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HBC READATHONS 2018 - ON HOLD > READATHON BREAK ONE - OCTOBER 24, 2015

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message 1: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (last edited Oct 24, 2015 07:50AM) (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Hi there - for those folks thinking about a brief break - how do you like Readathons?

Tell us a little bit about why you like the readathons? Do you think that you complete more reading during a readathon time period than during unstructured time?

What aspects of Readathons do you like best and which ones cause you some issues?

Is it difficult for you to keep awake or are you one of those night owls that keeps going strong?

Have you ever participated in a Readathon before the History Book Club?

If you did, which Readathons did you participate in and how was that experience?


message 2: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (last edited Oct 24, 2015 08:15AM) (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Bentley here - let me go first

I like readathons because it is great interacting with group members in real time and not responding to a post when they are not there - it is a pleasant reading experience and with structure you can get a lot of things done even if in my case - they are administrative.

I think because I do so much before the Readathon starts that I sometimes get sleepy which is understandable because I have been up so long so I sometimes have to take naps.

Usually I can go strong for quite awhile.

I really have not participated fully in any other readathon before the History Book Club offerings. I had heard of Dewey's and I believe goodreads itself advertised one.

So I really cannot comment on other experiences but I like this one.


message 3: by Francie (new)

Francie Grice I love the readathon format. I get the opportunity to do something I love for long stretches of time and feel like I progress quickly through my books, a great sense of accomplishment.

I've never participated in a readathon before the HBC, so I can't comment on others.

I can usually get through the whole day with some breaks, but I sometimes miss the 12:00 midnight to 4:00 a.m. segment.


message 4: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (last edited Oct 24, 2015 09:07AM) (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Francie - thank you for your comments and post - there is always one segment when folks get sleepy and some folks cannot get past 2AM but others can plow through without any difficulties.

I am glad you like ti.


message 5: by Samanta (new)

Samanta   (almacubana) Tell us a little bit about why you like the readathons? Do you think that you complete more reading during a readathon time period than during unstructured time?

I like the readathons because they give me a legitimate excuse to read books all day and not feel guilty if I haven't done other things I was supposed to do. :) I think I do, because in real life (read: when it's not time for a redathon) my reading habits are greatly limited by my work obligations.

What aspects of Readathons do you like best and which ones cause you some issues?

The reading of course. That's why we are all here. And doing the same thing, at the same time, with different people from different parts of the world. I have no issues, other than still not being able to do all 24 hours.

Is it difficult for you to keep awake or are you one of those night owls that keeps going strong?

I'm no night owl and I am one of those that give up around the 5th check-in.

Have you ever participated in a Readathon before the History Book Club?

No. Never heard of something like that before coming here. That is why I'm such an enthusiast.


message 6: by Mary (new)

Mary (maryschumacher) Hi Bentley - I've only experienced the HBC readathons and I love them - participated in four so far. I love the idea of being part of a global reading community for the day. I complete only a few check-ins each time, but they still give me the opportunity to make progress in books I want to read. By participating in the readathons, I make reading my top priority for the day, something that otherwise doesn't happen. It's a real treat for me.

And kudos to you, Bentley. You're the reason these readathons are such a great experience. Your process, helpfulness, and dedication create consistency and enjoyment.


message 7: by Kathy (last edited Oct 24, 2015 09:37AM) (new)

Kathy  | 180 comments I have not joined readathons before the History Book Club. I like them because it allows me to read instead of cleaning the house. I usually feel guilty when I spend my Saturdays enjoying myself instead of gearing up for the next work week. This way I am accomplishing something and enjoying it at the same time. Unfortunately, I am not an all nighter. I can't see straight after midnight! After reading this it sounded a bit pretentious and I didn't mean for it to sound that way. I just have certain times I do things so I make sure everything gets done. Reading, for me, is usually done at night between 8-11. By then, kids and husband are doing their own things and I can relax and enjoy. Does anyone else have favorite reading times?


message 8: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Samanta wrote: "Tell us a little bit about why you like the readathons? Do you think that you complete more reading during a readathon time period than during unstructured time?

I like the readathons because they..."


Great responses and great insights - I understand you are not alone.


message 9: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Mary wrote: "Hi Bentley - I've only experienced the HBC readathons and I love them - participated in four so far. I love the idea of being part of a global reading community for the day. I complete only a few c..."

Thank you Mary - it is always good to hear that folks like the readathons and gain input.

I am glad they give you and everybody else an approach to reading that is fun and congenial.


message 10: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Kathy wrote: "I have not joined readathons before the History Book Club. I like them because it allows me to read instead of cleaning the house. I usually feel guilty when I spend my Saturdays enjoying myself in..."

Anytime Kathy when folks do not have to do cleaning or chores is always good - right? (smile)

And participation can be whatever you have time or stamina for - from one hour to 24 and anyplace in between.

All you have to do minimally is check in to one of the check in Checkpoints and always check out - Checkpoint Seven.


message 11: by Teri (last edited Oct 24, 2015 10:46AM) (new)

Teri (teriboop) Tell us a little bit about why you like the readathons? Do you think that you complete more reading during a readathon time period than during unstructured time?

I like them because I can get caught up on books I've started and set aside for some reason or just get some books read that I've been meaning to get to. I like the uninterrupted time to totally immerse myself in reading. I definitely complete more reading!

What aspects of Readathons do you like best and which ones cause you some issues?

I like the breaks to give my eyes a bit to rest and to interact with the others participating. I also like to see what others are reading. I'm nosy like that.

Is it difficult for you to keep awake or are you one of those night owls that keeps going strong?

I'm a night owl who sleeps from about 2am til 8am most days, so I'm usually good til about 2-3am then I find myself falling asleep while reading. Usually in bed and holding my Kindle in front of my face then I wake up when my arms fall down and I smack myself with my Kindle.

Have you ever participated in a Readathon before the History Book Club?

Yes, once and it was great fun, but it usually occurs on a weekend I can't participate.

If you did, which Readathons did you participate in and how was that experience?

The Dewey Read-a-thon - it was great fun and I loved their breaks throughout the day/night and their cheerleaders. The downside is that it's really geared toward Book Bloggers and it uses all sorts of social media. I happen to have all of the above but rarely use them, so I had to brush up on my social media knowledge.


message 12: by Samanta (last edited Oct 24, 2015 10:50AM) (new)

Samanta   (almacubana) Teri wrote: "Is it difficult for you to keep awake or are you one of those night owls that keeps going strong?

I'm a night owl who sleeps from about 2am til 8am most days, so I'm usually good til about 2-3am then I find myself falling asleep while reading. Usually in bed and holding my Kindle in front of my face then I wake up when my arms fall down and I smack myself with my Kindle."



Hahahahahaha, Teri!!!! That's hilarious! I literally burst out laughing...because it happend to me too. :D :D


message 13: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
You are making me laugh - with smacking yourself with your kindle - we do not want any injuries (smile).

Yes I was familiar with that as well.


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