August readathon: Progress and minichallenges

[Athira]

Welcome to the third readathon of the year! Time sure is flying! This is a week-long readathon starting on Aug 6th 10 am US Pacific time and ending on Aug 13th 10 am. As always, you can start earlier or later, depending on how it fits your schedule!

The 24 hour readathon is on Aug 6th or 7th. You can start anytime on one of these two days after the event starts and end it 24 hours later.

Mini-Challenges
So here are the challenges to guide you on your reading. They are completely optional and are meant to spice up your reading or make it more unplanned. And also, to pull you up from any reading ruts.

1. Not-quite-a-chunkster: Read at least one 400+ page book.

2. [Nancy's challenge] Choose me, choose me not: Read a fiction/nonfiction written in either the graphic format (eg: The Complete Maus, The Complete Persepolis) or in verse format (eg: Crank, The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus). Bonus if you choose the format that you find the harder of the two. Check out more graphic books and verse books.
Note: No picture books allowed.

3. Snag some of that book love: Ask a librarian (in your local library) or a bookseller (in any of your favorite bookstore) for a recommendation or a book they loved immensely. Maybe you are hesitant to break the ice or you're already good buddies with someone in the library or bookstore. Either ways, take this step and ask them to recommend one of their favorite books for you to read.

4. Moderators Pick: (This is where we will suggest a category - genre/country/author/awards list and you can pick any book from that category.) As condolence to the disappointing news of Borders going out of business, read a book that has won the Borders "Original Voices" Award. For the list of all winners, go to this link.
Note: No picture books allowed.

5. [Dee's challenge] What should I read next?: Go to the website, enter the most recent book that you loved and read the book that's suggested.

6. Revisit an old friend: Reread an old favorite. Many of us want to reread a book we loved so much but we never get to it, because of commitments, lack of time, too many choices. Use this challenge to read a book that you've wanted to read again. It doesn't matter if you've already read the book umpteen times. Only restriction is it has to be a book you last read at least 6+ months ago (that is, you should not have read/reread it within the last six months).

7. Random Fortune: Since we all have huge Mt. TBRs that we are immensely proud of, randomly select a read from your bookshelf. Go to http://random.org , enter Min=1 and Max=. Click on Generate, and read the book in your TBR corresponding to that number. (If you don't have access to that book, feel free to do this again and again until you come to a book that you have at home or can pick from the library.)


Overlap
You are allowed ONE overlap and it can ONLY be #1 (Not-quite-a-chunkster) with any one of the other 6. (The overlap is optional - #1 can be a challenge of its own.)

[Dee]

I'm out for this one due to grad school work - but for my category - here is the website - http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/ - the key, is do not hit return after you type in the title, just let the list populate itself...the more popular the book, the more choices ;)

[Athira]

Dee wrote: "I'm out for this one due to grad school work - but for my category - here is the website - http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/ - the key, is do not hit return after you type in the title, just let the list populate itself...the more popular the book, the more choices ;) "

Ha! Thanks for pointing out the link. I don't know how I missed adding that. :)

[Nancy H]

I am definitely in for these challenges. I am going to start picking/packing my books this evening, so this is very timely! Can't wait to get started!

[Lisa S]

I wish I could be doing this with you all. But Anniversary and OT @ work won't allow it this month. Have fun everyone.

[Zakiya]

I'm only doing #'s 1, 5, & 6 for the challenge. Won't be overlapping. School will make this difficult, but I'm definitely going to try!! :D

[Zakiya]

Books I'm trying to read/finish during this read-a-thon:

0/6 completed

Beautiful Creatures (mini-challenge #1)
Tower of Parlen Min
The Help
Max (mini-challenge #5) (I entered "Graceling.")
Vampire Academy (mini-challenge #6)
Fallen

Because of school, we'll just see how much I get read. If I finish these, I'll add as I go.

[Tracy]

I'm in! Starting on my list now.

[Roseann]

I'm in!

My challenge titles:

1.
2. I Heart You, You Haunt Me
3.
4. After
5. Eternal
6. Charlotte's Web (let's see if I cry again)
7. #147 The Time of My Life

[Shay]

Completed Books
by Jacklyn Brady (currently on page 105)
Page Count: 199 pages
Total Pages Read: 199 pages.

