End of Hour Eighteen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 24 pages

I read for 50 minutes

Total pages read: 361

Total minutes read: 527

Books Finished - 2

Wow, this book has made me laugh and shocked me at times. I am definitely reading slower but still going....52 pages to go to finish this book.

End of Hour Seventeen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 19 pages

I read for 44 minutes

Total pages read: 361

Total minutes read: 477

Books Finished - 2

Slowing down but I'm still reading! We had a snack of carrots and ranch dip & some Kit Kats and I have my beloved sweet tea. Hopefully that will keep me going.

End of Hour Sixteen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 21 pages

I read for 35 minutes

Total pages read: 342

Total minutes read: 433

Books Finished - 2

This book is so good and just keeps getting better! I love it!

End of Hour Fifteen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 21 pages

I read for 30 minutes

Total pages read: 321

Total minutes read: 398

Books Finished - 2

Moved to Starbucks for a bit of reading and some caffeine.

End of Hour Fourteen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 30 pages

I read for 43 minutes

Total pages read: 300

Total minutes read: 378

Books Finished - 2

Ate dinner at Panera and read while eating

End of Hour Thirteen

Dinner

No Reading this hour

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

2. How many books have you read so far?

Completed two (that I had previously started), Read part of two others

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

Finishing One for the Money and maybe starting the next MaryJanice Davidson book.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?

Nope

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

A few, nothing major really. I did have an hour off when we went out for lunch and an hour off for cheering.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?

That for me I am more focused on one book, where normally I am a bit scattered, reading from several different books.

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

Nope

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?

As a reader, nothing. As a cheerleader I might like to keep a list of who I cheered for.

9. Are you getting tired yet?

I was, at around hour nine. I'm better now but could definitely use some caffeine.

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 planning to read One for the Money with Nancy worked really well, as we were both looking forward to it and have compared notes as we have read (though she passed me when I was cheering.)

End of Hour Twelve

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 28 pages

I read for 46 minutes

Total pages read: 270

Total minutes read: 335

Books Finished - 2

End of Hour Eleven

I spent this hour cheering and made it around to quite a few blogs, though not all, in my assigned letters. I will try and get around to some more later on. I love seeing what everyone is reading.

End of Hour Ten

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 27 pages

I read for 46 minutes

Total pages read: 242

Total minutes read: 335

Books Finished - 2

I'll be cheering this next hour so no reading for me.

Hour Five Mini Challenge

We had to tell our favorite way to share a book. This was my entry...

My favorite way to share my love of reading is to discuss book with my best friend. We shop for books together, try to find books the other needs and today for the first time will be reading the same book during the read-a-thon.

End of Hour Nine

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 18 pages

I read for 25 minutes

Total pages read: 188

Total minutes read: 289

Books Finished - 2

I did a little cheering this hour. Trying to fight off the need for a nap...

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 40 pages

I read for 50 minutes

Total pages read: 170

Total minutes read: 264

Books Finished - 2

Read at Cici's Pizza...loving One for the Money...laughing all the way through it.

End of Hour Seven

Lunch Time

No Reading this hour

End of Hour Six

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 44 pages

I read for 50 minutes

Total pages read: 130

Total minutes read: 214

Books Finished - 2

This is a pretty funny book!

End of Hour Five

This hour I read:

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson - 11 pages

I read 11 pages this hour

I read for 24 minutes

Total pages read: 86

Total minutes read: 164

Books Finished - 2

Finished the first chapter in Blue Envelope. Now it's time for One for the Money....

End of Hour Four

This hour I read:

Undead and Unappreciated - 10 pages - Finished It!

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson - 5 pages

I read 15 pages this hour

I read for 24 minutes

Total pages read: 75

Total minutes read: 133

Books Finished - 2

Spent some of the last hour taking care of Cafe World and then choosing a new book. I've finished both books I was reading before the read-a-thon started. Woohoo! I'll be reading Little Blue Envelope for this next hour and then once Nancy finishes her book we'll be starting One for the Money.

End of Hour Three

This hour I read:

Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson- 29 pages

I read for 53 minutes

Total pages read: 60

Total minutes read: 109

Books Finished - 1

I am so enjoying Undead and Unappreciated. I love MJD!

End of Hour Two

Breakfast time

No reading this hour.

Introduction Meme

1)Where are you reading from today?

