Dewey's Read-a-Thon 2012 Wrap-Up

I thoroughly enjoyed this year's Read-a-Thon! Unlike previous years, I decided to take a break every hour and catch up on emails and blog-hopping, in addition to hanging out with my husband and working on some weekend chores. It was a nice balance and my eyes didn't get too tired.

Here are my final stats:

Start Time: 7:55 a.m.

End Time: 11:25 p.m.

Total Reading Time: 7 hours

Total Time in Breaks: 8 1/2 hours

Total Pages Read: 545*

Total Number of Books Finished: 1

Books Read:

The Devoted by Jonathan Hull (Fiction)

A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver (Poetry)

The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus by Sonya Sones (Fiction)

*253 of the 545 were from Sones' book, which is told in verse. It's a very quick read.

This was a great challenge and I'm looking forward to the next one in the spring. Until then, I'm going to aim for at least 2-3 hours of reading every weekend. 15-20 minutes before bed just isn't enough!

Dewey's Read-a-Thon 2012 Update

Mid-Event Survey

1. How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired?

Yes, I'm tired. During the week I get up at 5, so I'm usually in bed by 9 and asleep by 10. I wasn't planning to read for a full 24 hours and I suspect I'll be asleep by 10. But I'm quite happy with the amount of time I spent reading today, in spite of the long breaks. I can't remember the last time I spent an afternoon on the couch reading, let alone an entire day!

2. What have you finished reading?

I finished The Devoted by Jonathan Hull. I have a few reviews to post first, but I'll just say that I really enjoyed this novel! 
 
3. What is your favorite read so far?

Well, since I've only read The Devoted and half of a collection of poems by Mary Oliver (A Thousand Mornings), I'd have to say The Devoted. ;)

4. What about your favorite snacks?

Blue Bunny Strawberry Ice Cream... almonds and dried apricots... grilled cheese sandwich... Stonehedge Old Vine Zin. I kind of wish I had bought some Peanut M&Ms and a Hershey Bar with Almonds. Or a Godiva Milk Chocolate with Salted Caramel bar. Mmmmm.

5. Have you found any new blogs through the read-a-thon? If so, give them some love!

The reason I was able to read all day was because I stayed away from my computer. I only just recently visited some of my dear old pals' blogs. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to visit any new blogs, but I had to spend my time wisely.

I'll post my final stats tomorrow morning, but for now I need to choose a new book. I love this part about reading where I get to shop from my own shelves. Who knows what gem I might discover. :)

Dewey's Read-a-Thon (2012)

Husker bye week.

Rain in the forecast.

Four new novels by great authors and a collection of poetry.

 

It's been two years since I participated in a read-a-thon and I'm really looking forward to spending the day curled up with a stack of books. I can't remember the last time I read for more than an hour in a single day. Maybe while traveling? In any case, I'm ready to begin Dewey's 2012 Read-a-Thon! Are you planning to join? What's in your stacks? More importantly, what flavor ice cream do you have to boost your energy. ;)

Read-A-Thon (2010) Recap

Oh, dear. I did not do very well with this Read-A-Thon! I read for most of the morning, but I also spent a lot of time online, working on the mini-challenges and visiting other participants. We met some friends for drinks, mid-afternoon, and wound up being gone for over three hours. We had to walk Annie-Dog when we got home, and then it was time to fix dinner. By the time we'd finished eating, I was starting to feel sleepy. I thought I could read for a few more hours, but it just wasn't in the cards. I was asleep by 9:30!

Here are my final stats:

Total Reading Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes

Total Books Completed: 1 (The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg)

Total Pages Read: 207

Favorite Mini-Challenge: Bart's Book Title Sentence Challenge.

How does this compare to last fall? Well, I read for a total of 9 hours and 621 pages in October. I'm not sure spring is the best time for me to participate in a Read-A-Thon. Far too many distractions, not to mention the gorgeous weather.

I hope everyone had a good time!

