my first blogiversary || tears and thank you’s

*screams*

I’m thinking about throwing any formal introduction to this post out of the window because hello??? IT’S BEEN A YEAR???

My tiny little corner of the internet has officially been up and running for a whole entire year. I never expected to actually continue posting on here, albeit irregularly, so this is pretty insane.

I started this blog at midnight when I had the sudden surge of motivation to get up and do something useful for once in my life and well obviously starting this when I was half-awake was not the best idea. I put the first blog name that came to mind (and it’s stuck ever since- I may or may not regret this but oh well) and did not do ANY research before officially publishing my blog. If you couldn’t tell, by then my blog WAS A MESS. I didn’t know how to change themes or add anything to the sidebar, and being the proud and too-good-to-ask-google-for-help person I am, I was convinced to figure out everything by myself (WHICH TOOK TOO LONG) So, if you’ve been here since the very very beginning, I thank you mainly for withstanding the early days of Random Reader’s Rambles horrible design choices. *shudders* those were dark days.

I started my blog on September 23rd but posted my first blog post on September 26th 2021, and it was a little book haul (spoiler I’ve only read two of those books even after a year – I NEED HELP) and perhaps it was the best decision I’ve ever made. But for the sake of both of us I recommend not going back and reading those posts because GOD ARE THEY EMBARRASSING TO LOOK BACK ON.

Anyways this blog means so much to me in every possible way but mainly this community on here means the most to me. Every single person I’ve talked to is wonderful, kind, and all of you have been so welcoming to tiny thirteen year old Suhani who started this on a whim.

I’M SORRY FOR BEING SO SAPPY LMAO BUT IT ONLY GETS WORSE FROM HERE I’M WARNING YOU.

Some books that have contributed to about 99% of my personality

Thanks to blogging I started reading more diversely, and just reading more in general, realised I actually LOVE writing posts, learned how to use canva properly- THIS MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST HELPFUL THINGS EVER, and of course- I’ve met the most amazing people on here. I’ve had the pleasure with interacting with so many book-lovers just like me AND IT’S THE BEST FEELING EVER. I wanted to specifically dedicate this little section to some heart-wrenching and beautiful books I’ve found thanks to blogging, all of these mean so much to me!

I think I’ve talked about all of these enough, and I bet you’re all sick of me just mentioning the same books over and over again (sorry not sorry) but here’s an homage to a few books that have shaped my blogging year

A Darker Shade Of Magic-

My first ever adult fantasy and my introduction back into V.E Schwab’s magical, lush, and vivid world- this book really doesn’t require an introduction. It helped me regain my love for fantasy and find a character I love and relate to.

The folk of the air trilogy (specifically the wicked king)-

Suhani’s trip aboard the hype train surprisingly did not disappoint!!?!?!? I expected myself to despise this series but it quickly became one of my all time my faves which I just cannot shut up about now.

Radio silence-

A book that accurately represents my entire life and it was a book I related to so much the first time I read it. The essence of academic validation, friendship, and just being a part of the fangirl community is encapsulated beautifully and I’ve come to appreciate this a lot.

An ember in the ashes-

My first diverse fantasy book and I was completely blown away when I realised that these characters actually look like me. It’s probably one of the books I mention the most on this blog- and it’s proudly become a part of my brand now.

Thank You’s

I seriously love all of you and can’t even begin to express my sense of gratitude to everyone, but this is my attempt to include all of you in this list~

Here’s a thank you to all my lovely friends on here- YOU ALL ARE THE BEST. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you SO THANK YOU!! In case you’re name isn’t on here it doesn’t mean I don’t love your blog because trust me I ABSOLUTELY DO and I will forever be thankful if you’ve come with me all this way :,)

I ADORE ALL OF YOU ❤ ❤

Anoushka, my bestest friend of all time and the one and only olive queen, I just LOVE our midnight rant sessions and chaotic-in-the-best-way-possible buddy reads- you never fail to make my entire day. Rachel, you’re the most amazing person ever, chatting to you is so much fun and thank you for some of the best diverse book recs ever!! Sophie, you’re so kind and wonderful, your comments are always amazing to read and I adore you and your blog so much. Naemi, your blog posts are always the most innovative and creative, I love talking to you and you’re one of the most supportive people ever, though I still think my Peeta opinions are completely right 😎. Sophia, our buddy reads are extremely fun (especially the failed ones) and your blog is one of the most aesthetic ones I’ve ever come across. Becky, ilysm you’re the sweetest person ever and your posts are ALWAYS IMMACULATE. Lotus, you’ve been one of my best friends on this journey, and your blog is simply *chef’s kiss*

