Susan Used to Live on Reader Lane

[Susan]

Susan wrote: "Susan wrote: "**Book Choice Ideas**

For the fall, my usual theme is mystery and suspense. This time I’m also planning to browse some books of essays. Way too many books on my list, but I might jus..."

I’m really looking forward to ‘“Number the Stars”. I think It was someone’s Readathon recommendation — maybe yours?

[Elyse]

Susan wrote: "Thanks for the tip re Carmilla. I’ll stick to regular speed.

I’m not sure this was an authentic apple cider donut. The label says “apple cider donuts,” but I checked the ingredients this morning, and neither apples or cider are listed (!) though cinnamon is..."

OMG! 🤣 That is very interesting! All artificial flavoring then. Boo!

[Cynda]

I see references to Carmilla on your thread. Are you reading it? Good Halloweeny selection. And yes, you do not want to miss details becaise the story is in the details. Enjoy the shivers!

[Ann A]

I loved Number the Stars, too. Hope you are having a great RAT so far!

ETA: Give Jaxie a hug from me. I miss my canine reading companion!

[Cynda]

I hole you are enjoying the leaves changing as you read today. Read on!

[Vicki Willis]

OH! Yes, I loved Number the Stars as well. A great choice for the readathon.
Hope your day is going well!

[Susan]

Cynda wrote: "I see references to Carmilla on your thread. Are you reading it? Good Halloweeny selection. And yes, you do not want to miss details becaise the story is in the details. Enjoy the shivers!"

Yes, Carmilla’s on my list. Looking forward to it!

[Susan]

Ann A wrote: "I loved Number the Stars, too. Hope you are having a great RAT so far!

ETA: Give Jaxie a hug from me. I miss my canine reading companion!"

I’m enjoying my Readathon. Hope you are, too..

I’m sorry about your pup, Ann. It’s tough losing a canine buddy. I’ll give Jaxie an extra hug for you

[Susan]

Cynda wrote: "I hole you are enjoying the leaves changing as you read today. Read on!"

Actually, I’ve hardly been out all day. I’ll have to catch up on the foliage tomorrow ;). Hope your Readathon is going well

[Susan]

Vicki Willis wrote: "OH! Yes, I loved Number the Stars as well. A great choice for the readathon.
Hope your day is going well!"

I’m loving all the love for Number the Stars! I plan to start it this evening. Hope you’re having a good Readathon, too!

[Susan]

Elyse wrote: "Susan wrote: "Thanks for the tip re Carmilla. I’ll stick to regular speed.

I’m not sure this was an authentic apple cider donut. The label says “apple cider donuts,” but I checked the ingredients ..."

Boo! is right. I might have to complain about the absence of apple cider in their Apple cider donuts. Truth in labelling, please!

[Susan]

Half-Point Progress Report

How many books have you been reading? Have you finished any?

I’ve got three books underway: The Unquiet Grave by Sharyn McCrumb (a historical murder mystery with a ghost), A Florence Diary by Diana Athill (memoir about her first vacation) and an assortment of Sherlock Holmes stories read by the wonderful Stephen Fry.

Are you on track with respect to your readathon goals so far?

Yes. My main goal was to have a good time reading all day, and I am.

Have you eaten real food today? (Not just junk food, ACTUAL HEALTHY FOOD) What was your favorite food or beverage so far?

(Hey, no shouting please). I really enjoyed the Dijon spinach salad I ended up having for dinner. And the Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice cookies are yummy but rich.

Have you been participating in any of the activities on our social media (sprints, photo challenges, discussion questions, BINGO, etc.)

No, but I do want to do a sprint or two.

Are you growing sleepy? Do you plan to nap, or stop early, or are you extending the readathon hours to include sleep?

I took a nap this afternoon so I’m good for awhile.

Have you been outside yet today? Have you had much exercise (besides the heavy lifting required to hold your book)?

I’ve had a bit too much exercise this week, so today I’m chilling.