Read-A-Thon (2010) Mini-Challenge

Kate (from I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read) is hosting an Hour Five Challenge. Here are her directions:

1. Choose a song (sung or instrumental) that represents a chapter that you are currently reading or have read during the read-a-thon thus far. If the book was turned into a movie, and this chapter was shown, what music would you want in the background to convey the emotion or environment.

2. List the book/author/chapter that you choose along with the song(s) you choose.

3. Give a quick synopsis about the chapter (No SPOILERS please!) or the circumstances that take place and why you chose the song to represent it.

Prizes: 2 books of your choice from the Prize list, OR one of the two-book prize packs. Your choices are here.

In your comment please list your email so that the lovely folks at the read-a-thon can contact you for your prize.

Winner will be chosen by random.org

Well, the book I'm currently reading, The Last Time I Saw You, centers around a group of people in their late fifties. They are all getting together for their fortieth high school reunion. This makes it very easy to pick the music for this meme since several songs are mentioned in the chapter I just completed.

The first song is Crimson and Clover, followed by Proud Mary, and Wilson Pickett's In the Midnight Hour. One of the characters wants to hear The Way You Look Tonight, which is one of my all-time favorite songs. If I had more time, I'd love to put together a complete soundtrack for this book. Hmmm, I wonder if Elizabeth Berg has something like this on her blog. I'll check it out after the Read-a-Thon. No time now. Gotta get back to my books!

Read-a-Thon (2010) Mini Challenge

Mini Challenge - Book Title Sentence

Bart, of Bart's Bookshelf, is hosting this hour's mini challenge. I had so much fun with this and could have shared a couple of photos! I also had to refrain from using too many book. Great challenge, Bart. Thanks!

Dewey's Read-a-Thon (2010) Update #1

Title of book(s) read since last update: The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg

Number of books read since you started: 0

Pages read since last update: 40

Running total of pages read since you started: 40

Amount of time spent reading since last update: 50 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!): 50 minutes

Mini-challenges completed: 1

Prize you’ve won: 0

Snack: Coffee and a whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter

Mood: I love reading early in the morning when the house and neighborhood is quiet. I started my book yesterday, so I was already a little ways into it when I picked it up this morning. I've always loved Elizabeth Berg's books and this one is proving to be another good one.

Now to partake in the first Mini Challenge:

Where are you reading from today?

I plan to finish my current reads (The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg and Godmother by Carolyn Turgeon). I have a few collections of essays I'd like to read, as well a few short novels I've been wanting to re-read. There are several ARCs calling my name, too. Lots to choose from, so we'll see what appeals to me throughout the day.

3 facts about me …

I have the best job in the whole world. I work in a bookstore!

I learned how to read in kindergarten. My teacher had me read to her while the other children were taking their naps. I felt so special and I loved my Dick & Jane books.

I'm married to a man who always says, "You can never have too many books!" What luck, eh? ;)

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?

Hundreds? Pretty much all my unread books that are scattered throughout the house in several bookcases.

Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?

The only goal I have is to make it to Midnight -- at least! Last year I quit around 11:30.

If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time?

Take breaks. Don't get too hung up on posting every single hour.

Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-A-Thon: April 10-11, 2010

Yep. It's that time of year again! I'm all set to participate in Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon this coming Saturday. I had such a good time last fall and I'm looking forward to spending the entire day and evening curled up with my books. I'm plan to start right at 7 a.m. but don't really know how long I'll last. I hope I can at least make it to midnight this time around. Last year I quit around 11:30.

We've made plans to get together with some friends mid-afternoon, but that should be my only major interruption. Oh, and I'll probably take Annie-Dog for her walks so I can stretch my legs a bit. And, I'll join my husband for our regular weekend meals together. But the housework can wait until Sunday. :)

Check out all the information here. It's not too late to join in the fun!

The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Young Adult Fiction
2008 Harper Collins
Finished on 10/25/09
Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)
2009 Newberry Medal




Product Description

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy.

