Reflections on Blogging

It's now been a little over a year since I wrote the post To Blog or Not To Blog in which I explained all the reasons I love blogging. I followed up that post with a mission statement of sorts called Becky's 5 W's. This was soon followed by posting my review policy in the sidebar of my blog. My review policy has gotten a little lengthier over the past year.

But my blog has gone through some transitions--amazing changes that I hadn't expected--and so I thought I'd update everything.

My purpose is still the same. I blog about books because I love books. I love reading. I love talking about books. Books are my passion, my obsession. Here is the "official" purpose:

To promote the love of reading by providing teens, tweens, parents, teachers, librarians, fellow bloggers, and booklovers of all ages, with reviews of current books published for children and/or young adults.

I love helping readers connect with books. I want to help promote reading. I want to introduce books and authors to readers. The site helps me do this. It is also immensely satisfying to do this. It helps me keep track of what I read. It helps me connect with a community of readers.

I am a reader, first and foremost. I am a reader who happens to have a background in English literature and library science. I have a BA and MA in English literature from Texas Woman’s University. I have a MLS degree from Texas Woman’s University. My specialization is children’s and young adult literature. This is my calling in life to promote the love of reading, the love of books, to connect books with readers, to encourage lifelong reading habits.

What has changed is that I've expanded my blog to include some adult titles (both contemporary and classic), and I've moved my reviews of picture books, chapter books, board books, activity books, etc. to Young Readers.

I've also discovered the world of reading challenges. So now almost every week--or every other week--you'll find mention of me either creating, updating, or completing reading challenges. While I know these posts won't be helpful to every reader, the challenge-addicted community is a valid percentage of my readership. So I don't feel too guilty since I'm still providing at the very least five reviews a week.

My reviews can be found on this website Becky's Book Reviews.
My reviews of books for the under ten crowd can be found at Young Readers.
I also contribute (about 2x a month) to Young Adult Books Central.
Reviews of my ‘clean reads’ can be found on Deliciously Clean Reads.
You'll also find me over at Favorite PASTimes.
I have participated (and plan to do so) in reviewing books for The Edge of The Forest.

So I've added a few (three) more places on where to find my work but it's no big deal.

I'm happy, super-thrilled, to feature author interviews whenever I get the chance. These most likely will always appear on Monday. I haven't had one for every Monday. But I've accumulated a good many since introducing the feature last fall.

Another feature that I was happy to introduce was TRAVEL THE WORLD Wednesdays where I focus on books (picture books to novels) with an international perspective.

The biggest change over the past year has to do with WHERE my books come from...what my SOURCES are. When I wrote the original post in April 2007, most of my books--half at least--were library books. The remaining sources were borrowing books from the TWU review center and my own small collection of books that I've bought new or used. So the first nine to ten months of my blog, the amount of review copies I was receiving was small. Last summer, however, publishers and authors began responding to my review policy, responding to my blog, and I began receiving review copies, ARCs, and catalogs. It started small. But it steadily grew (and grew and grew), steadily increased. Within six months, most of my books were review copies provided by publishers. Now fourteen months later, about 80% of the books I review on my blog came from publishers and authors. Library books are about 10% and borrowed TWU books are the remaining 10%.

While some of my reviews are better than others, I like to feel that they all have a certain degree of integrity. My goal in blogging is to be honest and direct. Just me being me...talking about books. Free book or not, I'm not going to pretend to like something. Here at my blog, you'll find positive, negative, and mixed reviews.


© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Behind the Scenes At Becky's Book Reviews

Behind the Scenes At Becky's Book Reviews
OR
A Day in the Life of a Book-Obsessed Blogger
OR
Is There A Method To My Madness?

Today's post is going to be a bit unusual. Blame MotherReader. She is asking bloggers to write posts that would fall under the category of "advice" or "tips." I'm hoping that readers will be able to *learn* something from this post. At the very least, maybe how *not* to do something. Want to skip straight to the tips? They're at the very bottom.

I started this blog in August of 2006. I had had loads of experience reading kids and YA books, and moderate experience writing reviews of kids and YA books. [My background for those silly enough to be curious is English Literature and Library Science. I spent almost ten years of my life in school earning three degrees: BA in English (and History), MA in English, and MLS in Library Science of course.] I have never once lacked an opinion on anything I've read. I've always loved talking about books. In fact, most people would say I have a hard time stopping once I've got started. But I had no experience whatsoever with blogging. I didn't really have a clue what to do with it once I created it.

