End of Read-A-Thon Update: Better Late than Never

I haven’t blogged since the Read-A-Thon and with good reason.  The Read-A-Thon is the most blogging I’ve ever done in one day!  I need time to recover.  

The day after the Read-A-Thon feels sort of like a book/blogging hangover (for me anyways).  I just need some time.  Perhaps when I am a more seasoned veteran to blogging, 24 hours of reading/blogging won’t have such a profound effect on my brain.
I am in awe of  the many book bloggers who jump right back in to their TBR pile the morning after the Read-A-Thon.  You are truly amazing.

Although the Read-A-Thon is long over, I never filled out my End of Event questionnaire, so here it is:

End of Event Meme
1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
Hour 22, when I couldn’t keep my eyes open if you paid me.  I lasted longer than last year by an hour and a half, going to bed just 1-½ hours before the end of the Read-A-Thon.
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
In general, shorter reads to give a sense of accomplishment
Specifically:  anything by Shel Silverstein, J.K. Rowling and from what I hear, (I need to get on the bandwagon and read the Hunger Games series) Suzanne Collins.
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
I just wish I could do all the mini challenges, but it’s impossible if I want to keep reading.  I only struggled with a couple challenges because I was not technologically savvy, (ex. the Wordle).  I had no idea how to get a screen shot of it on my blog, so I had to spend a bit of extra time figuring that out.  Maybe some instructions for us newbies?  I will get the hang of blogging.  Hopefully, by the time the next read-a-thon rolls around, I will be an old pro.
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Everyone participating takes time to visit other blogs as much as possible.  It’s amazing given all the blogs involved.  I wish I could visit every single, solitary blog participating during the actual even but it just can’t happen if I want to get any reading done.  The thought alone of everyone reading together (all over the world) is a really cool thing.  And I always have the list of blogs to browse after the read-a-thon, and I’m thankful for that.
5. How many books did you read?
Two (2).  I always have such high expectations for myself.  But then, all my picks were rather long.  Next time I am going to include a few shorter reads.
6. What were the names of the books you read?
Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin
The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells
7. Which book did you enjoy most?
Alice I Have Been
8. Which did you enjoy least?
The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder; only because I liked Alice I Have Been a smidge more, and this was the only other book I read.
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
Love the rhyming cheers.  No advice; the more the merrier.  It really helps.
10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
I will definitely participate again.  I will be a reader next time as well.  I have too much fun not to.

Read-A-Thon Update: Onward Through Hour 21

I'm still awake!  Barely, but still awake!

I was reading on the couch a bit ago and woke up disoriented with my book open draped on my stomach.  I had fallen asleep!  I looked at the clock.  Only 20 minutes had gone by and I had officially taken a catnap!  I picked up my book and read some more.

So that is exactly how I'm making it through the read-a-thon in these final hours: catnaps.  I've had 2 already and amazingly have woken up within a half hour each time.  The second time I was face down, on a big pillow in my living room floor, a book open in front of me.  I don't know why I woke up and didn't sleep through the rest of the night, as tired as I am, but it is only proof that my mind wills to finish this thing!!

It's now 2:20 A.M. PT and I am really hearing my bed calling my name.  I am SO close to finishing The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder which I have been reading for most of this day.  (*Ever get nearer to the end of a book and scream inside, Let's finish this thing already!!  I have.)

Total Pages Read so far:  460
Mini Challenges entered: 7
Challenges won: none

I feel like I could be doing sooooo much better than I am.  Although I did take a nice break for dinner and some time to watch a most important hockey game, I feel that I should have long ago finished the one book I've been reading all day and moved on to something else.  I feel that I should've read more pages so far.  Hmmmm...something to think about as 3:00 A.M (the 22nd hour) approaches.

Read-A-Thon Mini Challenge: Wordle

Wordle Mini Challenge Hosted by 

Reading Through Life

Thank you for the fun challenge and nice break from reading!

Because my blog is rather new, I decided to do a wordle based on the whole blog to see what it boils down to.  Here is what it came up with:  

I love how reading is one of the largest in the bunch!

Read-A-Thon Mini Challenge: Title Word Scramble

Mini Challenge : Title Word Scramble
Hosted by Sheery at Sheery's Place (thank you for hosting this fun challenge!)

