End of Event Survey

This years RAT sadly has come to an end....

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
Hour Eighteen - I was just seriously flagging.  Well and I slept through Hour One and part of Hour Two.  I'm just not a morning person so it works better for me if I get a little more sleep.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Locke and Key is really captivating.  It was creepy and kept me so fascinated.  Also James Patterson
books move quickly so while Bloody Valentine had it's flaws it's a good read.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next season?
I think it's awesome.  For myself I think we'll do lunch in next year to cut down on reading time lost.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Just letting people cheer when they had time and having no set cheerleaders.

5. How many books did you read?
I finished three and read from three other books.

6. What were the names of the books you read?
Bloody Valentine by James Patterson
Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill
Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games by Joe Hill
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Preludes and Nocturnes (The Sandman #1) by Neil Gaiman
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

7. Which book did you enjoy most?
Locke & Key, Vol. 1

8. Which did you enjoy least?
The Sandman #1

9. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
I'm already looking forward to it!  We've already started discussing plans.  I'll read for sure.

All the book we read

End of Hour Twenty

This hour I read:

Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games by Joe Hill - 8 pages - Finished It!

I read for 15 minutes

Total pages read: 463

Total minutes read: 641

Books Finished - 3

Finished my third book and it's bedtime

Night Night all

Miss you, Nilla

End of Hour Nineteen

This hour I read:

Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games by Joe Hill - 42 pages

I read for 48 minutes

Total pages read: 455

Total minutes read: 626

Books Finished - 2

We're all getting sleepy

End of Hour Eighteen

This hour I read:

Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games by Joe Hill - 13 pages

I read for 28 minutes

Total pages read: 413

Total minutes read: 578

Books Finished - 2

I took a break for some dessert.  I really want to finish my third book and have just over 50 pages to go.

Dessert time

End of Hour Seventeen

This hour I read:

Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games by Joe Hill - 24 pages

I read for 39 minutes

Total pages read: 400

Total minutes read: 550

Books Finished - 2

I struggled to focus this hour so got up and moved around and am going to have a snack.

Reading with Grafton and Starlight

End of Hour Sixteen

This hour I read:

Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games by Joe Hill - 29 pages

I read for 33 minutes

Total pages read: 376

Total minutes read: 511

Books Finished - 2

Tolstoy and Pushkin wondering when we're going to stop reading and feed them

End of Hour Fifteen

This hour I read:

Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games by Joe Hill - 31 pages

I read for 25 minutes

Total pages read: 347

Total minutes read: 478

Books Finished - 2

Starbucks for some much needed caffeine

End of Hour Fourteen

This hour I read:

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - 11 pages

I read for 28 minutes

Total pages read: 316

Total minutes read: 453

Books Finished - 2

Dinner

End of Hour Thirteen

This hour I read:

Preludes and Nocturnes (The Sandman #1) by Neil Gaiman - 21 pages

I read for 23 minutes

Total pages read: 305

Total minutes read: 425

Books Finished - 2

Sandman is kind of odd.  We're going out to dinner this next hour and I'll definitely be taking another book with me.

Penny looking confused by The Sandman.

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?
I just finished Locke and Key Vol. 1 and haven't yet decided what to pick up next.

2. How many books have you read so far?
Finished 2 and read from 1 other

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

4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
Aside from going to lunch not many

5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
I've really enjoyed what I've read this time which is always awesome.

End of Hour Twelve

This hour I read:

Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill - 52 pages - Finished It!

I read for 46 minutes

Total pages read: 284

Total minutes read: 402

Books Finished - 2

Locke and Key was so good!!  Perfect for the month of Halloween.

Creepy Book!

End of Hour Eleven

This hour I read:

Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill - 30 pages

I read for 28 minutes

Total pages read: 232

Total minutes read: 356

Books Finished - 1

I'm not sure Addison missed me she was so happy to get my chair.

End of Hour Ten

This hour I read:

Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill - 48 pages

I read for 52 minutes

Total pages read: 202

Total minutes read: 328

Books Finished - 1

Lots of reading going on

End of Hour Nine

This hour I read:

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell - 7 pages

Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill - 28 pages

I read for 36 minutes

Total pages read: 154

Total minutes read: 276

Books Finished - 1

I reached my target for today's reading in Attachments and moved onto Locke and Key.  It starts out crazy!

A coffee/tea break

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell - 29 pages

I read for 57 minutes

Total pages read: 119

Total minutes read: 240

Books Finished - 1

Great lunch and a great book

End of Hour Seven

No reading this hour.  Lunch time!

Lunch

End of Hour Six

This hour I read:

Bloody Valentine by James Patterson - 8 pages - Finished It!

