Friday, November 9, 2012

It's A Bear on Book's birthday and we hit a milestone!

You guys all know how I started reviewing. It's out there, and you can look. I wanted other people to see the best of this incredible genre, and I initially used Amazon as the platform, then I discovered Goodreads (for better or for worse).

A little over a year ago, I started talking to Sue Brown and she said, "You know what? You should put all the reviews you've been doing in one spot. Start your own blog." After hemming and hawing, I did. And on November 1, 2011, I posted my first entry as "A Bear on Books".

It has been...so much more than I ever expected. I didn't think it would be more than a ripple in water, because so many people do such wonderful work in reviewing and having professional sites. And here I came along, this Southern guy who thought he might have a little fun.

A year later, I have over 175 reviews to my name, 160 followers to the blog, and...20,000 page views as of last night!!!

Wow.

Thank you.

And I'm sorry I can't get to all the great books I read every week that deserve reviews. There aren't enough hours in the day. Between my work at Living Room, my attempts at writing, and personal issues with family, health and loss, I just can't do it at the pace I was this time a year ago.

I'm considering some ways to make this work better, including inviting some guest reviewers in to assist. I will keep you posted.

But...I want to celebrate the blog's birthday and the milestone 20,000 views! So a couple of friends and I have arranged a weekend giveaway.

I have copies of six great books to give away this weekend, November 9 - 11, 2012. All you have to do is leave a response here on this blog post, and it will enter you to win. Just leave a quick note to tell me something you might have enjoyed here at the blog, and what books you would like - make sure you leave me an email address. I will draw the winners Sunday night and post them.

Sound good? I hope so!

Here are the prizes:


Risking It All - Lee Brazil


 Truth Deeper Thank Logic - Lee Brazil


Geoff's Teddy - Havan Fellows
Hold Tight - Laura Harner


Ty Hard - Laura Harner


  Second Chances - T.A. Webb



Thank you all!!!

 Tom



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12 comments:

  1. jennysmum2000November 9, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Well apart from enjoying your reviews, your taste is similar to mine, I loved the review of Always Faithful" by William Neale. I love a New Normal, but had missed the sequel! So found a wonderful new read too.
    Thanks Tom for all your hard work. *Bear Hugs*

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  2. AnonymousNovember 9, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS!

    I remember a guest post you wrote for Chicks & Dicks a while back and that's how I found your blog. Your reviews are always a joy to read and I've gotten some great reads as a result!

    (twoboysinlove @ gmail)

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  3. daniNovember 9, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    Congratulations
    I just read Second Chances and found your blog
    keep up the good work :)

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  4. Clare LondonNovember 9, 2012 at 3:09 PM

    Congratulations, and happy 20k! I like your reviews because you so obviously put yourself and your feelings into them. I think that's a true reader response - it's never "good" or "bad", but a rewarding read for other readers. And for the author, too, it's a thrill that their book has prompted you to write about it. Keep up the great work! :)

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  5. Angel MartinezNovember 9, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    Hi Tom! Exciting stuff and I can't believe it's been a whole year already. Wow. If not for you, there are several authors I would never have read (including Amy Lane.)

    ravenesperanza@yahoo.com

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  6. Lynn SchmitzNovember 9, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    Congratulations! I loved your review of "To Touch the Sun" by Jeremy Pack. I agree, it is one of the best I've read. I couldn't find anything I wanted to read today, so I went to the beginning of your blog and found "A Red Tainted Silence." It is so good, I am lovingly devouring it. Thanks again.

    If I were to win I would like a copy of your book, if you'd sign it ;)

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  7. SunneNovember 10, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    I seriously can't remember how I stumbled into your blog - but we are both on the same side concering Amy Lane's books ;) She is a genius. And just a short time ago you made me cry - duh - I'm still not over the loss of Harley ;)

    So - just wanted to show my appreciation. If your give away don't cover Europe...no problem. Otherwise

    sunnechdog1@yahoo.de

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    Replies
    1. SunneNovember 10, 2012 at 4:39 PM

      Oh...and in any case I would win a book - I already own Ty Hard ;)

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  8. leonelNovember 10, 2012 at 8:21 AM

    love all your reviews, always look for the books you choose!

    lje17@outlook.com

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  9. scjNovember 10, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    I think what I love best about your reviews is that I often find myself thinking that's exactly what I wanted to say but couldn't find the right words to! Congratulations on your First Anniversary. I would love to win Truth Deeper Than Logic by Lee Brazil. Thanks for the giveaway.

    scj_ger [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot]uk

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  10. MichelleNovember 10, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    I just found you today...It is nice to find a new relevent reviewer to follow...Thank you, chellebee66(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. AndreaNovember 21, 2012 at 10:04 AM

    I love how well thought out your reviews are. They give me the right amount information about a book so I can decide if it's something I would enjoy. You also have a unique voice which I enjoy reading :)

    ReplyDelete

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