Book-ish Updates

Firstly, it is finally the holidays! This will hopefully allow me to finish reading all the new review copies I've been getting. I have not finished Wintergirls yet, but I'm well over half-way. It's difficult to read because the issues are so serious and so very real that it's not something that can be devoured in one sitting. At least not for me. Especially since a family member of mine has been a victim of eating disorder in the past, to the point where, although being 20 cm taller than me, almost weighing the exact same weight as me. (and I was and am of a healthy BMI) It was a truly scary time for us. Also, apart from the themes, there is also the crossing out and the lists/counts/etc, which do take away a bit of the pace of reading. I will have finished it by today, and will have a review up by tomorrow.

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I've been looking around for places to receive review copies from publishers and such. Apart from the already mentioned and well-known LibraryThings' Early Reviewers Program and GoodReads' First Reads Program, there are so many other places that I have only found out recently. Also, for GoodReads, I have already won three times in the last 2 months, so I love that site and it's my top 3 sites to visit for book-ish things.

While there are so many ARC tours going around the blogosphere, I am usually unable to participate, because a) I miss out on the sign up, b) They're not international, or c) Not enough time allowed to read and send off to the next person on the list. However, if that's your thing, then I truly think that that would be a great way to read ARCs and share that love around the world/nation.

Giveaways and contests are amazing. Looking for new contests is easy-- you just have to follow the right blogs, there are lots of great people on twitter who are keen contest-seekers and will mention a new one every few hours or so. Thanks to all those who do that! I tend to post a lot about contests too, so feel free to follow my twitter @cc9309. :) There are also some great people I follow, so you may want to check them out too.

Netgalley and Shelf Awareness are great. Netgalley allows you to download free review copies of new and upcoming books from publishers themselves. I've already received two review copies from them. Not only is it quick and very e-book reader friendly, it is also environmentally friendly (remember, travelling books = travelling gas). Save the environment, one e-book at a time!
Subscribe to Shelf Awareness to receive daily e-newsletters, and along the sides there are advertisements for free review copies.

Also, remember that there is also the good old-fashioned asking publishers directly if you could receive a review copy. Obviously, you have to prove why you are worthy of their time and money, and how they will be benefited in giving you a free copy.

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Alright, so that's it for now. This week, look out for a:

• review on Wintergirls
• Teaser Tuesday for "I Say Tomato" by Katie Wall
• Pretty Little Liars recap and book musings (I'm a huge PLL fan!)
• In My Mailbox segment on Saturday 10th July
• (possibly) new layout
• SQUEE for pretty book covers

Follow me to keep updated! :) Much appreciated.