Kaya, your book recs are actually so good and your posts are the best thing ever!!! Ash, our buddy reads are so crazy and fun, and I love talking with you about under-hyped books (read:these violent delights by micah nemerever). Janhavi, I will forever be in awe of everything in your blog, your comments never to fail to bring a smile to my face. Diya, thank you for being one of my first friends on here and all your poems are absolute masterpieces. Jan, your blog is gorgeous and your taste in books is phenomenal- I adore reading all of your posts!! Thea, your posts are STUNNING, I will forever be in love with you and your blog! Rayna, your art is the most stunning thing ever and your vibes are THE BEST. Rebekah, your content is always so cool, I love your blog and book recs so much! Dhriti, our collab post was wonderful to work on and your sense of humour is unmatched.

Riddhi, your blog and dedication is so inspiring thank you for being one of my first ever followers!! Nehal, I love your quirky posts, they never ever fail to make me laugh out loud! Aayushi, your poems and posts are always so meaningful and impactful, I love our conversations! Nikitha, your blog is insanely stunning, your book reviews are always so detailed and creative! Selina, you’re so kind and nice and your aesthetics never fail to amaze me. Cherry, your blog is SO AESTHETIC and your posts are always out of this world!! Ceri, your posts are so amazing and iconic, it’s been wonderful having you as a friend on here!! Aarushi, we don’t talk too much now but I’m obsessed with your blog and all your posts, your monthly-wrap-ups are truly some of my all time favorite posts!! hope you’re doing okay!! ❤ Isabella, your diverse book recs are always impeccable and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to chat with you more! Prutha, I’m in awe of all of your stellar posts and your content is always so fabulous! Evin, you were one of my first friends on here and your taste in books and music is simply divine!! Abby, we’ve just started talking recently but I love our interactions and you have the best and most unique taste in books- I can’t wait to chat with you more!

Lastly to Charlotte, Saima and Lina – your blogs have been such huge inspirations to me and i absolutely love all of your content!! ❤

Some of my Favorite Posts

I’ve posted a total of 28 posts so uhh I’m not exactly working with a lot right now especially since most of these are from a very cringey era but here are some posts I’m pretty proud of !!

• The Lunar Chronicles Series Discussion- I’m a bit surprised with myself for adding this on here because *gasp* it’s a book review??? and I don’t ever write book reviews??? But looking back on it I’m actually very happy with how this came out and it was very entertaining hearing everyone’s differing opinions on the series. I still stand by everything I said there though NO SCARLET SUPPORT SHALL BE FOUND HERE
• Best and Worst books of 2021- I just remember how much fun I had writing this and well I think it’s rightfully earned a spot on this list :,) Also, it was indeed the humble start to my infamous unpopular opinions which has become a pretty regular feature on here hahah.
• We’re haul in this together- I love this post solely for the pun in the title. That’s it. That’s my entire reasoning.
• Things I don’t like about my favorite books- this post caused me SO MUCH PAIN but the end result was WORTH IT. It felt weird criticising my faves but oh well it had to be done.
• Asian Book Recs 101– A very recent post and it’s a topic so close to my heart!! I really enjoyed writing this and hopefully can make a part two sometime soon :)))) Diverse books are always a huge yes so this is your sign to check some more out!!

Q&A Form

It’s been quite a while since I’ve done a Q&A, so here’s a little form through which you can send me a few questions to answer!! If the form down below doesn’t work, try clicking this link here!

Feedback Form

Here’s a little feedback form I’ve attached below, I would be immensely grateful if you could fill it out because I’d love to hear your thoughts on my blog and any improvements I could make ! If you can’t see the form below, try clicking this link over here!

How many years have you been blogging for? When is your blogiversary? Did you fill up the forms ❤ ?? (please say yes I’m pathetic sorry lol )

Thank you for reading and pushing through this overly sappy and sentimental post and most importantly thank you for sticking around ILY !!!

byEee,