖💖💖💖 (take ALL the hearts!!!)
and excuse me while i go follow all the brilliant blogs you listed (that i dont already) bc if kat praises them, then they are obviously worthy
DAWWWW MAY OF COURSE I WOULD NOMINATE YOU!!! You are so amazing and I love everything you do! You deserve all the good things 💛💛💛
[…] Kat @ Novels & Waffles […]
I enjoyed learning about all these bloggers and what you love about them and their blogs. I have a bunch of tabs open because I plan to go check them out right now! <3
Yay! I’m so glad you were able to find some new blogs to follow! 💛
KAT!! You’re too too sweet <3 I'm so honored to be considered one of your favorite blog aesthetics (but also I think it's so cute how we nominated each other for this category!!) Thank you so much for thinking of me, and I def echo so many of your nominations too!
OF COURSE, TIFFANY!!! 💛💛 (And I didn’t even think about that…but it’s totally cool that we admire each other’s aesthetics hahaha). You are so amazing and I’m so glad that we became friends!
Ahhhh I’ve just discovered so many book bloggers thanks to this post!! My WordPress following just increased so much, and I love all of your little introductions to all of these fantastic individuals. So excited to follow these people & read their content!
twinklexthoughts.blogspot.com
I’m so glad that you were able to find new people to follow! 💛 I hope you love them all as much as I do!
THANK YOU! 😭 Oh my god…thank you for nominating my sister & I, we’re honored! Your kind words made my day, my week…well, my month! ❤️❤️❤️
Of course, Nyx! You are so amazing and I always love reading your posts on D&H 💛
being called genuine is honestly such a personal and huge compliment for me I AM SO HAPPY!!! that you nominated me thank u soo much u don’t understand how much i ADORE your blog and how much this means!!!! screaming 4ever!!!
Dawwwwww thank you 💛 I’m getting all emotional! But seriously, you are awesome and I love your blog so much too 💛 You deserve all the good things!
AAAH KAT, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR NOMINATION <3 <3 I TRULY DON'T DESERVE (also to be nominated next to Cait???? shaken) Your blog is so, so gorgeous and I love everything about it!
YOU DESERVE IT AND SO MUCH MOREEEE. Also, eep, thank you so much! That means so much to me 💛
Ohh my goodness, Kat, THANK YOU SO MUCH.😭💛💜(hufflepuff pride color hearts hehe <<) This means the world to me, and I really just am speechless because you are THAT SWEET, THANK YOU. It's such an honor to be on your list among so many blogs I love and admire and I can't thank you enough. <33
I just love the Blogger Awards and how it spreads all the love and happy vibes!! I actually started following your blog due to these awards, so YAY FOR THAT because you and your blog are absolutely wonderful. Thank you for putting together this awesome list, and thank you again for being so kind to me!!💛
YOU ARE SO WELCOME!!!! 💛💛💛
KAT AHH I’m going to cry 😭💖 Thank you so, so incredibly much for the nomination, and saying such sweet and wonderful things, you’re the ray of sunshine here!! I’m so glad I can always leave you feeling a bit happier and brighter, you deserve all the happiness in the world!! 💛💛
Omg, this is so late, but thank you SO MUCH, Kat!! Thank you so so so much for the nomination! It was so sweet of you, and I can’t with your notes on the blog. It was so kind, and the Disney references were so muchhhhhhh. Totally a spoon full of sugar, and we so so appreciate it! <3 Congrats on your own nomination as well!! <3
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