My House in The Woodlands, TX Will be reading at various eating places in the area as well.

2)Three random facts about me…

1. I started out this year very slowly on the reading front due to a cross country move. I am happy to say over the last few months I have got back into the swing of things on the reading front.

2. I have over a 1000 books to read. Literally.

3. One of my favorite things to do is to shop for books, especially at used book stores and thrift shops. (Thus the 1000+ books.)

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

14

4)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)?

I want to finish the two books I had started before the read-a-thon (finished one in the first hour), give One for the Money a try and have a lot of fun.

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

I have taken part in all but the very first read-a-thon, so I a definitely a vet. The best advice I can give is to enjoy it! Don't force yourself to read more just because you think you should. If you need a break, take it. If you need a nap take that too. Enjoy the day and the read-a-thon and do it your way.

End of Hour One

This hour I read:

Frill Kill by Laura Childs - 25 pages - Finished It!

Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson- 6 pages

I Read 31 pages this Hour

I read for 56 minutes

Book Finished - 1

Good Morning

I'm up, not bright and shining (still in my jammies) but I'm up and ready to start reading. Let the read-a-thon begin!

My Read-A-Thon Book Pile

Frill Kill by Laura Childs - Already reading this one

Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson - Already reading this one too

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - For the first time Nancy and I will be reading the same book during at least part of the read-a-thon. Everywhere we went last week people kept raving at us about this series so we decided to try it. I had the first in a box and Nancy went out and bought a copy. We'll see what we think.

Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson - I am really into this series right now and can easily see myself wanting to just keep reading in this little world I love so much.

Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton - I have never read anything by this author but this one is short and looks interesting.

Heat Wave by Richard Castle - I love Castle! I thought this might be a good read.

The Good Friday Murder by Lee Harris - Again, I haven't read anything by this author but it looks good. I love mysteries.

Flight to Freedom by Ana Veciana-Suarez - This one was in my TBR box and looks interesting.

Kissing Annabel by Steven Herrick - In my TBR box and one I am not too sure about. It's all poetry so I figure I may give it a try and see what I think.

Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood - Also from my TBR box. A YA book that looks interesting and fun.

The Most Important Thing I Know - Words of wisdom from all different people. Looks interesting and quick, perfect for when I need a break from an involved story.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson - I was lucky enough to go to a signing that Maureen Johnson did in Houston a few weeks back and got this on the first day it came out and got it signed. It looks so good!

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson - I got this at the signing too. I loved the first book and can't wait to read this one.

Milk Eggs Vodka - Looks so strange, a book of grocery lists. Interesting.

For the first time ever I am not putting a book I am currently reading on this list. I started Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr on Monday and haven't gotten very far with it and am honestly not sure if I am going to keep reading it. It's an interesting topic but so far his style just hasn't grabbed me. So I'm not planning on reading it tomorrow. I think I have more than enough to read!

I'm Cheering!

For the first time ever I am going to be cheering during the read-a-thon.

It's that time again...

October 22 is the next read-a-thon! If you want to take part head on over to http://24hourreadathon.com and sign up. It's so much fun!

All our books

All the books Richard, Nancy and myself read (some finished, some not). The newer looking books are mine, the older Richards and the romance are Nancys.

End of Event Survey

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Hour Nineteen...wanted to stay up but was so tired.
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Any of the Broken Heart series by Michele Bardsley.
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? I think cheerleaders should spend a bit more time cheering on newbies, making sure they get a lot of comments. For myself I would pick a less emotional book. Having said that I loved the book...it just made it hard to read anything else after.
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? Everything
5. How many books did you read? Finished one (started before read-a-thon) and made a lot of headway in another I had started before the read-a-thon. For the first time ever I started no new books.
6. What were the names of the books you read? Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins and Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home by Michele Bardsley
7. Which book did you enjoy most? As emotional as it was Mockingjay
8. Which did you enjoy least? Neither really...Yes I enjoyed Mockingjay more than Wait but that's just a personal preference and style of book. They are both enjoyable. No duds this year.
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? N/A
10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? Definitely a reader!

End of Hour Twenty One

This hour I read:

Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home by Michele Bardslet - 18 pages

I Read This Hour - 18

I read for 32 minutes

Total pages read: 331

Total minutes read: 673

Books Finished: 1

Read in bed, last reading I'll do for this read-a-thon. Good night!

