Category: Read-a-thon

#24in48 Readathon – See you in the morning!

Published on by Rachelle

You Can't Read All Day
Though I won’t start reading until I get up in the morning, the readathon officially started at midnight EST.  So, I figured I’d post this now before I go to bed.  I’ll be posting updates throughout the weekend, every 12 hours.
For every readathon I’ve ever participated in, I always buy lots of snacks and easy to cook and eat one-handed meals.  I’m doing things a little differently this time.  With the exception of ice cream and popcorn, the only extra I’ve got is a carton of guava nectar to make homemade slushie cups.  Other than that, I’ve got my regular breakfast foods and fruit.  Oh, and lots and lots of tea, but there’s always plenty of that.  I’m not sure what I’ll eat for lunch or dinner, but I’ll figure it out.
My TBR pile has changed slightly since I finished The Martian by Andy Weir and Grave Peril by Jim Butcher earlier this week:

  • Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • (R)evolution by P.J. Manney
  • Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett
  • Feed by Mira Grant
  • Primary Inversion by Catherine Asaro

Fellowship Revolution Bookmarked

Feed Primary

The Boyfriend was sweet and hired a maid service to clean the whole apartment so I wouldn’t have to do anything but the laundry.  So, I’ll be sitting or laying on the couch in my pajamas for most of the readathon.  However, I also intend on getting on the treadmill each day as well as taking breaks to move around and do other things while I listen to an audiobook.
For now, though, I’m going to sleep.  See you in the morning! 🙂

#24in48 Readathon!

Published on by Rachelle

LizLemonYay
Rachel is doing another #24in48 Readathon next weekend!  This is the Readathon that started it all for me.  I created this blog, back when I was The Reading Wench, so I could better connect with such a great bookish community.  This will be my third 24 in 48!  I love it because I can read for 24 hours without the sleep deprivation 🙂
Goals:

  • My plan never goes just how I want it to, but I’m hoping to get at least 14 hours of reading in on Saturday and then finish up the remaining hours on Sunday.  Regardless, the ultimate goal is to read for 24 hours over the weekend.
  • Finish three books.  Since I’ve already started Grave Peril and (R)evolution, this shouldn’t be too difficult to accomplish.

TBR:
This list might change a little by the time the readathon starts because I’ll probably finish The Martian before then, but I’m not sure what I’ll be reading after I finish it.  All of the book covers are linked to Goodreads.

  • The Martian by Andy Weir
  • Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
  • (R)evolution by P.J. Manney

The Martian Grave Revolution

Sign ups are still open.  Are you participating in the 24 in 48 Readathon?

Thursday’s Things: National Readathon Day!!!

Published on by Rachelle2 Comments
1001 Things
Original Image: Viktor Hertz

“Thursday’s Things” is my monthly roundup of book related links I’ve come across while wandering down the rabbit hole that is the internet.

Thursday's Things: National Readathon Day!!!

Published on by Rachelle

1001 Things
Original Image: Viktor Hertz

“Thursday’s Things” is my monthly roundup of book related links I’ve come across while wandering down the rabbit hole that is the internet.

#Readathon – Final Update

Published on by Rachelle1 Comment

Dewey's Readathon_Pocketwatch_Bellezza

I’ve survived another Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-Thon!

  • Total Pages Read: 478
  1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Around 2am, when I got cranky and my attention kept wavering.  I read whole pages without knowing what I was reading.  I think I’ve finally reached an age when I can’t stay up all night and expect my brain to work properly, no matter how much caffeine.
  2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Parnassus On Wheels by Christopher Morley
  3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Readathon next year? Nope, because it keeps getting better and better.
  4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Readathon? I wasn’t nearly as involved this time as I was last time, so I really don’t know.
  5. How many books did you read? 3 and almost half of a 4th.
  6. What were the names of the books you read?  The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry, Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1 by G. Willow Wilson and Parnassus On Wheels by Christopher Morley
  7. Which book did you enjoy most? Parnassus On Wheels
  8. Which did you enjoy least? The Little Prince
  9. How likely are you to participate in the Readathon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? I’ll definitely be participating in October, and I might sign up to be a cheerleader.