How is your readathon going, overall? I’m enjoying the Readathon!

[Ann A]

Yay, Susan! I love reading the surveys, but I've been too lazy to do them this time. Good luck for the 2nd half!

[Susan]

Ann A wrote: "Yay, Susan! I love reading the surveys, but I've been too lazy to do them this time. Good luck for the 2nd half!"

Hope you had a good second half, too! Read on!

[Susan]

Closing Survey

How many books did you read during this readathon? Did you have any favorites? Four: A Florence Diary by Diana Athill (finished), The Unquiet Grave by Sharyn McCrumb, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, and Sherlock Holmes short stories. I enjoyed all my reading, but most of all, Stephen Fry reading Sherlock Holmes’ stories and Number the Stars.

How many books did you finish? A Florence Diary by Diana Athill, a very short but charming account of her trip to Italy as a young woman shortly after WWII.

Did you accomplish your goals for this readathon? Yup. I had a good time reading, liked all my books, and didn’t stress out about how many pages I read since I planned to keep reading on Sunday.

How did your snacks and meals work out? Are there things you would change about the food and beverages side of your readathon for next time? The apple cider donuts were a little disappointing, but otherwise everything was fine.

Did you enjoy this readathon? What was the most successful part of your readathon? What would you change for next time? Yes, I had a good time reading and seeing what others were reading/eating/doing. Most successful part = reading some good books. Change for next time = probably nothing ;)

Will you be continuing your readathon reading past the end of our official readathon? Yes! I plan to keep reading today until I finish my books ;)

[Susan]

Other Readathon News: I’m sorry to report there was a crime against literature here last night.

First clue: some chewed up bits of paper in the dog’s lair under the dining room table. I couldn’t figure out what Jaxie had found to chew on. Maybe an advertising flier from the trash? Very unlike her, but no one is perfect…

Second clue: A few hours later. The dust jacket from a book lying half destroyed on the floor by the dining room table…

Third clue: Found after a search. A broken-backed copy of Hamnet, with some ripped out pages, half-hidden under one of the chairs...

Fourth clue: Toothmarks on the book.

Verdict: Somehow, for reasons known only to the culprit, she picked this book out of a stack of books waiting to be shelved and partially destroyed it.

Sentence: Since it was a first offense, just a good talking to. The books will be shelved so all temptation is removed!

[Vanessa]

Susan wrote: "Other Readathon News: I’m sorry to report there was a crime against literature here last night.

First clue: some chewed up bits of paper in the dog’s lair under the dining room table. I couldn’t f..."

🐕🐶 . chuckle

[Cynda]

Sounds like fun the pumpkins cookies and the crime against literature. Well handled!

Hope to see you next time at Dewey's :-)

[Elyse]

Susan wrote: "Other Readathon News: I’m sorry to report there was a crime against literature here last night.

First clue: some chewed up bits of paper in the dog’s lair under the dining room table. I couldn’t f..."

I love how you framed this. 🤣 Maybe Jaxie was framed! My dog has also chewed on approximately one book, Ready Player One. This was many years ago when she was around a year old. But it was shocking because there were books lying around EVERYWHERE and she chose that one. She hasn't done it since and she's 7 now! But her grandfather peed on a bunch of my Stephen King books last year...clearly King was very offensive to him. I had throw away like 8 books. Luckily only one brand new one, Fairy Tale, and I ended up getting a Waterstones UK edition instead. As I was looking for Bag of Bones and Night Shift this year, I realized those were 2 of the casualties. Not replaced yet because I buy older King books at library sales, yard sales, flea markets, and used bookstores. And I had to buy a new copy of Wizard and Glass (used on PangoBooks) because that was one I hadn't noticed was peed on until I went to start reading it at the beginning of the month. 🤦🏻‍♀️ He's back at my mom's house. lol.

Aside from the crime against literature, it looks like you had a great readathon! See you in April!

