Blog Link-Up #12 - 4/19/09

I'm still feeling the after effects of just a few hours sleep.  The 24 hour read-a-thon has come and gone until October.  I definitely did better this time, than last October, when I first participated.  I was very pleased with what I accomplished, although I know I could have done better had I not left for 2 hours, but I needed the break.  I also had to give up around 2 and get a little sleep.  I awoke again at 5 to finish the last 2 hours.  You can see my stats here.  I have to say a HUGE thanks to the organizers, Trish, Nymeth, and Hannah.  They worked so hard to continue this event in honor of our beloved, Dewey.  I also have to give a shout-out to all the cheerleaders; I kept going because of your support.  A very special thank you to my Twitter cheerleaders: @BethFishReads and @toodondofbooks.  These 2 ladies are part of the reason that #readathon was trending on Twitter yesterday; woohoo!  Thank you to everyone who hosted the mini-challenges and donated prizes.  Last but not least, to my fellow read-a-thoners - you are all winners, however long you participated and for whatever reading you accomplished!  I'm so glad to be part of this wonderful Book Blogging Community!!!

Now, for the Weekly Link Round-Up.  I have a lot of good things to share with you this week, from my fellow book bloggers. 

For those of you who know Devourer of Books, you know that she is going to have a baby.  This week she posted a Baby Shower Children's Book Quiz.  Being a children's book lover, I had to try this one, and will be saving it when and if I have to host a baby shower.  She reviewed another great book this week too; First Comes Love, Then Comes Malaria.  Not so sure that's a good thing, but here's what she had to say.  "I seriously very highly recommend this book, whether you’re an idealist who wants to go out and make the world better, someone who wishes they had the cajones to follow love and their ideals to third world countries, or someone who likes an entertaining story; in other words, basically everyone!"  Go read the rest of her review.

Beth Fish Reads has two reviews that she wants to share this week.  First, she not only reviewed the YA novel Zamora's Ultimate Challenge, but she got the chance to interview the author, M.K. Scott, as well.  She has an audiobook review as well of Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson.  Her thoughts, "The unabridged audio production (narrated by Nadia May) was nicely done, but I think Lucia is much better savored in print."  See what else she has to say.

Do you sometimes wonder about starting a blog of your own, or if you have one, why did you start it?  My Friend Amy answered that question for us this week in her post, Why I Blog.   There have been many discussions about this very thing over the past couple of weeks, in the blogosphere, and I feel that Amy makes some very valid points.  I for one am glad that her blog is a serious hobby.  I respect her and what she has to say, therefore I follow.  You should also read her review of Thirteen Reasons Why.  This is a YA book that many book bloggers read and reviewed in the past month.  She said, "This book is absolutely riveting."

Have you heard that Books and Movies has a new home?  Read the announcement here!  

Many of my blogging buddies chose not to share this week due to the Read-a-Thon.  Look for more from them next week.