I can’t say I even thought about doing this for five years when I started out. I don’t think I even thought how long I would be doing this for. I remember reading other people’s five-year posts when I have been in the game less than a year and marvelling at how long that was. Now, having reached that milestone myself, I can’t believe how time has flown.
My review style has changed in five years, my writing voice has changed in five years. I have certainly gotten into my own rhythm which took a few years to discover. I probably have felt better blogging this year than maybe in the last four. This wasn’t something I entirely noticed, but there was something I realised I was missing that I have had in past years; stress and guilt. I didn’t have any stress and didn’t have any guilt this past year. Not to the extremes I have had almost every past year at least. I seemed to have taken my 2017 goal of stressing less and relaxing about blogging to heart, even partially unconsciously.
In order to celebrate five years of blogging (and five years of rambling and gushing all over the interweb), I am offering a giveaway of some of my favourite books. The books I am giving away include my Top Five from last year, as well as a few of my favourite books I’ve read or reread in the last five years. One book I am excited to add to the list is Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King which has FINALLY been published in Australia (thank you Text Publishing!). I have also included Becky Albertelli’s latest book, (at least until her new one comes out), The Upside of Unrequited, And I couldn’t not throw in Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones which is one of my all-time favourite YA books (don’t judge it by the movie, it’s a hilarious and delightful experience).
Since it’s a mini milestone of five years I am giving TWO lucky people the chance to win and once again I am opening it up internationally as long as The Book Depository ships to your country. If you want to check out the books in more detail I’ve included some links below, I have actually reviewed most of these so that’s a little bit of extra guidance.
I want to thank everyone for supporting me for all these years, who knows what will happen in the next five years but I am certainly excited to find out.
Good luck to all entrants and happy reading!
The Selection
La Belle Sauvage (The Book of Dust) by Philip Pullman
The Upside Of Unrequited by Becky Albertelli
The Martian by Andy Weir
Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson
Fight Like A Girl by Clementine Ford
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
To enter: For a chance to win one of the pictured books simply enter here and complete the Rafflecopter form.
Please note: This giveaway is international on the basis the Book Depository ships to your country. To see if you are eligible you can check their website.
Lost in a Good Book 
Mar 12, 2018 @ 00:02:53
In the last five years, the best book I’ve read was definitely THE HATE U GIVE. It’s one of my favorites now. You should read it!! Congratulations on five years 😀😀😀😀😀😀
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Mar 11, 2018 @ 15:37:16
Congratulations on reaching this amazing milestone, Amy! ♥ I’m just starting to blog, and I feel the same way you felt five years before, reading other people’s celebration posts. Hopefully, I’ll be in your place in five years 😉 Here’s to many more years of blogging! =D And continue taking it easy, as blogging about books is meant to be fun, relaxed and happy 🙂
Books recommendations? Caraval, by Stephanie Garber, was a marvelous read for me. And Strange The Dreamer, by Laini Taylor. If you haven’t read it, please, pick up that book ♥
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Mar 10, 2018 @ 11:59:37
Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin left a lasting impression.
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Mar 09, 2018 @ 16:08:55
The good people by hannah kent it was full of the unimaginable
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Mar 09, 2018 @ 09:14:58
The book that grabbed my attention this year was Ali Smith”s Winter, I just loved the characters, I loved how the story unravelled, and that I was constantly making connections. I also thought it was beautiful how she really interwove the story with in the season winter. It was also a quirky book, so I really enjoyed its originality. If you like something that a little unusual and off beat, this is a delightful read.
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Mar 07, 2018 @ 20:11:30
Breath by Tim Winton – an amazing Aussie writer.
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Mar 06, 2018 @ 13:40:48
I recently finished Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and adored it! It’s based in post-colonial Africa and is the typical coming-of-age story, featuring the abusive father and standoffish older brother. Besides for that, I loved it. I should also toss in Mr Mercedes by Stephen King, which I read late December. Amazing book, totally a 5 star read for me. It’s a Crime/Thriller novel, so yeah!
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Mar 06, 2018 @ 08:56:57
Happy blogiversary! My favorite books were ACOTAR and Throne of Glass series, Too Late and Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover. – Febie
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Mar 04, 2018 @ 16:13:25
Before I fall by Lauren Oliver is one of my favourites books from the las five years.
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Mar 15, 2018 @ 10:35:55
Oh, that was a great book!
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Feb 23, 2018 @ 04:52:24
Happy blogoversary!! I loved the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo!
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Feb 23, 2018 @ 04:40:23
my fave book is The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway
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Feb 17, 2018 @ 21:44:44
Leaving time by Jodi picoult.
Jodi always tells such captivating stories and her characters are so relatable, it’s crazy.
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Mar 15, 2018 @ 10:37:06
I have been meaning to read that! It definitely will be my next Picoult read.
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Feb 14, 2018 @ 18:55:25
The Rithmatist or Mistborn by Sanderson.
I like both versions of Howl’s Moving Castle and the most important thing the movie has done for me was to introduce me to Diana Wynne Jone, I really enjoyed the Chrestomanci series.
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Feb 13, 2018 @ 16:12:00
beneath a scarlet sky
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Feb 13, 2018 @ 06:30:09
Green is the New black, a fascinating book on the real life going on’s behind prison doors!
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Mar 15, 2018 @ 11:24:33
That would be fascinating!
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Feb 13, 2018 @ 01:56:20
Congrats!!!
I absolutely adored Graceling by Kristin Cashore and Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor 🙂
Rafflecopter name: Megan S.
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Mar 15, 2018 @ 10:38:03
Strange the Dreamer was great wasn’t it? I can’t wait for the next book.
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Feb 12, 2018 @ 14:12:14
If you want a good homegrown Aussie series, I couldn’t put down the Obernewtyn Chronicles. So good, they’ll suck you in right from the start!
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Mar 15, 2018 @ 10:39:11
My sister has been trying to get me to read that for about 15 years. I really need to start because I’ve heard wonderful things.
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Feb 12, 2018 @ 13:27:49
“Give me some recommendations. What was your favourite book that you’ve read in the last five years?” I thought “Coinman” by Pawan Mishra was exceptionally witty and well-written!
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Mar 15, 2018 @ 10:39:32
I haven’t heard of that, I will have to check it out. I like a good witty book.
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Feb 12, 2018 @ 12:42:16
CONGRATULATIONS!!
“The Anchoress” by Robyn Cadwallader is a book that stands out for me.
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Mar 15, 2018 @ 10:52:34
Thank you! I hadn’t heard of that book, but it looks quite intriguing. Very intense I imagine.
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