How much of my blogging is spontaneous? How much is planned or calculated? Do I know what I'm doing? Or am I taking it day by day?

When I started the blog my goal was simple. All I wanted to accomplish was to post 7 times a week. At the time, I knew that my audience was in the 0 to 4 range. I figured that maybe just maybe a few of my friends would read it a few times a week. I didn't even expect them to check it every day. My blog was for me and me alone. Okay, I admit, I hoped...I wished...that someone would find my blog. That someone--a stranger--would find my blog and like it. Someone who wasn't obligated to think I'm a genius. That all my opinions are right on target. My blog didn't really have a structure. It was completely spontaneous. I reviewed what I wanted when I wanted.

I really credit MotherReader's article, Be A B-List Blogger, in The Edge of the Forest for my transformation. I really took her advice to heart. And I started changing the way I blogged. Three or four things added together really clicked for me and made a big difference. Memes. Links. Blogrolls. Carnivals. Poetry Friday. Reading Challenges. Comments. JacketFlap. Edge of the Forest. And that's just to name a few things that have changed...Okay, that's WAY more than four things. But math has never been my strong point, ask anyone. The biggest difference between now and then is the sense of community. My blog isn't for me, myself, and I anymore. I am writing for someone. I have an audience in mind. I hope to interact with that audience. I see myself as being part of a community or two. (Chiefly the kidlitosphere AND the challenge-addict community.)

When I started this post, I had a long list of tips. I did, I really did. Then I thought to myself. Well, none of this is original. I learned it from watching others, imitating others. I'd read blogs, blogs, and more blogs. I'd see what others were doing. I read probably fifty or more blogs a day. (If my blog is enjoyable, it's because I've learned from the best.) I saw several blogs had review policies, for example, so I thought...hmmm, that would be a good idea. Maybe imitate isn't quite the right word. Inspire would be more like it. My goal was always to keep it very personal. Very subjective. (So then I went back to read MotherReader's article and discovered my tips were completely unoriginal, and less concise.)

So if I were to have any advice, it would be to spend time getting inspired by other bloggers. Learn from your favorites. Learn from those you deem to be the "best." Always keep learning. Don't be afraid to change through the months and years. Don't be afraid to rewrite your mission statements and review policies. As human's we're always changing, growing, transforming, becoming, renewing...let your blog flow naturally. Let it reflect who you are today.

What can you learn about me if my blog is my reflecton? Well, it would be obvious that I'm obsessed. Passionate. I have strong opinions. I embrace the obsessiveness. I do. There's nothing wrong with being consumed with a passion for books, for reading. Nothing wrong with letting that love drive you and energize you. My hope is that my enthusiasm, my obsession, will rub off on my readers. I don't care necessarily if readers are inspired to read the books that I recommend...I just want them to read something, anything. I just want people to get as excited about books. It doesn't matter to me which books, which authors, which genres.

I think the most important thing is to be yourself. To let your blog be a natural extension of your personality.

My goals fifteen months later...

I still have the commitment to post 7 times a week. However, in reality, 7 times a week is rarely enough for me. Each month sees an increase in my posts. Whether this is good or bad I can't say. But I'm hoping for quality and quantity.

In addition, I am adding structure to my blog...curbing my spontaneity a bit. Mondays are for interviews for as long as I can continue to find willing authors. Wednesdays for for Traveling the World. I am super-excited about my Travel The World features. I don't know why I *love* international literature. But it fascinates me. It just does. So I share that on Wednesdays. The feature started in August. I haven't heard much feedback from readers, but I'm enjoying it just the same. And Fridays, well, I'm joining the group in Poetry Fridays.

But the reviews are still completely spontaneous. I don't plan out which books I'll be reading in advance. I have boxes and boxes and boxes and boxes and more boxes of books. Each box is cataloged in list format (title, author) so I do know what I have on hand. I am planning to transform into someone more organized for the new year. (We'll see how that goes.) My simple list is about to be turned into a thorough excel document. But I'm only doing this with 2008 releases. That way, I can handle it little by little. I'm excited to be trying something new. Trying to keep track of what date I receive a book, the contact information connected with the book--you know those tiny slips of papers that ALWAYS ALWAYS get lost at my house, and other essential information. So we'll see if I'm more efficient next year as the organized-me gets going.

