Last Updated on December 8, 2020 by ThoughtsStained

Hello, lovelies!

I have a really special post to write today. As you may know, right now is the nomination period of the 2020 Book Blogger Awards, hosted by May @ Forever and Everly and Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books. It’s the 4th Annual awards and I had such a blast writing my nominations last year that I couldn’t wait to do it again this year!

For rules and more information (perhaps to write your own nomination post?), check it out on either Marie’s or May’s posts: Award Information and/or Award Information

Now, I didn’t nominate for every category, because I do need to actually follow more blogs, to be honest, as for some categories, I couldn’t think of anyone and that’s on me. But, I did try to nominate as many people as I could. (And May and Marie, I tried my best to make sure I followed the 1/3 of bloggers were less than 500 followers rule, but it may have skewed slightly on the other side).

Also, an important note: please remember that this is just one way of many to highlight only a few of the amazing bloggers out there. Just because you didn’t get nominated doesn’t make the work you do any less appreciated, valid or important to me or the community, because it is and I’m so glad you’re here. Always remember that!

Onward to the nominations!

BEST GENRE BLOGGERS

Science Fiction / Fantasy

The Fantasy Hive: Not only does The Fantasy Hive have such a wide range of features and content that they put out regularly from a team of really fantastic members of the book community, but they are just generally there to be so supportive for the book community and for science fiction and fantasy readers, authors and bloggers as a whole; I couldn’t not nominate them. If you aren’t following the Hive, I highly recommend you start doing so, because they have fantastic features, wonderful, in-depth interviews, amazing reviews (I linked one of my favorites, by T.O. Munro) and awesome themed series, like this month’s Women in SFF!

Novel Notions: Similar to The Fantasy Hive, Novel Notions is a fantasy blog run by a really lovely group of people who offer some of my favorite reviews and always are dangerous for my TBR, as I constantly am adding new books or joining in on conversations about what we’ve read, as they have such great tastes in books from the SFF genre! They also offer interviews and guest posts galore that make them a blog you absolutely should know and be following!

Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum: Okay, it’s no surprise that I absolutely love Mogsy’s blog, BiblioSanctum, and the work she does there to, once again, destroy my TBR with all of the book recommendations. We have a very similar taste in SFF and I can always count on her reviews to help sway me one way or the other, if I’m on the fence about a book and I just appreciate her and her work a lot.

BEST OF BOOK BLOGGING

Best Book Reviews

Kathy @ Pages Below the Vaulted Sky: Ohmygosh, I could gush about Kathy and her blog forever and ever, because I just positively love it. Her books reviews are some of my favorites, because they are honest, written with such a clear voice that is uniquely hers and such a joy to read, and offer such a great perspective into what works for a book and what doesn’t. I just adore her and as someone who doesn’t read a lot of book reviews (oops), I almost always read any she writes.

Brenna @ Paws and Paperbacks: Oh, I just love Brenna’s reviews, but what I’m actually most drawn to are her monthly wrap-up posts, where she writes succinct mini-reviews where she explains why she liked or disliked a book, gives it a rating and then links to a full-length review. I love this style of review that she includes in those posts and I just couldn’t help but mention it, since I always make a point to read through those, even for books I have no interest in reading, because I’m just interested in what she has to say!

Sarah @ The Critiquing Chemist: I think I first discovered Sarah’s blog through her reviews of Brent Weeks Lightbringer series? Not only does she have a very wonderful taste in books, but I also just love her style. She writes a summary of non-spoilery thoughts and plot summation and then writes a separate section for spoilery thoughts, observations and questions she has. It’s such a cool way to write reviews and I’ve always really appreciated it!

Best Book Recommendations

Caitlin @ The Realms of My Mind: Gosh, I think everyone knows how much I just adore Caitlin and everything she does with her blog. Hers is a blog where I think I read practically every post she writes? I love her wrap-up posts, her weekly check-ins and I’m floored with how well she keeps up with ARCs and her own reading goals (it motivates me to try and do the same myself). I also know I can always count on her to give me great book recs or to have a good discussions based on books we both loved!

