Up for a Read?

Blogging has only became popular in the last few years and branched out into numerous categories. Now, it is entirely possible to have a blog and not post entries pertaining to one’s personal life. There are political blogs, photo blogs and video blogs — and these blogs are more about the views, opinions and preferences of the individual blogger rather than any useless detail about what s/he had for lunch and how many people s/he blasted at work.

One of the many different types of blogs which have evolved over the years includes book blogs. Book blogs are often confused with blooks — so it is imperative to clear the concept first. Blooks are basically books written about blogs. The term also refers to those books which are made out of blog entries written over a specific period of time. In contrast, book blogs is where bloggers who are avid readers and book lovers discuss book reviews, bestseller lists, and comment on different books, author profiles and the likes. Basically, a book blog is all about books.

So why a book blog, you may ask. Well, first and foremost, it is always more helpful to read an up close and personal account of a book rather than an impersonal review in the newspaper or the website. With no particular bindings, bloggers can make their entries as interesting as possible, providing links to other reviews on the web, for instance. And if the blog is local, s/he can even suggest places where a certain book will be available.

Secondly, while most people like to read and are in fact voracious readers, they are reluctant to pen their feedback regarding various literary works. There is also an equal chance that their work may never see the light of the day if sent to publication. Book blogs, then provide a suitable platform for these writers and reviewers and they have the freedom to express themselves in an unrestrained way. Plus, they also have the freedom to give their blog URL to whoever they please if they do not want their blog to be public.

At another level, book blogs — especially where bloggers post news from the publishing industry — are also a great way for the readers to keep in touch with the books that are about to hit the market, book launches and feedback on particular books. Agreed that all this would have been possible even with a conventional website of the publisher, but book blogs have an added advantage of interactivity between the writer/reader and writer/publisher. A reader can express views and opinions on whatever is posted — something which is difficult, if not impossible, on a conventional website.

So what exactly are the possibilities if one sets out to create and maintain a book blog? What type of content would do justice to the title of the blog and, most importantly, what should be the theme of the blog?

To begin with, it is absolutely imperative to decide what you want your book blog to do. Do you want to collect news from the publishing industry? Are you more interested in keeping up with the authors? Or do you want something of everything? Once you have decided the aim of your book blog, the writing of the post and updating the blog at your convenience becomes rather easy. If you do not have a clear sense of direction from the very beginning, chances are that your posts will be highly haphazard and in turn confuse your readers as well.

Book blogs have an advantage that they are highly versatile. There is a lot you can do with them provided you yourself are a little creative and have some knowledge of books and authors alike. At the end of the day, a book blog, if maintained properly, is a treat for all those who are involved.

Book blogs can also be introduced in the classroom or summer reading classes as a way to enhance the reading and learning experience of students. Teachers should encourage students to start their own book blog online, and update it regularly. Books blogs will not only be a very effective way for letting the teacher/instructor know how far a student has progressed in terms of his/her reading abilities, but will also give the student a chance to explore new reading websites and book blogs in order to enhance his/her own blog.

There are many themes for book blogs which teachers can specifically suggest to the students to work on. Some of these themes include:

Books which made me think
Similar to Kate’s book blog (http://www.katesbookblog.blogspot.com/), a student can create a blog which revolves around the books that made him/her think — the posts can comprise details about which book inspired some serious thoughts. This will encourage the student to read more and better books.

Favourite authors

The blog can comprise tidbits from the lives of the student’s favourite authors. If the authors are still around, the blog can contain comments on their interviews, or expectations of their new book.

Blog a book

If a student has a particular preference for one book or a series of books (like Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series, for instance), then s/he should be encouraged to blog about those particular books. The posts can be the student’s thoughts about the different characters, the ending, the between-the-lines connotations, etc. Students can use Blogging Anne of Green Gables (http://www.blogginganneofgreengables.blogspot.com/) as an example.

From books to films

This can be a very interesting theme for a book blog — books which were converted into films. The student can blog about what he/she thought of both, talk about the various differences between the two and ponder over whether or not the film director did justice to the book. Differences between the characters in the book and the way they were depicted in the movie can also be assessed. (However, in this case, the teacher may have to place some emphasis on moving beyond the Harry Potter series of books and films)

Group book blogs

Instead of student making an individual book blog, teachers can help form groups of students to work on one blog. This would ensure a diversity of content, plus make it easier for the teacher to assess the blogs as well.

Tête-à-tête

C. Max Magee is a book blogger from the renowned The Millions blog (http://www.themillionsblog.com/). Sci-Tech World got in touch with him to learn more about book blogging in cyberspace.

What is the scope of book blogs?

I think the scope of book blogs can be as expansive or as limited as the individual interests of its contributors. At The Millions, my interests and the interests of my contributors are fairly broad, encompassing a wide range of literary fiction and non-fiction. We also try to embody the person of what we call a ‘trusted fellow reader’ for the audience, that is, a person with a similar love for reading whose book recommendations the audience trusts.

How do book blogs add a new dimension to blogging in general?

I don't know that book blogging is all that different from the sort of ‘enthusiast’ blogging that has sprung up around film, music, and the arts, but what this sort of blogging does is create a space for many geographically remote people who share similar interests to congregate and discuss.

What are the different ways in which students particularly can make use of book blogs?

I think for a student interested in writing and reading, starting a blog is a great idea, especially if s/he intends to pursue writing about books — or just writing in general — as a career. The great thing about blogging is that it gives you an instant audience, even though initially that audience is quite small. You get to practice writing for the public, and then with time, if you do it well, people discover you and you can make a name for yourself and even parlay it into other writing opportunities.

What has been your personal experience blogging about books?

Blogging has been a great experience for me. I've met a lot of interesting people. I continue to be surprised by the blog every day. I think one of the most exciting things for The Millions was becoming a part of the greater community of bloggers and readers that discusses books online. It's been amazing to see the development of an unplanned and vibrant venue for literary discourse. It indicates to me that the world of books and readers is quite healthy. —H.A.