Readathon | The Wrap Up

I made it to 3 A.M. (hour 20)!  I actually was feeling pretty good and likely could have likely made it all the way through but I had to be functional today, Boo Hiss.  When I looked back to see how this compared with the one other time I had done read-a-thon, I discovered I had actually participated twice, both in Spring and Fall 2014.  Anyway, this was the longest I had made it and I feel good about my reading though most of what I finished were graphic novels.

START TIME:  7:00 a.m.
END TIME: 3:00 a.m.
MADE IT TO: Hour 20!
TIME SPENT READING: I stopped tracking this somewhere around hour 12, lol.  I feel like my focus got a bit better in the evening so my guess would be about 13-14 hours total.
BOOKS READ: I completed one novel and 4 graphic novels and made some progress in two other books 
Finished - 
The Chessmen by Peter May
Fables: Vol 21: Happily Ever After by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Andrew Pepoy
Fables: Vol. 22: 150 Farewell by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha
Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad

Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale by Joss Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Chris Samnee
Read but not finished - 
Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

Wrap Up Survey

1) Which hour was most daunting for you?
Actually I never really flagged this year and only quit because I knew I had to be pretty function today.  It's a bummer because who knows if I will have that kind of stamina another time!
2) Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
The Lewis Trilogy of Mysteries by Peter May are incredibly engrossing and atmospheric though a little dark.  They are not overly long either (~300 pages).  
3) Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next season?
It was great!  I enjoyed participating on Twitter and the website.  Thanks for all the organizing!
4) What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
I'm sure it's always been great and this is just the first year I have really engaged with the Twitter hashtag.  I liked seeing everybody's updates and the prompts from hosts!
5) How many books did you read?
See above
6) What were the names of the books you read?
See above
7) Which book did you enjoy most?
The Chessmen by Peter May Great conclusion to this mystery trilogy though I wsh he would write more with this setting and these characters!
8) Which did you enjoy least?
I was disappointed in the very last Fables installment - Vol 22 Farewell

9) How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Very likely! I think I like just participating as a reader... I already distract myself enough without having any responsibility!

Books on my Stack:

• The Chessmen by Peter May  Great ending to this terrific trilogy!
• Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen Read Some
• The Man with a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes
• Mulch by Ann Ripley
• The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (Audio) Read Some
• Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (Audio)
• Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
• Calamity Jack by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
• Fables: Vol 21: Happily Ever After by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Andrew Pepoy
• Fables: Vol. 22: 150 Farewell by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha
• Olympians: Zeus King of the Gods by George O'Connor
• Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad
• Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale by Joss Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Chris Samnee

Hope all had a great day!

- Stephanie

Read-A-Thon | Midpoint Check-in

I've been a bit distracted today so I don't feel like I have much progress to report on but I'm having a lovely day and that's what matters:).  

START TIME:  7:00 a.m.
CURRENT TIME: 7:00 p.m.
TIME SPENT READING: 406 minutes - 6 hours 46Minutes
BOOKS READ: Haven't finished anything yet. About 2/3rds through The Chessmen and on Chapter 6 of The Golem and the Jinni.  While I eat dinner I think I'll dive into a Graphic Novel so I have something to report!

Mid-event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?
Still working on the Chessmen and The Golem and the Jinni.  Am going to start reading the two Serenity Graphic Novels with dinner.
2. How many books have you read so far?
0
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
Diving into the Graphic Novels below
4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
As I said above, I've been a little distracted today.  When possible I've popped on my headphones and listened to an audio.  Mostly, I just haven't stressed about it too much.
5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How slow I read and how hard I find it to focus even if I am really enjoying the book.  I had this revelation last readathon but am once again being smacked upside the head by it.  It's a miracle I get as many books read as I do in a year!

Books on my Stack:

• The Chessmen by Peter May
• Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen
• The Man with a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes
• Mulch by Ann Ripley
• The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (Audio)
• Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (Audio)
• Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
• Calamity Jack by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
• Fables: Vol 21: Happily Ever After by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Andrew Pepoy
• Fables: Vol. 22: 150 Farewell by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha
• Olympians: Zeus King of the Gods by George O'Connor
• Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad
• Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale by Joss Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Chris Samnee

Okay!  I better get back to reading now!  Hope everyone is having a great time reading!!

- Stephanie

The Readathon has begun! All Hail the Readathon!

7:43 a.m. here in the Midwest and I am deep into the mountains of the Outer Hebrides (The Chessmen by Peter May) and enjoying the sunrise lightening the world up.

My plan for the day is to (obviously) read, do some yard work (while listening to a couple of Audiobooks), post a beginning, middle and ending blog post and otherwise keep an eye on twitter!

START TIME:  7:00 a.m.
TIME SPENT READING: 30 minutes
BOOKS READ: None yet

7:48: 25 Pages into The Chessmen by Peter May (which takes place on the Outer Hebrides), and coffee being consumed.

