Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon: April 2013

Today I must admit I am not feeling so hot at all. If it were any other Saturday I would probably crawl up in bed with a book and alternate with reading and naps….but it’s not a day that I will allow anything to keep me down so I will do a variation on the nap/reading plan. In case you haven’t heard… It’s Dewey Day!  Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon is under way. It’s kind of like Christmas for book bloggers and readers alike. Except we’re lucky because it comes twice a year in both April and October. Yep, It’s that time of year again readers…if you have followed Stiletto Storytime over the years at all you know this is one of my favorite events. This is my seventh Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon. I have worn many hats for this event over the years. I have been a reader, a cheerleader and a co-host long into the night…and this year I am honored to be co-hosting again. So if you’re reading this year…you’ll see me Hour 13-16. Make sure to say Hi! Below is my stack…something old, something new…but I always seem to wander to my shelves and library pile during this event so no doubt there will be some changes. So buckle up…and let’s get this show on the road. If you are stopping by please say hello and share what you’re reading!

Introduction Questions

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Atlanta, Georgia 2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? All of them to be honest…but really I am still waiting for the perfect one to grab me! 3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? Almond M & M’s 4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I’m a Mommy to the cutest four year old you’ll ever meet. 5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? Since I have the honor of co-hosting this year I am kind of taking it easy and just doing some relaxing reading until my hours come up. Then I will focus on making hours 13-16 fun for all and then dive back into the books!

My Read-a-thon Results

Total # of Books Read:  2.75

# of Pages Read:  981

#of Hours Read: 12.5

# of Hours Co-Hosted: 4

# of Mini-Challenges Completed: 12

I began this Read-a-thon by finishing up a book for the Spring Into Horror Read-a-thon which is running simultaneously. I have just finished Little Star by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist. Recently just finished Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza. Two down…on to the next. I’d say it’s time for the comfort that comes with re-reading a classic and personal favorite. I don’t have the copy of Rebecca that is featured below but Oh…how I wish I did.

Currently Reading

Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon: October 2012

  

It’s that time of year again readers…if you have followed Stiletto Storytime over the years at all you know this is one of my favorite events that takes place every year in April and October. This is my sixth Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon. I have worn many hats for this event. I have been a reader, a cheerleader and a co-host long into the night in April. Every experience has been special and this year I am looking forward to being simply a reader again and really focusing on the reading. So what am I reading?

                 

This year I am kind of pushing the boundaries by choosing two very long books and one shorter YA. Often it’s best to choose multiple shorter titles to keep the momentum going but this year I simply had to re-read Justin Cronin’s The Passage so I could dive into The Twelve. I also chose Beta  by Rachel Cohn as my go to break book if needed since the first two books are 500-700 pages respectfully. But I am so excited to dig in and hopefully even get some reviewing and blogging done as well.

So won’t you join me? There’s still time sign up and get involved. Join hundreds of readers from all over the world dedicated to reading together for an entire 24 hours. You can sign up here. Enjoy hourly updates, mini-challenges, giveaways and so much more. So come on be a part of literary greatness…join us. I will regularly update my progress on this same post so check back and see how things are going and share your experience. Happy Reading to All!

Read-a-thon Progress 

Current Book: The Passage by Justin Cronin

Books Completed: 0

Pages Read:601

Hours Reading: 8.5

Mini-Challenges Completed: 11

Introductory Questionnaire

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Atlanta, Georgia in the USA
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? The Twelve by Justin Cronin
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?  My sea salt bagel chips & chocolate covered almonds. Yum!
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I am the mother of an amazingly loving and intelligent three year son who just happens to have autism…we are fighting every day and winning!
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 have participated in six of these read-a-thons as a reader, cheerleader and co-host…excited this year to lay back and enjoy the ride while focusing on the reading!

Book Puzzle Mini-Challenge from One Librarian’s Book Reviews

                     

Can you guess the book title from the images above?

7th Annual 48 Hour Book Challenge

Sometimes Twitter can be quite serendipitous. I had planned to try and relax this weekend while doing lots and lots of reading and trying perhaps even to catch up on my review list as well. As I was on Twitter sharing my FridayReads and signing up for a few upcoming readathons (check my side bar buttons for any upcoming readathon information), I began chatting with Kathrin at Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic which led me to check out her blog. Low and behold she had just posted her starting post for The 48 Hour Book Challenge which is one of my favorite reading events but unfortunately it is also one I always seem to miss. I participated in 2009 and 2010 ( I had some great snacks that year!) but I missed last year for some reason. Well thanks to Kathrin, I will not be missing the 2012 event.