End of Hour Twenty

This hour I read:

Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home by Michele Bardslet - 7 pages

I Read This Hour - 7

I read for 43 minutes

Total pages read: 313

Total minutes read: 641

Books Finished: 1

Read in the bathtub

End of Hour Nineteen

Um, well I started to read some...but then Nancy and I got talking and it just didn't happen. I think I am just too tired....so I think I will go take a bath and maybe read a bit in there. If I am up to it I may read some in bed and I'll blog that tomorrow....so I think for now calling it a night.

Character Crush Mini Challenge

"Every so often I’ll come across a character in a book which makes me think, I would run away with him in a heartbeat, and I’m praying I’m not the only one. That’s why I’m hosting this particular mini challenge.

I want to hear about that character (or those characters) you’d pack up your current life to run away with, and why. Tell the world why that character is so charming to you and, if you feel so inclined, where you’d go. Make us want to run away with you! (Oh, and don’t forget to mention the book and author so our TBR piles can grow.)"

There is no one I would pack up my current life for but the one character I just love and can in another life would run away with in a heartbeat would be Peeta from The Hunger Games Trilogy. He's loyal, brave and compassionate. He loves fiercely and willingly lays down his life again and again for those he loves. How more appealing could a man be?

End of Hour Eighteen

This hour I read:

Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home by Michele Bardslet - 15 pages

I Read This Hour - 15

I read for 43 minutes

Total pages read: 306

Total minutes read: 617

Books Finished: 1

End of Hour Seventeen

This hour I read:

Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home by Michele Bardslet - 14 pages

I Read This Hour - 14

I read for 41 minutes

Total pages read: 291

Total minutes read: 574

Books Finished: 1

Cookies are done and it's time for dessert. Yum!

End of Hour Sixteen

This hour I read:

Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home by Michele Bardslet - 13 pages

I Read This Hour - 13

I read for 21 minutes

Total pages read: 277

Total minutes read: 533

Books Finished: 1

I struggled with what to read this hour, after being so emotionally drained from the ending of Mockingjay. I picked some books out but ended up going back to this one, which I had been reading before the read-a-thon. I'm off to put some cookies in the oven and then get back to reading.

End of Hour Fifteen

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 9 pages - Finished It!

I Read This Hour - 9

I read for 34 minutes

Total pages read: 264

Total minutes read: 512

Books Finished: 1

Spent a large portion of this hour crying my eyes out. What an emotional ending! Now the only problem is I am so emotionally drained.

End of Hour Fourteen

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 18 pages

I Read This Hour - 18

I read for 60 minutes

Total pages read: 255

Total minutes read: 478

Eating Dinner and reading at Jason's...

End of Hour Thirteen

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 3 pages

I Read This Hour - 3

I read for 9 minutes

Total pages read: 237

Total minutes read: 418

Most of this hour was spent getting ready to leave and driving to Jason's Deli for dinner.

End of Hour 12

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 13 pages

I Read This Hour - 13

I read for 36 minutes

Total pages read: 221

Total minutes read: 409

I had to take a break this hour as Mockingjay is really getting to me. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful, very well written book that just pulls you in. The down side to that is having to deal with major sorrow, seeing characters you have grown to love die and go through incredible pain and suffering. We're going out to eat in the next hour and I am torn over taking the book as I am nearing the end and know it will be emotional or taking a lighter book. Not sure I can switch to another that easily. So we'll see...

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now? Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2. How many books have you read so far? Still on the first one I began with
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? The end of Mockingjay (getting close now)...after that I don't know. Mockingjay has be so emotionally involved it's almost painful to read, but impossible to stop reading as well. I'm so wrapped up in it right now it's hard to imagine reading anything else.
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Aside from making sure the guest room was ready for Nancy, nope.
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Just meals and a trip out to Starbucks but those were our choice.
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? How quickly it has flown by.
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? Nothing, really. I did like the page there used to be with all the different blog feeds of the readers but that was gone this year...
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Honestly, nothing. Loving it!
9. Are you getting tired yet? I was this morning but my nap and the Starbucks trip helped.
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? Keep hydrated, drink lots of water. And coffee is your friend. (though more for caffeine than hydration.)

