TSS - Preparing for the Read-a-thon

We are having a near-record cold snap here in the midwest which would normally lend itself to cozying up next to the fire with a cup of tea and a good book. Unfortunately I have yet to have the opportunity to do that this weekend. Perhaps later today........

Earlier this week I posted my (crazy) consideration of joining the 100 Mile Fitness Challenge and asked for some audio book recommendations. Many of you suggested some GREAT titles and I did request two from my local library: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. I need to transfer the CDs to my iTunes library and download them to my iPod in the hopes that I will start on the treadmill this week. I think I will start with The Historian, as that was already on my list of possible books to read for the RIP IV Challenge, and I have heard such wonderful reviews of her newest book, The Swan Thieves, due to be released in January.

Many of us in the blogosphere are anxiously counting down the days until the fall 24-hour Read-a-thon the weekend of October 24-25. Several bloggers have already published their list of books that they plan to read over the course of the weekend. I participated in my first read-a-thon last April, and while I did not read 24 hours (or even the 12 hours that I had initially pledged), I did read for several hours and learned a number of details about myself.

• First, I should plan what I think I might like to read over the weekend, but I need to allow myself to read whatever I "feel" like reading at the moment.


• Second, I have plenty of books on the TBR shelves that I will be able to find something to fit whatever mood I may find myself. There is no need for a special trip to the library or bookstore (although I may feel the need to visit both places for other "addictive" reasons).


• Third, I should have a number of fairly short books (under 300 pages) in the queue, as well as a number of books that are fairly easy reads -- meaning, they are quick to draw the reader in and full of suspense to keep the reader motivated to continue.


• Fourth, I need a game plan that allows me plenty of uninterrupted reading time, but also allows me time to visit other blogs and socialize in the community. Last time there were so many wonderful cheerleaders who kept everyone energized and motivated, and I want to be a part of that crowd.

While I will not commit to reading the following books over the weekend, these are ones that are viable possibilities:

• The Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Victorian Ghost Stories by Eminent Women Writers by Richard Dalby
• Willow by Julia Hoban
• Still Life by Louise Penny
• The Wednesday Sisters by Meg White Clayton
• The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
• Just after Sunset (collection of short stories) by Steven King
• The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
• A Big Little Little Life by Dean Koontz

As you can tell, this is quite an eclectic group of books --- some YA titles, some mysteries, some contemporary fiction, some short stories, and a couple of memoirs.

Hopefully I will be in the routine of walking on the treadmill, so I plan to take exercise breaks and continue "reading" The Historian via my iPod.

I am VERY much looking forward to this special weekend. I have totally cleared my personal calendar (and hopefully it will stay that way) and I have scheduled all student papers due AFTER the challenge (so that I won't feel guilty that I "should" be grading rather than pleasure reading). How about you? Will you be able to join the rest of us bibliophiles for an insanely fun weekend of reading pleasure?