Saturday, April 11, 2009

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!!

9 comments:

  1. Molly best of luck on this. I have watched others do this for the last couple years. Sounds like you got a good stack of books to read. Its too bad you wont be able to read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas for your event, this was such a good book.

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  2. Sounds like you're well prepared. Good luck!!!

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  3. Wow, you're well-prepared!

    I agree with you about the audio-book thing. I just love holding a book in my hands to read. BUT, I have listened to a few of the HP books on CD, because my parents have them, and I have to say they did an amazing job with those novels. I don't remember who the reader is, but he's awesome!

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  4. Great plan Molly! I haven't even begun to decide what I need to have handy to read. I do know that I will be reading things that are already in my house--whether they be owned by me or library books. I think my son Sam is going to do it with me--he has been on spring break this past week and he had set a goal of reading 9 books! He told me he will only be accomplishing 8 but still I am so impressed. I must admit that he was re-reading a series and they aren't too terrible difficult but still, for a 13 year old boy to be that into reading makes my heart swell. He was reading the Warrior series by Erin Hunt, (I think that is the author).
    We will be doing a 1/2 marathon or so--I do know that I will NOT make it 24 hours and if I did it would take me days and days to recover--not a good think since I will be alone at the front desk at work all the next week!
    *smiles*
    Kim (who is getting pumped right along with you!)

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  5. I love your plan, Molly! I'm still putting together a list of the books I want to read for the challenge. It'll be up soon. I also plan on reading The Beekeeper's Apprentice. I'll be rooting you on.

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  6. Happy Reading, Molly!!!

    Oh, I've got something 4 ya @

    http://thebookresort.blogspot.com/2009/04/have-fun-splashing.html

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  7. You are so cute! This will be my third readathon and I am also very excited again! It IS fun and exciting to share the experience with all my beloved literary blogging friends! I always think I'll get so many books read as well!

    I'm glad you're enjoying Harry Potter!

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  8. An award is awaiting you at A Novel Menagerie in the Sunday Salon Post.

    Sheri

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  9. You sound very well prepared, good luck with the read a thon. I'll be cheering you guys on. I have read all of the Harry Potter books and I bet they are wonderful to listen to.

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