I'm taking part in Bout of Books!

I'm ready!  This will be my first time taking part in Bout of Books and I'm excited!

For those that don't know what Bout of Books is... here you go:

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, January 5th and runs through Sunday, January 11th 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 12 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

I want to read at least two hours everyday.  My husband chose to take his Christmas time off work during the first week of January so this is great timing for BoB.  I know I'll be reading the next graphic novel in The Walking Dead series that I have but aside from that I'm not sure what I'll read. Mostly I just want to spend some time reading.

2014 Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

I'll be doing the Mistletoe Level (2-4 Books) as well as the Fa La LA La Films.  My potential list (Subject to change):

Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris

Christmas After All by Kathryn Lasky

Icing on the Lake by Catherine Clark

The Christmas Basket by Debbie Macomber

'Tis The Season To Be Murdered by Valerie Wolzien

White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter

End of Event Meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
Well I slept through the first two hours so probably those.  Other than that it was probably Hour 23.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
The Walking Dead or any really good graphic novel is wonderful.  I think having a series (Aunt Dimity, Virgin River) you know you love that's a go-to for you is always a good choice.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
Not really.  I think we can always use more cheerleaders.  I do think the GoodReads group was a great addition.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
The GoodReads group and also the warm up posts on Facebook were awesome.

5. How many books did you read?
4 and I finished three of those.  One I had started before the RAT began.

6. What were the names of the books you read?
Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea (Started before hand)
The Walking Dead Vol 3 Safety Behind Bars
The Walking Dead Vol 3 The Heart's Desire
50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James  (Not finished)

7. Which book did you enjoy most?
Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea.  It's part of one of my all-time favorite series.

8. Which did you enjoy least?
50 Shades of Grey, though considering I was expecting to hate it and I don't so far it's ok.

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
I wasn't though I have been in the past and may cheer next time.  I definitely think we just need more as we're getting so many more readers (which is awesome!)

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
As sure as anything can be!  We (my husband, best friend and I) plan for this every year and it goes on our calendars as soon as the dates come out.  I'll be a reader and may cheer too.

All Our Books

End of Hour Twenty-Four

This hour I read:

50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James- 5 pages

I read for 11 minutes

Total pages read: 407

Total minutes read: 561

Books Finished - 3

I managed a few more pages before I collapsed into bed.

Just a few more words....

End of Hour Twenty-Three

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 3 The Heart's Desire - 18 pages - Finished It!

I read for 21 minutes

Total pages read: 402

Total minutes read: 550

Books Finished - 3

Woohoo!  I finished my book!  I think I'm going to call it a night...

Last reader standing at my house...I finished my book!

End of Hour Twenty-Two

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 3 The Heart's Desire - 36 pages

I read for 40 minutes

Total pages read: 384

Total minutes read: 529

Books Finished - 2

Really getting tired now...but trying to finish my book.

My special Carrot Cake Cookie Bars (For My Bunny)

End of Hour Twenty-One

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 3 The Heart's Desire - 40 pages

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 348

Total minutes read: 489

Books Finished - 2

The famous foot picture - Nancy, Jenn, Coal & Grafton!

End of Hour Twenty

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 3 The Heart's Desire - 8 pages

I read for 15 minutes

Total pages read: 308

Total minutes read: 451

Books Finished - 2

Tired but still reading.  Drinking and snacking to keep going.

Snack Time!  Rice Krispie, Popcorn, M&M's Trail Mix

End of Hour Nineteen

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 3 The Heart's Desire- 32 pages

I read for 24 minutes

Total pages read: 300

Total minutes read: 436

Books Finished - 2

Nilla enjoying her treat from her Aunt Nancy

Mini Challenge

Promote That Genre


Mysteries are where it's at!  They keep you guessing, keep you interested and there are all different kinds.  Cozy ones where the gore is to a minimum and really creepy ones that can give you nightmares.  There are mysteries set all over the world, so whether you want to read a book set in your local area or one set on the farthest corner of the world you can find one.  I read all different genres but mysteries will always be my true love.  Give one a go.  You may just find yourself looking for clues in real life.  ;)

End of Hour Eighteen

This hour I read:

50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James- 12 pages

I read for 25 minutes

Total pages read: 268

Total minutes read: 412

Books Finished - 2

Inspired by Courtney's post on the RAT blog I went and took a fabulous bubble bath using a LUSH Dorothy Bubble Bar while reading my book.  It was heavenly.

