Read-a-Thon #1 - Kickoff

[Katie]

Welcome to the first read-a-thon of 2019. The read-a-thon starts from when you wake up on Friday, March 1 until when you go to sleep on Sunday, March 10, and the goal is to read as much as you can and to have tons of fun. It's 10 full days of books and games. Feel free to participate in as few or as many games as you like.

We’ll be posting a game every day, and there is a Team Challenge. It’s not too late to sign up for the team challenge.

So let’s kick off this read-a-thon with some questions, and don’t forget to keep coming back to the Read-a-Thon folder throughout the week.

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?

Be sure to check in to the progress thread to update us on your reading throughout the week.

[Pam]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
Finish 3-4 books that I own. Participate in all of the games!
2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
No. it will just be whatever I'm in the mood to read.
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
In bed or on the couch. Maybe a few days at the park or Botanic Garden since our weather is going to be in the 60s!
4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes!
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
All day (8am-6pm) babysitting my grandson on the first day but other than that- no!
6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
The team challenge and games!

[Jody]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
Really, I just want to read, read, read.
2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I'm going to finish 11/22/63, and then start off my next chonk for AtY. Other than that, I think I might read Pygmalion, Moonraker and whatever Hercule Poirot book I'm up to.
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
On the couch, or in bed. We've had beautiful weather here this week, but it looks like next week's to be rainy crap so no outdoors for me.
4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes!
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Nothing hugely distracting ... I don't think, anyway.
6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
The team challenge!

[Jen K]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
to read lots in a fun setting and I love games

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
just those already out from the library

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
on an airplane

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
jet lag and work

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Its my first read-a-thon so just seeing how it goes!

[Ellie]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
Finish off all my current reads and have fun interacting in the group.
2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I want to find some time to really sit down with The Kingdom of Copper as I've only been reading it in drips and drabs so far.
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
Audiobooks on my commute, at home in bed and maybe in a tent.
4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes, GO TEAM EUROPE!
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Just work but I am only working 4 days next week. Woo!
6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Hanging out in the group a bit, I haven't really been updating here since the frantic planning of last year, so I feel a bit detached.

[Johanne]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
Finish the books I am currently reading and make a dent in my physical TBR shelf.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
Same as above :)

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
On the sofa and in bed. Audio on my bike ride to work.

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes! Team Asia!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Just life, you know - work and family. Tomorrow I am going live roleplaying with 2 of my sons, otherwise I don´t have many extra activities in the next week, which is good.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
The team challenge! It was so fun the last times.

[Tammy]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
I'm 14 books behind on my annual reading goal. I want to make up several of those during the read a thon (so maybe 7 or 8 books)
2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I just picked up I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. I want to finally read that one because I've been meaning to for years!
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
At home (for books) or in the car (for audio).
4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yep
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
10 hour work days
6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Games!

[Joan]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon? To catch back up on the challenge. I'm currently one behind. I'd like to get a couple ahead.
2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish? Red Rising is taking my awhile so I'd like to finish that and get on with the series. It hasn't been my favorite so far. Just so/so.
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading? Physical books in my office and audio books in my car.
4. Are you participating in the team challenge? Yes
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on! Work and helping my friend on her taxes - always Netflix
6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon? Working with the team is always fun.

[Joi]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
I have 40 something books checked out, I want to get through some of them before they're due.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
Not Really

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
At home (for books) or in the car (for audio).

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
No
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!

Work and midterms are killing me.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
IDK

[Tracy]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
To cross off a few prompts and catch up on my GRs yearly goal.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I'm mood reading right now, so I don't have any plans on what to read. It'll be whatever helps the team most. I've gone completely rogue on my plans so far this year LOL

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
Kitchen table with coffee, or in bed with my heating pads, depending...

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes!!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
I have an endoscopy coming up on Tuesday, so I'll be sedated for part of the day and in procedure, but once I'm home I should be able to use it as an excuse to stay in bed and read. Other than that just the usual obligations/routine with the girls when they're here.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Getting involved with my team and the group, and getting motivated to get some reading done !! I feel like I've been missing out lately on discussions.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
I haven't actually thought about this one... I definitely want to work on some ATY books (at least one or two) and read a few books that one of my students loaned to me. Aiming for around 4-5 books total?

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
Definitely plan on reading The Red Tent for ATY Week 10. Also need to finish What If It's Us so I can get it back to the library without too many fees.

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
At my house! I'm off of work all week, so there will be a lot of reading in my red chair or in bed with my pup!