So if you had some reading planned this weekend…why not enter? You can set your 48 hour time frame for the hours that work best for you. There’s still time to join. Just head on over to MotherReader for more information and/or to sign up.  Also don’t forget to keep up with everyone and their reading on Twitter using #48hbc. My time frame is going to be from 9pm tonight until 9pm on Sunday night. I will do all my updates on this post so check back if you want to follow. I would make my time frame a bit later but I am trying to be practical  and let’s be honest for me nothing will getting done beyond 9pm Sunday when the next season of True Blood begins.

So what will I read? Well right now I am re-reading all the books in Lauren Kate’s Fallen series. I recently received an ARC of Rapture and need to write my review for The New York Journal of Books sometime this weekend. I like to always refresh on a series before I do a review. Gives me a fresh perspective back into the world of that series as well and I think I enjoy the new addition more that way.  I just started Torment today so that will be my first book of the challenge. I also have been casually dipping into the pages of The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa and finishing up An Unmarked Grave Charles Todd which will have a tour stop here on Stiletto Storytime next week. I have also have been lazily perusing Strong Medicine by Arthur Hailey– a random 1980’s paperback that somehow found its way to me. Anyone ever heard of it? That should get me started…you think?

Are there any books you think I should make a “must” for my weekend reading? What are you currently reading? If you are participating in the event please leave me a comment below so that I can come visit and follow your progress as well. Thanks again to Kathrin for the heads-up and happy reading to all!

48 Hour Book Challenge

Current Books

Books Completed: 4

Torment by Lauren Kate

Jane Eyre (A BabyLit Board Book) by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver (Bedtime Reading with Son) x 2

Hide & Squeak by Heather Vogel Frederick (Bedtime Reading with Son) x 2

No More Bottles for Bunny by Bernette Ford (Bedtime Reading with Son)

Pages Read: 963

Reviews Written: 0

Total Hours Spent: 14.5

Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon: April 2012

     It’s that time of year again dear readers. The Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon. One of my absolute favorite events of the “reading” year. This will be my fifth year participating in this event. I have been tapped to co-host for a few hours later this evening ( 9pm to 2am EST) so please come and visit and I also will be cheering through-out the day so my reading may have to be quite minimal. However I encourage you to check out the site and see what the event is all about….it’ still early in the game. You could still join. There’s always time to read!

Due to my heavier working this year in the behind the scenes operations I have chosen a much smaller selection of books than I might normally. Below is what I hope to read during this read-a-thon. I am also hoping to write two reviews as well. Kind of ambitious, there may be no sleep for me! Whatever your read-a-thon goal, I wish you happy reading!

Read-a-Thon Totals 

Currently Reading: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Books Finished: 1: Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

Pages Read: 741

Hours Read: 8.5

Mini-Challenges Completed: 6

Co-Host Posts Written: 5 hours

Review Written: 1: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Snacks Consumed: Cinnamon Bread & Orange Juice, Turkey Sandwich & Arizona Green Tea, Petit Ecolier European Chocolate Biscuits

Introductory Questionnaire

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Atlanta, GA (USA)

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? “Lone Wolf” by Jodi Picoult. It has been on my shelf for awhile and I finally get to sit down and reading it rather than just glancing at it longingly while I review other books.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? My Simply Salt Pita Chips
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I’m a librarian turned SAHM.

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? This read-a-thon is definitely differently for me since it will be my first time co-hosting…wish me luck. As with every year I just try to have fun and roll with it! That’s what it’s supposed to be all about right?

Re-Reading Mini-Challenge

The Blue-Stocking Society wants to know what book I like to re-read. This is such an amazingly easy answer for me. Every year and when I am feeling down or sick I read Jane Eyre. I don’t know that I can fully describe why but there is a comfort there…a soothing peace I find when I re-read it. I know what will happen but it soothes me just the same. The relationship between Jane and Rochester both thrills and fulfills my reading imagination. I adore the book. I could never read it too much or even watch too many adaptations even for that matter. Other books I re-read are the works of Jane Austen and Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier but neither not nearly as much as my Jane Eyre.