[Susy]

Susan wrote: "Closing Survey

How many books did you read during this readathon? Did you have any favorites? Four: A Florence Diary by Diana Athill (finished), The Unquiet Grave by Sharyn McCrumb, Number the Sta..."

Ooh, Stephen Fry reading Sherlock Holmes! Nice!
And Jaxie is lucky, no punishment like library duty or something lol

Hope you had a lovely readathon, sounds like it anyways. See you in April!

[Susy]

Elyse wrote: "peed on a bunch of my Stephen King books

Oh no!!! I would be devastated! I didn't even bring my The Green Mile to our readathon-rented-house scared it would get damaged!

[Ann A]

Looks like you had a great readathon, Susan! Hopefully, you were able to continue today as planned. I loved your Jaxie story. Maybe he is a little jealous of all the attention your books get. Haha.

[Elyse]

Susy wrote: "Elyse wrote: "peed on a bunch of my Stephen King books

Oh no!!! I would be devastated! I didn't even bring my The Green Mile to our readathon-rented-house scared it would get damaged!"

I was so mad. Luckily I don't have any special editions of any King books!

[Vanessa]

Ann A wrote: "Looks like you had a great readathon, Susan! Hopefully, you were able to continue today as planned. I loved your Jaxie story. Maybe he is a little jealous of all the attention your books get. Haha."


I think that's it too. I used to have a miniature poodle , and when I got home from work at least one of my shoes had been chewed . I became a cat person after that .

[Susan]

Susan, it sounds like a big adventure! We have a 9month old golden retriever with black fur & I understand the chewing temptations all too well. Enjoy your puppy!

[Vicki Willis]

Jaxie is on probation and needs to prove himself at the next readathon. LOL Or he needs a squeaky toy book of his own.
See you in April!

[Susan]

I can’t believe I missed all these great rejoinders to Jaxie’s act of book attack! At least, she didn’t pee on it! And thank goodness, no further book victims (fingers crossed)

[Susan]

I can’t believe the spring readathon is so close! I have a class on Saturday and Sunday morning so will be participating as I can. I hope to squeeze in a healthy amount of reading anyway! Now, what would be fun to read….

[Cathy]

Spring readathon?

[Susan]

The spring readathon is April 13! It’s almost here

[Cathy]

Noted! Have to see if and how much I can participate. I am going on holiday with a friend the week after. Nothing planned yet on that weekend…

[Susan]

Cathy wrote: "Noted! Have to see if and how much I can participate. I am going on holiday with a friend the week after. Nothing planned yet on that weekend…"

Hope the date works out for you! It sort of snuck up on me

[Cynda]

If you need a little steadying fix before the readathon in April, maybe the pre-readathon challenge I posted today may help. Usually Jaime puts up another challenge closer to the readathon, so look to that if you would like.

[Cathy]

I am fully booked with all kinds of buddy reads, I don‘t think I could fit in any kind of pre-readathon challenge… 😏

[Susan]

Cynda is healing 2024 wrote: "If you need a little steadying fix before the readathon in April, maybe the pre-readathon challenge I posted today may help. Usually Jaime puts up another challenge closer to the readathon, so look..."

Thanks, Cynda! I’ll take a look, but I’m pretty booked up atm. Hope you are feeling better.

[Cynda]

Thank you Susan. The environmental issues are being improved and the smoker-neighbor seems to be on the way out. I am healthier and happier. The healthy and happiness often go together, don't they. . . .See you ladies for the parts of the readathon you can participate in :-)

[Susan]

Cynda is healing 2024 wrote: "Thank you Susan. The environmental issues are being improved and the smoker-neighbor seems to be on the way out. I am healthier and happier. The healthy and happiness often go together, don't they...."

Glad to hear you’re doing better. Health and happiness do seem to go together! And maybe reading helps, too….

[Cynda]

Susan hope to see you at our readathon starting on the 13th! Looking forward.