#Readathon – Update 2

Published on by Rachelle

Dewey's Readathon_Pocketwatch_Bellezza

I’ve survived the first 8 hours of Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon!

  • Pages Read: 65
  • Books Read: 3 – (The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry, Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1 by G. Willow Wilson and Parnassus On Wheels by Christopher Morley)
  • Snacks Consumed: Jalepeño Poppers
  • Music Playing: Nothing right now.

I didn’t get much reading done after my first update.  My BFF and her Husband got here, and we all ate pizza and played Cards Against Humanity.  That is also the reason why this update is late.  Now I’m back to reading for as long as I can keep my eyes open or until 7 am, whichever happens first.

Until my final update, at 7 am, I’ll continue reading the remaining books on my list:

  • The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • The Hobbit Companion by David Day
  • Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke
  • *The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
  • Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea by Diana Marcellas
  • The Sons of Macha by John Lenahan
  • The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
  • The Master Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
  • The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye by Tania del Rio
  • Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer
  • The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald

*-What I’m currently reading 🙂

Whether you’re participating in the readathon or not, what book(s) are you currently reading?

#Readathon – Update 1

Published on by Rachelle

Dewey's Readathon_Pocketwatch_Bellezza

I’ve survived the first 8 hours of Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon!

  • Pages Read: 375
  • Books Read: 3 – (The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry, Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1 by G. Willow Wilson and Parnassus On Wheels by Christopher Morley)
  • Snacks Consumed: Amy’s Bean and Cheese Nacho Snacks and a beer.
  • Music Playing: Nothing right now.  I need to be able to hear my phone for when my BFF arrives.

So far, I’ve surpassed my page count from the last readathon.  That may be due to me reading a graphic novel, but I think it has more to do with not allowing myself to get on any social media until I finish each of the very short books I’ve been reading.   I also haven’t done any challenges…yet.  However, I plan to do Shaina’s Literary Feast challenge.

Until my 2nd update, at 11 pm, I’ll continue reading the remaining books on my list:

  • The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • The Hobbit Companion by David Day
  • Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke
  • *The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
  • Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea by Diana Marcellas
  • The Sons of Macha by John Lenahan
  • The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
  • The Master Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
  • The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye by Tania del Rio
  • Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer
  • The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald

*-What I’m currently reading 🙂

Whether you’re participating in the readathon or not, what book(s) are you currently reading?

#Readathon – Let’s Get This Party Started!

Published on by Rachelle

Dewey's Readathon_Pocketwatch_Bellezza

Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-Thon has officially started!  I ran all my errands and did all my chores last night.  I also prepped so all I had to do when I got up this morning at 6:00 am was take a shower, turn on the tea kettle, make my breakfast (cereal), and get my browser ready to go with all my readathon related sites.  I’ve got my stack of books and reading journal next to the couch, and snacks are within easy reach when I need them.  I mean business, and the only other days of the year that get me this excited to be up so darn early are my Birthday and Christmas!

The only problem is that I didn’t sleep well last night, but I made up for that by choosing the strongest tea I have, Harney & Sons “Scottish Morn.”  It’s one of my favorite teas.

  • What fine part of the world are you reading from today? I’m in Austin, TX
  • Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer
  • Which snack are you most looking forward to? I quit sugar recently, so I’ve got tons of healthy snacks to keep the sugar cravings away.  I’m most looking forward to the veggie and hummus tray I picked up yesterday just for readathon.
  • Something about myself?  Here’s 20 instead.
  • If you participated in the last readathon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today?  I’m going to concentrate more on reading than socializing this time around.