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
YES! Go team Africa!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week?
Nothing that I foresee, but I imagine I'll get bored of being home alone and I'll look for some distractions... maybe a few Mardi Gras parades.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Getting some reading done!

[Edie]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
Finish the 2 books I have in progress and read at least 2 more books
2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
Tangerine is a real page turner and I an anxious to see how it turns out. Looking forward to starting There, There
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
At home
4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes, proud member of team Africa
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Not really. One of the great things about retirement is the time to read.
6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon? Reading and seeing what others are reading.

[Beth F]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
My goal is to finish four books. I have three in process and I’d love to finish two of them plus start/finish two more.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I’ve been in a bit of a slump lately and would love to finish a book in the same week I started reading it.

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
My commute to and from work and my lunch break. I wish I could read more at home but there are too many distractions.

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Absolutely! Go Team Asia!!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Normal life responsibilities (husband, kids, house, job) and Girl Scout cookies (eek!). I’m the cookie manager for both of my daughters’ troops and am responsible for managing stock for 21 girls. It’s *a lot* of work and has been taking away time from every other aspect of my life.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Taking time for myself to do something that I want to do.

[Veronica]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
I am behind with my reading lately, so hopefully this will be the motivation to get my rest in gear and get some reading done.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
Not really, i just finished Muse of Nightmares last night which i loved so am excited to start something new.

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
At home on my couch

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes, go Team Asia!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Just work, which i tend to work late so that cuts into my reading time.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Getting some good reading time in and having fun!

[Deborah]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
This is my first read-a-thon, so really my goal is to participate and have fun and read lots of good stuff.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I have a HUGE list of books working their way to my library through the holds system and I'm not sure where exactly I'm going to start! I am hoping to finish The Gilded Wolves this weekend.

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
Primarily at home curled up on my couch with my pup. I do spend quite a bit of time commuting for work, so I take audiobooks on the road as well.

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes, Team Europe!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Just work... an unfortunate necessity.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Mostly just participating and having fun (I'm not always the best at chiming in on discussions) and of course getting in some good reading!

[Silvia]

I have been so disconnected, that I find out about the read-a-thon just today :( , but anyway, here I go :)

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon? Read a lot :)

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish? I want to finish Doctor Sleep. I started before the read-a-thon and I am enjoying it very much.

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading? At the dining table.

4. Are you participating in the team challenge? Not this time.

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on! Work

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon? The Games! I love the games! :)

[Sara]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
I'd love to finish 5 books--that would be doable if the books aren't too long.
2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
Looking forward to the next two categories of the ATY, have books slated that I have long wished to read.
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
In my recliner in front of my fireplace, especially if this darned rain continues.
4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
yes.
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Not unless something unexpected emerges.
6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
I really enjoyed the games with the last one...and I remember playing with Silvia, who I see loves them as well.

[Sarah]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
To finally finish Les Misérables. I am enjoying it but I ready to move on to something new (and shorter!)

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
Finish Les Misérables as I said and hopefully start The Song of Achilles

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
On the train with my earphones in.

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes, team Europe!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Work, obviously. My favourite day of the year on Tuesday, PANCAKE DAY, so I might be too happily carbed up to read. I have tickets to a show I don't really want to see on Thursday but it was a gift so I have to go. Oh and I have to bake a cake for my nephew's birthday. He's five and wants either a t-rex cake or a Spider-Man cake, I'm thinking t-rex will be easier to make.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Reading!

[Hannah]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
To read as many books as I can, especially the ones I've already started or I have checked out of the library.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
Books I'm currently reading and hoping to finish this week:
Three Sisters, Three Queens
On Beauty
Rimas y leyendas
The Clockmaker's Daughter

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
At home on the sofa or in bed.

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes - Team Asia!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Just work - I've got lots of lessons to plan and exam papers to mark.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Getting in some good reading time, and having fun.

[Hilde]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
Just to have fun! I am also pretty hopeful that I have picked out some good books for the read-a-thon.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I am quite excited to see how 1Q84 is going to end. It keeps throwing in surprises, crazy world for sure! I have been taking my time with this one, as it's a Q1 read in another group I am in. But I am really enjoying the ride.

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
At home on the sofa for my physical books, and on my commute for audio. I will probably do most audio at home as well come to think of it, as I have a room full of boxes that needs unpacking (see #5).