End of Hour Eleven

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 9 pages

I Read This Hour - 9

I read for 28 minutes

Total pages read: 221

Total minutes read: 373

End of Hour Ten

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 23 pages

I Read This Hour - 23

I read for 58 minutes

Total pages read: 212

Total minutes read: 345

Read at Starbucks

End of Hour Nine

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 5 pages

I Read This Hour - 5

I read for 18 minutes

Total pages read: 189

Total minutes read: 287

Made a trip to Starbucks for some coffee and a change of scenery. This worked out well as the few pages I read this hour were quite sad. I think if I had been home I would have been crying.

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 21 pages

I Read This Hour - 21

I read for 41 minutes

Total pages read: 184

Total minutes read: 269

Still reading away...think we're gonna take a trip to Starbucks this hour. Change of scenery will do us good.

End of Hour Seven

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 25 pages

I Read This Hour - 25

I read for 41 minutes

Total pages read: 163

Total minutes read: 228

Had some lunch this hour and still managed to get some reading done. Enjoying it!

End of Hour Six

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 23 pages

I Read This Hour - 23

I read for 44 minutes

Total pages read: 138

Total minutes read: 187

End of Hour Five

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 20 pages

I Read This Hour - 20

I read for 39 minutes

Total pages read: 115

Total minutes read: 143

Back into the swing of it...reading along. Cried a bit this hour but I have cried over all of the previous books in this trilogy so why should this one be any different?

Definitely time for a snack.

End of Hour Four

Took a nap and slept through this hour.

End of Hour Three

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 20 pages

I Read This Hour - 20

I read for 16 minutes

Total pages read: 95

Total minutes read: 104

I fell asleep during this hour....

End of Hour Two

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 20 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 20

I read for 40 minutes

Total pages read: 44

Total minutes read: 88

End of Hour One

This hour I read:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 24 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 24

I read for 48 minutes

Total pages read: 24

Total minutes read: 48

Wow, this book is so good! I think I would get more reading done if I didn't keep getting shocked by things that happened.

Time for some breakfast, then back to reading.

Introduction Meme

1)Where are you reading from today?

Our new house in The Woodlands, TX. For the first time my best friend, Nancy is joining Richard and myself.

2)Three random facts about me…

1. I am not a morning person. The fact that I a coherent this time of morning is amazing.

2. This is the first read-a-thon I have ever done from anywhere aside from Raleigh, NC.

3. I'm reading with the two people I know who read the most. So I'm not even going to try and compete, just enjoy the read-a-thon.

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

I'm currently reading three and just have my box of books to read for the year. That way I can choose from a wide selection.

4)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)?

Finished Mockingjay. Read and have fun.

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

It's supposed to be fun so enjoy it. If that means you take a lot of breaks and don't read as much as you planned that's ok.

Almost Time!

I have my books ready to go. The three I a currently reading and my journal are there in the front. In the box behind are the books I have chose to read this year. I haven't picked any out to read for the read-a-thon as I know what I'll be reading to start (Mockingjay) and figure I can just pick as I go from the selection I have. My current reads are:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins-I am so addicted to this series and I got my husband addicted right along with me! I am loving the last book but hate to see it end. I need to finish it though before Richard steals it away!

Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home by Michelle Bardsley-Love this series too but it took a backseat once I got started with The Hunger Games

Reservations for Murder by Tim Myers-The second in the series. I loved the first one way more than I thought I would. I haven't really gotten into this book yet, but The Hunger Games has obviously been holding all my attention.

Since we have moved to Texas we'll be starting at the unGodly hour of 7 am. Yikes! Despite that I'm looking forward to it. See you in the am!

Read-A-Thon

It's that time again....I can't wait! This time around I'll have both my husband and my best friend joining me. How lucky am I that they are both readaholics? I can guarantee they will both outread me. If you want to take part head on over to http://24hourreadathon.com and sign up. It's so much fun!

Reading & Moving

I never did post anything at the end of the year concerning my reading or anything else for that matter. I have a good excuse though as we were right in the middle of planning our move. Jan 26 I left NC and headed to Houston with Richard following a few days behind. The trip was an adventure as it involved moving a whole lot of cats. (Thank God my best friend Nancy agreed to fly out and drive across country with me.) We're settling into life in Texas now and it is nice to be close to family and friends but I have to admit I do miss NC. I miss our friends there, the places we hung out and most of all our church. We have the greatest church there and so far have not even come close to finding a replacement. I have to admit I miss Archivers too. Yes, there is one here (though it's quite a drive) but it's not mine. I learned to scrapbook at the Archivers in Raleigh and knew all the staff and they knew me. As odd as it may sound it was my happy place and I do really miss it. We also haven't found a place for our reading dinners yet. We have tried a few places out and I'm sure eventually we'll find a place that will fit but these are the things you don't think of when you move.