So how do I decide what to read? What to review? Well, I'm a moody reader. I'll admit it. I might have a stack of ten books near my bed. (Not unusual.) From that stack, I usually pick one close to the top. I read a few lines, a few paragraphs. If I'm not hooked....down it goes. Up comes another. Repeat as needed until I've found the book of the night. The next day, the next week, that book that I found *uninspiring* before suddenly becomes incredibly entertaining. So with me, it's ALWAYS best to let the mood come naturally. Forcing a book on me, it just makes me cranky. And you don't want that.

Then there is the reviewing stage. I have a stack of books by my computer. Again, it could be as high as ten books. They're all sitting patiently though sometimes lopsidedly waiting to be reviewed. I pick up a book. I don't have a system. It's really as simple for me as "I think I want to review you today." That is unless it's a library book. Those get priority. A day or two before library day, I'll write as many as I can. Occasionally, if I'm feeling inspired...I might write up the whole stack all at once. But only release them one at a time. That way, I can be "sneaky" and save some for rainy days when I'm not feeling like coming up with something new. I find having a reserve of books can come in quite handy. (And I highly recommend it.)

What else happens behind the scenes? Well, my best friend has turned out to be a site called Reviewers Checklist. I really can't praise this one enough. It lets you know which books are coming out which month. Authors. Titles. Publishers. Release Dates. Mini-summaries. What's not to love???? I just love the convenience of this one. And my site wouldn't be the same without this one. I rely on it for information.

I consider all aspect of my blogging "job" to be fun. I love reading. I love writing. I love reading comments. I love keeping up with other things in the kidlitosphere. But the most exciting part of my day is waiting to see if any books come. I love, love, love getting book deliveries. Who doesn't???
The few things that are seemingly original tips:

*Have a "reserve" of posts that can go up on days when you're not feeling your best.
*Don't be afraid to write things up in advance. For example, I've got all of December's Travel the World features written and ready to go. (I've got two or three weeks worth of Interview Mondays.) The more you can do today to prepare for next week, the more time you'll have for yourself.
*Use Reviewers' Checklist if you want to know what is going on in the world of children's and YA literature.
*Don't be afraid to contact authors and publishers. Just be respectful and mindful that their time is valuable. Ask for what you want. But be polite. Be respectful.
*Setting goals and setting priorities is ESSENTIAL. You've got to have a vision for your blog. You've got to visualize what you want. You have to WORK to get there.
*Don't be afraid to be overwhelmed. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the obsession. Okay, maybe not everyone can follow this one. But if you're like me...well, this just comes naturally...and it works. Some people see a stack of books and panic. I don't. I see a stack of books and get excited.
*Keep it fun. Don't let blogging become a chore. I guess this is easier said than done. I know some people can't help experiencing burn out occasionally. And I do get burned out on some things in my life. But reading isn't one of them. I've always associated reading with pleasure, with fun, with good times. That hasn't stopped.

Becky's 5 W's (Or More About Becky)

I keep six honest serving-men:
(They taught me all I knew)
Their names are What and Where and When
And How and Why and Who.

From "The Elephant's Child" by Rudyard Kipling

What is the purpose of “Becky’s Book Reviews”
To promote the love of reading by providing teens, tweens, parents, teachers, librarians, fellow bloggers, and booklovers of all ages, with reviews of current books published for children and/or young adults. The site also will review past titles if they are a particular favorite of mine, or if I feel that they are still relevant and would benefit from more exposure.
Do I post only book reviews? No. Sometimes I also post my opinions on things happening in the blog world, and in the world in general. I also make a point of noting recent book lists and awards. I do participate in the occasional meme. I’ve been known to post YouTube videos as well. But those ‘fun’ posts aren’t part of the real purpose. They’re just extras.

Where can you find Becky’s reviews?
My reviews can be found on this website Becky's Book Reviews.
Reviews of my ‘clean reads’ can be found on Deliciously Clean Reads.
Links to my reviews can be found at the Childrens Book Review Index wiki page.
I have participated (and plan to do so) in reviewing books for The Edge of The Forest.
I also participate in the Carnival of Children’s Literature. This is hosted at a different site each month.
I also participate in the Librarians’ Choices project at Texas Woman’s University. It has been edited, in the past, by Dr. Sylvia Vardell. This year, Dr. Janet Hilbun will be the editor. The two professors teach the class (or non-class) together and will take turns editing it in the future. Each participant reviews a certain number of books (8-10 generally). I have participated in this project since 2004. The goal of the book LIBRARIANS CHOICES (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, etc.) is to choose the top 100 books for children and young adults from books published that year. It covers fiction, nonfiction, poetry, picture books, etc. We try to have diverse titles that would appeal to a wide range of readers (boys, girls, teens, tweens, early readers, etc.)
You can also find some of my reviews on Amazon. The only reason I stopped reviewing there, is their change in policy. (Not that I’m still bitter or anything.)

