Blogiversary

I tend to forget my blogiversary for the past few years but not this year; after all today marks the 5th year of my blogging with this blog and though it may not deemed to be a long time, it means a lot to me throughout these years. When I first started blogging in 2006, I didn't know there is such a bookblogging community. At that time, all I thought was to put my thoughts into words on the books I read since I don't own a journal. Plus, I am not particularly a journal person so I thought turning to an electronic tool would be ideal to me. That first book I mentioned on this blog was Unleash the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It is not even considered a review but merely my thoughts after finishing reading the book and looking back, I just want to cringe at my writing. However, the thought of blogging is both new and exciting to me, so I figured I would continue to blog my thoughts on the books I read and to hone my writing at the same time.

Although I didn't give much thoughts on readership then, but still there are times that I felt a bit self-conscious by the overall blogging stuff but that feeling was overcome by time and the fact that I have came to know many bookbloggers as I go along. This is what a book community is, and what most matters to me is many of these bookbloggers who I have not met have become my friends. Because we share the same passion in books and that I trust your opinions on the books you read, my TBR pile has now grown to a horrendous tower and I am sure no matter how many bookshelves I acquire now or in future, they will never be enough.

I wish I could express my feelings more eloquently, but at this moment all I can say is: Thank you, thank you and thank you! To all my bookblogging friends, thank you for your book recommendations and for being you! To the publishers/publicists/authors, thank you for sending the books to me for review! And to the readers who lurk at my blog, thank you for reading and I hope that after reading this post you will decide to leave a comment (a simple "Hi" will do if you have nothing to say).

Happy reading all!

Thank You! (And We've a Winner!)

First of all, thank YOU so much for all your comments on my blogiversary! I was teary-eyed reading all the comments and well, they mean a lot to me! Thanks again for everything!

Now onto the draw result and according to Random.org, the number drawn is No. 2 and the winner goes to Wendy from Musings of a Bookish Kitty!

Congratulations, Wendy!

Please email me your address and the book title of your choice to melreadingcorner (AT) gmail (DOT) com and I will send the book to you as soon as possible.

Finally, I want to thank everyone for your participation!

Happy Blogiversary!

How time flies! Melody's Reading Corner has turned 3 today! Really, where has the time gone?

When I first started this blog, I have no idea what to write except briefly jotting down my thoughts and a summary of the books I read. I took a look at my first post and wanted to cringe at the things I wrote back then; they seemed so simple. And as the time goes by, a few readers posted their comments on my blog and I remember I was so thrilled and excited because I did not expect anyone would want to read my blog, let alone leaving a comment!

As I began to explore around, I realised that there are in fact a lot of booklovers around the world and that a bookblogging community actually existed! So what did I do then? I joined in the fun, of course! I visit more bookblogs, made friends and not to mention adding books to my TBR pile along the way. Before this, I used to read a few certain genres but my reading habits/preference have changed after reading all the great recommendations by fellow bookbloggers! And I love it! Today, I read about anything except genres like sci-fi (unless I have came across a terrific one!), non-fiction, poetry and memoirs.

Anyway, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for reading and leaving your comments on my blog. I really appreciate them all! I want to say I am honoured to know you and I am so happy we are friends, even though if we have not had the chance to meet in person!

Now a little celebration for my blogiversary... you wouldn't think I would end this post simply with my ramblings, would you? For this occasion, I will buy a lucky reader a book of her/his choice. To participate in this draw, simply tell me which is your favourite book so far this year. I will announce the winner on July 10 (Friday). Good luck!