Attachments - 9 pages

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 90

Total minutes read: 183

Books Finished - 1

And now it's lunch time.

Snacks and my first book finished!

End of Hour Five

This hour I read:

Bloody Valentine 24 pages

I read for 52 minutes

Total pages read: 73

Total minutes read: 145

Almost done with my first book

End of Hour Four

This hour I read:

Bloody Valentine by James Patterson - 23 pages

I read for 45 minutes

Total pages read: 49

Total minutes read: 93

Grafton offering her assistance

End of Hour Three

This hour I read:

Bloody Valentine by James Patterson - 26 pages

I read for 48 minutes

Andie helping me read

Opening 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?
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell and Saga Vol. 4-6
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Cheddar Cheese Ranch Spread
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
I love to read but get distracted easily.  I have three cats and four foster cats who think this day is awesome.  It's actually cool here (finally) and I am so enjoying the weather.
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 eighteenth read-a-thon.  I'm doing a buddy read with three other people for the first time ever and I'll definitely be staying hydrated.

End of Hours One and Two

I slept in since I know from experience 7 am is not the time of day for me.  I'm up now and eating breakfast.  Gonna do the Intro Meme and then start reading.

Dunkin Donuts

My TBR pile for Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon

I've got all our snacks ready and my TBR pile is ready to go for Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon tomorrow.  This will be the 18th one I've taken part in and I look forward to them all year long. This time Dewey's actually overlaps with two other RATs I'm taking part in.  Tomorrow is the next to last day of Spookathon and the first day of Bookbuddyathon so I had some reasoning behind the books I chose.  No way will I get through this pile but I've got plenty to choose from!

Bloody Valentine by James Patterson - I've already started this so will be reading and finishing this up first.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell is the buddy read that I'm reading along with three other friends.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - This is my N book for bookbuddyathon.

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith - This is my H book for bookbuddyathon.

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci - I liked the synopsis for this one on a list I found.

CSI: Dominos by Kris Oprisko - I got this at my I beloved Hastings close out sale.

Fear Nothing, Volume 1 by Dean Koontz - I got this at my I beloved Hastings close out sale and I've liked Dean Koontz in the past though it's been years since I read him.

Spike: A Dark Place by Victor Gischler - I got this at my I beloved Hastings close out sale and it's the season of Buffy I'm currently reading.

Drafted Volume 1 by Mark Powers - I got this at my I beloved Hastings close out sale.

Drive by Michael Benedetto - I got this at my I beloved Hastings close out sale.

Silk, Volume 1 by Robbie Thompson - I adore Robbie Thompson (My favorite SPN writer) and this series has me hooked.

I am so ready to start!!

Saga Vol. 4, 5, and 6 by Brian K. Vaughan - Saga is such an addictive series. I can't wait to read these!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Guarded by Andrew Chambliss - It's the only way for me to get new Buffy stories and I need those in my life.

The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman - I read the spinoff Death earlier this year and really liked it so figured I would give this a go.

Locke and Key Vol. 1 and 2 by Joe Hill - I got the first to read for Spookathon and figured I would get the second one too so if I liked it I can read both.

I can't wait to get going!!

Bout of Books Update #7 & Wrap Up

I read 36 pages of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.

Total number of pages read - 111

I didn't read nearly as much as I wanted this time but had several days where other things interfered. But I read and am close to finishing my book.  So that's a good thing.

Yummy Strawberry Shortcake from Jason's Deli during our read dinner.

Less than forty pages to go.

Bout of Books Update #6

I had CKC and a Dynamo game tonight so no reading today.

A project from CKC

Texas Derby

Bout of Books Update #5

I read 23 pages of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.

CKC this week!

Bout of Books Update #4

I read 16 pages of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.

Our Book Bag ready to go!

Bout of Books Update #3

I had things to do today in Houston including a doctor visit, lunch and a soccer game so sadly no reading took place.

Bout of Books Update #2

I read 20 pages of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.

Bout of Books Update #1

I read 16 pages of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.

I'm taking part in Bout of Books!

This will be the sixth time I've taken part on Bout of Books and I'm really looking forward to it. Richard has the week off and we're planning lots of chances to read.  This overlaps with #ReadThemAllThon so I won't be posting a TBR pile but will instead be reading from the books I have picked for that RAT.  Currently I'm reading The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith and will start off with that.

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 22nd and runs through Sunday, August 28th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 17 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

#ReadThemAllThon TBR Pile

I'm taking part in the The Pokemon Indigo League #ReadThemAllThon from Aug 14-Sept 4.