When is the site updated? The site “Becky’s Book Reviews” is updated every day. I post at least 7 times a week. For holidays, I might post in advance. But there will be at least one post each day. Recently, I’ve been posting more than that. Sometimes two or three times a day. But I will always keep the site current. There will always be something new to read.

How do I choose what to review? It is my goal--a very lofty goal--to read anything and everything I can get my hands on that is new. How do I define new? Books published within the past year or two. I’m still grabbing 2006 titles from my library shelves. But I am eagerly waiting to start reviewing 2007 titles. I would love to receive ARCs and books from publishers, authors, etc. Anything to help me in my goal of reading *as many* 2007 titles as I can. Of course, when 2008 rolls around, I’ll be in quest of those books. But I think you can grasp the concept! How do I see my role as a reviewer? Professional reviews mainly target school librarians and public librarians. Their goal is to help individual librarians decide which books to add to their collection to best serve their communities needs. Therefore they tend to be a little more analytical. A little more judgemental. A little more...this is a book every library needs...or this is a book most libraries can live without...or whatever. They tend to word things in such a way that librarians can *know* whether to spend their money on that item or somewhere else. All that is valid. But a blogger who reviews is serving a wider audience. We have the luxury of being more personal, of being more verbose, of saying whatever we want in whatever style we want. While I may be harsh in some of my reviews, in others I may let the reader judge the value of a book for themselves. I see my role as not trying to say definitely “what is good” or “what is bad” or “what is average” but instead this is what this book has to offer. I describe a book. I try to give the reader a feel, a taste of the book.

Why did I create Becky’s Book Reviews? Why do I feel compelled to blog?
I love to read. I love to write. I love to discuss. I love helping readers connect with books. I want to help promote reading. I want to introduce books and authors to readers. The site helps me do this. It is also immensely satisfying to do this. It helps me keep track of what I read. It helps me connect with a community of readers.

Who is Becky of Becky’s Book Reviews? I am a reader, first and foremost. I am a reader who happens to have a background in English literature and library science. I have a BA and MA in English literature from Texas Woman’s University. I have a MLS degree from Texas Woman’s University. My specialization is children’s and young adult literature. This is my calling in life to promote the love of reading, the love of books, to connect books with readers, to encourage lifelong reading habits.

To read even more see To Blog or Not To Blog

To Blog or Not To Blog

There is quite a lot of discussion going on this week about so-called 'amateur' reviewers who blog about children's books and the 'professional' reviewers who appear in print (and/or are paid for their reviews). I was already planning on posting a mission statement/review policy of sorts. So this does provide an interesting reason to do it now instead of putting it off yet another day or week.

To get caught up on the arguments/debates:

A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy: Leave the Reviewing to the Professionals
Fuse #8's Sillies and Give 'em the Old Razzle-Dazzle
Jess: Lit Blog Wars
Read Roger's: Why I Don't Have A Blogroll or Friends
Jen Robinson's Book Page: Professional Reviews vs. Blog Reviews
Finding Wonderland: The Writing YA Weblog: My Two Cents...Well, More Like Five Bucks
Interactive Reader: I Just Hate it When Hopes Are Dashed
MotherReader's Coziness (Added 4/19/07)

(I have not read the comments below each blog post. There were too many. But I did read most, and scan the rest of the above links.) I am not trying to engage in the above dialogues so much as I am trying to state MY beliefs on what the role of a reviewer/blogger is.

WHY BLOG?
Someone--a snooty someone it sounds like--posted that "Obviously, it benefits the publisher to cozy up under the guise of friendship, to tell the bloggers how interesting and brilliant and important they are. (Bloggers must already be preconditioned to believe this -- why else would they have a blog in the first place?)" I find that insulting and rude. But is it true? Is anyone in the kidlit community really trying to blog their way into fame and fortune and the good life? Is that even possible? People blog because they have something to share. Something important, yes. But it's not "me, me, me." Instead it is read this book. Read that book. Listen to what this author has to say. It's not "I'm such a wonderful person. Look at me. I'm fabulous." If literature blogs were like that--who would read them??? Seriously. And no one begins off a review, "I'm so brilliant. Listen to what I have to say. Don't bother reading anyone else's review. I'm the best. My opinion is the only one that matters. If you disagree with me, you're rubbish." I've never really read a blog whose author had a huge ego and an insatiable thirst for praise and glory. So to say bloggers are egocentric, and attention-seekers is just misguided. They are no more egocentric than anyone else.