Opening Meme:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?

Boone, IA in the U.S. Midwest. 

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?

The Chessmen by Peter May I suppose as this mystery trilogy has been really fantastic. I'm also really excited about but also a little bit dreading reading the last couple volumes in the Fables Graphic Novel series by Bill Willingham.  Honestly, I am really looking forward to all the books I've got waiting for me!

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?

Chips and Queso dip.  Not very exciting but it's not something I eat on a regular basis and I've got some sausage to add....

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

The house I live in was built in 1896 and it's right around the corner from where Mamie Eisenhower grew up. Ooooh, Ahhhh, you're starstruck now aren't you;).  It is also less than a block away from the town library.  I'm originally from Virginia and even after 12 years in the Upper Midwest I still loath winter here. When I'm not readathoning, I'm a wildlife biologist for the state Department of Natural Resources and a slave to two rescue golden retrievers.

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

I've participated in one other readathon and it was pretty great so I don't think I will make any massive changes.  I'm feeling a little stiff and sore this morning, so maybe take frequent breaks to stretch?

Books on my Stack:

• The Chessmen by Peter May
• Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendsen
• The Man with a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes
• Mulch by Ann Ripley
• The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (Audio)
• Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (Audio)
• Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
• Calamity Jack by Shannon, Dean and Nathan Hale
• Fables: Vol 21: Happily Ever After by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Andrew Pepoy
• Fables: Vol. 22: 150 Farewell by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha
• Olympians: Zeus King of the Gods by George O'Connor
• Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad
• Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale by Joss Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Chris Samnee

Okay!  I better get back to reading now!  Hope everyone has a terrific day!

- Stephanie

Doing the Dew | Dewey's 24-hour Read-a-Thon | October 2016

This Saturday, October 22, 2016, is the designated Fall date for Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon.  The stars have aligned - both in my schedule and my need - to participate this time around!  I've participated only once before and I did not even try to make it the full 24 hours but it was still such a great day.  Also, Autumn is the most proper of seasons for a full day of reading without guilt.

It's supposed to be a gorgeous weekend and I do have a ton of yard/garden work to do but that shouldn't be an obstacle because I can do yard work AND read #AudiobooksfortheWin.  Otherwise my weekend schedule is open and I've been preparing by taking care of as much of the housework, that I usually do on the weekend, during this week.  I'm hoping to start the day of the read-a-thon with a clean(ish) house and a kitchen stocked with all my favorite snacks!

I've started thinking about my reading plan and setting goals and such and have a few vague ideas.  I doubt I'll set any rigid goals.  I don't read fast so setting a "number of books read" goal is tricky though I would like to catch up a little bit to my Goodreads Challenge goal (I'm 8 books behind).  I'm also not going to make myself stay up 24 hours though I will start at the specified start time (7am) and go for as long as I can. 

I have a few books in mind I think I will "target" on the day:

AUDIO

IN PRINT/DIGITAL

That gives me some good variety:).  I think I will also see if I can pick up a couple of Graphic Novels at the library.  

I am super ready and psyched for a day devoted to reading with a little bit of garden work in the mix.  It sounds like the perfect Saturday. 

So how about you?  Are you going to join in on the Read-A-Thon?  You can sign up at: http://www.24hourreadathon.com/

Whatever you do this Saturday I hope it makes you happy and peaceful. 

Bout of Books 13 - The End

THE END

Despite some distractions from pesky "real life" and really not accomplishing any of my goals completely, I still feel good about how the week went.  I read a whole bunch.  Mission accomplished.

Here is the final tally as of Sunday night:

Time Spent Reading (including listening) Today: 6 hours
Books Read: 
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: 0 pages(total for week: 50 pages)
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher: 50 minutes
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: 30 minutes
Murder on St. Mark's Place by Victoria Thompson: 220 pages (I just missed finishing this one)
Total Books Finished (whole week): 4
The Lewis Man by Peter May
Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday
Locke and Key: Clockworks Vol. 5 by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
Locke and Key: Alpha and Omega Vol. 6 by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

GOALS 

 

These were the goals I set with and what I accomplished:
1)  I will finish these books:

- The Lewis Man by Peter May (in progress)

- The Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday (in progress)

- Locke and Key: Clockworks by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

- Locke and Key: Alpha and Omega by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

- Air: Letters from Lost Countries by G. Willow Wilson and M.K. Perker - I started this one but was utterly confused and didn't get sucked in.  I was also really enjoying the Victoria Thompson mystery I picked up so I will get back to this one later.

      

2) I will make Significant Progress in these books (I know this is shamefully vague):

- Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (at least 100 pages) (in progress) - Only read 50 but I'm okay with that.

- Turn Coat by Jim Butcher (in progress, audio) - Got within half a disk of the end so I'd say that's good progress.

- Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (audio) - I estimate got to about page 200 and something (I'm listening to it) - okay progress (it's 945 pages long).

3) I will be at least 5 books ahead on my Goodreads Challenge by the end of the Read-a-thon.
- I ended at 3 ahead but I finished both Turn Coat and Murder on St. Marks Place today so that'll do it even if its a day late. 

4) I will post update posts on Wednesday and Friday and a wrap up on Sunday with:

Hours Read: 

Books Read:

Books Completed:

It was a good read-a-thon and I didn't miss TV a bit.  Now I need to catch up on reviewing everything!!

Until Next Time...

Bout of Books - Update The Second

Second Update

THURSDAY:
It was a dreary day that would have been perfect for staying home and reading but one must make a living.  It was especially good afternoon to sink into and finish The Lewis Man which is shrouded in dreary weather itself:0). 

Time Spent Reading (including listening): 3 hours
Books Read:  5
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: X pages
The Lewis Man by Peter May: 68 pages
Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday: 9%
Turn Coat (#10 in Harry Dresden Series) by Jim Butcher: 30 minutes
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: 30 minutes
Books Finished: 1
The Lewis Man by Peter May

FRIDAY:
Took the afternoon off from work and spent about 1.5 hours sitting at the vet's office so got in lots of reading there.  Finished two more books which is great, didn't read a single page of Robin Crusoe which is bad.

Time Spent Reading (including listening): 4.5 hours
Books Read:  5
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: 0 pages :(

Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday: 27%
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher: 50 minutes
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: 50 minutes
Locke and Key: Clockworks Vol. 5 by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez: 159 pages
Total Books Finished: 3
The Lewis Man by Peter May
Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday
Locke and Key: Clockworks Vol. 5 by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez


REVIEW OF GOALS:

1)  I will finish these books:

- The Lewis Man by Peter May (in progress)

- The Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday (in progress)

- Locke and Key: Clockworks by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

- Locke and Key: Alpha and Omega by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

- Air: Letters from Lost Countries by G. Willow Wilson and M.K. Perker

2) I will make Significant Progress in these books (I know this is shamefully vague):

- Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (at least 100 pages) (in progress)

- Turn Coat by Jim Butcher (in progress, audio)

- Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (audio)

3) I will be at least 5 books ahead on my Goodreads Challenge by the end of the Read-a-thon.
     - I'm currently 3 ahead

4) I will post update posts on Wednesday and Friday and a wrap up on Sunday with:

Hours Read: 

Books Read:

Books Completed:

*****************************************

I'm making some progress on all my goals, except Robinson Crusoe, with two days left.  Bring on the weekend!

Make the dog a golden retriever and not nearly so polite and this is about right.

Bout of Books - Update The First

First Update

MONDAY:
I annoyingly had to work all day and attend a meeting at night so my books were angry, my dogs were pissed and I wasn't exactly charmed.  Still some reading happened.

Time Spent Reading (including listening): 3 hours
Books Read:  5
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe:13 pages
The Lewis Man by Peter May: 28 pages
Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday: 11%
Turn Coat (#10 in Harry Dresden Series) by Jim Butcher: 30 minutes
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: 15 minutes
Books Finished: 0

TUESDAY:
Got a little bit more time reading in today particularly audio as I had a bunch of car time.

Time Spent Reading (including listening): 4.5 hours
Books Read:  5
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: 0 pages :(
The Lewis Man by Peter May: 31 pages
Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday: 7%
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher: 60 minutes
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: 75 minutes
Books Finished: 0

WEDNESDAY:
Had another evening commitment so things went a little slowly though I again got in a fair bit of listening.

Time Spent Reading (including listening): 3.5
Books Read:  5
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: 10 pages :(
The Lewis Man by Peter May: 16 pages
Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday: 5%
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher: 60 minutes
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: 60 minutes
Books Finished: 0

That takes care of the first three days.  Pretty lackluster but steady progress.  I like everything I'm reading and though I'll admit I don't yearn for my time with Robinson Crusoe it is sparking some interesting thoughts and I'm digging it.  I haven't really been able to devote any time to the mini challenges or twitter chats; just doing my best to read. 

Bout of Books 13 - Goals Post

Bout of Books 13 is here and runs from May 11-17th!  I love to make lists, especially those on which I can check things off, so I can't resist making a list of goals.  

1)  I will finish these books:

- The Lewis Man by Peter May (in progress)

- The Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday (in progress)

- Locke and Key: Clockworks by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

- Locke and Key: Alpha and Omega by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

- Air: Letters from Lost Countries by G. Willow Wilson and M.K. Perker

2) I will make Significant Progress in these books (I know this is shamefully vague):

- Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (at least 100 pages) (in progress)

- Turn Coat by Jim Butcher (in progress, audio)

- Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (audio)

3) I will be at least 5 books ahead on my Goodreads Challenge by the end of the Read-a-thon.