He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead.

There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy-an ancient Indigo Man beneath the hill, a gateway to a desert leading to an abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible menace of the Sleer.

But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family. . . .

Beloved master storyteller Neil Gaiman returns with a luminous new novel for the audience that embraced his New York Times bestselling modern classic Coraline. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, the graveyard book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.

It seems as though more and more adults are reading teen and juvenile fiction lately. Did this wave of interest begin with Harry Potter, or has it always been around and I'm just now more aware since I work in a bookstore? Marcus Zusak, Stephanie Meyers, and Suzanne Collins (to name just a few) have all generated further interest in the teen section of our store (myself included). I enjoy strong character development and suspenseful plots, as well as the creative originality of teen fiction (although, at times, the teenage angst is a tad bit annoying) and look forward to discovering more talented authors. However, I'm not sure the young reader books (Juvie Fiction) are compelling and complex enough to suit my taste. I liked Harry Potter well enough, but never did read beyond The Goblet of Fire. Earlier this year I read The Penderwicks and was only moderately entertained. It felt simplistic in content and writing style, but then why wouldn't it? Its intended audience is 9-12 year-olds. So when it came time to find a couple of quick reads to add to my stack for the recent Blogger Read-a-Thon, why did I choose Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book? Well, for starters I've never read anything by Gaiman and I thought this might be a good introduction to his works. And, I'd heard a few positive reviews for this particular title from fellow readers. But mainly I chose it because it was this year's recipient for the Newberry Award and, as I've come to know, it never hurts to have first-hand knowledge in order to offer a sincere and informed recommendation (or not) to a frantic customer during the holiday season.

While it didn't knock my socks off like The Book Thief (Zusak) or The Hunger Games (Collins) or Stargirl (Spinelli), it was entertaining and held my attention from start to finish. I came to care about Bod and his friends, and my heartstrings were gently tugged as I read the final pages. And I enjoyed the subtle nods to Harry Potter. Did I love it? Nah. But I liked it enough to want to read more by Gaiman. Maybe next time, though, I'll try something from his adult bibliography. I'm thinking maybe Good Omens (which I hear is very funny) or American Gods. I'm open to suggestions.

Lastly, let me share a favorite author's remarks on this book:

"The Graveyard Book is everything everyone loves about Neil Gaiman, only multiplied many times over, a novel that showcases his effortless feel for narrative, his flawless instincts for suspense, and above all, his dark, almost silky sense of humor." -- Joe Hill, author of Heart–Shaped Box.

Read-A-Thon Final Update

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?

Probably Hour 16. I was getting tired and uncomfortable. I never planned to stay up all night, so at 11 pm I decided to get in bed and read for as long as I could. I lasted 25 more minutes. I had hoped to make it to at least midnight, but no such luck. Maybe next year.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

The collection of short stories (Joe Hill's 20th Century Ghosts) and essays (Jeanne Marie Laskas' Growing Girls) were the two books that held my interest the longest. I think this challenge is perfect for memoirs, essays, short stories.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

Nope.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?

Since I'm a newbie to the challenge, I'm not sure what was different and if any changes made it more of a success. It all seemed to run smoothly.

5. How many books did you read?

I finished one, am about to finish another and am about halfway through two more.

6. What were the names of the books you read?

20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill
Growing Girls: The Mother of All Adventures by Jeanne Marie Laskas
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Holly's Inbox by Holly Denham

7. Which book did you enjoy most?

The Graveyard Book, once I got into it.

8. Which did you enjoy least?

Holly's Inbox. It's pure brain-candy and I found myself feeling a little bored and antsy.

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?

I wasn't a cheerleader, but I have to say I really appreciated all those who stopped by my blog with comments of encouragement and advice. I look forward to visiting all of those bloggers in the coming days. Thank you!!

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?

I will certainly plan to particpate in the next Read-a-Thon, as long as my schedule allows. I had a great time.