My unscrambled titles follow.  I went a step further and bolded the books I have read in this list:

1. Firefly Lane
2. East of Eden
3. Water for Elephants
4. To Kill a Mockingbird
5. The Great Gatsby
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
7. The Art of Racing in the Rain
8. The Time Traveler's Wife
9. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
11. A Wrinkle in Time
12. The Polar Express
13. Love Walked In
14. Where the Wild Things Are
15. The Shining
16. Goodnight Moon
17. Interview With a Vampire
18. The Secret Life of Bees
19. The Search
20. The Help

Read-A-Thon Update: Halfway!

Halfway done?!  Where has the time gone!

Mid-Event Survey:

1. What are you reading right now? The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells.  I am loving it as I knew I would.

2. How many books have you read so far?  I have dipped into three different books, only finishing one - Alice I Have Been.  I'm almost halfway through the one I'm reading now.

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

I am most looking forward to finishing The Crowning Glory and starting back into The Canterbury Tales.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? not particularly!  My girls join in when they feel like reading and are generally keeping themselves busy.  They even baked a batch of brownies!  My husband is down with a hurt back so it would've been a mellow day anyways.  

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?  Only interruptions so far have been from my kids but I welcome them!  

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?  How extremely FAST the time goes by!  And how hard it is to do mini challenges when you are trying to read.  I want to do them all, but just can't.

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? no suggestions.  I think it's great the way it is!

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?  As a reader, I might throw some shorter reads in there amongst the longer ones so it feels like I accomplished more!  

9. Are you getting tired yet?  yes I am...but not horribly.  This is the time of day when I usually brew up a pot of coffee anyways, as 3:00-4:00 PM is my sleepy time for some reason.  So I'm used to feeling sleepy around this time...and a pot of coffee is not far away!   

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?  Cheerleaders, you have no idea how your cheers help us readers!  Really.  Love coming to my blog to find you cheering me on...it helps.  It really does.  Readers, something that is helping me is checking in every hour to see where I'm at.  I don't post every hour, but I check follow up comments, etc. and look at a few other blogs for a break.  It really breaks up the monotony  and keeps me connected to other participants.

Read-A-Thon Update: Onward Through Hour 11

I can't believe the Read-A-Thon is nearing it's halfway point.

I really wish I was keeping track of exactly how much time of spent reading, because I know it hasn't been 11 hours!  I've had many breaks!

So far:

• only 134 pages read...still reading The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder ~ and what a read!  I've cried...a lot!  It's made me really think of my relationship with my girls!  
• I've attempted no more mini challenges.  I want to, I just don't feel I have the time if I want to get any reading done.  Although, 134 pgs doesn't seem like a lot!  
• I've been noshing and probably not all too healthily: cookies, brownies, sugary cereals.  I did have a turkey and ham sandwich though. 
• And as promised here is my granddaughter joining in for the Read-A Thon:

See how intently she reads?!

Here she is, totally immersed!  :D
A reader after my own heart.

Read-A-Thon Update: Onward Through Hour 7

It's now 11:00 and I'm entering into Hour 7.

My girls have both joined me in the Read-a-Thon, but right now are now playing a board game to take a break.  I am delighted they chose to play a board game versus turn on the TV or a video game.  

• Randi is reading Eragon by Christopher Paolini, and has now decided she would like a baby dragon.
• Sydney is reading Rotten School:The Big Blueberry Barf-Off by R.L. Stine.  I have a feeling this book may be a little easy for her reading level, but at least she's reading!
• Jennifer has informed me that my 4-month old granddaughter Leighton has also joined me the Read-A-Thon.  She sent me a picture to my phone, and once I figure out how to get it on here I will post!  Too cute, my little reader!  

My updates:

I finished Alice I Have Been.  I really enjoyed this book and will have to write a review on it later.  It brought me to tears and further ignited my obsessive interest in all things Charles L. Dodgson (aka. Lewis Carroll).  What an interesting, interesting man.   And this book wasn't even focused oh him, but he fills in the cracks and whispers to be figured out.  

Currently Reading:

The Canterbury Tales as retold by Peter Ackroyd, and

The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder, interchangeably.

Most likely I will probably grab other books to read in their midsts as well!

So far: 

135 pages read cumulatively.  I haven't been keeping track of time...all I know is, I would be reading a lot more if I wasn't stopping to do mini challenges and blog.  But it's so fun to do so! 

I've participated in 4 mini challenges and really wish I had time to do every single one.  So far, my favorite challenge was the Six Word Celebration, hosted by Estella at Estella's Revenge.  If I had more time I know I could come up with something better, but here are my 6 words to celebrate the read-a-thon:

~ Turn pages toward better understanding.  Read! ~

Back to reading!