4) I will post update posts on Wednesday and Friday and a wrap up on Sunday with:

Hours Read: 

Books Read:

Books Completed:

Pretty straight forward.  Do you have any reading goals for the week whether you are read-a-thoning or not?  

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon

 

Well it's a lovely gray and chilly day here in Iowa so pretty much perfect for a Read-a-Thon!  I have a good plan for the day and you can see my stack of books anxiously waiting to be read in my sign up post.   I also scored big time and saw that Alyxandra Harvey's just released book was available at my library!  That one will definitely be devoured today.  She is a serious guilty pleasure.

I'll be checking in on this post every few hours or so and updating. Thus far I was late getting started after a poor night's sleep so not a great beginning but there are no real rules besides have fun. I think I will also keep an eye on the new Goodreads group and see what other things are going on with the other participants.   Now for some coffee and a start to the Little House in the Big Woods!

Man time flies!  It's already past 1:00 in the middle of the U.S. and I feel like the read-a-thon just started.  As such here is my Opening Meme in Hour 7:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
Smack dab in the middle of Iowa in the United States.
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
This is a tough one.  I am excited to be reading the Little House on the Prairie series for the first time at the age of....old.  BUT I was pretty psyched that Alyxandra Harvey's new release was just sitting at the library waiting for a read-a-thon: Whisper the Dead. It even has a nice Halloweeny ring to it.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
I have homemade chocolate chip cookies and Mac and Cheese - it's all comfort food all the time here. 
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
Umm... I grew up in Virginia and never imagined that I would end up living in Iowa.  I'm not sure I could have even pointed it out on the map (it's the one with the boob right in the middle of the U.S.).  

A shirt from the very funny folks at Raygun: http://raygunsite.com/

Top of my list of ways I would not like to die is to be dinner for a predator particularly crocodiles or sharks.  Good thing I live in Iowa, eh?

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
Last read-a-thon I found out that I am an exceptionally slow reader (I think I have trouble focusing maybe) and only got through one book despite many hours of reading.  I've picked some shorter and "easier" books to read this time around.

FIRST UPDATE - 1:30 pm (Hour 7)
I started an hour late at 8:00 am and began with a walk through the woods with the dogs and a non-fiction Audio book - Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan.  Nothing like a story about someone's journey into madness to get the day off to a great start.

I followed that up with and  just finished the first of the Little House Books:  Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  It basically covers a year in the life of the Ingalls family during the year Laura turns 6 years old.  It was lovely and simple and as a bonus gave me some tips for organizing my weeks:

"Wash on Monday
Iron on Tuesday
Mend on Wednesday
Churn on Thursday
Clean on Friday
Bake on Saturday
Rest on Sunday"

Time Spent Reading: 4.5 hours
Pages Read: 238
Audio Listened to: 1.25 hours
Books Finished:1
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

SECOND UPDATE - 4:00 pm (Hour 10)

Where is the day going!  I honestly am a little stunned its 4:00 already.  Since the last update, I goofed around online for a bit, ate some lunch and started a new book - Whisper the Dead by Alyxandra Harvey.  It's much fun thus far.

My butt is starting to get a little numb so after a little more goofing off on the web I think I will put in my ear phones and head outside for a little yard work.  It's gotten sunny here, stupid traitorous weather.  It's supposed to be unpleasant outside for all read-a-thons!

Time Spent Reading: 1.5 hours
Pages Read: 87
Audio Listened to: 0 Hours
Books Finished: 0

THIRD UPDATE - 6:45 pm (Hour 12 - Halfway!)
Time Spent Reading: 1.75 hours
Pages Read: 36
Audio Listened to: 1 hour 10  minutes
Books Finished: 0

Mid-Event Survey
1. What are you reading right now?
Whisper the Dead by Alyxandra Harvey and Brain of Fire by Susannah Cahalan
2. How many books have you read so far?
1 finished, 3 total read
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
I hope to finish Whisper the Dead  - its a ton of fun!
4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
All interruptions have been self caused and haven't really had too many. 
5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How fast the day has gone!!

FOURTH UPDATE -  10:30 pm (Hour 16)

I think I did this last time too but I can't resist 'cause they are just so darned cute.  Here are my reading companions as of the 15 hour mark:

They are not doing a lot to encourage wakefulness but are good company nonetheless.  I've had dinner, a little booze, some coffee to counteract the booze and some more good reading.

Time Spent Reading: 2.5 hours
Pages Read: 123
Audio Listened to: 0
Currently Reading: Whisper the Dead by Alyxandra Harvey
Books Finished: 0

FIFTH (and final) UPDATE - 1:30 am (Hour 19)
I took a couple hours off to goof around on line and that got back down to business.  Though I really really want to finish the book I'm reading I have hit that wall.  The wall beyond which no more comprehension happens.  So blech.  I am once again only going to finish one book but it is what it is.  I did up my page count a little.