WHY I BLOG?
I blog because I can. I have the time and energy to post reviews and ramblings daily. I read books. Tons of books. I find it personally satisfying to write about and discuss the books I read. Therefore I blog. That is not to say I blog for myself alone. I'm always thinking of a potential audience. It could be teens or tweens. It could be parents. It could be teachers or librarians. It could be other bloggers. It might be authors or publishers. But my audience is anyone and everyone who likes to (or loves to) read. My site offers options.

UNDER WHOSE AUTHORITY???
I cannot remember where I read this--but it was something I read this morning--but it was something to the effect that every reader has a right to have an opinion about a book and share it. Whether they share it via a blog or an Amazon review or just among friends. You don't have to be one of the select few 'professional' reviewers in a major publication to have a point of view. All that being said, the more you read...the more informed you are and able to distinguish and discern quality. The more you read, the more you know. So experience adds to your credibility as a blogger. But everyone has a right to an opinion. Same goes with education. I have an MLS degree. My specialization was children's literature. I have numerous course credits in the field. My other degrees include a BA and MA in Literature. So I know reading. I know how to read "big people" books and "little people" books. I can analyze and dissect great works of literature. I can write thesis statements and have a well-organized research paper. Does any of that matter when it comes to blogging? It's debatable.

BALANCING BEING "OBJECTIVE" WITH BEING "SUBJECTIVE"
The great thing about reading is everyone is different. Everybody reads a book differently. One person could love it. One person could like it. One person could hate it. Which person is right? None of them. All of them. Only the reader can decide what is "good" in their opinion. You can't force anyone to like a book. You can't enforce your tastes and opinions on anyone else. Everyone can have their own opinion on a book. That's the only way to view it. If I disagree with your taste in books, fine. If you disagree with my taste in books, fine. There is no right or wrong here. All this is obvious. More than obvious. But here is the bottom line: how does a reviewer balance their personal response from a book with an objective view of the book? Can any book be read objectively? How can the reader divorce themselves from the reading process? Should they even try?
Reviews are opinions. They reflect the opinion of one person--the reviewer. They cannot reflect every opinion. To some extent, you can weed out about 10% of books objectively. There are a few books that you can read and examine and come to the conclusion...I don't know anyone, anywhere who could possibly like this book. But most books aren't like that. Most books have a potential audience. Every book is potentially someone's "favorite" book waiting to be discovered. The world would be a very boring place if everyone had the same favorite book or author. Variety is a good thing. So no review--whether appearing in a journal or a blog--is free from personal opinion. They may try to disguise it. But you can almost always read between the lines and discern whether or not they liked it. They may try to be "professional" and "objective" and try to convince you that they're free from bias. But no one can be completely free. They may have logical arguments. Proof to say these are the reasons why. But there are always other reasons why that may not be quite as logical. Sometimes you dislike a book and you just can't put your finger on it as to why. You just know. Same goes with a good review. You like it and you really don't know why. You just know you love it. Do you have to justify it? It is always better to try to explain it than to just shrug your shoulders and say in your review: "I love this book. I think everyone should read this book. It is great. I love the author." I think we've all seen book reviews like that on Amazon. So somewhere in the middle is the best place to write your review. I think bloggers can share more of their personality in book reviews. But essentially, you should never forget that reviews = opinions. Whether the reviewer is educated or uneducated. Whether the reviewer is young or old. My opinions about a book are just as valid as any review source. And so are yours.

SO WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DOES THE REVIEWER HAVE?
Some people only review books they love. Some review books they love and like. Some review books they love, like, and dislike. Do you have to love a book (or like a book) to review it? No. Does that enthusiasm help the review? Sometimes. I actually find it easier to write reviews of books I am indifferent to or dislike. Sometimes the words come easier. I can always think of reasons why I didn't like something. But if I really, truly love a book. Sometimes the words don't come. Sometimes I'm too emotionally caught up in the book to explain why it was a great book. Sometimes it takes more effort to get the review "just right" to do justice to that new, great book. What I strive for with each review is authenticity.

