Read-a-thon: 14-15 Feb

WELCOME TO ANOTHER 24-HOUR READ-A-THON!

Okay, here we go again! I'm hosting what might be my last read-a-thon (as hostess, at least) for a while, since the tourism is starting to swell again on the run-up to summer, and our precious days off will be going dowwwwwwwn again. Please do join in, whether you're dropping in after work or squeezing in an hour or two over the day, or whether you're in it for the long haul!

We're starting at 8pm GMT or Brit-girl time, which is 3pm EST (I think) - you can hit Google for a time converter thingy if you're not sure what time it'll be where you are. This thread is ground zero, so you can touch base any time during the 24 hours. There'll be the ever-present memes for hours 1, 12 and 24, and the rest is up to you! You can drop by every hour, or every three, or just every so often. You can tell us what you're reading, what you're eating, what's distracting you and how you're feeling. You can nap, get a good night's sleep, or prop your eyelids open and soldier on. Just have fun and enjoy your reading!

Do leave a message and let us know who you are (a name works better than a screen name when you're posting encouragement in the middle of the night!) and where you're hailing from. If you'll be posting to your own thread as well as this one, leave a link so people can drop in and see you as the hours go by!

WHO'S READING ALONG?
1) Ellie (elliepotten, UK) - 75-Book Challenge Thread
2) Luci (elkiedee, UK)
3) Nathan (DragonFreak, South Dakota) - 75-Book Challenge Thread
4) Kerry (avatiakh, New Zealand) - 75-Book Challenge Thread
5) Gemma (stgemma, Northern Ireland)
6) Laura (LauraBrook, Milkwaukee)
7) Anne (AnneDC, Washington DC)
8) Elena (portnova, Maryland)
9) Katie (katelisim, Minnesota)
10) Donna (Donna828, Missouri)
11) Stephanie (srkromer, Pennsylvania)
12) Jessie (jessieb30, South Carolina) - 75-Book Challenge Thread
13) Alaina (Mrssmith88, Maine)
14) Margaret (Megi53, Virginia)
15) Suzanne (Chatterbox, Brooklyn)
16) Stasia (alcottacre, Texas)
17) Ilana (Smiler69, Montreal)
18) Linda (lindapanzo, Chicagoland)
19) Kathy (PersephonesLibrary, Austria)
20) Monica (crazy4reading, Pennsylvania) - 75-Book Challenge Thread

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Here's your template for posts - you can use this one, or make up your own, or just drop by intermittently, it's up to you!

HOUR X

I've been reading:
Books finished:
Pages read:
Posting time:
Reading time:

Total books read:
Total pages read:
Total time read:
Total time posting:

The Menu:
Comments:

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The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?
4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?

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The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon?
2) How are you getting on with your current book?
3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel?
- Most inspiring book?
- Favourite literary hero or heroine?
- Favourite literary villain?
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play?
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone?

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The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they?
2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?!
3) Which book did you enjoy the most?
4) Have you added any books to your wishlist from other participants' reading and discussion over the last twenty-four hours?
5) What did you enjoy most about the day?
6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon?

I'll be joining you on a drop in now and then basis.

Hello! I won't be joining (I mean it this time!) but I'll be happy to cheer you all along.

No seriously, I really mean it this time...

Count me in. Here's my link. http://www.librarything.com/topic/104718

I'll give this one a try as there are a couple of books I'd like to finish.
Mt thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/109909

Okay, you guys are joined up and ready to go! I'm really hoping I can get back into the read-a-thon rhythm after a few weeks of not doing one... Our YA section at the shop is a little overrun with older titles, so I'd really like to get a few more recent books finished to add to the stockpile for half term. Plus we don't really get many teens bothering to come in - it kind of hops from children of up to 12 or so, straight to student age - so we're getting some of the nicer books together for a window display too, see if we can't tempt a few more... Unfortunately YA is such a huge market these days, but it hasn't really reached the point where people are giving them up again yet!

Count me in :) Gemma from Northern Ireland, I'll be posting here. I'll be late starting and to be honest I'm not sure what Tuesday has in store for me yet so I may or may not get much reading done... but I've started to fall back on my reading lately so this is just what I need :)

This is just the push I need to get some books finished! As I tend to do when life gets overwhelming, I'm currently reading something like 8 books - that number needs to come down quite a bit. I'll post here, and should be around tomorrow n, and after a short working morning on Tuesday I'll be back here again.

I'm Laura, reading in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will be posting here.

Hooray! Hi Laura and Gemma! Signin' ya up right now... :-)

I am in, at least for most of the time. I'm Anne and I'll be reading in Washington DC. I will post here.