Time Spent Reading: 1.5 hours
Pages Read: 82
Audio Listened to: 0
Currently Reading: Whisper the Dead by Alyxandra Harvey
Books Finished:0

It's been a lovely night of reading.  Good night all!

TOTALS

Time Spent Reading: 11 hours 45 Minutes

Pages Read: 566

Listening Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Books Finished:1

Books Read but Not Finished: 2

Read-A-Thon! Read-A-Thon! Read-A-Thon!

 

I was excited to discover that this Fall's Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon concides with my longed for and rather lengthy staycation.  In fact, it is perfectly placed, this Saturday, in the middle of my vacation.  As the time grows closer however, I am a little worried as I seem to be in a bit of a reading slump.  I read so much last month that now I seem to be wanting to do anything besides reading. I've also got a huge stack of books that I want to but haven't gotten around to reviewing.  Adding more to that pile makes me a little anxious. So the overly enthusiastic title of this post is meant to pump me up!  Yay, Read-a thon!...?

To overcome these read-a-thon jitters, I've gathered up a tall stack of books that will hopefully be motivating. I don't really have a theme exactly but I'd like to a) catch up on a series that I missed as a kid (at least in book form) and wish I hadn't and b) indulge in a little re-reading which I don't seem to make time for anymore.  

The series if you can't tell is the Little House series which I'm not sure why I didn't read when I was younger. I'd like to re-read the Narnia series (in chronological vs. publication order) and Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles, two of my all time favorites.  Also on the pile is my current read The Pursuit of Mary Bennett by Pamela Mingle.  I am a sucker for Jane Austen Fan Fiction which varies wildly in quality but there are the occasional winners.  I've always felt rather sorry for and interested in Mary Bennett, the least charming and attractive of the Bennett sisters so I snatched this book up as soon as I saw it. Also, to mix things up I threw in the second volume of Y: The Last Man, a graphic novel by Brian K. Vaughan.  I also have a number of books on my i-pod in case I need to get up and move around, as well as a stack on my kindle if everything goes horribly wrong with my current plan.

My strategy here is to focus on (mostly) easy comfort reads.  I'm a slow reader and last read-a-thon, despite a prodigious amount of time spent reading, I finished only one book.  With the stack of shorter, easy reads I hope I can give myself a greater feeling of accomplishment by actually finishing two books!  I will obviously not get through even half this stack but it will be fun trying.

Anybody else participating in the read-a-thon?  What's your strategy?

BOUT of BOOKS 11 - Updates

This is the update post to keep track of my reading for Bout of Books 11.

What is Bout of Books?

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 18th and runs through Sunday, August 24th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 11 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

If all goes well, I will add my daily updates to this one post.  

MONDAY
Time Spent Reading:  4.5 hours

Books Read: (links to Goodreads)
Throne of Glass by Sara J. Maas (audio)
11/22/63 by Stephen King (audio)
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett (20% read)
Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature by Kathleen Dean Moore (Page 155, 79% read)

Books Finished: 0

Comments: Feeling happy about lots of reading time and in all 4 of my current reads despite it being a pretty crazy day.  I may need to my goals adjust midway because I think I may surpass them.  If I didn't just jinx myself with the cockiness:).

Favorite quote of the day came somewhat obviously from Wild Comfort.  I feel like I highlight something on every other page of this beautiful book of essays:

The sound of wind bringing rain, the rattle of surf-driven stones—didn’t these tell him what he needed to know? That he is alive in this place, at this time, alive in the midst of all this life. That he is aware in the midst of all that is mysterious, every fact that might not have been and yet is. Stinging sand, the storm-driven waves, the swirling gulls—they are all cause for surprise and celebration.

TUESDAY
Time Spent Reading: 4.25 hours

Books Read: (links to Goodreads)
Throne of Glass by Sara J. Maas (audio) - DONE
11/22/63 by Stephen King (audio)
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett (30% read)
Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature by Kathleen Dean Moore (Page 169, 85% read)

Books Finished: 1

Comments:  Finished Throne of Glass! I have mixed feelings about it which I will sit with for a bit before trying to get my thoughts down on paper. It is definitely worth reading.

Will be on the road starting early tomorrow morning through Friday so may throw my reading schedule off a bit.

Favorite Quote of the Day:  I could put another from Wild Comfort but instead will highlight some words about one of my favorite characters in City of Stairs, Sigrud:

"Well we are in some danger," she admits. "But we just... We just need to wait." The two attackers she notes are growing increasingly uncertain, so when Vohannes says "For what?" they look a little relieved he asked.  "For Sigrud." "What? What are you talking about?" "We just have to wait," Shara says, "for him to do what he does best." .... "Who is... Sigrud?" asks Vohannes.  There is a horrific scream from nearby and a burst of breaking glass.  "That is Sigrud." says Shara.

