- It’s that time!!!
The Read-a-thon will start: October 24th at 5am Pacific (1pm GMT). You can click over to the start times page to check the starting time in your timezone. Remember that if it’s more convenient to you, you could start either earlier or later, as well as participate for only part of the 24 hours. Very few people make it through the entire 24-hour period without sleeping, so don’t let that discourage you! Sleep is definitely allowed.
So, if you’ve been living under a rock you might not know that Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-A-Thon is in like, 2.5 weeks. If you didn’t know, get out from under that rock and sign up! IT IS SO MUCH FUN and you are missing out if you don’t participate. I’ll wait while you go sign up..
Done?
Good.
Now let’s talk strategy.
This will be my third time participating in the read-a-thon (henceforth called RAT, because I have a devil of a time finding that – !) and I want it to be my best yet. The first go round I think I finished 2 books. Miserable. The second time, I think I finished 3. This time I am going to be a little more ambitious in that I’m picking longer books, but books I think will be quick reads. So far I have these on my list of books to choose from; what do you think?
- The Ask and the Answer: Chaos Walking Book Two by Patrick Ness
- Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
- Liar by Justine Larbalestier
- Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
- Thirst No. 1: The Last Vampire, Black Blood, Red Dice by Christopher Pike (for a trip down memory lane!)
- When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
- Born Blue by Han Nolan
- Nothing But Ghosts by Beth Kephart
- The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
- The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson
So, what do you think? Which are quick reads? Engrossing? Easy? Should I look at other books besides YA? Also, what else do I need? Snacks? Pillows? Gags for my children? (Kidding, KIDDING! I swear!) What strategies have you used in the past that got you through with tons of pages read and that sated, blissful afterglow from hours spent contentedly reading?
I think you have a lot of good books on that list! I always cheer-lead, I never actually read for it, so I have no idea what you can accomplish!
I think you should READ for it. You could probably read 20 books during the day. LOL
The only book on your list I've actually read is Nothing But Ghosts. I think it is a great read, and a good read-a-thon choice — short, engrossing, easy (not exactly fast-paced, though, if that matters). I read it slowly, though, because I didn't want to reach the end and I wanted to get as much enjoyment as I could from it.)
And yes, you need snacks! And beverages. And different places to sit so you don't get stiff.
I've heard so many good things about NBG, I really want to read it.
Ahh, yes, can't forget beverages!!! Too bad I can't have caffeine any more.
lol
I am SO excited for the read-a-thon! I have started compiling my list over on my blog, and it's a good mix of YA and adult so far. I definitely don't want anything too strenuous because I don't want to burn out. I'm not getting my hopes up though–if I only finish one or two books, I'll be ok with that.
I'm not familiar with any of the books on your list except for Uglies. I think that is a great choice–it is a bit long but it's still a fast read.
I definitely want to read Uglies. I have the whole series at home, maybe I can tear through the whole thing! LOL Ambitious much?
"Nothing But Ghost" and "Uglies" are great RAT books. I think going mostly YA is a good strategy for sure. I'll be reading "Liar" during the RAT as well. The only other book I have picked out right now is "Dreaming Anastasia," I'll have to spend some time looking at my shelves.
Yay! Another Liar reader!
Dreaming Anastasia was really good; I think it's a good pick for RAT. It wasn't too slow and pretty interesting.
Ha! We were on the same wavelength today. I'm using mine as a catch-up. Not nearly as fun as other people's lists I'm afraid.
I'm sure it will still be fun!
And I could probably stand to catch up! lol
How about something funny like David Sedaris?
I have some David Sedaris; I might have to throw him into the mix.
Yay Read-a-Thon! Mostly YA is a good idea. Of your list, I've only read Nothing by Ghosts and Uglies. They're both great, fast-paced reads and will go by quickly. I also think The Ask and the Answer will be a good choice. I was hoping to read it for this but the library won't let me reserve it. The Knife of Never Letting Go was SO fast despite being 500 pages in my edition.
So far my list consists of 2 YA series, 3 books in each. I'm hoping to get some urban fantasy from the library and in the mail, and those will probably constitute the rest of the pile. Last time I got through six, so I'm not sure whether to hope for more or be happy with that number.
The only books I've read on your list are Uglies and The Adoration of Jenna Fox – both will be very quick reads for you.
I've never participated in the RAT (I work every Saturday for 8 hours) but I'm off work this year so I think I may actually do it! Although we do have a wedding to go to, which is why I'm off work, but I think I can still squeeze in 10 or so hours of RAT fun.
