Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon discussion
Personal Readathon Logs
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Susan Used to Live on Reader Lane
Susan wrote: "Just realized I made a mistake on the date. I thought the Reverse Readathon started tomorrow night instead of tonight 8/6! Good thing I’m organized early for once ;). I should be all set!Books Pa..."
I made a similar mistake about the date/time, but got prepared in the nick of time too.
Your book selections are wonderful, as is your food! I just looked up Deaf Republic and it sounds super intriguing for a work of poetry. Definitely added it to my TBR. Happy Reading!
Abbey wrote: "Susan wrote: "Just realized I made a mistake on the date. I thought the Reverse Readathon started tomorrow night instead of tonight 8/6! Good thing I’m organized early for once ;). I should be all ..."Hi, Abbey, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who was confused, and that we are both back on track for tonight! I was lucky enough to hear a Zoom interview and reading by Ilya Kaminsky, and he blew me away. So I’m really looking forward to reading Deaf Republic. Enjoy your reading!
Susan wrote: "Happy reading Susan!"Thanks, Susan! Same to you!
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Maryland on the East Coast US2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians because it just sounds like fun
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Peaches with vanilla yogurt
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I’m retired, and my reading buddy is a funny black and white spotted pooch named Jaxie. She will probably spend a good part of the Readathon dozing but will appear instantly if a snack is being served. ;)
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?
More sprints!
Susan wrote: "1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Maryland on the East Coast US2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians because it jus..."
That title is hilarious :0)
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Susan wrote: "1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Maryland on the East Coast US2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians ..."
I’m hoping the book lives up to that super title!
Mod
I’m feeling it’s time for the Mid-Event Survey:1. What are you reading right now? The Real Sherlock, an audiobook that is dragging. My plan is to up the speed and see if that helps. It’s so short I thought I’d finish it last night!
2. How many books have you read so far? 1/2 of The Real Sherlock, “The Adventure of the Gloria Scott” (Sherlock Holmes short story), and the beginning of “Valentino”.
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians
4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
Nothing surprising, just the usual — walk the dog, run the dishwasher, sleep, etc.
5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon so far? I thought I’d do more reading in the evening, but will see how I do today
Cynda wrote: "Hope you are having a good readathon Susan.. Enjoy your snack of peaches with vanilla yogurt. I am doing blueberry and banana smoothies. Too cooling sweet treats!"Your smoothies sound delicious, Cynda!
Susan wrote: "I’m feeling it’s time for the Mid-Event Survey:1. What are you reading right now? The Real Sherlock, an audiobook that is dragging. My plan is to up the speed and see if that helps. It’s so short..."
Hi Susan, hope the speeding up helped! And that you had a wonderful readathon.
See you in October!
Thanks, Susan. Yes, setting the speed up a bit really helped with that slow audiobook. Looks like you had a good Readathon, too. See you in the fall!
Closing SurveyHow would you assess your reading overall?
—I read a short audiobook, a short story, a book of poetry, and most of an adventure romance, for a total of 471 pages read.
— I was so engrossed in the adventure/romance The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer that when the end of the Readathon came, I just kept reading until the happy conclusion. That sounds like success to me ;)
—Bingo was a bust. I got half the squares and no Bingos. Maybe next time.
Did you have a stategy, and if so, did you stick to it?
—Yes, and yes, but I should have ditched it. The plan was to start with a short audiobook and then move onto other reading, but the audiobook was s.o. v.e.r.y s.l.o.w that I had a hard time staying focused. After I upped the speed a bit, it went better, but I kept looking at the time to see how close I was to the end…
What was your favorite snack?
— Fisher’s caramel popcorn. Delicious!
Wanna volunteer for our next event? Stay tuned for the recap post!
—Maybe. Will know better closer to date (whenever it is)
My reading:
“The Adventure of the Gloria Scott” by Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes short story wonderfully read by Stephen Fry
Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky. When an army invades their city and a small boy is killed, the citizens use a surprising tactic to protest. Outstanding collection of poems.
The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer. Published a hundred years ago, this adventure-romance kept me engaged through highway robbery, duels, kidnappings, surprise reunions, and daring rescues as well as many careful descriptions of 18th century fashions as characters dress for dinner (NOT the blue and apricot waistcoat, please).
The Real Sherlock by Lucinda Hawksley (audiobook) — Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes, had a fascinating life, so why didn’t it make for a better audiobook? The author had obviously done her research and lined up some knowledgeable guests. But having two of the guests show the moderator items from their collection of memorabilia was pretty much a snooze for the listener since the descriptions of the items were minimal, and splitting this interview and others up into multiple segments didn’t help either.