Cheers!

ReadAThon Hour 2 Mini Challenge

Mini Challenge hosted by Elizabeth over at Miss Wisabus

TOP 3 Children's Stories

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak ~ I love it so much I can't see the movie, as I am afraid it will ruin the original.


Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech ~ I read this in college and LOVED it.  I wonder how I would've reacted differently if I would've read it as as a child.  I just related to the story on so many different levels and it brought tears, which is always an indication to me of a good book!

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O'Brien ~ I don't remember what I loved most about this story because I read it as a child.  I definitely need to revisit it as an adult!  I just know it has stuck with me all these years and I always have the urge to pick it up and read it again.

ReadAThon Hour 1

Woke up a little late.  It's 5:48 right now and I haven't yet started reading.  Brewed up some coffee, going to answer the Hour 1 questions here, and then I will get reading.

Challenge 1: Hour 1 Questions

Where are you reading from today?  home sweet home, and probably mostly on my couch, on my bed and at my desk.

3 facts about me …
I'm a stay-at-home mom
I am a young grandma
I love to read, write, play guitar and listen to music

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? 
Six, one of which I have already read three-quarters of the way through

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)?  
not to stress how much/or how little I am reading!  I want to enjoy the day. I would like to get through at least 3 of my books though.


If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time?
I am by no means a veteran as this is only my 2nd read-a-thon.  The only suggestion I have is to keep track of your reading somehow.  It can be so much easier if you have some sort of  a spreadsheet or template to use.  I picked one up at Fyrefly's Book Blog.  Should make things a whole lot easier!

On to reading!  Good luck to everyone participating.

24 Hour Read-A-Thon

Getting ready for my second read-a-thon, and I have my stack of library books ready to read.  It's after 10:00 and if I really want to do this right, I must get up early so I can be ready to read by 5 A.M.  I need to get to bed soon!  

I am really excited to get started, especially since I know more of what to expect this time around.  I will probably blog every 3-6 hours instead of trying to blog every hour.  I will do mini challenges but I won't try to do every one.  It takes up too much reading time. 

I am already three-quarters of the way through Alice I Have Been, so I will most likely work on finishing up that book first in the morning with my cup of coffee.  

I'm off to sleep for an early wake up!

Happy Reading!

Writing Goal #1: POEM Slide

Here's my writing for the day! 

Slide
Back to my hometown
to the park where
I used to play ~

I remember
a particular slide:
silver steps,
a chute of blue rollers,
my size dwarfed
in comparison.

Today,
as I revisit
this old friend,
nostalgia lurks
in my chest
as I search for
the neanderthal
reminder of my youth.

First and second glances,
third and fourth
uncover a small slide
I don't remember.
My childhood,
rotted in time
along with this slide.
I used to climb
to the top
and scream with glee
as the rollers carried me,
long haired
and tender
down that slide,
with only a single care
for that moment.

Now,
my cares laid bare
to find the slide's location
like a cobweb
in freshly painted room,
and I ached
when I found it was
not the same
as I left it
so many years ago.

Trip to Library and Writing Goal #1: POEM Haiku for Leighton

Took a trip to the library yesterday, and as usual, left with a hefty stack of books.  Not sure how long it will take me to read these bad boys, as I'm not putting a time limit on myself, but I will have plenty to read for the upcoming Oct. 9th Read-A-Thon  (More on this in another post.  And I hope some of you will join me!) 

The list:

Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer retold by Peter Ackroyd

Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin

The Immortal: Book 3 of the Cronus Chronicles by Anne Ursu

The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells

All In One Place by Carolyne Aarsen

Dismantled by Jennifer McMahon

I read the Canterbury Tales in college but found them extremely difficult to get through without the helpful translation of my professor.  I loved the stories though, (and wrote one myself as an assignment - I'll have to post that to share soon) so here's a retelling that I can read and hopefully enjoy in modern day English!  I can't wait to revisit the tales of the The Knight, The Wife of Bath, The Cook, The Friar, etc.  They were actually hilarious tales that were "a mirror for medieval society."

Also in college literature classes I became fascinated with Charles Dodgson, better known to most as Lewis Carroll, the infamous author of Alice in Wonderland.  So when I heard about Alice I Have Been, a historical fiction novel based on the original Alice who inspired Mr. Dodgson to spin his legendary tale, I knew I had to get my hands on it fast!

The Immortal Fire is the third book in a series that I started reading when my daughter brought home the first book, The Shadow Thieves.  She never got around to reading it so I, being the book raptor that I am, snatched it up and read it in a couple days.  What fun it turned out to be!  I love children's novels that spark the imagination and tell a story with such rich description and believable characters.  So I read The Siren Song next and the mythological fun pulled me towards the 3rd installment in the series.  Can't wait to get back into the adventures of cousins Zee and Charlotte!  

Rebecca Wells had me with The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.  So much so, that I read both follow-ups: Ya Yas in Bloom and Little Altars Everywhere pronto upon completion.  My love for all three of these fantastic novels makes reading The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder a no-brainer, regardless of an entirely new set of characters.  Rebecca Wells paints worlds where you want to be, and I can't wait to enter another of her worlds again soon!

All in One Place and Dismantled are both random picks.  I like to surprise myself by pulling something off the shelf I've never heard of before.  Let's hope they deliver! 

***********************************************

So because of my lack of blog posts, I'm really behind.  Behind on book reviews, (keeping up to date on Goodreads), reading challenges, goal updates, etc.  So for the next few days and weeks I am going to work my tush off trying to get caught up.  I have a lot of reviews to write and I finished so many of these books months ago!  I hope I can remember enough to write worthwhile reviews!  I will do my best, and that is all I can promise.

On to my writing of the day!  It's a short one, but written with love for my granddaughter, Leighton, who visited me this weekend.  I wrote it as we went on an afternoon walk.

Haiku for Leighton

Leighton loves her walks

The shady trees smile and wave

Cheers!  Leighton is here!

Writing Goal #1: POEM Never and Always

I have never made a specific writing goal before, and producing a piece of writing everyday is hard work!  I think it's so worth it though! 

Good or bad, here's my piece for today:

Never and Always

You always

say I can't!

You never

let me do

what I want!

You always

tell me no!

You never

seem to understand!

You always

embarrass me

in front of 

my friends!

You never 

believe I am

where I say I'll be!

I know.  

I never, 

and I always.

I never 

want you hurt or lost;

I always 

want you safe.

I never 

want misunderstandings

about the amount

of love

my heart

holds for you.

I always 

need to know 

where you are

when you're not home.

I never 

want you to forget

how precious

you are to me.

I always 

cherish you 

in my heart

and I will still 

when you are old.

But you never!

And you always!

Yes, I never.

And yes, I always.

I will never 

leave your side

as long as you shall live,

and I will always 

see to it that you

are truthful, honest, kind.

I never 

want you sad, mistaken, doubtful.

I always 

want you to do your best.

I never 

want you giving up

on life's

oh so many tests.

I always 

hope it is my arms

that comfort you

when you need.

I never 

want you to feel

you cannot come to me.

I always 

want what's best for you

and sometimes

I may seem mean,

but I never 

want to see you cry

if poor decisions 

you have made.

I always 

want you to know

you never

have to worry

for I will always,

yes, I will always

be your protector, mother, friend.

© Patricia Beline Barton

October 2, 2010

I want to apologize for my absence.
I apologize!

I am not going to list my excuses for why I haven't blogged since April, because that's all they would be...excuses. There are many reasons for neglecting my blog, but they are boring and I don't want to bore anyone.  I will say, I've neglected something that has been calling whispering my name everyday to get back to.  I have a lot of catching up to do and I intend to get started.

For starters, goals.

Writing goal #1: To produce something every day, good or bad.

Here's today's:
****************
On a Night Train


On a night train

making my way to a house

I never knew existed,

I struggle to find a seat.

Left standing,

the ride is bumpy,

jolted,

long.

At my destination

I realize my purse is gone.

I meander back

to where the train and I parted

but like my purse,

the train has disappeared.

I walk up narrow streets

passing cars,

trees

and creeks.

I follow curves of freeway,

beat up signs,

directional arrows,

all taking me where I don't want to go.

Foreign streets with dotted residence

hold no purse of mine.

Out of breath,

tired,

pissed,

purseless.

A million birds chirping

in the chilled air

seem to know more than I do.

They laugh at my misfortune.

I sit sprawled along a curb

confused,

disoriented,

sure that I will

wake up at any moment.

For only in dreams

can one lose a purse

on a night train,

making one's way

to a house

they never knew existed.

©Patricia Beline Barton

October 1, 2010

Top 100 Children's Novels

I love to read.  I really do.  Yet when I came across this list compiled by A Fuse #8 Production of the Top 100 Children's Novels, I realized how much work I have yet to do.  (I hate to admit it, but I'm actually a little embarrassed by some of the books on this list that I haven't read yet!)

I've bolded the ones I've read, and placed a * next to my faves.  I'm adding the rest to my TBR pile, which grows longer everyday!   How many of these have you read? 
[*To give credit where credit is due, I picked up this link from Amanda at A Patchwork of Books.  Thanks for the meme!] 

100. The Egypt Game - Snyder (1967)
99. The Indian in the Cupboard - Banks (1980)
98. Children of Green Knowe - Boston (1954)
97. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - DiCamillo (2006)
96. The Witches - Dahl (1983)
95. Pippi Longstocking - Lindgren (1950)
94. Swallows and Amazons - Ransome (1930)
93. Caddie Woodlawn - Brink (1935)
92. Ella Enchanted - Levine (1997)
91. Sideways Stories from Wayside School - Sachar (1978)
90. Sarah, Plain and Tall - MacLachlan (1985)
89. Ramona and Her Father - Cleary (1977)
88. The High King - Alexander (1968)
87. The View from Saturday - Konigsburg (1996)
86. *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* - Rowling (1999)
85. On the Banks of Plum Creek - Wilder (1937)
84. The Little White Horse - Goudge (1946)
83. The Thief - Turner (1997)
82. The Book of Three - Alexander (1964)
81. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - Lin (2009)
80. The Graveyard Book - Gaiman (2008)
79. All-of-a-Kind-Family - Taylor (1951)
78. Johnny Tremain - Forbes (1943)
77. The City of Ember - DuPrau (2003)
76. Out of the Dust - Hesse (1997)
75. Love That Dog - Creech (2001)
74. The Borrowers - Norton (1953)
73. My Side of the Mountain - George (1959)
72. My Father's Dragon - Gannett (1948)
71. The Bad Beginning - Snicket (1999)
70. Betsy-Tacy - Lovelae (1940)
69. The Mysterious Benedict Society - Stewart ( 2007)
68. *Walk Two Moons* - Creech (1994)
67. Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher - Coville (1991)
66. Henry Huggins - Cleary (1950)
65. Ballet Shoes - Stratfeild (1936)
64. A Long Way from Chicago - Peck (1998)
63. Gone-Away Lake - Enright (1957)
62. The Secret of the Old Clock - Keene (1959)
61. Stargirl - Spinelli (2000)
60. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle - Avi (1990)
59. Inkheart - Funke (2003)
58. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - Aiken (1962)
57. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 - Cleary (1981)
56. Number the Stars - Lowry (1989)
55. The Great Gilly Hopkins - Paterson (1978)
54. *The BFG* - Dahl (1982)
53. Wind in the Willows - Grahame (1908)
52. The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2007)
51. The Saturdays - Enright (1941)
50. Island of the Blue Dolphins - O'Dell (1960)
49. Frindle - Clements (1996)
48. The Penderwicks - Birdsall (2005)
47. Bud, Not Buddy - Curtis (1999)
46. *Where the Red Fern Grows* - Rawls (1961)
45. The Golden Compass - Pullman (1995)
44. *Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing* - Blume (1972)

43. *Ramona the Pest* - Cleary (1968)
42. Little House on the Prairie - Wilder (1935)
41. The Witch of Blackbird Pond - Speare (1958)
40. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Baum (1900)
39. When You Reach Me - Stead (2009)
38. HP and the Order of the Phoenix - Rowling (2003)
37. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Taylor (1976)
36. Are You there, God? It's Me, Margaret - Blume (1970)
35. HP and the Goblet of Fire - Rowling (2000)
34. The Watson's Go to Birmingham - Curtis (1995)
33. *James and the Giant Peach* - Dahl (1961)
32. *Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH* - O'Brian (1971)
31. Half Magic - Eager (1954)
30. Winnie-the-Pooh - Milne (1926)
29. The Dark Is Rising - Cooper (1973)
28. A Little Princess - Burnett (1905)
27. Alice I and II - Carroll (1865/72)
26. Hatchet - Paulsen (1989)
25. Little Women - Alcott (1868/9)
24. HP and the Deathly Hallows - Rowling (2007)
23. Little House in the Big Woods - Wilder (1932)
22. The Tale of Despereaux - DiCamillo (2003)
21. The Lightening Thief - Riordan (2005)
20. Tuck Everlasting - Babbitt (1975)