Reading Challenge: My Life in Newbery

Children’s literature is really important to me not only as a children’s librarian but also as a reader and a parent. There is something about the books that we read as children that shape the readers we become later in life. They can often sometimes even depict or affect whether we will become readers at all. The John Newbery medal is an award given by the American Library Association to an author for their contribution to American literature for children. The award has been given since 1922. It is named for John Newbery, an 18th century English publisher of juvenile books.

 I recently saw a friend and former library colleague at Learning to Play the Bassoon create a sort of reading challenge by looking up the Newbery winners at certain points in her life and I wanted to take it and make it my own by doing something similar. Below I have created a list of books that have won the Newbery Medal during my lifetime. I thought it would be fun to read each of these books this year. I really don’t read as much children’s literature as I should anymore now that I am at home with Little Man and this seems like a fun way to incorporate some into my current reading.

I would love for others to undertake this challenge with me or even just commit to reading one Newbery winner this year such as the book that won for the year you were born. You can easily look the winning and honor books for each year here. Just for the fun of it….I would love for everyone to share what book won the year you were born and whether or not you have read it?

My Life in Newbery

The year I was born: 1981

Newbery Medal Winner: Jacob Have I Loved  by Katherine Paterson

The year I started kindergarten: 1986

Newbery Medal Winner: Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

The year I turned 10: 1991

Newbery Medal Winner: Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

The year I started high school: 1996

Newbery Medal Winner: The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman

The year I graduated from high school: 2000

Newbery Medal Winner: Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

The year I graduated from college: 2005

Newbery Medal Winner: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

The year I received my Master’s Degree: 2006

Newbery Medal Winner: Criss Cross by Lynn Rae Perkins

The year Little Man was born: 2009

Newbery Medal Winner: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This year’s Winner for 2012

Newbery Medal Winner: Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-Thon

It’s that time of year again…the Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon. I truly look forward to this event when it comes around twice a year. It’s my time to tell my husband that he has kiddo responsibilities and to then hole myself up as much as possible with books and special snacks. This year has been an especially tough year and my reading and reviewing has really taken a hit so I am excited to be able to take a little “me” time for Read-a-thon. So…Ready…Set…Read.

Introduction Questions

1)Where are you reading from today? Atlanta, Georgia
2)Three random facts about me:

I am a librarian turned SAHM. My favorite author is Jane Austen. My favorite book is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

3)How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? 4-6

4)Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?

I simply try to do the best I can with a toddler in the house. My husband really tries to give me time to read alone…I usually hole up in my bedroom for a few hours at a time of good “snuggly bed” reading. I have a pile of books picked out and will keep track of books read, pages read and titles finished on this post as the read-a-thon progresses.

5)If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time?

This is my fourth Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon. I would say just do the best you can. Don’t worry about doing too much or too little. Just do what you can and most importantly of all…enjoy the reading. That’s the point. Right?

Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now? Jane Austen Made Me Do It
2. How many books have you read so far? 1
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

 Not sure..I am going to go through my stack and see what appeals to me and will keep me awake!
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?

My husband takes over the parenting duties for our two year old son so I can participate in read-a-thon. Still had to do some light house tasks and a run to the store but it helps to have some time to myself to focus on just the read-a-thon.
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

Like I said some small errands..etc. But you just deal with them and jump right back in!
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?

This is my fourth read-a-thon but I am really excited to see so many participants and cheerleaders this year!
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? I think it’s great as is.
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?

Hopefully next year I can plan a little better and have a free schedule to really devote the entire 24 hours with no interruptions (in a perfect world).
9. Are you getting tired yet? A bit.
10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?

I think planning is key. Planning your time..your books…everything.

Re-Reading Mini-Challenge 

I have quite a few books that I re-read on a regular basis but the one I enjoy most would be my favorite book of all time Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. It’s my feel good book which I know might seem kind of odd considering the subject matter. I usually return to it when I am sick or feeling under the weather emotionally. Something about it comforts me. Other books that I re-read on a regular basis are Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

Pet Mini-Challenge

Zoe is a pretty laid back dog…so he really enjoys nothing more than cuddling up while I am reading…as long as he’s allowed a nice spot on the bed as you can see from the picture above.