Onto reading....

I read 36 books last year, no more and no less than the year before. Considering how insane the last few months of the year were with house hunting and getting ready to move I'm happy with it. In January of this year I was really struggling to read at all. There was just so much going on and I was having a hard time concentrating when I tried to read. I have slowly gotten back into the swing of things though.

So my goals in 2010 were:

1. Read 40 books - Nope, but I read 36 and am happy with that.
2. Read mostly from one box of books - Yep, did OK with this one.
3. Finish all books carried over - Completed this as well

I also found two new authors I really like (Faye Kellerman and Michele Bardsley) and that's always a good thing.

I am struggling on my goals for this year as I have read half of what I had read at this time last year. But I do like to have a goal so....

1. Read 40 books

2. Read mostly from my 2011 box of books (Picked out ahead of time)

3. Finish all books carried over (I actually already completed this so yae me!)

4. Try some new authors

Heres to reading in 2011!

End of Event Meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?

Hour 20

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

I think I struggled with that this year, as I didn't read any short books. Night's Edge was good but not a quick read.

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

Nope Though for me personally it would work better if I didn't have other committments that day. For me the read-a-thon was the year we stayed at a hotel and I had very few distractions. I would love to be able to do that next time.

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

Cheerleaders were great!

5. How many books did you read?

I read from two different ones. I didn't finish any but I made a good dent in both.

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

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others

Motif for Murder by Laura Childs

7. Which book did you enjoy most?

Night's Edge

8. Which did you enjoy least?

Motif for Murder

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

N/A but the cheerleaders rocked!

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

Definitely will! A reader for sure and I keep toying with the idea of being a cheerleader. We'll see next time around.

End of Hour Twenty

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 10 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 10

I read for 39 minutes

Total pages read: 261

Total minutes read: 600

Mini-challenges completed: 5

I finished the chapter and even read a few pages into the next one. It took me way longer than it should have, a clear sign I am tired. So that's it for me. There is a slight chance I may get an hour more done in the am but I doubt it. I never get as much read as I think I will but I had fun and that's what this is all about.

And thanks Mister for all the cheering...you really kept me going these last few hours.

Good Night...will wrap things up tomorrow.

End of Hour Nineteen

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 10 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 10

I read for 28 minutes

Total pages read: 251

Total minutes read: 561

Mini-challenges completed: 5

I called this hour a little early as I was having trouble concentrating. I did take a trip downstairs in order to get some junk food in hopes that it would keep me going. I think it helped get me through this hour but not sure how much longer I can keep going. I may try for another hour. I would like to finish at least one more chapter in the book I'm reading so I'm going to aim for that.

End of Hour Eighteen

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 19 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 19

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 241

Total minutes read: 533

Mini-challenges completed: 5

Gonna visit a few blogs before getting back to reading.

End of Hour Seventeen

Motif for Murder by Laura Childs - 4 pages

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 13 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 17

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 222

Total minutes read: 495

Mini-challenges completed: 4

I looked at some other books but nothing was grabbing me. So I went onto the next story in Night's Edge and am enjoying it so far. Will keep going with that for a bit.

End of Hour Sixteen

Motif for Murder by Laura Childs - 12 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 12

I read for 42 minutes

Total pages read: 205

Total minutes read: 459

Mini-challenges completed: 4

Trying to decide if I want to stay with this book or start a new one. I'm kind of chugging along with this one, not disinterested but not hugely inspired either. Decisions...decisions...

End of Hour 15

Motif for Murder by Laura Childs - 10 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 10

I read for 33 minutes

Total pages read: 193

Total minutes read: 417

Mini-challenges completed: 4

Mid-Event Survey

Mid-Event Survey:

1. What are you reading right now?

Motif for Murder

2. How many books have you read so far?

Read from 2, finished one short story

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

Not sure...may have to start something new. I do have The Hunger Games and thought about starting that.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?

Couldn't free it up as our local soccer team is in the playoffs

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

A few...just tried to come back to reading

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?