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes - Team Africa!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Lots this time. Am going away for a team-building event at work for three days next week, which will probably include activities 24/7 with very little reading time. This means that the two days in the office will be busy! Also, just moved into a new house, still have some unpacking to do. All the essentials is unpacked though, so just the boring nit-pick left, snore.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
I always love the team challenges :)

[Rachel]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
Just to read as much as I can. I'd love to be able to keep up with all the games and activities, but I'm not sure how realistic that will be.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
A Court of Frost and Starlight is the only one that I know for sure I will read within the week (probably today or tomorrow).

Updating this because I just got some more books from the library, so I'm adding 500 Words or Less and Emergency Contact as books I'm really looking forward to reading, and hoping to read this week.

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
At home

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes, I'm on Team Asia!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
I hope not. This is actually one of the only really free weekends I have in the next few weeks, with very little work to do. It's also my mom's birthday this weekend so we will be out for a chunk of the day.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Reading as much as I can!

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
No specific goals, just getting the full read-a-thon experience as much as possible.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I would love to finish Reamde and Tomorrow Will Be Better: A True Story of Love and One Family's Triumph over the Horrors of World War II during this challenge, but I still have over 400 pages left on Reamde alone...

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
At home. Print reading in the evenings, audiobooks during the day while I'm doing chores.
4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Just all the normal weekly events to work around--certain days I'm not going to get much reading done.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
This is only my second read-a-thon ever, so just the reading and seeing how the games work.

[Kathy]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
Read as much as I can.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I would really like to finish Independent People by Halldor Laxness. It's taking me quite a while!

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
In my recliner.

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Just work and a few appointments.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
Reading and working with a team.

[Samantha]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon? I am 3 books behind schedule with the ATY challenge so hoping to catch up and maybe get ahead.
2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish? I have been trying to fit Catch Me into a the challenge since last year so hope to get started on that. Ghosted just came off hold from the library and one that I am looking forward to.
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading? My couch or bed
4. Are you participating in the team challenge? Yup
5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on! My brain gets and little distracted these days so just need to focus!
6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon? Enjoying my books, working with team Asia and playing the games.

[Jill]

1. What are your goals for the Read-a-thon?
To get at least 4 books read. Hoping for 5 or 6.
W. Are there any books you are dying to start or finish? I am hoping that To Obama: With Love, Joy, Anger, and Hope and. The Masterpiece become available at the library this week. I have been anxiously waiting to read both books.
3. Where will you be doing most of your reading? In the break room during lunch at work and hanging out in my favorite reading chair at home.
4. Are you participating in the team challenge? Yes
5. Is there anything that’s going to stand in your way,of your reading this week? Just work and my 3 hour round trip commute.
6. What are you looking forward to with this read-a-thon? Connecting with my fellow readers!

Just an observation: Those of us in some areas of the US are going to,have one less hour to read as many of us go on Daylight Savimgs Time next week! LOL

[Kristina]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thin?
I hope to finish 3-4 books.

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
I'm excited to finally read The Best We Could Do. I bought the book back in 2017 after hearing the author speak and am only just now reading it. lol

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
Either at my apartment or during my subway.

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Yes, Team Europe :)

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Work and 1 social obligation, but it shouldn't be too much more time consuming than usual.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thin?
The reading! and the team challenge :)

[Marina]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon?
To read as much as possible and maybe catch up on my challenges

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish?
My two books for the bookclub at work

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading?
Mostly in my sofa or bed

4. Are you participating in the team challenge?
Always 😊

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on!
Lots of things. Work most of all, I even have work I need to do this weekend for the first time ever in the 11 years I've worked at my current job.
We're planning on getting a new kitchen, so there's things that need to be done.
And we have our 4th wedding anniversary on Wednesday so we're taking the days off to go to a spa hotel. But of course I'll take a book with me.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon?
The team challenge

[Kathy Jo]

1. What are your goals for the read-a-thon? Read at least 3 books

2. Are there any books you're dying to start or finish? I think I will put Les Mis on hold this week so I can finish books.

3. Where will you be doing most of your reading? At home in bed or my comfy chair. My commute is only 15-20 minutes easy way so i can't get much audio in.

4. Are you participating in the team challenge? Yes, team Asia!

5. Is anything that's going to stand in the way of your reading this week? Let us cheer you on! Just work and regular responsibilities.

6. What are you most looking forward to with this read-a-thon? I enjoy the teamwork.

[Errlee]

I completely missed this announcement until I was browsing around the posts this morning! I am toying with starting it now, since I did do some reading this weekend ... hmmm.

[Laura, Celestial Sphere Mod]

There's still plenty of time left, including a full weekend. I say go for it! :)