19. *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* - Dahl (1964)
18. Matilda - Dahl (1988)
17. Maniac Magee - Spinelli (1990)
16. *Harriet the Spy* - Fitzhugh (1964)
15. Because of Winn-Dixie - DiCamillo (2000)
14. *HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban* - Rowling (1999)
13. Bridge to Terabithia - Paterson (1977)
12. The Hobbit - Tolkien (1938)
11. The Westing Game - Raskin (1978)

10. *The Phantom Tollbooth* - Juster (1961)
9. Anne of Green Gables - Montgomery (1908)
8. The Secret Garden - Burnett (1911)
7. The Giver -Lowry (1993)
6. Holes - Sachar (1998)
5. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - Koningsburg (1967)
4. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - Lewis (1950)

3. *Harry Potter #1* - Rowling (1997)
2.* A Wrinkle in Time* - L'Engle (1962)
1. *Charlotte's Web* - White (1952)

Twelve by Twelve Reading Challenge: April

What better way to tackle my new stack of library books - along with the leftover books not read in the read-a-thon - than with another reading challenge? 

Am I crazy?  Nah, I just love to read.

This one is a month by month challenge.  This month's challenge is hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.  The challenge?  Whatever rules I set for myself.  Pretty cool, huh? 

So for April's challenge, even though I'm somewhat of a late starter and there are only seventeen days left in the month, I will attempt to read through the library books I checked out so I can return them on time without renewing.  I am usually a chronic renewer!  I see all those books and just go crazy.  You should've seen me hefting my stack up the stairs to my place last night!  Can you say book nerd?

If you are curious what books I will be reading, please see my earlier post. (*minus Cracking Creativity because that is considered a non-fiction book and all books must be fiction!)

Join me with your own April reading challenge!

Musings in the Morning: Read-A-Thon Wrap Up & To Be Read Pile

Well, I made it 21 hours in the 24 hour read-a-thon. 

I read through 1-3/4 books in that time period and finished another book, Pleasing the Ghost by Sharon Creech, the following morning. 

I read a lot less than I thought I would, but for me it wasn't about how many books I could read, or trying to outdo anyone else.  It was about trying something new, spending some time with my daughters doing what I love, and having fun - which I definitely did.  I look forward to October's Read-A-Thon.

If anyone is interested in joining me in October, let me know.  I would love to do this with you!

Went to the library last night with the girls.  Here's what I picked up:

• Lips Touch Three Times by Laini Taylor [for Laini's blog click here.  Such a creative and inspiring woman!]
• Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice
• The Siren Song (Book 2 in The Cronus Chronicles) by Anne Ursu
• When You Reach Me by Rebeccca Stead
• The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
• Possessed by Kate Cann
• Cracking Creativity: The Secrets of Creative Genius by Michael Michalko [for my hopes to become a more creative person]

I am going to start with Laini's book first, and go from there.  Have you read any of these books yet?  If so, what did you think?

Read-A-Thon Update: Slap Happy but Still Reading

So we're entering into hour number 19 and I am really starting to show signs of wear.  There are deep, dark circles under my bloodshot eyes and I spent a good portion of the time I'm supposed to be reading, trying to predict how The Master Puppeteer ends.  My exhaustion prevented me from just reading and finding out sooner that way.  Instead I entered into a delirium with my 12-year old and we erupted into slap happy laughter over nothing.  I eventually recollected myself and FINALLY finished the book!  Woo Hoo!  Almost 2 books down.  Really.  What was I thinking? 15 books?  Never try to attempt to read that many books in a 24-hour period on 3 hours of sleep.  Never. 

First of all, the brain does not function correctly or with any amount of speed whatsoever; and as much as you try, it can't seem to make the connection from the words on the page to the part of the brain that comprehends those words.  I have read many sentences over.  Numerous times.  Unfortunately, that means lots of time spent "reading" equals itty bitty number of pages read.  Ah well.  I read on with happiness.

Since I last updated, Randi finished another book, Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary.  I'm sure she's read it before, but it's been a while.  As she giggled throughout the book, I remembered how much fun it is to read about Ramona.  So, that's 2 books down for Randi.  I'm pretty sure that's it for her tonight.  She's so tired that she's not feeling so great.  She wants to read more, but it's just not happening.  She's off to bed!

Sydney is back to reading again after a lengthy break.  She is reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney. As much as I love to see her reading, it is late and I will be prompting her to bed soon. 

It's been so awesome reading with my girls today.  That has been the best part of this challenge - our time spent together.

