How do you find out about books that you want to read? If you're like most people, it's probably by word of mouth. And over the past few years, much of the word of mouth about books has turned electronic. As newspapers cut the amount of space dedicated to book reviews, book bloggers have stepped in to fill the niche of the trusted book adviser.

A confession: I am a book blogger, and so I guess I'm a little biased. But with over 1,000 book blogs (and counting), there is certain to be one that appeals to every reader, whether you like literature in translation (Three Percent) or romance and speculative fiction (The Book Smugglers--pictured above), young adult books (Persnickety Snark) or historical fiction (Historical Tapestry). Some blogs feature only book reviews; others include interviews with authors, contests and giveaways, and publishing industry news.

The position of "book blogger" is usually a self-appointed, unpaid role. It starts as a labor of love; most book bloggers begin by writing about books they have read, and they do it for the sheer pleasure of sharing their thoughts about books with others. Then they find that they have readers. And they get comments. And so they blog some more. Soon, a community has formed, and the blogger becomes a trusted source for ideas on what to read.

Publishers have taken note of book bloggers' influence, often by sending them pre-publication copies of books in the hopes that bloggers will review them and spread the word.

Next time you are wondering what to read, try turning to a book blogger for a recommendation. Not sure where to start? Book Blogger Appreciation Week, an annual celebration of book bloggers, has created the BBAW Awards to recognize the outstanding contributions of book bloggers all over the world. The winners of the awards will be named in September, but the BBAW Awards Longlist is a great place to discover some of the Character Approved book blogs out there on the web.

[Image: The Book Smugglers]