Additional Stats

Total time spent reading: Exactly 9 hours (weird how that worked out!)

Total pages read: 621

Read-A-Thon Update #6

This would be me with Annie-Dog sometime around Hour 10 or 11. Annie is working very hard at being invisible. She hates the camera. But she loves to share her couch with me.

Title of book(s) read since last update: I read more of Growing Girls (Jeanne Marie Laskas) and The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman).

Number of books read since you started: I finally finished a book (Growing Girls)!! Yay!

Pages read since last update: 154

Running total of pages read since you started: 571

Amount of time spent reading since last update: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!) 8 hours and 15 minutes

Mini-challenges completed: 4 total

Snacks & Meals: Mushroom and Italian Sausage pizza. One glass of wine (Red Diamond Cab.). 1 mug of Pomegranate/Fruit Green Tea. Water.

Mood: Feeling a bit sleepy.

Breaks: Watched an episode of House while eating dinner with my hubby. Joined him on a walk with Annie-Dog after dinner. Emptied the dishwasher while waiting for my tea to brew. This was the only housework I did all day!

Location: Couch before dinner, then back to the leather chair (where I'm less apt to fall asleep).

Read-A-Thon Mid-Event Meme

Mid-Event Survey:

1. What are you reading right now? I'm about to head back to Joe Hill's 20th Century Ghosts.

2. How many books have you read so far? I haven't completed a single book. I've been bouncing back-and-forth between four books (20th Century Ghosts, The Graveyard Book, Holly's Inbox, and Growing Girls).

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? I'm anxious to finish a couple of the ones I've started and maybe get engrossed in a new one. I've got Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo ready to go when I start to get sleepy. It's a mystery/thriller and I'm hoping it might help keep me awake longer than these others.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Not really. I did the laundry a couple of days ago (or was that yesterday?!), but I could easily have done it on Sunday. My husband played tennis, mowed the lawn, and has been working on grading papers and lessons plans. We did have dinner together (pizza) and watched an episode of House.

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Nope. None other than meals with my husband and walking the dog (which was a good chance to get outside and stretch my legs!).

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? How quickly the time flies! And how difficult it is to keep up with all the mini-challenges and blog-hopping.

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? None that come to mind right now. Maybe after a good night's sleep, I'll think of something.

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Honestly? I don't think I'd try to participate in so many mini-challenges. While fun, it's more time away from actual reading time. Just posting updates on my blog is time-consuming enough! I'd also stockpile healthier snacks and maybe prepare a big pot of soup or chili for lunch or dinner. I think the fast-food is making me feel lazy.

9. Are you getting tired yet? I started to fall asleep on the couch around 5:30, but now I have my second wind. Just got back from walking the dog with my hubby. It's cool outside (52) and that was refreshing. I'm not planning to drink any coffee, but maybe I'll fix a cup of tea later on. I only had one glass of wine with my pizza. I'd be sound asleep by 10 if I had more!

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered? I think walking the dog (3 times today) has helped tremendously. I'm also drinking a lot of water. And switching between books when I start to get restless.

Fun meme!! Back to my books.

Read-A-Thon Update #5

Title of book(s) read since last update: More from Holly's Inbox.

Number of books read since you started: None finished yet.

Pages read since last update: 116 pages

Running total of pages read since you started: 417

Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1 hour

Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!) 5 hours and 55 minutes

Mini-challenges completed: 2 total

Snacks & Meals: A piece of pumpkin cake. Needed vanilla ice cream.

Mood: Feeling a bit sleepy. I visited a few blogs and am heading downstairs to walk on the treadmill. I'll blog-hop from there (laptop attached to treadmill) and stretch my legs a bit. Then perhaps a glass of wine with some cheese before dinner. Haven't decided what to have yet! :)

Breaks: Nada

Location: Couch. Probably not a good idea when I'm sleepy, although Annie-Dog enjoyed the company. :)

Read-A-Thon Update #4

Title of book(s) read since last update: I read a little bit of The Graveyard Book and a little from Holly's Inbox.