Randi and Sydney on the last leg of their reading tour

Mini Challenge:
Hosted by Literarily Speaking

This was a fun one because it asks readers to ponder the first book they ever loved.  For me, that was the Little Golden book entitled The Monster at The End of This Book starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover.  Not only was Sesame Street the show I watched on a daily basis transfixed to the television set, but Grover was my favorite character.  He was bumbly, furry, blue and silly.  I loved his antics and finding him at the end of the book instead of the scary, ferocious monster he prepared readers for....well, it made me want to hug him at the last turn of the page.  I still do.

Number of books read since started: almost 2 
Pages read since last update: 79 pgs
Running total of pages since started: 253 pgs 
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 3 hour 5 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since started: 8 hours 35 minutes
Mini-challenges completed: 7
Other participants visited: none at this time
Prize you've won: none
What I've eaten/drank: Dinner at Islands...2 Baja tacos and an iced tea. 
What I've been doing when not reading:

• having a nice dinner with my family
• laughing hysterically
• trying to read but not computing
• helping Sydney rinse her hair

 

Read-A-Thon Update: Halfway Point

Mid-Event Survey:


1. What are you reading right now? The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson (which I am throughly enjoying!)


2. How many books have you read so far?  2, not all the way through either yet 


3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Pleasing the Ghost by Sharon Creech


4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Not really.  It's a nice Saturday for reading! 


5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?  The only interruptions I've had are those from my kids which aren't bothersome at all to me.  In fact, I need interruptions to give me some breaks from reading. 


6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? First, how little I've read.  I thought I would be much farther along by now.  I'm normally a fast reader but am moving at a snail's pace today.  I am also surprised how involved some of the mini challenges are.  I think if I spent less time on some of them, I could be reading more.  They are so great though and hard to pass up!  I've had to pass up a few that I would've really liked to do.


7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?  For those relatively new to blogging, as I am, it is rather cumbersome to orchestrate the posts, the links, visit different readers and post and link successfully in time for the deadlines.  I think if there was some sort of "pre read-a-thon" (with some instruction on how to handle some of the bloggy stuff), to prepare those who need it, it might make the process go smoother for us newbies!  :)  I also feel that some of the challenges are great, but shouldn't be a  part of the read-a-thon, but rather outside posts for daily interest, because they are rather involved and take up a lot of precious reading time.


8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? I would get a full night's sleep the night before!  I would set up templates days before the Read-a-thon so I could spend less time typing and more time reading.


9. Are you getting tired yet?  Oh yes!  But I can't tell if it's from reading, or not getting enough sleep the previous night!


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?  Pick a physical reading buddy, whether it be your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a neighbor, whatever.  It really makes it fun to have someone who is reading alongside you. 

Read-A-Thon Update: Hour 11 & 12

I am so confused on the hours now.  Time seems to be moving so fast!

 

What's new:

• Sydney finally joined us!  She slept so much she still feels tired!  She managed, however, to complete The Little Prince and read with me for a bit from The Witches of Worm.
• Randi completed Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
• I entered another mini challenge with Nomad Reader.  This was a fun one!  It required going to Google Maps and placing a pin on the map where our current book's setting happens to take place.  The Master Puppeteer takes place in Feudal Osaka, Japan (12c. 19c.)  I didn't notice any other pins in that area on the map.
• I also entered a Mini Challenge for Reading is Fundamental.  Although I missed the deadline, I thought this one was worthy whether I'm up for a prize or not.  I chose to spend some time reading with my 9-year old daughter.  I always love the chance to spend time reading together.  So this was a no-brainer.  We are reading The Witches of Worm.  It is a rather frightening, eerie tale, but we enjoy it nonetheless!  Reading with our kids is important!

Number of books read since started: still only partial of 2 books!  I will finish one soon.
Pages read since last update: 41 pgs
Running total of pages since started: 174 pgs
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1 hour 15 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since started: 5 hours 30 minutes
Mini-challenges completed:  6
Other participants visited:  Reading with Tequila (A blog title after my own heart)

Prize you've won: Zip.  Zilcha.  Nada.  I'm loving the read-a-thon regardless!

What I've eaten/drank: Clementines and some water.

What I've been doing when not reading:

• talking to my girls
• showing Sydney my blog and how to become my follower
• talking about Witches of Worm with Sydney 
• seeing off Randy and Randi as they go off on a fabric/design hunt for Randi's puppet costume

Read-A-Thon Update: Hour 9

I can't believe I am on Hour 9.  I haven't finished one book yet!  I picked out 15.  Hmmmm....wonder how close I'll get to finishing all 15!  HA! 

