Susan Used to Live on Reader Lane

[Cynda]

Yes to the Triffids! That books is a must-read for me. So.many have told me is a big deal sci-fi classic.

[Vicki Willis]

Sounds like a great Read a Thon! Any reading is good reading.
See you in the new year!!

[Susy]

Hi Susan, will you be joining us today?

[Susan]

Susy wrote: "Hi Susan, will you be joining us today?"

Hi, Susy, Yes, I’ve got some books and some time. Look forward to catching up on what everyone is reading!

[Susan]

Here’s my plan for today —

Focus on the books I’m already reading and/or should be reading with a few more possibilities waiting in the wings just in case.

Audiobooks:
—A Letter of Mary by Laurie King. (mystery — I’m revisiting the early Russell/Holmes books)
—1984 by George Orwell (classic — rereading)
—Letters of Note: Music, ed. Shaun Usher (non-fiction)

Books:
—The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. About 60% through. (young adult fantasy)
—Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt (fiction)
—From Ted to Tom: The Illustrated Envelopes of Edward Gorey (art, letters)

In the wings:
—Murderer’s Mistake, E. C. R. Lorac (mystery)
—Three Days in June, Anne Tyler (fiction)
—Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, August Wilson (play)
—How the First Sparks Became Visible, Simone Atangana Bekono (poetry)
—Washing Windows Too: Irish Women Write Poetry (poetry)

[Elyse]

Oh I loved Remarkably Bright Creatures! The audio is fantastic. I'm excited that they're making a movie!

[Susy]

Same, loved Remarkably Bright Creatures!
Happy readathon, Susan!

[Lamilla]

How is your reading going, Susan? Your TBR is quite diverse! I like that you included poetry as well

[Susy]

25% in, hope you're having a great readathon Susan!

[Ann A]

Hi Susan, so glad you are here! I also enjoyed Remarkably Bright Creatures, even though it's not my usual fare.

Hope you have a great readathon!

[Cynda]

My SF and Fantasy group read Remarkably Bright Creatures just recently. I didn't because busy, not anything else. I hope you enjoy. Many do!

[Vicki Willis]

I didn't realize they were making a movie of RBC.
I have not read that one and actually have had it on and off my TBR a few different times. For some reason I am hesitant.

[Susan]

Another fan of RBC here! The author visited our little suburban library for an author talk. She was engaging & an absolute delight.

I hope your reading is going well, Susan!

[Susan]

Half-Point Progress Report (A bit overdue because of an intervening nap)

How many books have you been reading? Have you finished any? Are you on track with respect to your readathon goals so far?
I’ve pretty much focussed on the audiobook of “A Letter of Mary” by Laurie King which is what I planned to do.

Have you eaten real food today? (Not just junk food, ACTUAL HEALTHY FOOD) What was your favorite food or beverage so far?
Yes, I usually stick to real food with some snacks. My current favorite lunch is a London broil sandwich from the Bon Fresco chain, and that’s what I had — it was delicious! (Jaxie pup agreed)

Have you been participating in any of the activities on our social media (sprints, photo challenges, discussion questions, BINGO, etc.)
Nope, not yet.

Are you growing sleepy? Do you plan to nap, or stop early, or are you extending the readathon hours to include sleep? I’ve already had two long naps and will probably take another one.

Have you been outside yet today? Have you had much exercise (besides the heavy lifting required to hold your book)? I’ve been out a few times for walks with the pup and also drove to Dunkin Donuts for a late morning coffee and muffin.

How is your readathon going, overall? Good

[Susan]

Closing Survey

How many books did you read during this readathon? Did you have any favorites?
I finished A Letter of Mary by Laurie King (Russell/Holmes #3). I also listened to about 1/2 hour of Letters of Note: Music ed. by Shaun Usher, a collection of letters by mostly musicians about all kinds of music. I wasn’t sure how it would work as an audiobook, but each letter is read by a different actor, and I’m enjoying listening to a couple letters at a time. I also read a few poems from Washing Windows Too: Irish Women Write Poetry, which were delightful.

How many books did you finish? One audiobook.

Did you accomplish your goals for this readathon?
Yes, my goals were to read for the day, see what everyone else was reading, have some snacks, and enjoy myself. All boxes checked.

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?
More or less. My only regret is I didn’t have a chance to try the recipe for homemade banana ice cream — maybe today!

Did you enjoy this readathon? What was the most successful part of your readathon? What would you change for next time?
Yup. I usually do more planning, and that’s a fun part of anticipating the day so I’ll try to do more planning next time.

Will you be continuing your readathon reading past the end of our official readathon?
Yes, after all the praise for Remarkably Bright Creatures, I want to pick that back up today.