Read-a-Thon Results

Currently Reading: Salt Bride by Lucinda Brant

Pages Read: 987

Reviews Written: 1

Mini-Challenges Participated In: 9

Books Completed: 3

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Jane Austen Made Me Do It Edited by Laurel Ann Nattress

Can You Survive: Jack London’s Call of the Wild Adapted by Ryan Jacobson

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon

It’s that time again…Read-a-thon time. I really can’t tell you how much I enjoy Read-a-thons. It’s just so enjoyable to read with other like-minded book loving people. If I am going to be reading (which of course I am) why not join in and do it with others? So this week I am joining On a Book Bender and many others in the Bout of Books Read-a-thon which runs from August 22nd-28th.

The rules are simple…just read as much as you can during the time period given. I am hoping to read at least three books and will be keeping up with my progress on this post. So why not join us? Or give me a little help and tell me which book you think I should dive into from the list below?

Books Completed for Read-a-Thon

Tout Sweet by Karen Wheeler

Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Pages Read

1,082

Once Upon a Time Read-a-thon

It’s time for another Read-a-thon for me. This one came just at the perfect time…lately I have been able to get more reading done and have been tearing through my TBR pile which is a much needed activity. So if I am going to read-why not read with over 350 other people? The Read-a-thon will be from July 11th at midnight until 11:59pm on July 13th. Want to sign up…deadline is today at noon so don’t hesitate. There are also prizes and challenges to be enjoyed.

So what am I reading? Below are two of the titles I wish to finish…know a great book I should read? I would love some suggestions. Which should I read next?

Read-a-Thon Totals

Books Read: 3

If Today Be Sweet by Thrity Umrigar

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (Re-read)

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris (Re-read)

Pages Read: 956

Hours Read: 18

Dewey’s Read-A-Thon Mini-Challenge

Classic/Paranormal Tome Challenge

Welcome Dewey read-a-thon participants to Stiletto Storytime and a mini-challenge for this hour! You are all doing so well and indulging in some terrific books whether they be classics or paranormal or maybe even a combination of both. Recently we have seen an influx of books that bring together classical literature and something of the supernatural or otherworldly. SO… what better idea for a challenge than for you to come up with your own?

Quirk Classics has become well known for such titles as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, Android Karenina and the newest soon to be released The Meowmorphosis. So what do you think their next classic mash up should be? Well…that is your challenge if you choose to accept it.

Tell us below in a comment: include your title and a brief description. Also leave an e-mail at which to contact you if you are our lucky winner. One winner will be chosen at random to receive a Quirk Classics prize pack that will include all three Pride and Prejudice and Zombies books, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, Android Karenina and The Meowmorphosis.

The Meowmorphosis will be released May 10, 2011.

Good Luck and Happy Read-a-thon Reading from Stiletto Storytime & Quirk Classics.

And the twisted winner is…

Erin from Erin Reads.

If you want a nice chuckle here were a few of my personal favorite title entries:

Oliver Twisted: “Please, sir, I want some more brains.”

Gone with the Werewolves: “We all know Rhett Butler is a rogue. But did you know he’s also a werewolf?

Scarlett is about to find out…”

Ethan Frome Hell: “Ethan Frome is a tortured man but not why you think;

He’s actually part demon trying to redeem his dark past!”

Thanks to all who entered the mini-challenge and happy read-a-thon reading!

Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-A-Thon

It’s that time again…Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-Thon has begun! This is truly one of my favorite reading events. This will be my third time participating in this read-a-thon and I am super excited this year to not only be cheering (in the last four hours of the event) but also to be hosting an awesome mini-challenge later in the event. You’ll have to check back for that but needless to say the prize pack donated from the fabulous Quirk Books is pretty fantastic!

So now on to the big question…what am I reading? Well…this read-a-thon I decided to take a little bit of a different approach than others in the past. Usually I take advantage of the read-a-thon to catch up on books I need to read for reviewing purposes but not this time. This time I decided to read what I want to read no matter what it is…these are books I have been looking forward to for reviewing, books I have been meaning to read forever and even a few I may have read before. This is my time to enjoy some pleasurable 24 hours of books. So check out my picks below.

My Reading List

*The Baby Planner by Josie Brown

*Supernaturally by Kiersten White

*Beastly by Alex Flinn

*The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James

*Numbers by Rachel Ward

*Delirium by Lauren Oliver

*The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

*The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson