Top Ten Tuesday: Top Five Reasons I am Thankful I Started Reading and Top Five Reasons I am Thankful I Started Blogging

~ Beth (Reading Every Night)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week there is a new topic for bloggers to choose and list their top ten. This week’s theme is a Thanksgiving freebie, so I picked Top Five Reasons I am Thankful I Started Reading and Top Five Reasons I am Thankful I Started Blogging.

Every single person has that one book that started their love of reading; for me it was books like Harry Potter (which I’m sure it was for most people), the Chronicles of Narnia, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Ever since I started reading it’s become increasingly rare to see me without a book or my Kindle in my hand and it’s what started me blogging as well, something I am very thankful for. So when I saw this week’s topic it seemed the perfect way to celebrate in a way my love of reading and blogging at the same time.

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Top Five Reasons I am Thankful I Started Reading…

…Because I discovered my love of fantasy.

As anyone who’s been following me for a while now knows I love fantasy books more than any other, and maybe that has something to do with the first books I picked up, but anytime I pick a book up I know that for a few hours I will be transported into a completely new, magical, and more often than not dangerous world.

…Because to this day Harry Potter is still one of my favourite series.

Since first picking up Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone I’ve read thousands of other books (probably not much of an exaggeration either) but the Harry Potter series remains a favourite of mine. I re-read all the books, re-watch all the movies, and have a lot of fond memories attached to the series such as waiting in line at midnight with my friends for the release of the seventh book.

…Because there are a lot of countries I was inspired to visit after reading about them.

The most notable is when I went to Prague after reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone but there are plenty of others as well. My need to visit India grew after I read The Star-Touched Queen, same with Greece and the Percy Jackson series. So far Prague is the only book inspired place I’ve visited but I’ve got plenty more on my list.

…Because I learn a lot from the books I read.

Granted I would learn more from the books I read if I picked up more historical fiction, or even tried a non-fiction book, but I’m surprised sometimes by how much I know because of what I have read. Basically if you’re ever doing a pub quiz I’m the person you want on your team because my random trivia knowledge cannot be beat.

…Because it led me to start blogging.

The main reason I started blogging was because I was getting through books so quickly my friends hadn’t finished them or even started them in some cases. I needed people to talk to about what I was reading because that’s part of the fun of reading right? I have loved every moment of this past year blogging and this leads nicely into my next topic as well.

Top Five Reasons I am Thankful I Started Blogging…

…Because it introduced me to other genres.

Before I started blogging my reading tastes could be summed up in one word ‘fantasy’ but since seeing other people’s amazing reviews I’ve been picking up more genres. I’ve developed a love for contemporary books and now probably have as many YA contemporary favourites as I do fantasy, and that’s saying nothing of how magical realism is a new but growing favourite genre for me.

…Because I’ve picked up amazing books I probably wouldn’t have otherwise.

There have been a lot of books I picked up on a whim simply because there was a glowing review for them I spotted on WordPress, and given the majority of books I picked up before blogging were based on their cover or the blurb I know there are a small amount I likely would have never picked up if I hadn’t started this blog. Which would have been a massive shame because they’re now favourites of mine.

…Because I got to go to YALC this year.

Until it was mentioned in a comment, and I don’t even think it was a comment on one of my post even, I had no idea there was a book convention in London, let alone a YA one. Going to YALC has become one of the best weekends of my life; I met so many amazing people, saw some of my favourite authors, and even got some brilliant ARCs. I’m already planning my trip back next year!

…Because I met some amazing people through WordPress.

I wrote more about my blogging besties in the Celebrating the Little Things Tag I took part in last week, but everyone I speak to regularly on WordPress is someone I count as a friend and someone I am so so glad I met through this blog. You’re all amazing people with amazing blogs and talking to you has been one of the highlights of this past year.

…Because I made it to one year and over 1000 followers.

I never made it close to one year on any of my previous blogs, and never made it anywhere close to 1000 followers either, so reaching both was a huge achievement for me. The whole past year blogging has been amazing for me, and for many more reasons than the ones listed above so here’s looking forwards to another year.

So what do you think? Did you take part in this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, if so let me know what you picked for this week’s themed free-for-all, or why you are thankful you started reading and/or blogging.

65 thoughts on “Top Ten Tuesday: Top Five Reasons I am Thankful I Started Reading and Top Five Reasons I am Thankful I Started Blogging”

    1. Yeah I think so too. In the end reading is responsible for so many amazing things that I’ve done and things that have happened to me so it was nice to be able to highlight that in a way.
      I’m thankful I met you, thankful we became friends, and thankful for all the amazing books you’ve recommended to me as well! 😀

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  4. I LOVE your take on this topic, and totally agree with all of them. I recently got back into book blogging after writing about literacy education for a while, and I’m so glad I came back. I get to engage with some amazing readers and authors this way. Happy holidays, and happy reading, yo! My TTT

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  5. This is such a wonderful post, Beth, and I can only agree with everything. Blogging made me read so many new books I wouldn’t even have THOUGHT about picking up before, and discover new genres, and incredible people just like you. And YAY for YALC! To be honest I’m already dreaming about being able to make it there next year as well hahahah but I can’t know that far ahead unfortunately.