[Ann A]

Looks like you and Jax had a great day, Susan! You are always reading such interesting books. I plan to join you in continued reading today. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

[Vicki Willis]

Looks like a fun and successful day.
I agree that the planning is so much part of the fun. I need to get back to doing more planning as well.
SEe you at the next one

[Susan]

Susan wrote: "Closing Survey

How many books did you read during this readathon? Did you have any favorites?
I finished A Letter of Mary by Laurie King (Russell/Holmes #3). I also listened to about 1/2 hour of L..."

Sounds like another successful readathon! See you next time.

[Susy]

Looks like you had a wonderful time readathoning, Susan!
See you back here in July or October hopefully!

ps: Hope you enjoy Remarkably Bright Creatures as much as I did!

[Jennifer]

Looks like you had a great readathon Susan! I think your goals were spot on!

See you at the next readathon.

[Elyse]

Ooh did you get a chance to make that banana ice cream?! I bet Jaxie liked it! Hope you enjoyed Remarkably Bright Creatures! See you next time!

[Susan]

I never read Remarkably Bright Creatures or made the homemade banana ice cream, but there’s always next time! Since it’s time to start planning, I’ll put both those on my list ;).

[Susan]

I like to pick an imaginary destination for the reverse readathon. This time, I’m thinking a Mediterranean yacht cruise among the Greek islands. I’m picturing a lounge chair on a breezy deck with a beautiful ocean view ;)

[Jennifer]

That sounds wonderful Susan. May I join you? :)

[Susan]

Books to Pack

*Library*
Where They Last Saw Her, Marcie Rendon (mystery)

*Ebooks*
Cahokia Jazz, Frances Spufford (mystery)
Three Days in June, Anne Tyler (novel)

**Audiobooks**
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, Jesse Sutanto (mystery)
Kim, Rudyard Kipling (children)
Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (science fiction, reread)

If there’s room in my suitcase, I’ll throw in a sea story or two — some Joseph Conrad or Herman Melville short stories — and maybe some poetry

[Susan]

Meal ideas:

Meal Ideas

Breakfast:
iced coffee
Breakfast sandwich

Lunch:
Greek salad

Dinner:
Gyro or Chicken skewers with rice and veggies

Snacks:
Outshine frozen coconut bars
Lime seltzer
Peach seltzer
Cherries
Cranberry Thinaddictive crackers

Bully stick for Jaxie

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Susan wrote: "I like to pick an imaginary destination for the reverse readathon. This time, I’m thinking a Mediterranean yacht cruise among the Greek islands. I’m picturing a lounge chair on a breezy deck with a..."

That sounds absolutely enchanting.

[Susan]

Jennifer wrote: "That sounds wonderful Susan. May I join you? :)"

Please do! Lots of room on this ship! ;)

[Susan]

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: “That sounds absolutely enchanting..."

I’d love to be really there, but this year, my imagination will have to do ;).

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Yes we can only dream. I have to work till 2, have a beach ambience video going on my living room TV though. Helps set the mindset :)

[Elyse]

Great reading and eating options, Susan! And a wonderful destination!

[Susy]

Susan wrote: "I never read Remarkably Bright Creatures or made the homemade banana ice cream, but there’s always next time! Since it’s time to start planning, I’ll put both those on my list ;)."

I loved Remarkably Bright Creatures!!

[Susy]

Susan wrote: "I like to pick an imaginary destination for the reverse readathon. This time, I’m thinking a Mediterranean yacht cruise among the Greek islands. I’m picturing a lounge chair on a breezy deck with a..."

You could also visit me in Portugal ;)

[Susy]

Susan wrote: "Books to Pack

*Library*
Where They Last Saw Her, Marcie Rendon (mystery)

*Ebooks*
Cahokia Jazz, Frances Spufford (mystery)
Three Days in June, Anne Tyler (novel)

**Audiobooks**
Vera Wong’s Unso..."


Really enjoyed Vera Wong, hope you do too!

[Susy]

Susan wrote: "Meal ideas:

Meal Ideas

Breakfast:
iced coffee
Breakfast sandwich

Lunch:
Greek salad

Dinner:
Gyro or Chicken skewers with rice and veggies

Snacks:
Outshine frozen coconut bars
Lime seltzer
..."

Sounds good, Susan, hope you have a great readathon!

[Susan]

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Yes we can only dream. I have to work till 2, have a beach ambience video going on my living room TV though. Helps set the mindset :)"

Love the video idea, Erin. Music helps, too, I find

[Susan]

Elyse wrote: "Great reading and eating options, Susan! And a wonderful destination!"