WEDNESDAY
Time Spent Reading: 4 Hours

Books Read: (links to Goodreads)
11/22/63 by Stephen King (audio) - DONE
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett (39% read)
Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature by Kathleen Dean Moore  - DONE
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (audio)

Books Finished: 2!  That's a total of three so far for the read-a-thon.  I was in the middle of all of them going in so it may be cheating but it's good to get them read.

NOTES:
Despite the traveling I got a decent amount of reading done mostly because everything kind of went horribly wrong and I ended up with some unexpected time on my hands.  Nice to turn a crappy work day into a good read-a-thon day!

Finishing both of these books was significant for me.  I have struggled to finish two other  Stephen King books with no success so I was super excited to finish this one.  It's long but good.  I have been wanting to read Wild Comfort, my first Kathleen Dean Moore book, for years now and I am so glad I finally did.  It is such a beautiful book.  My review I think will consist mostly of quotes. If you enjoy nature writing and haven't read her, I recommend you do so asap.  Now to Bed!


THURSDAY
Time Spent Reading: 2 hours

Books Read: (links to Goodreads)

City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett (42% read)
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (audio)
The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer (audio)

Books Finished: 0

NOTES:
This was a harder day for reading and didn't really get much accomplished.  I am really enjoying City of Stairs and do hope to be able to finish before the end of the read-a-thon.  Just got started on the two audio books so not sure what I think of them yet. 

FRIDAY
Time Spent Reading: 2.5 hours

Books Read:
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett (48% read)
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (audio)
The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer (audio)

Books Finished: 0

NOTES: Very frustrating reading day but managed to make some progress.  In Cold Blood has the oddest tone to it and I can't decide if it's Capote's writing or the narrator's reading.  Probably a little bit of both.  It's almost farcical and teasing which is odd considering the subject matter (true story of the random seeming murder of an entire family). City of Stairs continues to be great!

SATURDAY
Time Spent Reading: 3.5 hours

Books Read: (Links to Goodreads)
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett (63% read)
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (audio)
The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer (audio, on part 6 of 8)

Books Finished: 0

NOTES:  It's getting down to the wire so I don't know if I will be able to finish any more books before the end of the read-a-thon tonight but I should finish a couple very soon thereafter!  The Vae of the Missing Marquess is a middle-grade/YA mystery series focused on Sherlock Holmes' fictitious 14 year old sister.  It's very fun!

SUNDAY
Time Spent Reading: 7 hours

Books Read:
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett  - DONE
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (audio)
The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer  - DONE


Books Finished: 2!

NOTES:  Found sometime for some marathon reading and finished two more books both of which were pretty great!  The really exciting thing is that both of these were books I started during the read-a-thon!

WRAP UP

# Books Read: 6
Total  # Books Finished:  5

This was a much more successful Bout of Books than the last and I am pleased with the amount of reading I was able to do!  I'm still 2 books behind my Goodreads goal which is a bummer but I'm closer than I was.  All is all it was success!  Thanks to the organizers!

Bout of Books - Goals and Introduction

Time for the Bout of Books Read-A-Thon! And time to set some goals for the week.

Goal 1: Boy oh Boy is my nightstand loaded up with books so I think my first goal will be to get some of them off the nightstand. Pretty vague but I'm not sure how many I can get through. These are on the list:

A) Faery Lands Forlorn by Dave Duncan:  I have this from on Inter-library Loan so it has a hard due date.  I read the first in this series (A Man of His Word series) last fall and my library only had books one and 3.

B) I'd like to read the five graphic novels sitting on the nightstand.  The first four volumes in Hill and Rodrigues' Locke and Key series and the second in Brian K. Vaughn's Y: The Last Man series.

C) I have the Wool Omnibus by Hugh Howey on Audio.

D) I also still have two books left over from Dewey's Read-A-Thon:
One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson and
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

E) I've got three Arcs sitting on my kindle:
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett from Crown Publishing
Half a King by Joe Abercrombie from Random House Del Rey
Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen from St. Martin's Press

F) Finally, I have two fun looking non-fiction books.
Why We Love the Dogs that We Do by Stanley Coren ('cause they're freaking adorable?)
Founding Gardeners by Andrea Wulf (History AND Gardening -be still my beating heart)




Obviously, I won't get anywhere near to finishing all of these but I think I will tackle them in this order. I found out during Dewey's Read-A-Thon that I am a particularly slow reader.  Which leads to...

Goal 2: I think my slow reading is because multitasking is turning my brain to mush.  I can no longer focus.  I'm going to work on that this week.  During the times I set aside to read, the computer, the tablet, the phone are all going to be in another room.

Goal 3: I also want to set aside some time to explore and connect with some new blogs, so I will try to visit as many as possible throughout the Bout of Books.