Mogsy @ The Bibliosanctum: Like I mentioned before, Mogsy is someone I can trust to give book recommendations, because our tastes are so similar (and she has a really amazing tastes in books to begin with ;)) and I make sure to always read her book haul posts, as I’ll usually find something to add to my TBR from it!

Tammy @ Bones and Buffy: One of my favorite series Tammy does on her blog is her “Future Fiction” series, which is her reimagining of the Waiting on Wednesday meme. But it definitely is a dangerous series for me to read, because Tammy has a way of finding books I haven’t heard about, but immediately need to get onto my TBR, which is not helpful with me every actually reading any of these books. 😛

Best Discussion Posts

Amber @ The Literary Phoenix: Honestly, Amber’s blog is probably one of my favorites of all time. Not only do I LOVE her gorgeous layout, but I also love that she has a wide range of posts that she writes, from book reviews to writing posts to memes to discussions. And wow, do I love her bookish discussions and find myself linking to at least one within every monthly wrap-up post I have. She offers some brave, honest posts in her discussions and I find them to be refreshing, well-written and the perfect length!

Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books: I’m pretty sure everyone who knows me knows how much of a Marie fangirl I am (no, seriously: I aspire to be as amazing, as brave, as talented and as inspiring as she is when I grow up). Her discussion posts were what first drew me to her blog, but it was her friendly personality, welcoming nature, her relentless kindness and her fearless vulnerability that made me 100% sure that this was someone I wanted to not only support, but become friends with along the way. She is such a gem within this community and her worth is immeasurable and I am SO thankful for her. <3

Kelly @ Another Book in the Wall: Like both Marie and Amber, I find myself linking to one of Kelly’s discussions anytime she writes a new one! I love how they range from so many different topics, too, to bookish discussions about specific content to how-to guides and productivity tips to commentary on the wider book blogging community as a whole. Kelly knows how to write an amazing discussion and I’m so thankful for them!

Best Blog Aesthetic

Justine @ Whispers and Wonder: I honestly cannot get over how gorgeous her blog is (that she also put together herself!). With the beautiful purples (and a header that MOVES when you’re on her website), it’s absolutely incredible. Her bookstagram is also tied into this amazing style and I just really love how it all fits together and is the perfect feel for a fantasy blog (not to mention her A+ content).

Kat @ Novels and Waffles: IS ANYONE SURPRISED SHE DESERVES TO BE NOMINATED?! No, absolutely not, because Kat’s artistic talents aren’t only showed off through her amazing blog theme and layout that is incorporated into every single post she writes, but she also offers blog designing services and is a dream to work with (she did my own layout you see here and I couldn’t be more in love with it still, a year later).

Amber @ The Literary Phoenix: Okay, let’s be honest here. That blog header is not only one of the most amazing pieces of art I’ve ever seen, but just the entire blog itself is just stunningly gorgeous and I can’t help become lost in awe (and a little bit of envy) every time I visit. It’s incredible and I love it!

Best Blogging/Writing Voice

Para @ To Other Worlds: Not only is Para just a fantastic person to begin with, but her blogging voice is just so honest and to-the-point that is quite refreshing and I always adore reading her monthly update posts, because I know I am going to get a real, honest look into how she felt about the books she read (or DNFed) and I appreciate that so much.

Corey @ Grimdark Dad: I just LOVE Corey’s reviews and the way his voice is so clear in all of his posts. Not only do I love the natural aesthetic he’s chosen (and lowkey kinda love his dog) for his book pictures, but I also just love reading his reviews, not only because he has a great taste in books, but also because he was an incredible voice that is easy to read and connect with, unfiltered and real–exactly the kind of blogging voice I love!

Tiffany @ Read By Tiffany: Um, so I kind of adore Tiffany? Which may sound weird, because we don’t chat that often (I’m lowkey nervous because she is just, such a cool and amazing person, and I’m not worthy?!), but I always love her content and I just love the way she writes her posts! I think she has not only a fantastic blogging voice, but a wonderful range of content to offer, as well, which is why I love reading all of her posts (but I particularly love her wrap-up posts and discussions!).

MISCELLANEOUS

Most Helpful (someone who posts thoughtful blogging guides/advice)

Xandra @ Starry Sky Books: Hands down, Xandra deserves this award 100%. She has written so many wonderful discussion posts and guides for new bloggers, offering advice and tidbits of what she has learned and wished she knew before; the kinds of posts I’d wished I’d found a lot earlier in my blogging career, because they are so helpful and honest and I just appreciate the insight, her time and her willingness to help anyone else out!

Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books: Again, couldn’t not nominate Marie here, because hello. She has an ENTIRE blogging category dedicated to helping book bloggers on her website (which I linked to this time, for you to easily find!) and I just can’t with how helpful she is. Whether it’s advice or being willing to unpack a difficult topic around the blogging community, if you’re a blogger, you should be following and support Marie. Period.

Most Supportive (someone who always shares others’ posts in wrap-ups/has kind comments/boosts other bloggers with initiatives, etc.)

Jason @ Off The TBR: Jason was the first person I thought of when I saw this category, HANDS DOWN. Jason is not only one of the kindest book bloggers I’ve met, but he also never hesitates to retweet reviews that he enjoys and reads, which I’ve always found to be so kind and helpful. He’s also part of the Self-Published Fantasy Month, which is such a cool initiative to help self-published authors and I’m really excited to take part in it this September!

Tiffany @ Read By Tiffany: On top of everything I mentioned above, I also love that Tiffany shares other bloggers’ works through her wrap-ups, which has helped me discover many a blogger in my time following her work–not to mention, I think this was the first time I saw someone do that and thought to add it to my own wrap-ups, so I am forever thankful for that!

May @ Forever and Everly: Oh, May absolutely deserves this award. I am in constant awe of her book list posts, where she does literal hours of research and putting together the post (like her recent ’50 of My Anticipated Book Releases: July to December’ post I have linked) so that it is not only super organized, but also inclusive and inviting for bloggers to read and learn about new books and she’s just fantastic!

Most Engaged in the Community

The Fantasy Inn: The Fantasy Inn are just a lovely group of people who are not only so engaged with their blog, but are also super welcoming on social media and even started an amazing podcast to help reach viewers in a different way (not to mention Wol’s amazing drinking series that is just so creative). I am always in awe of what they do and so grateful for them!

Nicole @ Feed Your Addiction: I also adore Nicole’s blog and what she does for the community through her “Let’s Discussion” series she co-hosts, where she encourages bookish discussions and provides link-ups and giveaways for every month! As someone who is really into reading bookish discussions, I am very thankful for this project and for stumbling upon her blog!

Best Social Media Influencer

Cait @ Paper Fury: I don’t know how she manages to always write awesome blog posts and stay as involved on social media as often as she does (go viral so often that I will often run across screenshots of her tweets in other places like Facebook or Pinterest). Teach me your ways, for I am in awe.

Justine @ Whisper and Wonders: 100% Justine. Not only is she active on Twitter and Instagram, but she also is one of the co-runners of Storytellers on Tour, which organizes book tours for authors (particularly self-published authors) and reaching out to other book blogs and is just generally giving back so much to the community, using her amazing graphical knowledge and talents and her reach to help give back and I think she does just such a fantastic job.

Best Personality

Kathy @ Pages Below the Vaulted Sky: On top of what I wrote above when I nominated Kathy for Best Book Reviews, I also HAD to nominate her for best personality, because it was her kindness in how she interacted in the comments that not only sparked our friendship, but also just showed how wonderful of a person she truly is. She is so kind, not afraid to be vulnerable to make you not feel alone and she not only has a great taste in books, but in video games as well. She is so amazing and deserves the world and I hope you give her blog a follow (oh, and did I mention she has INCREDIBLE ART SKILLS!?)

Para @ To Other Worlds: Like I mentioned above, I just adore Para! I love how she isn’t afraid to be honest on her blog about how she feels about books or whatever else is going on and she has always been so kind and supportive (and I think a little underrated, honestly).

Holly @ The Grimdragon: I LOVE HOLLY. Not only does she have a kickass taste in books and write awesome content on her blog, but she also isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in and for those who need it on Twitter and is also such a joy to talk to in general? So yeah, I think she is absolutely, 110% deserving the Best Personality award.

Friendliest Member of the Community

Captain @ The Captain’s Quarters: Not only does the Captain have such a fun way of writing their blog posts with having a pirate-bent to them (and great puns!), but they have always been so kind any time we’ve ever interacted in the comments section, whether it be my blog or theirs, and I was just always so welcomed by that and appreciated it so much!

Petrik @ Novel Notions: Petrik is not only one of the kindest bloggers out there, constantly uplifting voices, encouraging others and generally being a kind soul, but he is also one of the kindest people I have ever met, even if it’s only online. I can always count on Petrik to be kind and supportive and to bring a smile to my face with his just contagious positivity.

Caitlin @ Realms of My Mind: Is it any surprise that Caitlin is here (answer: no, it isn’t). She is SUCH a gem and, ever since I commented on her blog, she has been nothing but kind to me and everyone else she interacts with, from reading my blog and offering comments and feedback to interacting and supporting other bloggers on social media, Caitlin is fantastic!

Best at Promoting Diverse Books

The Quiet Pond: Some blogs will occasionally highlight diverse books, maybe during Pride Month, for example, and then never mention another diverse book until next June. That’s not the case with The Quiet Pond. From being co-hosts of the Year of the Asian Reading Challenge (two years running) to regularly posting features and series like Pride Month and Asian Heritage Month, to The Pond News weekly series that highlights diverse book announcements, cover reveals and hypes up these new releases; diverse books–and diverse bloggers–always have a safe and welcome space at the Pond.

Kal @ The Reader Voracious: Kal has always been one of my favorite bloggers and inspirations, and the way she supports diverse books is no exception to my admiration. From her diversity index to her flapping pages international ARCs project, I am just so grateful for the work she’s done not only supporting diverse authors, books and bloggers, but the book community in general.

Alicia @ A Kernel of Nonsense: Alicia has also always done an amazing job promoting diverse books, especially by Latinx authors, like through her “Talk Chisme to Me” series, which is so incredible and I love to follow, or her Latinx Book Club. She does a great job lifting up and supporting diverse voices!

MOST IMPORTANTLY

Best Overall Book Blogger [two winners!]

The Quiet Pond: I truly believe that the blogging community would be a small, less passionate, less inclusive and less vibrant place without CW, Skye and Joce at The Quiet Pond. They have always worked so hard to be inclusive and bring diverse reads to the attention of readers, don’t hesitate to speak up about important issues on their blog and on social media, and put so much work into making series that are so incredibly powerful and moving (like their Pride Month series recently) that I am constantly blown away by what they are able to do. If I could ever have a role model as a book blogger and what I want my blog to do and be, it’s The Quiet Pond.

Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books: I know I nominated Marie last year (and she won!), but I couldn’t help but nominate her again, especially with everything that she’s done for the community, to shout out that she’s started her own bookstagram (!!) and that she is just generally one of the inspirations in this community that I believe deserves to be in the Hall of Fame of the Book Awards.

Kat @ Novels and Waffles: Kat was an obvious choice for Best Overall Book Blogger, as well! She not only posts wonderful content and reviews, but she also uplifts diverse voices, writes and creates different resources for other bloggers and is generally one of the kindest individuals I can think of. She is one who makes me proud to be part of the blogging community!

And with that mammoth of a post, that’s a wrap! I hope you check on all the amazing bloggers above and go give them a follow! To everyone I nominated, thank you so much for the work you do, for putting your blog out there and making a positive impression on me. Thank you to both May and Marie for all the work you’re doing behind-the-scenes running the awards and giving us a space to brag and squee about some of our favorite bloggers! And remember: not being nominated or winning an award doesn’t make the work you do on your blog any less valid! <3

Cheers.