Sunday Salon: On my 5th Blogoversary

I've never been one to celebrate my blogoversary. This blog has been a slow evolution into what it is now: a book blog focusing on literary fiction, literary prizes, and a scattering of thoughts on films, television, food and the awesomeness of Des Moines. I didn't start this blog with the intention, or even any notion, of what it would become. There's something about turning five, however, that has me reflecting on how I got to this point. As I'm guessing none of you were around five years ago, I thought I'd share some memories of who I was and what this blog was to illustrate how much has changed.

1. My first post was Tuesday, March 13, 2007. I posted three times that day. One was about books! I listed the seven books I'd read so far and rated them on a scale of one to four. There were no reviews. Oh, how things have changed!

2. My fist comment came on May 21, 2007. The first comment from someone I didn't know in real life came on June 11, 2008. My first comment from a book blogger (J Kaye) was on November 17, 2008. The first comment from someone who still comments here was Diane from Bibliophile by the Sea on October 8, 2009  (on my review of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol.)

3. When I started this blog, I was working in an office during the day and waiting tables at night. I was applying to 18 graduate programs in library science. I had a lot of time to spend in front of a computer. I read a ton of newspapers, blogs and magazines. I thought it would be fun to share the most interesting things I found for my friends who didn't sit in front of a computer with nothing to do for seven and a half hours a day.

4. I wrote a lot about sports and television. I grew up dedicated (some would say obsessed) with Kansas basketball. In college, my brother and I traveled to wherever they played in the tournament. It meant spring breaks in cities like Dayton, Ohio and Birmingham, Alabama. I went to two Final Fours. I chose not to study abroad in college because I would have had to miss part of the Kansas basketball season. Its my biggest regret in life (and I didn't even go to college at Kansas!) I've stepped away from sports for the most part, largely because I realized how few hours are in a day, days are in a year, and years are in our lives, and I'd rather spend time reading novels, watching movies and traveling.

5. Mr. Nomadreader was then nomadreaderboy. We'd been dating for 1 year, 1 month and 6 days. I first mentioned him on the blog on March 27, 2007.

6. I was very conscious of not revealing my name (first or last). I was exclusively nomadreader. I've loosened up about that too.

7. I was living in Atlanta. Remember when I said I'd moved 21 times in my life? I've moved four times since I started this blog.

8. If you'd told me five years ago I'd be a judge for the Indie Lit Awards (then non-existent), a member of the National Book Critics Circle, tweeting with authors I admire, and regularly reading over a hundred books a year, I don't know how I would react. Part of me would be ecstatic, part of me grateful, and part of me would be relieved. At twenty-six, I was happy in so many ways, but I was still finding my way professionally and seeking my voice. This blog brings me joy. I love reading, and I love sharing my thoughts on books with all of you who take the time to read and respond. The biggest surprise from my five years of blogging is perhaps the most personal: I consider nomadreader part of who I am, and all of you play a part in that too. Thanks for reading.

As an affiliate, I receive a small commission when you make a purchase through any of the above links. Thank you for helping to support my book habits that bring more content to this blog!

Comments

  1. Carrie (I'm using your first name... JK),

    This is great! Happy 5th anniversary!!! I'm going back as soon as I leave this comment to take a peek at your very first post! & here in Atlanta! Sharing your reflection is wonderful and I'm sure it conjures some great memories for you. I'm so glad you continue to blog because I love your honest opinion (and am very jealous of your ability to communicate your thoughts on the titles you read). Here's to another 5 years!! Again, congrats! This is definitely a day for cake :)

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    1. Thanks, Beth! I only wish I knew you before we left Atlanta! Cheers!

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  2. Congratulations on 5 great years of blogging! I really enjoy your reviews and visit here for recommendations regularly.

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    1. Thanks, Colleen! I love hearing your thoughts on books too.

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  3. Well, I didn't know all that?? LOL Your blog is still a favorite of mine! I'll be blogging 4 years in June. It's crazy how fast those years have passed.

    Congrats!

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    1. Diane--it was a wonderful surprise to look through comments and discover you earned that 'prize'! I so enjoy your blog too. Congratulations on 4 wonderful years!

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  4. Your blog is just three days older than mine, and look how far we've come. Happy Blogiversary!

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    1. Three days! What are the chances of that? Thanks, Florinda!

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  5. Happy blogoversary! This was such an enjoyable look back for me to read since I didn't know you five years ago. It was so sweet to see how far you've come and you should be so proud. You've accomplished so much in five years! Here's to many more!

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    1. Thanks, Leah! I'm so glad to have gotten to know you through your blog too. Cheers!

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  6. I love this post! Happy blogoversary!

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  7. Congratulations on your 5th birthday! I haven't celebrated any of my blog birthdays yet, but 5 years is a big acheivement and deserves a mention. I loved learning all the little details about your blog. Diane was one of my first commenters too! Keep up the great work!

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    1. Thanks, Jackie! There's something about those milestone years ending in 5 and 0 that make me contemplative. It's been a fun ride!

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  8. Wow! You've come a long way :) Happy blogoversary! *raises glass with bubbly*

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  9. 5 years, that's wonderful! I love hearing about how it has changed over the years. It's amazing how far you've come.

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    1. Thanks, Melissa! It's fun to look back and see how much has changed!

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  10. Congrats on such a wonderful milestone! 5 years of consistent blogging is definitely worth celebrating. I love your site and hope that you keep the insightful, interesting and honest reviews coming for 5 more years.

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    1. Thanks, Jenna! It hasn't always been consistent, but it is now, and that's what matters:-)

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  11. Happy blogiversary! 5 years is a major accomplishment!

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  12. 5 years is amazing, and I still remember the joy I got in discovering your blog. It's such a great space for a reader to hang out, and I really think that your reviews and reflections on books and movies are top notch. Here's hoping that you are around for many more years to come!

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    1. Thanks, Heather! I so enjoy your comments on my posts. They always brighten my day!

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  13. I loved reading this post! Congrats on five years! Thanks for sharing some tidbits about yourself -- who you were, and who are you are now. Here's to another five years! I'm so delighted I found your blog -- I love your insights and opinions (and the dirt on Des Moines!) :)

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    1. Did I mention it's in the 70's all week this week. Des Moines is calling...;-)

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  14. I love that Mr. Nomadreader was once, Nomadreader Boy.

    Congrats to 5 years! I talked to myself for several months before anyone commented. It's funny how animated we can be when we know no one is reading. LOL.

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    1. I think he prefers his new moniker:-) It is nice to no longer be blogging in a vacuum too!

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  15. Happy Blogiversary! I love hearing your thoughts on the books up for all the literary prizes. It's good having help keeping up with them. =)

    Here's wishing you many more happy bloggiversaries!

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  16. Congrats on five years of blogging, Carrie! I'm coming up on four years (in July). Time does fly! I remember being really reluctant to post anything remotely "private" on my blog initially. Anyway, I'm a recent reader, but I'm enjoying reading your reviews! Here's to many more years of them!

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  17. You wrote your first blog post on my birthday!

    Loved reading the stats about your blog. I had no idea you'd been blogging for so long! I wish I had discovered your blog sooner, but at least I found it :) Happy Blogoversary!

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