I think that's it.  Let the reading begin!

DAY 1-3 UPDATE

So my Read-A-Thon is not going as well as I planned.  Too many other things going on but I have been trying to get in reading when I can.  One stroke of luck is that I've had some relatively mindless tasks to do at work so I've mostly been getting in a lot of audio booking.  I've gotten through most of Wool by Hugh Howey on audio and also a little of Factotum by D.M. Cornish. I've also read a couple volumes of the Locke and Key Graphic novels and made a little progress in Faerylands Forlorn by Dave Duncan.



Day 1: MONDAY
Minutes Listened: 156
Listened To:  130 minutes - Wool by Hugh Howey, 26 minutes Factotum by D.M. Cornish
Pages Read: 158 pages Graphic Novel, 21 Pages text
Books Read: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill and The Faerylands Forlorn by Dave Duncan
Books Finished: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill
Comments:  Holy Moley The Locke and Key series is AMAZING!  The first volume was emotional and gripping and clever and the artwork is stunning.  Highly recommend! 

Day 2: TUESDAY
Minutes Listened: 236
Listened To: 11 minutes of Factotum by D.M. Cornish, 225 minutes of Wool by Hugh Howey
Pages Read: 83 pages Graphic Novel
Books Read: Head Games by Joe Hill
Books Finished: None
Comments:  Wool is a super fun dystopian story.  Narrator kinda sucks though. 

Day 3: WEDNESDAY
Minutes Listened: 231
Listened to:  220 minutes of Wool by Hugh Howey, 11 Minutes of Factotum by D.M. Cornish
Pages Read: 61 (Graphic Novel)
Books Read: Head Games by Joe Hill
Books Finished: Head Games by Joe Hill
Comments:  The Locke and Key series continues to be creative and awesome.  Almost done with Wool.

The Readathon is On!

Hour Nineteen Update (2am)

I think this will be my final update of the readathon.   It has been much fun but the punchiness is taking over and I do need to meet some folks for brunch tomorrow morning.  I'm off to bed, feeling pleased with the day. Thanks to the organizers!  Night All!

Currently reading: Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendsen

Books finished: 1
            The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Pages read: 73 pages

Running total of pages read: 481 + 2 hours and 55 minutes of audio (not sure how to translate that into pages)

Amount of time spent reading: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Running total of time spent reading: 14.5 hours

Hour Seventeen Update (Midnight!)

I'm fading fast now but think I have a little more reading time in me.  I've started a fun little paranormal romantic comedy on my e-reader.

Currently reading: Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendsen

Books finished: 1
            The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Pages read: 58 pages

Running total of pages read: 408

Amount of time spent reading: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Running total of time spent reading: 13 hours

Hour Fifteen Update (10pm)

I finally finished a book!  The Beekeeper's Apprentice was really excellent and I could've continued reading it a while longer.  I am starting to feel a little fatigued but I'll keep at it as long as possible.

Currently reading: Fables, Vol 17 - Inherit the Wind by Bill Willingham and Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendsen

Books finished: 1
            The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Pages read: 100 pages

Running total of pages read: 350

Amount of time spent reading: 2 hour, 15 minutes

Running total of time spent reading: 11.5 hours

These guys are not being motivating in the staying awake department:

Hour Twelve Update (7pm)

Halfway Mark!  In the last couple I took some breaks to check out other blogs (one of the highlights of the readathon thus far) and snuck in ten minutes of audiobook listening while getting dinner ready for me (pot roast from the crock pot) and all the animals.  My next update may be a little bit longer interval as I need to go out for a while but I'll be back!  Still loving and not tired of The Beekeeper's Apprentice.

Currently reading: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

Books finished: 0

Pages read: 50 pages, 10 minutes of listening

Running total of pages read: 250

Amount of time spent reading: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Running total of time spent reading: 9.25 hours

1. What are you reading right now?
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (print) and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (audio). 
2. How many books have you read so far?
Just been working on those two.  This has really impressed upon me what a slow reader I am! I am enjoying both and not tired of them but it sure would be nice to say I had finished something!
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
I've got some Fables graphic novels by Bill Willingham waiting in the wings!
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
Nope.  The timing was perfect with the start of vacation and all.
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
Not really.  It's been a smooth and great day!
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How fast the time is flying!
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
I think it is organized SO well!  Don't really have any suggestions.
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
I think if I can participate next time I'll take on some other duties like cheerleading.  Didn't want to do that this first time as I wasn't sure what to expect.
9. Are you getting tired yet?
Nope
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?
Not sure if it's "new" but switching between audio and print is working really well.  The audio lets me continue reading while letting me get up and move around and get some things accomplished.  It also means I've had two books going all day which has helped keep both fresh.