I signed up for the Oct. 23 Readathon. Like objects in some mirrors, it’s definitely closer than it appears ;)
Susan wrote: "I signed up for the Oct. 23 Readathon. Like objects in some mirrors, it’s definitely closer than it appears ;)"Yay welcome back!
What happened? I blinked, and now it’s almost here. Lolol
What happened?!? I blinked, and now it’s almost here ;). Glad to see you back, Elyse and Susan! I’ve done nothing to prepare, but I did get Project Hail Mary and New Kid from the library and might save them for the RAT.
Susan wrote: "What happened?!? I blinked, and now it’s almost here ;). Glad to see you back, Elyse and Susan! I’ve done nothing to prepare, but I did get Project Hail Mary and New Kid from the library and migh..."
Oh my goodness, I knowww. I feel so unprepared and it's NEXT WEEKEND. I feel like if there's not enough activity in the GR group, I'm not as excited about it and I lose track. Wahhhh. lol. I don't have ALL notifications for groups so if they don't send a message, I don't see any of the pre-readathon activities, I didn't even know there were any until just now. :(
Susan wrote: "What happened?!? I blinked, and now it’s almost here ;)."Right?
Elyse wrote: "Oh my goodness, I knowww. I feel so unprepared and it's NEXT WEEKEND. I’m still not feeling it. I was actually pondering that I must have the dates mixed up, couldn’t be next weekend already!
I don't have ALL notifications for groups so if they don't send a message, I don't see any of the pre-readathon activities, I didn't even know there were any until just now"
I think that’s a véry good suggestion for the mods, to not only post announcements in the thread but send a message as well!
Elyse wrote: "Susan wrote: "What happened?!? I blinked, and now it’s almost here ;). Glad to see you back, Elyse and Susan! I’ve done nothing to prepare, but I did get Project Hail Mary and New Kid from the li..."
It has seemed a little slow gearing up, and maybe I had the same problem with the messages you mention. I usually rely on those and the blog instead of checking this page for updates. Anyhow, here we go ;)
Susy wrote: "Susan wrote: "What happened?!? I blinked, and now it’s almost here ;)."Right?"
I’m glad I’m not the only one. This next weekend ?!? Holy cow! But have book, will Readathon ;)
Susan wrote: "Susy wrote: "Susan wrote: "What happened?!? I blinked, and now it’s almost here ;)."Right?"
I’m glad I’m not the only one. This next weekend ?!? Holy cow! But have book, will Readathon ;)"
😄💜
Mod
Mod
Enjoy your readathon!
Cynda wrote: "Susan, I see the March series on Hoopla. I will see if you read and how you liked. I am definitely interested.Enjoy your readathon!"
Cynda, This Readathon seems to have crept up on a lot of us ;)
The March series is excellent. I’ve read the first two and have been saving the third because I know it will blow me away. Cool that they’re available on Hoopla!
See you at the Readathon! Susan
Meal and snack planning done! Now to whittle down Readathon TBR ;)Snack Ideas:
—baby carrots
—yogurt with diced mango
—popcorn
—scones, jam, and clotted cream
—apple cider
—lemonade + iced tea
Meal Ideas:
Breakfast — coffee, pumpkin bagel, banana
Lunch — baked beans and franks, Boston brown bread
Dinner — sheet pan sausage, onions, and grapes
It didn't feel real to me at first until this week eitherI think part of the issue is this year has gone so fast.
Your snack ideas are good, especially the scones. Apple Cider fits fall!
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "It didn't feel real to me at first until this week eitherI think part of the issue is this year has gone so fast.
Your snack ideas are good, especially the scones. Apple Cider fits fall!"
Yes, this has been a quick year! Glad I’m not the only one October has snuck up on. Guess it will feel real when we all start reading Saturday ;)
Here’s a tentative book list, still in progress until the last minute. I do like to have some ghostly, spooky, mysteries for the fall Readathon, and this has lots of choices. Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir, (sci fi)
State of Terror, Louise Penny and Hilary Clinton (suspense)
The Spy on Putney Bridge, David Fitz-Enz (espionage)
Sagittarius, Natalia Ginzburg (novella)
Animals, Hebe Uhart (essays)
Ennemonde, Jean Giono (novel)
Fantastic Tales, Iginio Ugo Tarchetti (short stories)
Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales, P. D. James (mysteries)
New Kid, Jerry Craft, (graphic children’s), library
The Reluctant Dragon, Kenneth Graham (children’s)
Starshine and Clay, Kamilah Aisha Moon (poetry)
The Ink Dark Moon, translated Jane Hirshfield with Marino Aratani (poetry)
Allegria, Giuseppe Ungaretti (poetry)
Opulent Hunger, Opulent Rage, Leslie McGrath (poetry)
Audiobook possibilities:
Carmilla, Sheridan LeFanu (horror) (2 hrs, 17 mins)
A Mind of Her Own, Paula McLain (biography) (1 hr, 15 mins)
Looking forward to hearing what you think of Project Hail Mary.
Susan wrote: "Meal and snack planning done! Now to whittle down Readathon TBR ;)Snack Ideas:
—baby carrots
—yogurt with diced mango
—popcorn
—scones, jam, and clotted cream
—apple cider
—lemonade + iced tea
..."
Yummy!
Susan wrote: "Here’s a tentative book list, still in progress until the last minute. I do like to have some ghostly, spooky, mysteries for the fall Readathon, and this has lots of choices. Project Hail Mary, A..."
Quite some nice options you have there, Susan!
Susan wrote: "Here’s a tentative book list, still in progress until the last minute. I do like to have some ghostly, spooky, mysteries for the fall Readathon, and this has lots of choices. Project Hail Mary, A..."
Project Hail Mary was not what I expected! In a good, weird way. lol. I enjoyed it!
Susan wrote: "Looking forward to hearing what you think of Project Heil Mary."I’m very excited to start this one. Good thing I’ve got some other books I’m finishing up today or I might not be able to wait ;)
Susy wrote: "Susan wrote: "Here’s a tentative book list, still in progress until the last minute. I do like to have some ghostly, spooky, mysteries for the fall Readathon, and this has lots of choices. Projec..."
Thanks, Susy! I’m looking forward to both books and snacks this time ;)
Elyse wrote: "Susan wrote: "Here’s a tentative book list, still in progress until the last minute. I do like to have some ghostly, spooky, mysteries for the fall Readathon, and this has lots of choices. Projec..."
Good to hear, Elyse! I’ll take good in a weird way. I loved The Martian but was a bit disappointed in Artemis so am curious to check this one out
Susan wrote: "Elyse wrote: "Susan wrote: "Here’s a tentative book list, still in progress until the last minute. I do like to have some ghostly, spooky, mysteries for the fall Readathon, and this has lots of cho..."I still haven't read Artemis. Maybe soon. Maybe not. lol. I do own it! I have heard not the greatest things about it. I also loved The Martian!
Love the sound of Pumpkin bagels.I've read Artemis and quite enjoyed it (3 stars) but hadn't read The Martian so had no comparison.
Impressive list - the only one I have read is Carmilla, and that was on audio
Opening Event Survey:1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? About halfway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I’ve been saving it for weeks, which was not easy for me to do ;)
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? Scones, jam, and clotted cream for a teatime snack!
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I’m retired and visited a real bookstore yesterday for the first time in over a year. Sigh. My reading buddy today is a cute pup named Jaxie. She will probably want a taste of the scones…
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? I definitely want to do more sprints. I’m also planning to limit checking in on social media to specific times of the day. Will see how it goes.
I’m starting a little later than usual, but both the dog and I are fed, I posted my discussion topic (To Reread or Not to Reread), and I’ve got coffee in my cup that says “Never underestimate a well-read woman.” I started reading Project Hail Mary, and it’s off to a good start. Now for some hellos and conversation before it’s time to walk the dog. Good Reading, All!
Elyse wrote: "Susan wrote: "Elyse wrote: "Susan wrote: "Here’s a tentative book list, still in progress until the last minute. I do like to have some ghostly, spooky, mysteries for the fall Readathon, and this h..."I rarely hold an author’s second book against them. It’s practically a rule that the second book isn’t as good as the first ;), and The Martian was so much fun it was a tough act to follow
Kate wrote: "Love the sound of Pumpkin bagels.I've read Artemis and quite enjoyed it (3 stars) but hadn't read The Martian so had no comparison."
The pumpkin bagels are delicious (and usually sold out at the grocery store, so I’m feeling lucky ;).
I really loved The Martian, so it was a tough act to follow. I think I gave Artemis 3 stars too.
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Impressive list - the only one I have read is Carmilla, and that was on audio"I have Carmilla on audio, too, Erin. Hoping to listen to it this time. How did you like it?
Susy wrote: "Happy readathon, Susan!"Thanks, Susy! Same to you!
Susan wrote: "I’m starting a little later than usual, but both the dog and I are fed, I posted my discussion topic (To Reread or Not to Reread), and I’ve got coffee in my cup that says “Never underestimate a wel..."The coffee cup sounds adorable. I love themed coffee mugs. I have a lot of halloween ones I will be switching off with today.
Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon
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The Fisher’s caramel popcorn is yummy! They have added a bunch of other flavors, but I’m sticking with the traditional caramel ;).