LUSH makes the best bubble bars. 

End of Hour Seventeen

This hour I read:

50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James- 8 pages

I read for 21 minutes

Total pages read: 256

Total minutes read: 387

Books Finished - 2

Watched the end of the soccer game (A draw, bye-bye Buckshaw.  You gave me one of my favorite memories.) and read a little.

My answer to the blog question this hour - My mom was an avid reader when I was growing up and I always loved going to the library.  I devoured books my entire childhood.  My mom would read a lot of what I read as a teenager and we would discuss them.  Now days I'm married to a man who reads even more than I do so it's something we share.  I can't imagine not reading.

Hmmm, not loving or hating it right now

Mini Challenge

Estella's Revenge Mini Challenge : The Pet Parade

Coal Logan

Vanilla Bean with Andie in the background

End of Hour Sixteen

This hour I read:

50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James - 3 pages

I read for 5 minutes

Total pages read: 248

Total minutes read: 366

Books Finished - 2

Soccer is way too distracting....hard to read when it's on.

Distracted by the Quakes

End of Hour Fifteen

No reading, spent the hour driving home and getting settled in.  There's a Quakes game on now (last one at Buckshaw stadium) so not sure how much reading I'll get done this next hour but I'll try to get some in.

Home Again, Home Again

End of Hour Fourteen

This hour I read:

50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James - 23 pages

I read for 34 minutes

Total pages read: 245

Total minutes read: 361

Books Finished - 2

Went to Corner Bakery Cafe for dinner and started 50 Shades of Grey.  So far it's just eh.

Dinner Time

End of Hour Thirteen

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 3 Safety Behind Bars - 56 pages - Finished It!

I read for 50 minutes

Total pages read: 221

Total minutes read: 327

Books Finished - 2

Watching Richard laugh his way through his book was awesome.

End of Hour Twelve

No Reading...in the car on the way to Starbucks

Starbucks

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?
The Walking Dead Vol 3 Safety Behind Bars

2. How many books have you read so far?
This is my second.

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
More TWD books and also trying out 50 Shades of Grey.

4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
Not really, just got up later than I planned.

5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How dang quick it goes!

End of Hour Eleven

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 3 Safety Behind Bars - 44 pages

I read for 39 minutes

Total pages read: 165

Total minutes read: 277

Books Finished - 1

I Ate - Carrot Cake Cookie Bars.  They were so good I forgot to take a picture of one.  This next hour we're heading out to Starbucks and to grab some dinner.

Tolstoy likes the cuddling opportunities the RAT supplies.

End of Hour Ten

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 3 Safety Behind Bars - 33 pages

I read for 36 minutes

Total pages read: 121

Total minutes read: 238

Books Finished - 1

"Hopefully it's just full of flesh eating monsters and out baked beans are still intact in there."
- The Walking Dead Vol 3 Safety Behind Bars

Chocolate & Zombies

End of Hour Nine

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea - 21 pages - Finished It!

I read for 40 minutes

Total pages read: 88

Total minutes read: 202

Books Finished - 1

Quote I really liked from my book I just finished -

"It's pointless to fight evil by destroying life.
How do we fight it then?
We kiss our children.  We make sticky lemon cake for our husband.  We cherish our friends.  We leave the great hedge standing tall, to server as a haven for birds and mice and spiders.  We defeat evil every time we commit an act of kindness."
-Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea

Finished!

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea - 14 pages

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 67

Total minutes read: 162

I ate - Chicken salad for lunch along with 3 ingredient chip dip and deviled eggs.

Lunch Time

End of Hour Seven

No reading this hour.  I made the mistake of starting to fuss with my blog and time got away from me.

I fell down the rabbit hole of blog updates.

End of Hour Six

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea - 22 pages

I read for 43 minutes

Total pages read: 53

Total minutes read: 124

I'm so sleepy...about 30 pages or so to go in my book but my fellow readers are telling me it's lunch time now.

Sleepy Grafton keeping track of my bookmark

End of Hour Five

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea - 15 pages

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 31

Total minutes read: 81

I Ate - Oatmeal Scotchies, my favorite cookies made by Nancy

Mini Challenge Entered - Name your Read-A-Thon My entry was 50 Shades of Deep Blue Speeching

Cookie Time!