I feel like I'm reading slower than normal today because I made the mistake of only getting about 3 hours sleep.  When husband works graveyards, I don't sleep well.  Which is strange for me, because throughout my family I am known as a "coma sleeper."

I'm a little tired.
Just a wee bit. 
Hard. To. Read. FAST!!! 

It's one of those times when you can read an entire paragraph, or page, or chapter, and have no recollection of what you just read because your mind is muddied with other thoughts or lazy daydreams.  Randi knows what I mean.  We chatted about it as we read together, legs sprawled out on the couch.

Randi woke up about 11-ish and began reading beside me. 
Here's what she's working on:
New Moon & Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.
As of this update she is also feeling extremely tired, but is doing the best she can.  As of this update, she hasn't finished either book.  According to Randi, she is almost finished with New Moon but can't seem to get past a rather slow-moving part at this time.

Sydney just woke up!  Boy what tired kids!  We went to bed WAY too late.  She is on her computer right now probably watching silly youtube videos and trying to wake up before she cracks open her first book.  I wonder which one it'll be...

My update:
Still working on Wicked and The Master Puppeteer. 

I am thoroughly enjoying The Master Puppeteer.  This book was recommended to me by my daughter, who just read it for her 7th Grade Language Arts class and liked it enough to pass it on.  She has helped me understand the class system of feudal Japan (12c. - 19c.) to better understand the setting for this book.  What a smart girl!  I am continually in awe of her brilliance!

Wicked isn't at all what I thought it would be but I love the character of Elphaba, more popularly known as The Wicked Witch of the West.  Can't wait to see how the story unfolds further.  With that, I better get back to my reading.

Title of books read since last update: Wicked by Gregory Maguire and The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson

Number of books read since started: parts of 2
Pages read since last update: 45 pgs
Running total of pages since started: 133 pgs
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1 hour 20 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since started: 4 hours 15 minutes
Mini-challenges completed: 4
Other participants visited: none since last update
Prize you've won: 0
What I've eaten/drank: 2 cups of coffee! 1/2 turkey,salami and cheese whole wheat sandwich with some pretzels 
What I've been doing when not reading:

• Talking to Randi
• watching, with fascination, my husband sew as he works on a costume for a puppet my daughter is making for a school project
• fixing food to eat for Randi and me 
• eating and drinking coffee
• updating blog (this seems to take most of my time)
• posting Read-A-Thon on Facebook status
• relaxing in my bed chatting with Randi between sentences read

Read-A-Thon Hour 5: Mini Challenge and Update

At Linus's Blanket, we are asked to find mention of food in the books we are reading.

Here are my finds:

In Wicked, Fiyero comes across Elphaba's abode for the first time where food is not a particularly palatable, nor abundant, commodity. 
"She unrolled some dried sausage and some graying bread, and found a couple of oranges and a lemon and put them uncermoniously on the table...'Eat this stuff,' she said at last. 'I'm not hungry. You eat it, go on.'"

In The Master Puppeteer, hunger is Jiro's only motivation. 
"Them Mochida brought in a pot of steaming rice.  He was followed by a boy carrying a covered earthenware cooker from which the smell of fish and vegetables escaped and snaked seductively through the room.

After Jiro jumps in to feass despite his father's disapproval, he feels ashamed for letting his hunger dictate his actions causing shame to his father. 
"Yes, by all rights, Jiro should have choked or at least the food should have turned to dust in his mouth.  Instead, it tasted like a heavenly feast.  He ate rapidly with his head bowed over his bowl so as not to meet his father's gaze, and as soon as it was empty, he allowed Yoshida to fill it again and again."

Update:
Daughter #1 just woke up.  Her first uttered words were, "Are you reading?"  Of course when she finally awakes here I am pounding away on my laptop!   Daughter #2 has yet to wake up...it's 11:00 A.M. here in the PT.  I suppose I should wake her up!

Title of books read since last update:  Wicked by Gregory Maguire and The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson
Number of books read since started: parts of 2
Pages read since last update: 42 pgs
Running total of pages since started: 88 pgs
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1 hour 10 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since started: 2 hours 55 minutes
Mini-challenges completed: 4
Other participants visited: Blair @ In the Turtle Shell
Kate @ I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read
Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through A World of Books
Rachel @ And The Plot Thickens...
Prize you've won: 0
What I've eaten/drank: Bowl of cheerios and milk.  Water.  No coffee yet!  Imagine that!

Back to reading alongside Randi!