#1: North and South by John Jakes (started page 163)
#2. Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
#3: Riding the Bus with My Sister: A True Life Journey by Rachel Simon
#4 Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
#5: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
#6: Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George
#7: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

Other books:
The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough (currently on page 198)
Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898 by Edwin G. Burrows (currently on page 371)
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (currently on page 42)

[Margie (Bookzombie)]

Here is the plan currently. I am way behind on my challenge this year.

1. Virals by Kathy Reichs
2. Crank by Ellen Hopkins
3. Etta by Gerald Kolpan
4. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
5. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
6. Tisha by Anne Hobbs as told to Robert Specht
7. Virals by Kathy Reichs

[★Meghan★]

Books I plan on reading:
Red Hook Road (32- ?)
Outlander (audiobook)
The Help (49-?)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (#1 & #6)
Damaged

Not sure if I will do many of the mini-challenges

[Stacie]

Here's what I'm planning so far (subject to change, of course, upon attack of the whim fairy ;p) :

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
2. Crank
3. Lockdown
4. The Shadow of the Wind
5. The Golden Compass
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
7. Dreadnought


*edited to include links

[Salena]

These are the books I am planning to read for the readathon. I don't think I will do the mini-challenges this time. I have several series I am trying to read through.

Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
Agatha Raisin and the Case of the Curious Curate by M.C. Beaton
Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton
Pinheads and Patriots by Bill O'Reilly

[LynnB]

These are my planned books, so far, though I may change them during the week.

1. My Life in France, 452pp.
2. The Complete Persepolis
3. Gloryland: A Novel
4. Ella Minnow Pea
5. Eventide
6. Not sure which book yet.
7. A Killer Crop

[Amy]

Here are my choices, assuming my library branch gets them in time:

1. The Shadow of the Wind (awaiting from library)
2. Miki Falls: Autumn
3.
4. The Shadow of the Wind
5. Peony in Love
6. Lord of the Flies (I haven't read it since grade school, but I need to read it for another group.)
7. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope

[Nancy H]

Salena wrote: "These are the books I am planning to read for the readathon. I don't think I will do the mini-challenges this time. I have several series I am trying to read through.

[book:Lemon Meringue Pie Mur..."

Great choices! I have read all but your last one, and you will certainly enjoy reading these. I loved them.

[Rebecca]

Here is my plan for the week - well - actually my plan for the month, but I will be using this list for the read-a-thon week. These are books in my Kindle's "I WANT TO READ THESE LIKE NOW!!" collection, some of which have been sitting for a long time.

- currently reading, need to finish!

[Dee]

if anyone is interested - I found this link about various history events being told through graphic novels - http://theoceancountylibrary.org/Educ...

[Nadine]

I am starting with The Wild Rose which I had been waiting for for ages, it is the third part of a series. Quite catchy, although a bit too black and white. But it is a good read. That one has 600+ pages so it will probably keep me busy for half of the marathon, so I won't really take part in the mini-challenges, although they do sound great again. You guys do a wonderful job coming up with them.

[Zakiya]

As of right now, I'm currently reading Beautiful Creatures, Tower of Parlen Min, and The Help. Working on finishing one of these within the next couple of days!

[Tracy]

Current reading plan; subject to change:

1)American Psycho
2)Strangers in Paradise Pocket Book, vol. 1
3)Wicked Lovely
4)The Brief History of the Dead
5)Immanuel's Veins
6)
7)World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War

[Jennifer C]

Yeah, read a thon is here. At the start I was reading , so at the start of the read a thon I was on page 150.

I had to take a break because my iPad ran out of battery, so while its recharging I thought I would check in here with everyone else.

Good Luck with your readings!!!

[Shay]

Jennifer wrote: "Yeah, read a thon is here. At the start I was reading , so at the start of the read a thon I was on page 150.

I had to take a break because my iPad ran out ..."

How many hours does the iPad go on a charge? Just curious.

[Shay]

Completed Books
by Jacklyn Brady (currently on page 105)
Page Count: 199 pages
Total Pages Read: 199 pages.