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    1. Thanks so much Marie. ❤️ Yeah starting this blog was one of the best decisions I made last year for a variety of reasons, most of which I mentioned in this post! I’m so glad I picked up books I maybe wouldn’t have before, and genres I maybe wouldn’t have before as well! Plus meeting all the amazing people I have so far on WordPress! 😀
      It would be amazing if you did make it next year, it was a great weekend and I’ll be going in 2017 as well so we could meet up again! 😀

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  7. Awww I love this list, Beth! I completely agree with so many of these. I’m also thankful that reading helped me find my love of fantasy as well. And I remember we talked about the random knowledge we’ve gotten from books and how those facts could come in handy one day. I bet we would kill it on a trivia team 😂! As for blogging I’m with you on being thankful for the people I’ve met and all the new genres I’ve been introduced to. I’d be lost without you guys and probably still very much stuck in one genre like I used to be. 🙈

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    1. Thanks so much Melissa. It seems like a lot of people could identify with my picks for this weeks topic but I guess if we all love reading and blogging it probably is for similar reasons. 🙂
      Everyone always has that one kind of start-up genre that’s special for them, I guess for the two of us it was fantasy! 🙂
      We definitely would, and if there was a quiz on books we’d be even better at that one!
      I feel completely the same way. I try and imagine my life now if I’d never started blogging, without you all and the amazing books I was introduced to, and it would never have been as good! ❤️

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      1. You’re welcome, Beth! ♥
        That’s true. There’s always that one genre that was part of the first books that really got you into reading.
        Yep, we would. There should be a game show centered around books and each one should be themed toward a certain genre or subgenre. I bet we would win a YA Fantasy one. 😊
        It wouldn’t have for me either! 💕

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      2. Exactly, and for me that genre remains my favourite to this day pretty much!
        I would definitely watch that game show, and obviously we’d be brilliant at both those genres, and I think we’d do all right on the YA contemporary one as well. 🙂

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  8. Congrats on hitting one year and so many followers, Beth – you definitely deserve them all, for you are so endlessly supportive and active in the blogging community. 🙂
    I learn a lot from the books I read, too, and many stay with me for longer than I would expect. The Harry Potter series, for one, will always have a special place in my heart. Blogging has also helped me explore new genres (like fantasy!) and books I wouldn’t have discovered previously as well, and I’m so grateful for the wonderful bookish community I’ve stumbled upon!❤

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    1. Thanks so much Niraja. I was so thrilled when I reached both milestones, mainly because I never thought I’d get there so actually making it was a huge achievement. 😀
      It’s one of the best parts about reading isn’t it? What you take away from the books even when they’ve finished. HP is always going to be a favourite of mine, it’s the series I grew up with and one I love so much as well!
      My TBR list has been growing and growing since I started blogging. I’m not sure whether I’ll get around to them all but I know everything on there is bound to be a wonderful read! ❤️

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  9. Brilliant list, Beth, and I pretty much agree with everything you’ve said on your list! I haven’t been to YALC yet, but I’ve been to some book launches in Melbourne and writers festival and I have met bloggers around my area, and I’m so, so thankful for that. Blogging also has introduced me to some very great books, and this past year especially has pushed me to become more aware about things like diversity and representation. I don’t think I’d have thought about those things otherwise. 😛

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    1. Thanks so much Reg, and yeah I think these are things most bloggers can connect with, especially the second half! 😀
      I think any book convention would be amazing. I’m actually thinking about maybe going to Bookcon in NY next year. I wanted to go back to NY anyways so why not combine the two into one trip! 🙂
      Oh my to-read list has grown so much in size since I started blogging; I think it’s becoming a little more diverse, largely in thanks to your blog and your reviews, but it’s mainly in branching out from my usual genre and picking up books I maybe wouldn’t have a few years back. 🙂

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      1. That’ll be so great to combine Bookcon with an actual trip to NY! I think you should do it, and I’ll be living vicariously through you if/when that time comes. 😉

        Haha, thank you! I’m glad to hear that. It’s been the same for me as well – I’ve definitely read stuff because of your blog. 💞

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      2. I’m like 99% positive it’s something I’m going to do next year, but if/when I do I will be sure to take loads of pictures so I can share my experience with everyone on here. 😀
        I guess when we have this must exposure to book reviews there’s bound to be a few we pick up here and there! 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much Lauren! I’m so glad there were parts of my list you could identify with. I think especially when it comes to the blogging half it’s things every blogger has experienced, or at the very least most of us.
      Same here, god where would our lives be without Harry Potter! 😀

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  11. Lovely answers, Beth! 🙂 Harry Potter is a definite plus to reading. I never would’ve thought my love of books would’ve led me to writing my own novels or book blogging. It’s crazy what reading leads to, huh? It’s always been one of my favorite things. 🙂

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      1. I wrote my first novel in its entirety about a year before I started blogging, but I think blogging helped me to see how the publishing industry works. That’s why I chose to go the self-pub route. The community is really the best part of blogging for me.