IS THE ROLE OF REVIEWER DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF A LIBRARIAN?
Many (but not all) bloggers have been trained in the tradition of librarianship. Whether they're currently employed at a library or not. They're familiar with the philosophy that you don't have to personally love the book (or like the book) to recommend it to a patron. When a patron comes to you looking for a new book to read. When they share what they've read in the past. When you know what genres they like. What authors they like, etc. You don't have to personally love (or like) any of the books you recommend. You can even actively hate the books that you hand over to them. That is because you recognize that everyone is different. Readers advisory isn't about recommending YOUR favorite books to every person you meet. It's about actively listening and making recommendations and such based on them...not you. Do reviewers play by the same rules? Should every review be seen as a personal endorsement of a particular book? Every reviewer has to answer that question themselves. I can only say that I have reviewed books that I didn't necessarily like or enjoy. These reviews were not necessarily written any differently than the reviews of books I liked. With one exception. If I say I really loved a book. Or if I go on for paragraphs about how wonderful a book is, you can obviously conclude that I personally liked it. That's a given. But there are some books (and some reviews) that I've written where I didn't personally care for the book, BUT I saw the potential for readers. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this book would appeal to someone. It's a slightly different story where you notice a lack in quality. But judging content is another matter. So is it dishonest to try to be neutral? I don't think so. It's a mood thing I suppose. Some days I review a book I didn't personally care for and I do it in a very neutral way. I never come right out and say that it wasn't my cup of tea. That it wasn't for me. Some days I review a book I didn't like, and I let everyone know I didn't like it. Every book is different. Every review is different.

WHAT KIND OF REVIEW IS BEST?
Every reviewer has their own style. Their own spin on what makes a good review. Some people like to include lots of summary. Some like to analyze style and approach it critically. Some like to point out strengths and weaknesses. Some like to compare and contrast it with other books with similar subjects or themes. Some like to include spoilers. Some like to treat a book review as a commercial. Tease the reader into picking up the book for themselves. To create or generate interest. All reviews share the fact that they are calling attention to a book. Some try to tell you what to think exactly. Some like to leave that up to the reader. There is no *right* way to review a book. One way isn't better than another.

DOES RECEIVING A FREE BOOK NOW AND THEN MAKE US BIASED?
I really want someone to logically explain to me why a professional book reviewer who receives ARCs and review copies of books (not to mention bookmarks and other little trinkets) would have a different (more ethical) response than a blogger receiving the same kind of courtesy from the publishers. If they both receive books from publishers...wouldn't they equally be at risk of writing biased reviews? Who deducted this...and based on what exactly? What logic are they using? Seriously. If both receive free books. If both write reviews. What is separating them? Money. The fact that they're in a printed journal or newspaper? The fact that they've got prestige? I think that is a slightly uppity opinion to assert that bloggers are so unethical and untrustworthy and therefore they must be more susceptible to such practices as bribery and flattery. If free books = bribery, then "professional" reviewers must be scrutnized just as closely as bloggers. Does a free book = a guaranteed 'good' review? I don't think so. I think authors and publishers know this going into it. They know that every book they send out isn't going to be necessarily loved and praised. They know that not everyone is going to proclaim it "the best book of the year." What they're hoping for is that it will find a few people who appreciate it. Who understand what the author was trying to do. That liked it. That will recommend it. That will give it a good review. I think they're smart enough to know that not every review will be glowing. I think all they're looking for is a chance.

And on a more personal (and therefore less interesting) note:

Where do most of MY books come from?

I would say a good 40 to 50% of my books come from my local library. I check out books regularly and read them.
As a participant of Librarians Choices, I have access to Texas Woman's University SLIS Review center five to six times a year. That might equal about 100 to 125 books per year. Sometimes more. Sometimes less. I buy a small percentage of my books. I do not have enough money to buy every book I want. But I buy about five or six books per year. That is I have bought that many new. I frequently go to Half-Priced books and buy books--typically the variety that are under $4 or $5. So my used books would make up a small percentage as well. I have also, on occasion, been sent books by authors and publishers. Not enough to really speak of. Not as many as I would like. But I would never turn down a free book.

Am I open to receiving free books from authors and publishers?

Of course. I would love to review every book I can get my hands on. I love reading new books. I would happily read every 2007 title that I came across. I think it's important to keep up to date. And I would love to receive more books so that I can provide readers with greater variety. The truth? My local library does the best it can. But it doesn't get that many new books. Oh, they might get in 2007 books, but it will be late in the year--or into the spring and summer of 2008. There are very few *new* titles that they've ordered that are even close to being available to check out. And I would love to review books in a more timely manner. Books are always a good thing. The more the merrier!