Cheers! Happy 21st Anniversary, Smart Bitches!

Smart Bitches Trashy Books is 21!

Twenty-one years ago, on 31 January 2005, Smart Bitches began.

As we’ve noted, the site launched with a review for Angel-Seeker by Sharon Shinn and for The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann.

We’ve cover snarked, helped bitches out, talked about what we’re reading, and, as a neat coincidence, Smart Podcast Trashy Books published its 700th episode on Friday 9 January 2026.

(You can watch the video of the episode on YouTube!) 

We’ve made some major changes over the year, too!

We launched Smart Bitches After Dark, the community that keeps the site free for everyone (thanks, y’all!).

With their support, we have turned off all external ads on SBTB, upgraded a number of elements of the server side, and fine tuned settings to make the site faster and easier to use.

And speaking of, with the support of the Podcast Patreon, I turned off all dynamic ads before and after the show permanently to avoid ads for ICE and other right-wing propaganda airing with my show.

My goal here is always to create and defend a safe space for us to talk to one another, and even if the internet makes that increasingly difficult, I’m determined to keep our community thriving.

None of that is possible without your being here. Thank you!

The site wouldn’t still be here without you. Our community is welcoming new readers, helping people find the books they want to read, and thriving as a warm and wonderful collection of humans from all over the globe. You let me know when something isn’t working, and you’ve been very effusive with the compliments and kudos, which I appreciate so much.

It’s a very hard time in the online media world, especially in the independent media world like we are, and the offline media world, for so many people. And because we are still talking to one another is an accomplishment and one that I don’t take for granted.

Thank you for hanging out with us, for telling us about all the books you’ve read and liked, and about the books you’ve read and didn’t like. Thank you for supporting our work and telling us jokes, for emailing us exquisite cover art, and for being part of our community.

Usually I look at the modern and traditional anniversary gifts, but 21 is an obvious choice.

For this year’s anniversary celebration, we’re giving away four stemless champagne glasses like this one:

Except they’ll be custom engraved with:

You need a Smart Bitches champagne glass in your life, right? And it doesn’t have to be champagne. Drink juice, cider, a smoothie – whatever your libation of choice, you can enjoy it Smart Bitches style. Each winner will receive one glass.

So, want to win a prize?

Just comment below and share something you love that you found at Smart Bitches.

A book or author you discovered here that you adore?
A cover snark that you re-read and then snort-laugh?
A conversation or review you still think about?
A HaBO you solved or a HaBO you sought?
A comment that blew your mind?

What post or moment do you think of when you think of Smart Bitches? Tell us one of your favorite Smart Bitches memories and you’re entered to win. 

Standard disclaimers apply: We are not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Open to international residents where permitted by applicable law. Must be over 18 and ready to read, and possibly sip fine beverages, with panache and style. Comments will close at noon ET on Thursday 5 February 2026 and winners will be announced shortly afterward.

Thank you for being part of Smart Bitches, and thank you for celebrating with us. Happy Anniversary!!