Number of books read since you started: None finished yet. I feel the need to settle in with something I know I can finish. Maybe it's time for a mystery!

Pages read since last update: 154 pages

Running total of pages read since you started: 301

Amount of time spent reading since last update: 2 hours and 5 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!) 4 hours and 55 minutes

Mini-challenges completed: 2

Snacks & Meals: My husband brought home lunch from Jimmy John's. I had a Beach Club sandwich with potato chips and a cup of coffee.

Mood: Anxious to settle into a book. I'm thinking of a mystery, but maybe I'll go back to 20th Century Ghosts and Growing Girls. I've enjoyed those and can probably finish them tonight.

Breaks: Took a walk with my husband and Annie-Dog. It's overcast and trying to rain, but not terribly cold. 54 degrees (F).

Location: Moving from the leather chair to the couch. Time to stretch out and get a little more comfortable.

Read-A-Thon Update #3

Title of book(s) read since last update: I switched over to another current read, Jeanne Laskas' Growing Girls (nonfiction)
Number of books read since you started: None finished yet
Pages read since last update: 64
Running total of pages read since you started: 147
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 60 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!) 2 hours and 50 minutes
Mini-challenges completed: 2
Snacks & Meals: Water with lemon slice and one dark chocolate Dove bite-size candy
Mood: Calm, although I was a little annoyed when I heard a leaf-blower next door. Yes, it's fall. Yes, it's Saturday. But man, those things are so obnoxiously loud!
Breaks: Took a shower and got dressed. Now back to reading. I'll visit blogs on my next break.

Read-A-Thon Update #2

Title of book(s) read since last update: I'm still reading 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill
Number of books read since you started: See above
Pages read since last update: 40
Running total of pages read since you started: 83
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 50 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!) 1 hour and 50 minutes
Mini-challenges completed: 2
Snacks & Meals: Toast with butter & jam (homemade bread!) and some string cheese
Mood: Excited and wide awake

I took a short break to eat breakfast with my hubby before he headed out to play tennis. It's a chilly 41 degrees and he's playing outside! At least it's not snowing. :)

I'm still enjoying Joe Hill's 20th Century Ghosts. Each short story is so unique and compelling. None have been super scary, though. Maybe I should put this one aside and read it later tonight. Decisions, decisions.

Read-A-Thon Mini Challenge #1

Where are you reading from today?

I'm reading from Lincoln, Nebraska.
I spent the first hour in our living room in a comfy leather, wing-back chair. Technically, it's my husband's chair... :)

3 facts about me …

I'm married to my best friend.
I work in a bookstore (B&N).
I love to cooking, traveling and photography.

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?

I think I have about a dozen, but that doesn't include all the books on my TBR shelves. I'm just winging it and not sticking to any sort of a reading plan/schedule.

Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?

Nope. Just to read throughout the day and night for as long as I can stay awake.

If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time?

I'm a newbie.

Read-A-Thon Update #1

Reading Time: 7 am to 8 am
Book: 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill
Pages Read: 43
Snack: Coffee!
Mood: Tired. I don't usually read first thing in the morning. But now I'm alert and ready for my second cup of coffee. This is a good book to start with. Very unique and some-what creepy stories.

Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-thon

I'm in! I've missed out on the past read-a-thons, but decided to join in this year. My weekends are full of the usual chores and errands and my reading time has suffered since going to work full-time at the bookstore. I'm hopeful that this event will help me get back in the groove of curling up with a good book on the weekend. I'm not sure what I'll be reading, but I have a couple of short story collections going right now, so I'll have those close by for breaks between whatever novel I decide upon. You can learn more about Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-Thon at this dedicated blog. I plan to start at 7 a.m. (gasp!) and will try to read all day and evening, but I seriously doubt I'll stay up past midnight. Wish me luck!