[Susan]

Cynda is healing 2024 wrote: "Susan hope to see you at our readathon starting on the 13th! Looking forward."

Hi, Cynda! Looking forward to seeing you at the readathon, too! Can’t believe it’s almost time

[Susan]

Plan for Readathon:

Because of a class on Saturday, I’m not going to be able to really start until around 4 p.m. And since I’ve got a 38-hour long audiobook from the library plus other books I’m supposed to be reading, I’m going to focus on some of those with a few additions to keep things interesting.

Audiobook:
The Mirror & the Light by Hilary Mantel (historical fiction)

Books:
Midsummer Night in the Workhouse by Diana Athill (short stories)
The Complete Shorter Fiction of Virginia Woolf (short stories)
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera (mystery/suspense)
Karain, Joseph Conrad (short story)
When the Sirens Wailed by Noel Streatfeild (children’s book)
Fernando Pessoa and Co.: Selected Poems (poetry)
Undoll by Tanya Grae (poetry)

[Susan]

Meal Ideas:

Breakfast — instant oatmeal, banana, coffee

Lunch — chicken Caesar salad and cup of soup

Dinner — 1/2 cheesesteak sub with side salad

Snack Ideas:
—Rice Krispie treat
—Outshine coconut bars or tangerine bars
—lime and ginger seltzer
—macaroons
—Gjetost Cheese and Rye crackers

—Snack for Jaxie — bully stick

[Cynda]

Yup gotta keep things interesting. . . . When the Sirens Wailed which may have been written by someone who remembered. That should be good.

[Susy]

Looks like you’re all set to go Susan!

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Hello! Happy Pre-Readathon Greeting! Almost there!

[Susy]

Happy readathon!

[Susan]

April 2024 Opening Survey

1) What part of the world are you reading from today? East Coast USA, where the cherry blossoms are blooming


2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? The Light and the Mirror by Hilary Mantel. I’m about 1/3 through, and Henry XVIII is on wife #3.


3) Which snacks are you most looking forward to? Trying the Gjetost cheese. I understand thin slices are best.


4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I’m retired and love to read (duh). My reading buddy is Jaxie pooch, who looks forward to her special treat.


5) What are your goals for this readathon? To have a good time reading and seeing what others are reading. Because I won’t start until this afternoon, I’ll just have to see how it goes. I hope to do some visiting to see what everyone is reading to make plans for next time. ;)

[Susy]

Good to see you Susan!

[Susan]

Susy wrote: "Good to see you Susan!"

You, too, Susy! Hope you readathon went well!

[Susan]

Closing Survey

How many books did you read during this readathon? Did you have any favorites? Two: I made some progress in The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel (audiobook) and started When the Siren Wailed by Noel Streatfeild. I suspect The Mirror and the Light will be a favorite since I loved the first two books in the trilogy.

How many books did you finish? None. I started late and went to bed early ;) so I only had about 4 or so hours reading time. Did I mention The Mirror and the Light audiobook is about 38 hours long ;).

Did you accomplish your goals for this readathon? Yes, I got a little extra reading in and had a chance to visit a bit and see what others are reading.

How did your snacks and meals work out? Are there things you would change about the food and beverages side of your readathon for next time? Yup, everything was fine, with lots of leftovers!

Did you enjoy this readathon? What was the most successful part of your readathon? What would you change for next time? I would have liked to have more time to read, but I’m glad I could participate a little. I’m hoping for a dedicated readathon day next time ;)

Will you be continuing your readathon reading past the end of our official readathon? No, because I have another class session this morning.

[Susan]

Cynda is healing 2024 wrote: "Yup gotta keep things interesting. . . . When the Sirens Wailed which may have been written by someone who remembered. That should be good."

Yes, Noel Streatfeild definitely lived through WWII in Great Britain (as an adult) and was good at telling stories from a child’s eye perspective. So far (about 50 pages in), it’s good