Hmmm, not getting as much read as I hoped

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

Nope

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?

Try to have the whole day free

9. Are you getting tired yet?

A bit

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 really...changing scenery works pretty well and I enjoy reading while eating dinner out but that's just me.

End of Hour Twelve, Thirteen & Fourteen

No reading done, was at a soccer game. Railhawks won 4-0 and we continue on in the playoffs. Woohoo! Back home now with yummy milkshakes and ready to start reading again.

End of Hour Eleven

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 5 pages - Finished the short story

Pages Read This Hour - 5

I read for 12 minutes

Total pages read: 183

Total minutes read: 384

Mini-challenges completed: 4

Dinner done, now off to the soccer game

End of Hour Ten

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 15 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 15

I read for 37 minutes

Total pages read: 76

Total minutes read: 372

Mini-challenges completed: 4

End of Hour Nine

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 11 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 11

I read for 26minutes

Total pages read: 163

Total minutes read: 335

Mini-challenges completed: 4

Off to grab some dinner and then go to a soccer game. We'll be reading during dinner so I'll update when I get back. Go Railhawks!

End of Hour Eight

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 21 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 21

I read for 41 minutes

Total pages read: 152

Total minutes read: 309

Mini-challenges completed: 4

Enjoying this story...next hour I have to start getting ready as we are going out to eat (and read) before the soccer game.

End of Hour Seven

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 19 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 19

I read for 41 minutes

Total pages read: 131

Total minutes read: 268

Mini-challenges completed: 4

Still on the first story in this book but it's really good.

End of Hour Six

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 12 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 12

I read for 24 minutes

Total pages read: 112

Total minutes read: 227

Mini-challenges completed: 4

Had some lunch (Chinese leftovers from last night) and have moved downstairs to the living room.

End of Hour Five

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 14 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 14

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 90

Total minutes read: 203

Mini-challenges completed: 4

Lots of distractions by the kitties this house. My tummy is grumbling and it is definitely time for a lunch break.

Show My The Books Mini Challenge

A pile of books by my bed. Some (Fever 1793, The End of the Alphabet) have been read, others are TBR (Good Omens, Wake) and one (Bright-Sided) is to be posted on Paperback Swap. No shortage of books in our house!

End of Hour Four

Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris and others - 18 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 18

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 76

Total minutes read: 165

Mini-challenges completed: 3

Had a few interruptions this hour with my phone and what not. (The phone call was from my best friend saying she found some books I have been looking for so well worth the interruption.) Enjoying the short story I am reading though. It's not a fast read for me, but a rich, sumptuous tale you want to savor. Yummy.

End of Hour Three

Motif for Murder by Laura Childs - 22 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 22

I read for 44 minutes

Total pages read: 58

Total minutes read: 127

Mini-challenges completed: 3

I was getting a bit sleepy this hour. May be time to switch books for a bit.

Read-a-thon Mini Challenge

"Aw, the joy of reading, shared."

End of Hour Two

Motif for Murder by Laura Childs - 12 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 12

I read for 23 minutes

Total pages read: 36

Total minutes read: 83

Had breakfast this hour, visited a few blogs and did the Back in the Day Childrens Books challenge. Hope to have a bit more time to read this next hour.

Introduction Meme

Where are you reading from today?

Home...currently in our bedroom.

3 facts about me …

I love to read but get distracted from the book I am reading by the book I want to read next.

This will most likely be the last read-a-thon I will do from Raleigh, NC. By the next read-a-thon we should be moved to Houston, TX.

I'm a huge soccer fan and I'm excited by the fact that our local soccer team The Railhawks are in the playoffs. I am annoyed though that they are playing tonight so we'll be taking a break from the read-a-thon to attend the game.

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

3 I'm currently reading and at least 25 as backups. I like to be prepared and have lots of choices.

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)?

Not really. Would like to finish one of the books I am currently reading but most of all I want to enjoy myself.

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

Find what works for you and stick with it. Don't let the way someone else is doing this influence you into making you feel you are doing it wrong. There is no right or wrong, just whatever works for you.

End of Hour One

Motif for Murder by Laura Childs - 24 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 24

I read for 60 minutes

Total pages read: 24

Total minutes read: 60

Wow, it's early.

I'm awake and if not raring to go my eyes are at least open. Let the reading begin.