My chosen Pokemon: Butterfree

My TBR Pile:

Nevermore by Keith R.A. DeCandido - Anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with Supernatural.  My husband got me this book for Christmas and I still haven't read it.  This is the perfect time to fix that.

312 pages, potential +31CP

This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp - I bought this because it sounded so intriguing. I know it's a pretty dramatic topic and tears definitely seem likely.

285 pages, potential +28CP

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen - I have seen so many people go on about this book.  Everyone was raving about it and I got it for Christmas and need to read it.

417 pages, potential +41CP

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera - I started this earlier this year and only got a short ways in.  Hopefully this time I can actually finish it.

293 pages, potential +29CP

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith - I've had this book awhile and it's on a challenge list for me this year.  I've spent a fair amount of time in airports myself dating a guy from England so I figure I'll relate.

236 pages, potential +23 CP

 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - I feel like one of the only people who hasn't read this book.  And now with the movie coming out I need to read it!

352 pages, potential +35CP

Cinder by Marissa Meyer - I started this and got 50 pages in and never went any further.  (I seem to have a bad habit of that this year for some reason.)  I want to finish it so figure this will be a good chance.

390 pages, potential +39CP

The Elite by Kiera Cass - I started this series last year and loved it but never read any more.  Which is crazy because I want to know how it turns out.

336 pages, potential +33CP

Potential Points If I Finish ALL Books (includes completed book bonus) = 419CP

Casual Readathon July J2

I'm taking part in Casual Readathon J2 from July 24-July 30

The challenges are:

1. Read 3 books - ✓ Done
2. A Book with Supernatural Elements - Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Dust Waltz by Dan Brereton ✓ Done
3. Read with Purple on it - Princeless by Jeremy Whitley ✓ Done
4. Read Someone Picks - The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
5. A Book from a Series - Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Dust Waltz by Dan Brereton ✓ Done
6. Book on TBR for a Year+ - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald ✓ Done

Challenges Completed 5/6
Books Read 3/4

(Originally I had planned to read Nevermore for my Supernatural pick but realized Buffy would count for both.)

BookTube-A-Thon

I'm taking part in BookTube-A-Thon from July 18-July 24

The challenges are:

1. Read a book with yellow on the cover. - Hawkeye, Vol. 6: Hawkeyes by Jeff Lemire ✓ Done

2. Read a book only after sunset. - Silk, Vol. 0: The Life and Times of Cindy Moon by Robbie Thompson ✓ Done

3. Read a book you discovered through booktube. - To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

4. Read a book by one of your favourite authors. - Saga, Vol 3 by Brian K. Vaughan ✓ Done

5. Read a book that is older than you. - Night by Elie Wiesel

6. Read and watch a book-to-movie adaptation. - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

7. Read seven books. - Angel & Faith: Family Reunion #3 by Christos Gage ✓ Done

I completed 3/7 challenges and read 5 books (I read Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Dust Waltz by Dan Brereton on the 24th for both this and Cas.)

Summer Biannual Bibliothon

I'm taking part in the Summer Biannual Bibliothon  from July 3-July 9

The challenges are:

1. Read The Group Book - The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
2. Free Choice/ Wild Card Book - Uncle Peter's Amazing Chinese Wedding by Lenore Look ✓ Done
3. Emma’s Choice - More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
4. Read a Book With Your Favorite Mythical Creature - The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
5. Read a Book You’ve Been Putting Off Picking Up - The Elite by Kiera Cass
6. Read a Book from an Author You’ve Never Read Before - Captain Marvel by Kelly Sue DeConnick ✓ Done
7. Read a Book in a Different Format than You Usually Read - ebook - Expelled by Emmy Laybourne ✓ Done

I completed 3/7 challenges and read half of The Unexpected Everything.

I had a lot of fun with this and will definitely take part again.

Casual Readathon June 2016 & Wrap Up

I took part in Casual Readathon June 2016.  It overlapped with my next reading challenge so a few of these were on both.  The challenges were:

1. Read 4 books - ✓ Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
2. Read a book with yellow on the cover - ✓ Hawkeye, Vol. 5: All-New Hawkeye by Jeff Lemire
3. Read a book under 300 pages - ✓ Expelled by Emmy Laybourne
4. Read a book published in 2016 - ✓ Lazarus, Vol. 4: Poison by Greg Rucka
5. Read outside for a min of 30 minutes - I live in South Texas.  This was never gonna happen.

I completed four out of five challenges and finished three out of four books that were in my TBR pile.  I wound up switching Expelled for You're Never Weird on the Internet but did read quite a bit of that book as well.