Countdown to Read-a-Thon

Can I tell you how excited I am for my first 24-hour read-a-thon?! Even though I know I will fall short of the 24 hour mark (my goal is a half-marathon and read for 12 of the 24 hours), there is something very exciting about preparing for a community event where others will be embarking on the same adventure as myself. I had originally hoped to have several YA books available to read - like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - The Hunger Games - and The Graveyard Book, but according to the holds update at my local library, I am still #39 - #60 and #54 respectively. I don't think I will have them by next week.

Oh well, not to worry. When they become available I will gladly accept my turn and read them with great anticipation; but for the upcoming marathon event, I must come up with plan B. Thanks to your wonderful recommendations, I am not at all short of reading material. Current library books, ready to be called to action if the need arises, are:

• Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story by Carolyn Turgeon
• Beauty by Robin McKinley
• The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R King

I also have many TBR books in my personal collection that promise to be ready at a moment's notice. For now, those that are in training (and which will also count towards the Cozy Mystery Challenge) are:

• Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett
• Catering to Nobody by Diane Mott Davidson
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

I have started reading Inkspell - the sequel to Inkheart - and hope to complete that book sometime during the challenge as well.

Several of you suggested that I include audiobooks as a part of this event- so that I can give my eyes a break from reading and yet still be a part of the marathon. Normally, I am not much of an audio book fan (I am a VERY visual learner and I have a very tough time concentrating on voice alone). However, I recently picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (I know - I am one of the few who have not yet read this series) and have found that I absolutely LOVE listening to the narration. I am a sucker for the British accent number one -- but even more than that, I love the different voices used for each of the characters. I find this audiobook immensely pleasurable (I have listened to 3 out of the 7 discs) and have acquired the 2nd audiobook in the series -- -just in case.

Yes, I think I am ready. I will continue to train by ensuring all school work is complete prior to the weekend. I will make sure that all books, highlighters, caffeine drinks, bottled water, and nourishment is in ample supply. I will strive to sleep 7-8 hours each night this week in the hopes of stretching my awake time during the marathon event. I am pumped!!