Getting Ready

Got my books ready to go! The three on the left I am currently reading (more about those below), the three on the right are possible backups, as they are all by authors I know I love. That's a new journal underneath (no idea where my usual one is) and the box in the back is full of books. I have plenty to choose from! We made a stop by the store tonight to get stocked up on snacks so we are good to go in that aspect.

Right now I am reading:

At Home in Mitford-A good book that I am surprised how much I am enjoying.

Motif for Murder-Nice, cozy mystery.

Night's Edge-Three supernatural short stories that I have yet to really get into. The first one is by Charlaine Harris who I adore so I hope if I can just spend a little time in the book I will like it.

I am off to bed fairly soon so I can be somewhat awake at the crazy hour of 8 a.m. Can't wait to start reading!

Almost time for the read-a-thon!

I just signed up and I can't wait! This will be the 6th one I have taken part in. I am so looking forward to it!

End of Event Meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?

Hour 17 & 18

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

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

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

There seemed to be a lot more people cheering at the end than at the beginning. I was reading and posting for sevral hours before I ever got a comment. That was kind of weird. Every other read-a-thon the comments have been consistent through out.

Also knowing the dates farther ahead of time would be helpful.

I also seemed to get two very emotional, sad books back to back by mistake. Not a great idea!

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

Everything else-Great job to all the hard work that went into this!

5. How many books did you read?

2 total, one I had started before the read-a-thon, the other I started and finished during. I also read from four other books.

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

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff - Finished

Life on the refrigerator door by Alice Kuipers - Started and Finished

Real Murders by Charlaine Harris

Doomsday Can Wait by Lori Handeland

Autobiography of a Fat Bride by Laurie Notaro - Started

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella - Started

7. Which book did you enjoy most?

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

8. Which did you enjoy least?

Doomsday Can Wait by Lori Handeland

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

N/A

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

Totally A reader...maybe as a cheerleader

My fifth read-a-thon was great. Wish I had been able to spend the whole 24 hours reading but life does get in the way sometimes. Till next time.....

End of Hour Eighteen

This hour I read:

Real Murders by Charlaine Harris - 15 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 15

I read for 29 minutes

Total pages read: 361

Total minutes read: 456

Books Finished: 2

I think I may have to call it a night. I am really, really tired and want this to be fun, not torture. I am actually surprised how much I did read, considering how much less time I had to read this time than in October. I will of course, have my book light by my bed and a paperback on my bedside table. So if I do end up reading anymore after I am in bed I will post tomorrow. It's been fun!

End of Hour Seventeen

This hour I read:

Doomsday Can Wait by Lori Handeland - 11 pages

Autobiography of a Fat Bride by Laurie Notaro - 4 pages

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella - 3 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 18

I read for 33 minutes

Total pages read: 346

Total minutes read: 427

Books Finished: 2

I made it to the 100 page mark in Doomsday, finished the first essay in Fat Bride and Finished the First Chapter in Secret. I think I am going to try for one more hour...

End of Hour 16

This hour I read:

Doomsday Can Wait by Lori Handeland - 12 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 12

I read for 43 minutes

Total pages read: 328

Total minutes read: 394

Books Finished: 2

I am tired (with a capital T) and this book is going slowly....

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Autobiography of a Fat Bride by Laurie Notaro

2. How many books have you read so far?
2

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
Making it to the 100 page mark in Doomsday can Wait. Laughing some more at the other two books listed above.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
We had a party to attend today (which was loads of fun) so the day didn't really stay free.

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
Aside from the party, nope.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
Hmmm, well that the two books I finished were so upsetting,

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

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
Nothing

9. Are you getting tired yet?
Yes!

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?
Nope

End of Hour Fourteen & Fifteen

This hour(s) I read:

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella - 14 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 14

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 316

Total minutes read: 351

Books Finished: 2

Had a fun time at the soccer game/birthday party. Stopped on the way home at Steak and Shake and got some cheese fries and a milkshake and did some reading there. Got all the kiddos taken care of when we got home. Now back to the regular schedule.

End of Hour Nine

This hour I read:

Life on the refrigerator door by Alice Kuipers - 9 pages Finished It!