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      1. Ah, that’s awesome that you still managed to get tickets then! My boyfriend got us tickets for the Saturday as one of my birthday presents, and it was one of the best presents ever! I enjoyed it so much that next year I might try and go for the full weekend! (Although that will almost definitely result in me spending ALL my money!) We should totally try and meet if we’re both there on the same day next year! (Only if you’d want to of course!) 🙂

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      2. Yeah I was so thrilled. I went for the whole weekend and it was beyond amazing, I’d definitely recommend doing that if you get a chance next year. But wow getting a ticket this year for your birthday must have been the best present ever.
        Oh I spent so much money while I was there. I went completely over budget and had to put myself on a book buying ban! Yeah it would be great to meet up next year if we’re both there on the same day! 😀

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      3. Aww, I’ll definitely look at weekend tickets in that case! It was such a wonderful, fun event! Aha aww no! Which books did you get? I bought A Gathering of Shadows (and got it signed!) and An Ember in the Ashes while I was there and got an ARC too 🙂 Yesss, that would be amazing!

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      4. I was gonna say it wasn’t that expensive for a weekend ticket considering the authors that were going, the freebies and the fact you got entrance to Comic Con itself as well.
        Honestly so so many. I got all my V.E. Schwab books signed as well but also books by Samantha Shannon, Patrick Ness, Alwyn Hamilton, Holly Bourne, Lauren James, and probably loads others I can’t think of off the top of my head!
        I got a few ARCs, and I’m hoping next year will be even better as well! 😀 I will maybe take a suitcase for books though, my shoulder hurt after carrying them around in my bags all day!

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      5. Whoops, I totally missed this comment the other day, sorry Beth! Yeah, I remember looking at it last year and it didn’t seem too bad. I think hotels would be the more expensive part. Wow wow wow, that’s a lot of signed books! Impressive work 😛 And yeah, a small suitcase is an excellent idea – that’s what I had this year just because I was staying over night, but I’d want to do the same next year and make sure to keep half of the space for book purchases!

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      6. No that’s all right, it seems to be something that happening recently, people missing comments on WordPress. It’s happened to me more than once now.
        I live pretty close to London so I was just able to travel up to London each day, saved on hotel fees but it was awful dragging that many books everywhere.
        I’ll be doing it next year, just to save my shoulder and for easy transport on the trains I’ll be taking. 😀

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      7. Ah that’s quite reassuring that it’s not only me! I think wordpress needs to redesign how users receive comments, perhaps. Oh that’s soooo handy, I wish I was in the same boat. (Maybe I’ll just come crash on your floor 😉 ) Oh so are you commuting or staying in a hotel next year? 🙂

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      8. Nope, I always worry that I’m going to miss a comment here or there but there’s nothing I can do about that. I don’t have the time to check all my posts for comments I may have missed every day.
        See part of me is wondering about staying in a hotel, I can probably find somewhere that’s around the same price as the train and I think it would add the experience in a way as well! 😀

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  15. This is such a brilliant list ! And I cannot agree more on every point you mentioned, I can relate to all of them but the convention one and that’s just because I’ve ever been to one. That being said, it is one of my biggest dreams to be able to do it sometime in the future.

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    1. Thanks so much Fadwa, and yeah I think a lot of them will be the same for people who love reading, especially those who go on to create blogs as well!
      Hopefully you’ll get to go to a convention one day then. It’s an amazing experience and I’m sure whichever one you attend will be brilliant! 🙂

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  17. This is such a lovely post 🙂 I discovered my love of fantasy through reading as well. It is my absolute favourite genre! I think Harry Potter opened up so many doors for people, and I think it is definitely a must-read for everyone. Congratulations on making it a year and 1000 followers!! That is amazing!!!

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    1. Thanks so much. Exactly, and fantasy extends to so many other forms as well, TV shows, films, art in a way as well. Harry Potter is definitely responsible for a while generations love of reading, and I think it will be the same for future generations as well.
      Thanks so much, I was so thrilled when I reached both those milestones because they were two I never thought I’d achieve! 😀

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    1. God it was ages until I branched out into sci-fi, but it’s great you kept going with the genre even if parts of the books confused you a little. Imagine if you’d have stopped at the first hurdle and never picked up another sci-fi book after that! How different would your life be?
      Thanks for the link, I’ll definitely check out your TTT. 🙂

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