End of Hour Four

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue See by Nancy Atherton - 16 pages

I read for 43 minutes

Total pages read: 16

Total minutes read: 43

I Ate - Shipley's Devil's Food Donut & Hot Tea

Chatted with Nancy this hour about how awesome Robyn Carr is.  It's always fun when you share the love of an author.

Aunt Dimity & Tea, Two of my favorites

End of Hour Three

I'm posting my Reading Pile since I haven't actually gotten any reading done yet.  Ack!  No worries...I have my tea now (hopefully to be in my system soon) and my eyes are open.  Reading is sure to follow.

My TBR Pile

Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea by Nancy Atherton - Already reading and about 100 pages to go.
Coral and Bone - An e-book I'm already reading that I have about 100 pages to go.
Here Speeching American by Ross Petras - Another one I've already started (I'm such a multi book reader) that is light (Which oops, got left out of my picture...)
Death of a Prankster by M.C. Beaton - Love this series
Down by the River by Robyn Carr - Last in the opening trilogy of her Virgin River series
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James - Nancy and I are both going to give this a go.
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson - Started this online but haven't read any since
The next three in The Walking Dead series - The Heart's Desire, The Best Defense and Safety Behind Bars - I love this series and I had so much fun reading it last RAT
The next two in The Stand series - Soul Survivors and Hardcases - The original book is my all time favorite and I've really enjoyed the graphic novels.

The one I forgot to add to my pile

Introduction Meme

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
The Woodlands, TX

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
The Walking Dead graphic novels.  I loved the ones I read last time.

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Lime fruit did that Nancy made and the Carrot Cake Cookie Bars I made (for Clara). Honestly the snacking is a super fun part of the RAT.  :)

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
I love to read, scrapbook and watch horror movies.

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 the 14th RAT I've taken part in.  I let myself sleep in this morning as I was dead tired so I'm hoping once I'm fully awake I'll be able to have more energy the rest of the day.

End of Hours One and Two

I'm taking part in Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon but I slept in.  I got way too busy yesterday getting ready for today and kind of over did it.  Oh well, I'm here now.

End of Event Meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
Hmmm, Hour Twenty and Twenty One probably.  I was tired but really wanted to finish my book.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
The Walking Dead graphic novels are great.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
I think there should definitely be an effort made on the part of the cheerleaders to get to blogs of new readers.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
I think the cohosts did a great job with their posts.

5. How many books did you read?
3

6. What were the names of the books you read?
Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
The Walking Dead Vol. 1 Days Gone Bye
The Walking Dead Vol 2 Miles Behind Us

7. Which book did you enjoy most?

I really enjoyed them all but I think Days Gone Bye was especially excellent.

8. Which did you enjoy least?

None, they were all great.

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

I wasn't a cheerleader this time for the first time in ages.  I didn't get any comments from cheerleaders at all.

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

I'll definitely be reading again.  Maybe cheering or helping to cohost.

The last book I finished in the wee hours of the morning with Clara's bookmark.

End of Hour Twenty Twp

This hour I read:

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis - 17 pages - Finished It!

I read for 37 minutes

Total pages read: 384 pages

Total minutes read: 444 minutes

Books Finished - 3

Yae!  I finished my book!  And now it's time for a shower and then bed.  Night all!

Our Famous Feet

End of Hour Twenty One

This hour I read:

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis - 12 pages

I read for 28 minutes

Total pages read: 367

Total Minutes Read: 407

Books Finished - 2

17 pages to go in my book.....

My Sleepy Reading Partner

End of Hour Twenty

This hour I read:

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis - 12 pages

I read for 35 minutes

Total pages read: 355

Total minutes read: 379

Books Finished - 2

I am slowly getting closer to the end of this book.  Some conversations this hour too so that took away from reading time but is part of the joy of doing this with my best friend.

My special, yummy Rollo cookies.

End of Hour Nineteen

This hour I read:

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis - 19 pages

I read for 40 minutes

Total pages read: 343

Total minutes read: 384

Books Finished - 2

41 pages to go to finish my book.  I'm trying!

Late Night Readers

End of Hour Eighteen

This hour I read:

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis - 8 pages

I read for 19 minutes

Total pages read: 324

Total minutes read: 344

Books Finished - 2

I took part in a mini challenge too challenge too - TBR Challenge

Late Night Reading Buddies

End of Hour Seventeen

The Games Over (Quakes Won!  Woohoo!), the dip is eaten and now it's time to go back to reading.