Autobiography of a Fat Bride by Laurie Notaro - 5

Pages Read This Hour - 14

I read for 25 minutes

Total pages read: 302

Total minutes read: 313

Books Finished: 2

I have somehow managed to read two of the most sad/depressing books to start the read-a-thon. Life on the refrigerator door had me crying, something I rarely do while reading. (I enjoyed the book much more than How I Live.) I purposely went and chose two lighter books and have already been laughing at Fat Bride. We are off to a soccer game/birthday party this house so unfortunately will have to miss a few hours of reading and posting.

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

Life on the refrigerator door by Alice Kuipers - 56 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 56

I read for 24 minutes

Total pages read: 288

Total minutes read: 288

Books Finished: 1

End of Hour Seven

This hour I read:

Life on the refrigerator door by Alice Kuipers - 70 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 70

I read for 36 minutes

Total pages read: 232

Total minutes read: 264

Books Finished: 1

This book is a quick read, but really good. I am so tired at the moment...really fighting to stay awake.

End of Hour Six

This hour I read:

Real Murders by Charlaine Harris - 16 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 16

I read for 26 minutes

Total pages read: 162

Total minutes read: 228

Books Finished: 1

Lunchtime...ate some lunch while reading this hour.

End of Hour Five

This hour I read:

Life on the refrigerator door by Alice Kuipers - 82 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 82

I read for 34 minutes

Total pages read: 146

Total minutes read: 202

Books Finished: 1

End of Hour Four

This hour I read:

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff - 15 pages Finished it!

Doomsday Can Wait by Lori Handeland - 6 pages

Pages Read This Hour - 15

I read for 46 minutes

Total pages read: 64

Total minutes read: 168

Books Finished: 1

End of Hour Three

This hour I read:

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff - 10 pages

I read for 24 minutes.

Total pages read: 49

Total minutes read: 122

Almost done with this book...

End of Hour Two

This hour I read:

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff - 20 pages

I read for 40 minutes.

Total pages read: 39

Total minutes read: 98

Gonna eat some breakfast this hour.

Introduction Meme

Where are you reading from today?

At home, so far in our bedroom...am sure will migrate to the living room eventually.

3 facts about me …

I have been in a bit of a reading slump so the the read-a-thon came along at the perfect time.

My laptop is in a funky state of being right now so I am having to share with Richard.

The read-a-thon is one of the only things I would get up early for. I am totally not a morning person.


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

3 that I am reading and at least one new one. I didn't really set any aside to read this time, save for the one that will be taking the place of How I Live Now once I am done. I do have Chicken Soup for the Scrapbookers Soul from the library. The little essays in there may be a good thing when it's the wee hours.

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)?

Finish at least one of the books I am already reading and enjoy myself.

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

Read what you enjoy. If a book isn't working for you put it aside and move onto another. Have fun!

End of Hour One

This hour I read:

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff - 19 pages
I am almost done with this book so am plugging away at it. Very mixed feelings about it so I'll wait till I'm done to decide how I really feel.

I read for 58 minutes.

I am going to do the Intro Meme and do a little Facebook before getting back to reading.

Ready to go

I'm up and ready to read. Tired and not totally coherent, but ready to read.

Getting ready for the read-a-thon

We have snacks bought, plans in place and are ready to read! These are the three books I am reading currently and I have plenty more as back ups. Can't wait to get started!

Read-A-Thon

Saturday is the read-a-thon. Yahoo! We have a birthday party/soccer game to go to so unfortunately won't be able to read the whole 24 hours. I still hope to be reading a whole lot though. I'll sort out a few books and post a pic before starting Saturday.

My Reading Goals for the Year 2009 Recap and Reading Goals for 2010

Coming into 2009 my reading goals were:

1. Read 36 books -Done
2. Read series books - Done
3. Finish all books carried over - Done

I came into 2010 with one book carried over (Queen of the Road). I read a lot from different series and read the entire Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris (save for the new one which I got for Xmas) so that goal worked out well. I already started and gave up on one new book (The Chocolate Cat Caper). This year I want to read mainly from one box of books. Not sure I'll get through the whole box but I definitely want to make a dent in it. I'm torn over giving myself a numerical goal. I came close to not making 36 this past year, mostly because I read in spurts...some months I devour books (6 in December) other months just not as much. Then again it's nice to have a goal even if I don't make it, as the whole reason I actually read is for enjoyment. So I will set a goal of 40, four more than my goal last year.

1. Read 40 books
2. Read mostly from one box of books
3. Finish all books carried over