Until my first update, at 3 pm, I’ll be working on knocking off the books on my goal list:

  • The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • The Hobbit Companion by David Day
  • Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke
  • The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
  • Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea by Diana Marcellas
  • The Sons of Macha by John Lenahan
  • The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
  • The Master Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
  • The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Parnassus On Wheels by Christopher Morley
  • Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye by Tania del Rio
  • Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer
  • The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
  • The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry

My goal is to read as many books as I can., but I won’t force myself to get through a book if I’m not feeling it.

Whether you’re participating in the readathon or not, what book(s) are you currently reading?

Dewey’s 24 Hour #Readathon

Published on by Rachelle5 Comments

Dewey's Readathon_Pocketwatch_Bellezza

Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon begins tomorrow, at 7 am CST, but I wanted to share with all of you what I’ll be doing.

First off, the books.  Since I’m also participating in the #ShelfLove reading challenge, all my books are off of my own bookshelves, whether physical or virtual.  I’ll switch back and forth between books on the list as needed, but I am going to try to finish as many books as possible this readathon.  So, most of the books are under 300 pages:

  • The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • The Hobbit Companion by David Day
  • Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke
  • The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
  • Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea by Diana Marcellas
  • The Sons of Macha by John Lenahan
  • The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
  • The Master Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
  • The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Parnassus On Wheels by Christopher Morley
  • Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye by Tania del Rio
  • Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer
  • The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
  • The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry

Yes, my TBR list is insanely long, but I want plenty of short and fun choices.  Since past readathons were filled with a lot more time on the internet than with pages being turned, this readathon will be more about reading than socializing for me.  Or at least that’s my goal.  However, my BFF will be in town, and we’re getting together in the afternoon.  So, while I will be trying to stay up for the entire 24 hours, there will be a large chunk of time during which I won’t be reading.

My updates will be every 8 hours after my kick-off post.  Along with the books I’ve finished and the number of pages I’ve read, I’ll include any mini-challenges I’ve participated in, along with other tidbits such as music or snacks.

Are you participating in Dewey’s Readathon?  If so, what books do you have planned to read?  Leave a comment, and include your link if you have a “goals” post!

See you tomorrow morning! 🙂

#TakeControlThon – What Happened?

Published on by Rachelle4 Comments
Take Control TBR Pile Read-a-thon

Well, I read a little more than half of The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.  I also had to go with the Boyfriend to sign the lease on our new apartment.  I dealt with frequent, though enjoyable, interruptions from both him and our cat, Dresden.  I ate my veggie platter and some trail mix for snacks lunch.  We watched an episode of House of Cards while we ate take-out so I wouldn’t have to cook during the readathon (not that it saved me much time, but the Boyfriend didn’t have to twist my arm to convince me it was a good idea).

So, when it came time to write an update, I didn’t want to take even more time away from my reading.  I wanted to finish the book.  I wished it was today, Sunday when the Boyfriend is at work and the only interruptions I have for most of the day are the cat and laundry.  I usually don’t have to get dressed or go anywhere or do much of anything until it’s time to make dinner.  But no, it was Saturday, the day when I usually try to do everything I can’t get done during the week so I can relax on Sunday.  I didn’t do most of it so I could attempt, but ultimately flail* to do this readathon, and now I have to do it all today when I would rather be reading without interruption.

I also lost about 10 hours of the readathon right out of the gate because it started at midnight.  There was no way I was going to try to stay up for 24 hours after I had already been up since 6:30 am that morning.  I knew that going in, but I’m still a bit frustrated by the idea of starting a readathon at midnight.  One of the things I love about Dewey’s is that at least for my time zone, it begins in the morning after a good night of sleep.

So, that’s what happened.  Sorry for the rant.  I’m just irritated about the whole thing, especially the fact that I didn’t finish The Thirteenth Tale, which, by the way, is an amazing book so far.  I’ll be lucky if I find the time to finish it by the end of next week.

*This is not a typo.  Accomplishing any amount of reading is never a failure.