Yay!! The RAT is a blast; we'll be so glad to have you join in!
I've pretty much decided on Uglies and I think The Adoration of Jenna Fox looks so good, I hope I can get to it too.
I didn't get to participate in April, but the previous October, I had 8 or 9 books finished. It was a combination of YA longish books, some shortish essay collections, and graphic novels, and that seemed to keep me going. I have a tendency to stall out if I get bored with one genre or don't feel like I'm whipping through books fast enough. So far I have a combo of graphic novels from the 'brary, some from home, and some novellas. I'll still probably add some non-fiction and maybe a regular or short literary fiction. And something scary! Of course.
I signed up to be a cheerleader this year, so I'll be doing that as well. I loves the community building aspect of it all.
I LOVES the community building aspect too! I mean who doesn't want to spend a whole day reading and talking about books???
I'm glad you mentioned graphic novels! I think I'll pick up some from the library.
Which reminds me, get your hands on Wonderland by Tommy Kovac. It is RIGHT up your alley.
I added Wonderland to my wishlist just yesterday after I saw it here! Woohoo!
Yay!!! Can't wait to hear what you think. It. Is. Gorgeous.
OH, and one more strategy. I find that I can concentrate and stay still for about 45 mins at a time, so I'll read for 45 minutes, and take a 15 minute break to blog and cheerlead. It seemed to work well and kept my eyes from going out.
That sounds perfect. I think I'll do that too!
Yes, you definitely need gags for the kiddies
Kidding!!! LOL. I was thinking of reading The Ask and The Answer as well! It's super long, but it seems like it would be a quick read. If it's half as engrossing as #TKONLG, it shouldn't take long. I'll probably read mostly YA, shorter books, and a couple of graphic novels! Can't wait!!
I'm thinking the same thing of TA&TA. I didn't want to put TKONLG down the whole time I was reading it and figure it will be the same. At least for RAT I won't HAVE to put it down! Hopefully.
I can't believe I didn't think of graphic novels. I'm definitely going to get my hands on some.
When You Reach Me and The Adoration of Jenna Fox are great RAT choices in my opinion. I've only participated once before, but I found YA and MG lit to be just the ticket!
I think YA and MG are definitely perfect for this. I like the looks of WYRM and TAOJF. Both short and I've heard great things about both!
Well first you need donuts! I only allow myself donuts on Read-a-thon days and that definitely gives me some extra motivation to join!
And a comfy blanket!
Donuts!! Of COURSE I do!!! Thanks for that bit of advice; will make sure I have plenty of donuts on hand if only to stuff my children with and send them into a sugar daze. LOL
I think reading YA is the way to go because it goes quickly – I can't wait!
Me either!!!! So excited!
I'm so lucky – my best friend is taking my three boys for a sleepover on Friday, the 23rd – so I'm planning to start that evening, stay up as late as I can, grab a couple hours of sleep, adn then read all day Saturday. I won't be quite in sync with everyone else's hours, but it will work for me, I think.
Im hoping my library gets Liar before then, and also that I can renew The Hunger Games again to have on hand. I haven't officially signed up yet, have to be sure of my husband's plans first.
Gags would be horrible!! But duct tape…
I loved The Adoration of Jenna Fox and found it really compelling. Sounds like a good choice for RAT.
.-= coffeegrl´s last blog ..Reading Update: Connie Willis =-.
I just figured out (with the help of Jen, Deborah and Swapna) that the readathon isn't next weekend when I thought it was — one in which I had a big conflict — and is in fact the following weekend so I'm totally on board with it all! So.super.excited.
I'm even going to host a virtual slumber party!!
Anyway, I digress.
Nothing But Ghosts should definitely make your list. It was a quick read and thought provoking. It will definitely keep your attention. In fact I think putting it in the wee hours might help you scoot along at the slower times of the evening.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Are You Going? =-.
Add a few graphic novels just in case. Keep snacks on hand.
.-= Vasilly´s last blog ..Sea Change by Aimee Friedman =-.
I see you have a copy of The Adoration of Jenna Fox now! I missed that somehow. I am surprised you haven't read it already! I was actually considering reading Uglies as well. But I have decided to wait until the time is at hand before making any decisions. I want it where I am in the right mood for the right book so I read through them faster. I hope this strategy works. We shall see!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Take Me Away…to New Zealand (Nonfiction Edition) =-.
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