Thanks, Elyse! Hope you and Bastien are having a great reverse readathon

[Susan]

Susy wrote: "Susan wrote: "I never read Remarkably Bright Creatures or made the homemade banana ice cream, but there’s always next time! Since it’s time to start planning, I’ll put both those on my list ;)."

I..."

Seems like everyone loves it, but I still haven’t read. Maybe next time ;)

[Susan]

Susy wrote: "Susan wrote: "I like to pick an imaginary destination for the reverse readathon. This time, I’m thinking a Mediterranean yacht cruise among the Greek islands. I’m picturing a lounge chair on a bree..."

Visiting you in Portugal would be great fun!

[Susan]

Susy wrote: "Susan wrote: "Meal ideas:

Meal Ideas

Breakfast:
iced coffee
Breakfast sandwich

Lunch:
Greek salad

Dinner:
Gyro or Chicken skewers with rice and veggies

Snacks:
Outshine frozen coconut bars..."

Susy wrote: "Susan wrote: "Books to Pack

*Library*
Where They Last Saw Her, Marcie Rendon (mystery)

*Ebooks*
Cahokia Jazz, Frances Spufford (mystery)
Three Days in June, Anne Tyler (novel)

**Audiobooks**
Ve..."

Thanks Susy. I hope you are enjoying your readathon as much as I am

[Susan]

Well, I forgot to do any check-ins, but I’m here and reading. At the moment, I’m on the edge of my chair with Marcie Rendon’s “Where They Last Saw Her”. Back to the mystery!

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Susan wrote: "Well, I forgot to do any check-ins, but I’m here and reading. At the moment, I’m on the edge of my chair with Marcie Rendon’s “Where They Last Saw Her”. Back to the mystery!"


So sad only four hours left of official. Well now 3 1/2. I was sucked into a mystery for three hours too - Jar City - now done. I love the thrillers :0)

Now quick updating break, going to have some ice and coca-cola, and then get back to reading another book. :)

[Susan]

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Susan wrote: "Well, I forgot to do any check-ins, but I’m here and reading. At the moment, I’m on the edge of my chair with Marcie Rendon’s “Where They Last Saw Her”. Back to the mystery!"


So sad..."

Hope the rest of your readathon went well, Erin! I love mysteries, too. Will have to check out Jar City.

[Susan]

Final Survey

1. How did your Readathon go overall? Where did all those hours go to? I loved what I read but want to keep going ;)

2. Are you continuing to read for the rest of the weekend? No, my plan is to keep the readathon going for the rest of this evening which will be another 4-5 hours and hopefully enough to finish this suspenseful mystery, “Where They Last Saw Her” by Marcie Rendon.

3. How many books have you read in this Readathon? How many have you finished? Which was your favorite? I’ve read one and a half and bits of others. Have Space Suit—Will Travel by Robert A Heinlein is such a fun audiobook (from Full Cast Audio) with different voices reading the dialog and with added sound effects and music for emphasis and humor — it’s just delightful. But I am also enjoying Where They Last Saw Her and am eager to find out what happens.

4. Do you plan to do other reading events or readathons between now and October 18th (our next). No events, but I plan to keep reading ;)

5. Have you added any tempting books to your TBR during this Readathon? I’m sure I will when I see what everyone has been reading

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Sounds good on reading rest of evening, me too. I'm not thrilled at my numbuers but also want to read a lot tonight and tomorrow. Will keep checking for updates from threads through weekend as normal and do the cooldown week :)

[Susan]

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Sounds good on reading rest of evening, me too. I'm not thrilled at my numbuers but also want to read a lot tonight and tomorrow. Will keep checking for updates from threads through weekend as norm..."

Enjoy your weekend of reading, Erin!

[Susan]

Reverse Readathon Update — Well, I stayed up until 3 a.m. last night finishing “Where They Last Saw Her” by Marcie Rendon. The author created a believable but imperfect heroine and juggled the various storylines in a way that kept me turning the pages to see what happened. The plot was “ripped from the headlines” about missing and trafficked indigenous women, and the background of life on a reservation in Minnesota rang true. I’d recommend it despite the overuse of implausible actions by the heroine to advance the plot and maybe one too many plot lines. A great way to end this reverse Readathon.

[Jennifer]

Sounds like you had a great readathon Susan. I am adding "Where They Last Saw Her" to my TBR. Sounds very intriguing.

[Susan]

Jennifer wrote: "Sounds like you had a great readathon Susan. I am adding "Where They Last Saw Her" to my TBR. Sounds very intriguing."

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Jennifer. See you in October!

[Cynda]

We had quieter readathon. I am glad it worked for you Susan. . . . See you in October.