Hour Ten Update (5pm)

This day has flown by!  I can't believe it is 5 pm.  In the last couple hours I have taken the dogs for another walk as well as doing some general sitting and reading.

Currently reading: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

Books finished: 0

Pages read: 40 pages, 30 minutes of listening

Running total of pages read: 200

Amount of time spent reading: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Running total of time spent reading: 8 hours

Hour Eight Update (3pm)

I'm starting to see why people suggest shorter books.  I am not tired of The Beekeeper's Apprentice yet but it would instill a feeling of accomplishment if I could say I had finished something.... And it makes these updates pretty redundant! It doesn't help that I am also a really slow reader. Ah well...here goes.

Currently reading: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Books finished: 0

Pages read: 55

Running total of pages read: 160

Amount of time spent reading: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Running total of time spent reading: 6.5 hours

Hour Six Update (1pm)

A quarter of the way and feeling grand!  Hour 5 was spent cleaning the house and listening to some more N.K. Jemisin and in hour 6 I got to gobble up some leftover chinese and a diet mountain dew getting sucked back in to The Beekeeper's Apprentice.  It's a really nice day outside so think I need to spend some time reading outside this afternoon.

Currently reading: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

Books finished: 0

Pages read: 34 pages read, 60 minutes listening

Running total of pages read: 105

Amount of time spent reading: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Running total of time spent reading: 5 hours

Hour Four Update (11am)

I spent the first part of hour three hopping about the internet so only about 30 minute of reading there but steady ever since curled up on the couch.  I think it's time to get up and move around a bit and switch back to my audio book.  Really enjoying The Beekeeper's Apprentice!

Currently reading: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Books finished: 0

Pages read: 50 pages read

Running total of pages read: 71

Amount of time spent reading: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Running total of time spent reading: 3 hour, 20 minutes

 Hour Two Update (9am)

Hour one and half of hour two was spent walking the dogs at the park and doing some house work while listening to N.K. Jemisin's The Hundred Thousand Kingdom's which is all about treachery and magic.  I was about half way through it to begin with. Nice way to start the day?  With a little violence and treachery?

Currently reading: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Books finished: 0

Pages read: 75 minutes of audio, 21 pages read

Running total of pages read: 21

Amount of time spent reading: 1 hour, 50 Minutes

Running total of time spent reading: 1 hour, 50 Minutes

 INTRODUCTION

 It's almost time here in the Midwest of the U.S. to start reading!  I think I will keep all my updates for the day in this one post and see how that goes. For the first hour 7-8 am I will be throwing on my headphones and spending some time in N.K. Jemisin's The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms while I take the dogs and myself for a walk!  

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
The state of Iowa in the U.S.A.
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Bruegger's bagel and cream cheese
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
I'm a wildlife biologist by day which keeps me pretty busy.  I am actually kicking off a much needed week off with the readathon!  Besides reading I also really love my dogs, Llamas, traveling, learning new things and gardening.  I've been blogging for a little over a year and enjoy that as well!
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
 This is my first!  I'm just looking forward to putting everything else aside for a day and focusing on reading!

Library Haul in Preparation for Dewey's Read-A-Thon

My job has seriously been kicking my butt for about a month and semi-seriously beating me to a pulp for an additional two.  But Hark, there is light! In a week's time there is a slight break in the craziness and I have decided to take full advantage and skip out on work for a week to putter around the house and generally be lazy.  The best part is that it happens to coincide with Dewey's Read-A-Thon on April 26th!  I have really wanted to participate in this since I first heard about it last Fall but before I signed up this go round, I did think about it long and hard. I was cautious because it's a 24 hour read-a-thon and I like sleep y'all.  A lot.  However, I also like to read.  The idea of giving myself an excuse and reason to just ignore everything else and read for a day is too good an opportunity to pass up.

With the goal of keeping myself engaged with reading for the full 24 hours, I've starting amassing a big old pile of books that are various and hopefully engaging.  Here's what I picked up at the library this past weekend:

From Library:
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo (Fantasy, YA)
Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach (Science Fiction)
The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King (Mystery)
One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson (Mystery)
On my e-reader:
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Literary Historical Fiction)
Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson (Goofy Paranormal Romance)
The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine (Middle Grade Fiction)
On Audio:
Factotum by D.M. Cornish (Middle Grade Fantasy)

The idea is not to read and complete all of these in the 24 hours (but wouldn't I be a superstar if I did!) but to have enough available that something will strike my fancy regardless of my reading mood or how tired I become.  I think it's a pretty good list to choose from.  All of them sound exciting and fantastic to me at this moment. I would like to add in another audio possibility or two and a couple of really engaging and not too heavy Graphic Novels.  Any suggestions?

So now I just need to get through one more week....

Anybody else out there participating in the Read-a-Thon?  What have you got lined up to read?  Have you participated in a Read-a-Thon before?  Any advice?