#1: North and South by John Jakes
#2. Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
#3: Riding the Bus with My Sister: A True Life Journey by Rachel Simon
#4 Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
#5: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
#6: Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George
#7: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

Other books:
The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough (currently on page 198)
Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898 by Edwin G. Burrows (currently on page 371)
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (currently on page 42)
Firefly Summer by Maeve Binchy (page 88 of 645)
by Paula McLain (on page 63)

[Tracy]

I have a confession to make. I have never read a graphic novel but I have started Strangers in Paradise and it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.

[Tracy]

Rebecca wrote: "Here is my plan for the week - well - actually my plan for the month, but I will be using this list for the read-a-thon week. These are books in my Kindle's "I WANT TO READ THESE LIKE NOW!!" collec..."

Hey Rebecca, I've heard good things about the Beekeepers Apprentice. Let us know what you think.

[Athira]

I'm just back home from a trip to a Bridals for my friend's wedding shopping. Now off to read a book. I'm starting with In the Sea There Are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda, which doesn't fit into any challenge category. But I have to read it this week, so here goes.

[Nancy H]

I am getting a late start today because of chauffering nephews and niece throughout the day, but so far I have started:
Farm Fatale - for challenge #5,The Memory keeper's Daughter - for challenge #3 and possibly #1,and Hey, Good Looking by Fern Michaels which doesn't fit any challenges, but which I picked up yesterday when I was stranded in the monsoon in Charlotte, NC!
I've read a bit in each to see which I want to finish first. Then on to some others.

I have also challenged my two nephews and my niece to read with me, and two of the three are reading now so I must get back to reading, also. I'll check in later to see how everybody is doing. Sounds like some really good books are being read.....

Oh, and HAD to stop at the local Books-a-million to get my oldest nephew some more books - what a shame that I came out with 9 more for myself!!

[Roseann]

Six hours in and I think I have read for about five of them and have finished two novels.

Shakespeare's Trollop (194 pages)
by
Charlaine Harris

and

Glow (307 pages)
by
Amy Kathleen Ryan


Total so far: Hours read: 5
Books finished: 2
Pages read: 501
Challenges completed: 0

I think I'll hit some of the challenge books next!

[Rebecca]

Alright! I'm about to get myself comfy with a cup of tea and start my reading! Hoping to finish A Game of Thrones by the end of tomorrow. This is a tall order for me, as I'm only about 34% of the way through it . . . and it's a big one! Once I finish that I hope to get through some of my shorter books for the rest of the Read-A-Thon week!

Tea just makes everything better, don't you think?!

[LynnB]

Just home from a family reunion. I started a book this morning, but didn't get far. Am planning to spending the evening getting as much reading done as I can.

[Julie]

I hope to clear all the books on my currently reading shelf.

Redeeming Love
Don't Breathe a Word
Change of Heart
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Friendship Bread
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas

[Zakiya]

Starting on ! Quick read, so I should be done with it by tomorrow night or Monday night :)

[Shay]

Julie wrote: "I hope to clear all the books on my currently reading shelf.

Redeeming Love
Don't Breathe a Word
Change of Heart
[book:Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar..."

You know that for each book you finish on your "currently reading" shelf, you'll just start another one. Right? Or is that just what I do?

[Roseann]

Finished a couple more.

Challenge #6: Charlotte's Web (184 pages)

and

Challenge #7: The Time of My Life (244 pages)

I don't know if I am going to go for the 24 hr thing as I plan on reading quite a bit this week, but we'll see.

Total so far: Hours read: 10
Books finished: 4
Pages read: 929
Challenges completed: 2 (#6 and #7)

[Stacie]

Finished Lockdown (good but really violent- definitely the more adult end of the Young Adult spectrum) - Challenge #3, 290 pages

Approximately half-way through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Challenges #1 & #6, 313 pages

[Salena]

Day 1 Check-in:
Finished Pinheads and Patriots and got halfway through Agatha Raisin and the Case of the Curious Curate.

[★Meghan★]

Shay wrote: "Julie wrote: "I hope to clear all the books on my currently reading shelf.

Redeeming Love
Don't Breathe a Word
Change of Heart
[book:Miss Peregrine's Hom..."

