My story

If you follow or visit this blog, chances are you're a book lover like me. I began this blog for some positivity in late October 2023 when books were being banned everywhere and politics were taking over my life given my work in a local government entity. The Trumpian legacy is one of refused civil discourse, a lack of understanding, and embracing ignorance. People are seeking out validation of conspiracy and their own beliefs and dismissing truthful evidence that contradicts anything they may think that particular day. They also refuse to learn from anyone different than themselves. As such, books are now more important than ever, to share perspectives and varied voices which are to be celebrated in our great country, not stifled. So what started out as a fun hobby has quickly turned into a journey of self development and improvement.

I started small, beginning a hearty Bookstagram Account linking to this site and found that many other Bookstagram pages and BookToks out there have a real focus on romance, romantasy, and romcoms and are only posting reels and photos without truly discussing or reviewing the books. Those genres are just not me. I'm more into serious titles, finding engaging, non-formulaic thrillers (see Please Tell Me). and following some new and favorite authors. Bring me the murders and pyschopathic criminals stalked by detectives any day! This keeps my TBR pile well stocked and a continual feeling of "so many books, so little time!" But, due to my niche I don't have the number of followers that these younger influencers have and that's probably because of my lack of wanting to influence, instead hoping to inspire and engage with others.

After the blogs were started and the Instagram created, I decided to find out how so many people were getting advanced reader copies (ARC) and how I could get there myself. A quick Google search paved the way, which it always does, and I have found some great, and not so great, titles on NetGalley. The only "catch" being I have to write a review - NO PROBLEM! Currently, I'm reading a novel due out in July 2024 and it's AWESOME so far. I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts and watching that novel reach some real success. More to come there - I'm halfway through and hoping to finish in the next couple of days. It is riveting and entertaining; the characters are so real and so raw. View this as a teaser as more review posts will be coming soon!

While engaging with ARCs and putzing around on Instagram, I found Pangobooks.com and was thrilled. I had stumbled upon a used book selling site! Previously I was relying on eBay and only sold one book (Mad Honey, and for those of you wondering why I would in any way sell off a Jodi Piccolt book, click here. Warning, there are spoilers but it's one of my better reviews!). I even went so far as creating an inventory spreadsheet with original price, posted price, and final sale price. I was really into starting a digital presence. But eBay is eBay and it didn't yield the success I was seeking.

Pangobooks.com has a targeted audience, handles all of the shipping information and payment, and is an easy way to list books and get them sold. My shop has a slew of books, some I've reviewed and others I have yanked off my shelf after years of collecting. Some are kids books with still a LOT of life in them. There are some oldies but goodies! And I continually post there after I read novels. Unfortunately, I don't have space to keep all of them and must really pick and choose what is retained in my personal library. I have a collection of autographed books that stay with me, some that I'm borrowing from others, and some yet to be read that have been on the shelf buried further and further under the TBR newbies that come in the household. I have purchased more bookshelves to contain them and need to set them up, which I always say I will do and then don't, in favor of reading of course!

After setting that up and getting more engaged, I came back to the old trusty website and figured out how to send emails when I drafted a review. This is a very humble beginning, but I have about five accounts I share to and an 83% opening rate. Full disclosure, one of those is me so I can assert some quality control and make sure all is well, but still it makes me happy to see others reading what I have to say and even sharing their own recommendations! In any case it makes me feel more professional and uplifting. If you're a subscriber, recommend/refer a friend! If not, subscribe today. I promise, I don't overload your inbox. They are only sent as fast as I can read. And in the spirit of returning to this platform, some of my used books are posted on this site as well - click the Shop Used Books tab - and I'll ship to you with a note and a sticker for that personal touch I celebrate so much.

So now, here we are four months in and I have truly loved this hobby of mine. It has bred much more self care than I was previously giving myself and made me, I'll say, much more interesting as a person. I'm looking to share that feeling! I have started a book challenge for 2024 and it's a fun race against the proverbial (fictional!) clock. As of this writing, I am five books in. For you crafty readers recognizing I've only posted about four states so far, I haven't written New York's book review yet (A Mercy by Toni Morrison) but I will and you can visit my brief comments on instagram. Or just wait and it'll land in your inbox!

Thanks for reading and following along!

Mallory