Empty bowls mean it tasted good.

End of Hour Sixteen

Still watching the game and we decided to have a snack.  Carrot Cake Dip.

Yum!

End of Hour Fifteen

This Read-A-Thon is interrupted for a Soccer Break.

Soccer Break

End of Hour Fourteen

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 2 Miles Behind Us - 45 pages - Finished It!

I read for 58 minutes

Total pages read: 316

Total minutes read: 325

Books Finished - 2

I really enjoyed the second Walking Dead book.  This series is so fun!

Zombie Fun

End of Hour Thirteen

This hour I read:

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis - 7 pages

The Walking Dead Vol 2 Miles Behind Us - 5 pages

I read for 31 minutes

Total pages read: 271

Total minutes read: 267

Books Finished - 1

Spent part of this hour driving to Hastings coffee shop.

Yummy Frozen Hot Chocolate

End of Hour Twelve

No reading this hour as it was spent getting ready to go out, driving to dinner and eating dinner.

Yummy Pei Wei

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?
The Walking Dead Vol 2 Miles Behind Us

2. How many books have you read so far?
Finished One, read from Two others

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
Finishing up Miles Behind Us and then maybe Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
Nope, but we do plan for this months ahead of time and put it on our calendar as soon as we know the date.

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
A few normal every day ones from the kiddos.  No biggie.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How much I'm enjoying The Walking Dead.  Perfect reading material for me today.

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

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
I think I would add a few more graphic novels to my pile.  This is the first time I've done this and I'm happy with how much I enjoy them.

9. Are you getting tired yet?
I was but a nap, some chocolate and a change of reading material 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?
I haven't been visited by any cheerleaders yet so it's hard to say on that front.  I think for us eating lunch in but going out for dinner works well as it's a change of scenery.

End of Hour Eleven

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 2 Miles Behind Us - 46 pages

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 259

Total minutes read: 236

Books Finished - 1

These Walking Dead comics are awesome!  We're getting ready to head out to get a bite to eat and then prob camp at a coffee shop to read for awhile.

She likes it!  I give good rec's.

End of Hour Ten

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 2 Miles Behind Us - 40 pages

I read for 33 minutes

Total pages read: 213

Total minutes read: 198

Books Finished - 1

Enjoying the second volume of The Walking Dead very much.  Awesome present from my husband!

Both yummy in different ways!

End of Hour Nine

This hour I read:

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis - 9 pages

I read for 25 minutes

Total pages read: 173

Total minutes read: 165

Books Finished - 1

The sleepiness set in after lunch.  My concentration was made even worse by the fact I had snuggly, warm kitties on me.  Going to switch up my reading material this next hour, as I find this book is better in short doses.

Sleepy Coal

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis - 6 pages

I read for 20 minutes

Total pages read: 172

Total minutes read: 160

Books Finished - 1

Lunch Time so I only got a little reading done.

Lunch - Egg Salad and Neiman Marcus Salad

End of Hour Seven

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 1 Days Gone By - 21 pages - Finished It!

I read for 15 minutes

Total pages read: 164

Total minutes read: 140

Books Finished - 1

Finished my first book and then spent some time adding to the database, updating GoodReads, ect.

First book finished.  Very well done.

End of Hour Six

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol 1 Days Gone Bye - 44 pages

I read for 36 minutes

Total pages read: 143

Total minutes read: 125

Food Eaten - Half an assiago cheese bagel for breakfast with onion and chive cream cheese and a cinnamon roll for a snack.

Still enjoying Days Gone By.  Almost done!

Starlight, enjoying having his people home.

End of Hour Five

This hour I read:

The Walking Dead Vol. 1 Days Gone Bye - 81 pages

I read for 45 minutes

Total pages read: 99

Total minutes read: 89

Interesting seeing how the story differs from the TV show.  I'm absolutely addicted and obsessed with the show.  So far there the stories are very similar (No Darryl of course.  Boo) with some slight changes.  I'm really liking it so far.  

Comfy Sweeties I Love

End of Hour Four

This hour I read:

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis - 18 pages

I read for 44 minutes

Total pages read: 18

Total minutes read: 44

Tolstoy enjoying a few minutes of cuddling.

End of Hour Three

Set Up

So got myself all situated now.  I found out I won a prize.  Got that sorted.  Had some tea and some breakfast.  So now it's time to finally start reading.