Haha Shay!!! I tend to do that too! Except about every 3 months I try to wind down on the books and then start fresh with a whole new set!

[Zakiya]

It has been about 25 hours since it started for me. I'm getting a bunch of reading in. Yesterday was a great reading day, got over 10 hours in all, but haven't calculated exacts yet.

[Shay]

Completed Books
by John Jakes
Read pages 163 to 816 during challenge
Book Pages Read: 653 pages
by Laura Levine
228 pages
by Jacklyn Brady (currently on page 105)
Page Count: 199 pages
Total Pages Read: 199 pages.
by David McCullough (pg 198-558. 360 pages)

Total Pages Read: 1,440 pages


#1: North and South by John Jakes
#2. Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
#3: Riding the Bus with My Sister: A True Life Journey by Rachel Simon
#4 Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
#5: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
#6: Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George
#7: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

Other books:
Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898 by Edwin G. Burrows (currently on page 371)
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (currently on page 42)
Firefly Summer by Maeve Binchy (page 88 of 645)
by Paula McLain (on page 63)

[LynnB]

I didn't read a lot during the day yesterday, but started in the evening and read like crazy for 4 hours and completed 489 pages. Finished my #1 (almost a chunkster) and a couple pages in another book.

[Ann A]

Day 1 Report

Finished: Tarzan of the Apes - 40 pgs
(started earlier)
The Godwulf Manuscript - 122 pgs
(started earlier)
Love That Dog - 86 pgs
Completed Challenge #2, book in verse

In progress:
The Mysterious Affair at Styles- 112 pgs
The Story of Mankind - 10 pgs
(For my own personal challenge: Read a
Newberry Award winner each Read-a-Thon)

Total for Day 1: 370 pages

I love reading everyone's posts. Good luck to all!

[Roseann]

One more done:

Breaking Night: A Memoir (329)

Total so far: Hours read: 14
Books finished: 5
Pages read: 1258
Challenges completed: 2 (#6 and #7)

[Nancy H]

Rebecca wrote: "Alright! I'm about to get myself comfy with a cup of tea and start my reading! Hoping to finish A Game of Thrones by the end of tomorrow. This is a tall order for me, as I'm only abo..."

Absolutely! I love the power of tea!

[Nancy H]

I didn't get a lot of reading done yesterday, so I am glad I am in this for the week! My progress so far:

Farm Fatale - 215p.
Hey, Good Looking - 129p.
The Memory keeper's Daughter - 49p.

Hope to get more done today.

[Nadine]

I was really looking forward to the mini-challenges, but some slutty books had already thrown themselves at me and I had to chance but to read those. Both not really short, so I will just read those two and see how far I get.
The Wild Rose is the third part of a trilogy I started years ago and now it is finally published! I didn't get as much reading time as I would have wished though, so it is a slow start for me.

Day 1:
Jennifer Donnelly: The Wild Rose - 130 pages

Day 2:
Margaret Mitchell: Gone with the Wind - 25 pages
Jennifer Donnelly: The Wild Rose - 110 pages

Not really getting a lot done so far... I hope the rest of the week will be more productive.

You all have fun! Hope you are enjoying your books. I surely am. :-)

[Ann A]

Rebecca wrote: "Alright! I'm about to get myself comfy with a cup of tea and start my reading!

Already had 3 cups today!

[Rebecca]

Ann wrote: Already had 3 cups today!"

I've only had one big cup - I'm behind on my quota!! I better get to sipping and reading :)

Made some good progress on reading last night though I doubt I'll finish A Game of Thrones today . . . just too long. I'm excited I've gotten a good chunk of it done this weekend though!

[Margie (Bookzombie)]

I haven't read as much as I intended. I've been bitten by the cleaning bug so I have been distracted. I am listening to Rot & Ruin as I clean though. It's not one of my mini-challenges but I wanted to re-read it before the sequel comes out at the end of this month.

The only mini-challenge I have made head way in is #5 Artemis Fowl. I have 50 pages to go so I will get it done today. I'm nearly done with the cleaning so I will also probably get another book started. :-)

I wish I was on vacation this week.