Hello! I would very much like to join you at least part time. Elena from Maryland, and I'll be posting here.

I'll be trying to participate. . . no guarantees. But I really want to get at least one of the books I'm reading done with.

Thanks, Ellie. This sounds like fun. I'll be able to participate at the beginning but am booked solid for Tuesday. My posts from Springfield, Missouri will be here.

This is just what I needed to finish a book that I need to return to a friend on Friday. I'll be here except for a short time since I have to work. I'm Stephanie from Pennsylvania and I'll be posting here.

I'm in! (Jessie, SC)

My thread: Jessieb30s 75

Alaina, Maine

I'm good for 3 pm EST until bedtime on Feb. 14.

Margaret from Virginia; will post here.

I'll give it a shot, depending on the workload, and the migraine!
Suzanne in Brooklyn.

Well, I had hoped to join in, but Beth reminded me that I promised to have a CSI marathon with her. I will try and join in as I can (after she gets bored, lol).

Hi Ellie! Thanks for doing this once again! :-)

I have a few books to finish too so I'll join in as soon and as much as I can while also doing a bunch of other stuff. I'm Ilana from Montreal, QC, Canada. I'll post right here.

#18 I feel for you Suzanne. I'm also prone to migraines and I know how hard it can be to plan stuff around that!

I haven't done one in awhile so thanks for organizing.

I'm Linda P from Chicagoland and I'll be posting here.

I've got three books going and I'd like to finish two of them before the readathon is over.

You can count me in - especially during the second half! I'm Kathy from Austria and I'll post here. I've got several books on my "currently reading" list and I hope to finish one or the other.

Thanks for hosting, Ellie!

Wow, we've tripled our numbers overnight! Looks like it's going to be a good one... I'm going to try and get the Hour 1 meme up a bit early too, so it's all ready to go for you guys. I'm working today, cleaning down the shop at the end of the day, trekking back across town, then I have a few chores to get done and a nap to squeeze in before I start, so I thought I'd better be prepared in case I'm a few minutes late! :-)

I again will be joining you intermittently. I hope to read a little tonight if I am not at the lawyers office too long. This is Monica and I will be posting here and my 75 thread. I am from Pennsylvania.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/104874#top

One hour to go folk! I'm posting the opening meme up at the top now, in case I'm a bit late starting or things get shaken up a bit at my end. Unfortunately my heating just failed - I thought it felt a bit chilly in here when I got home - so I might end up starting a little late (if we're trying to beat the boiler into submission), or reading in bed with an electric blanket (much more likely to fall asleep!)... :-)

I can't read the first hour since I won't have time, but I do have time thirty minutes after the first hour.

Never fear Nathan - just join in when you're ready! The opening meme is now UP and ready to go, so everyone should be set even if I'm off kicking the boiler or warming my hands over a burning trash can or something... ;-)

I'll be starting on time but checking in here later on as I've a few errands to run this morning - thank goodness for audiobooks!

Okay, let's get this party started! I might have to decamp to the family house at some point this evening - my boiler's well and truly packed up, apparently, so it'll be a cold night otherwise! - but for now I'm good to go...

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
I'm starting off in my flat, with the little fan heater cranked up, then I'll probably be moving down into the family house, into the nice warm living room, for the night. Too cold up here, methinks! On a wider scale, I'm in the rolling green hills of Derbyshire, England.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
Ummm, I think it's going to be Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman. I took it to work to start there but didn't end up reading a page!

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?
I have a heap of YA books to choose from, including books like Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, Stone Cold by Robert Swindells, Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine... Probably about 20 in all.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
I just want to get a couple of YA books, at least, finished and ready to take to the shop in time for half term week. We don't get a lot of recent YA brought in, so it's down to me to get some good stuff in there!

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?
Well, I'll be migrating down to the house, which is a pretty big arrangement. I'll have to take all my snacks, laptop, book pile, blankets, the works. I'm off tomorrow anyway so it's not a major deal - but I did make sure I had my favourite pizza, Spanish tortilla, popcorn, etc. on hand to graze on!

On your mark, get set, GOOOOOoooo....

I'll start out by finishing a TIOLI Read: Reading the OED and who knows what will strike my fancy after that?

Good luck to all readers!

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
Probably at home before I meet friends for dinner from roughly 7 pm to 9 pm. From 10 pm to midnight, at home again and then, in the morning, for an hour or so, at a Starbucks over coffee.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
I'm about halfway through Iain Pears' art history mystery, The Titian Committee. I'd like to finish that one. Then move on to Dorothy Seymour Mills' book A Woman's Work: Writing Baseball History with Harold Seymour

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?

It just happens that, this time, I have a plan in mind.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?

I'd like to finish both The Titian Committee and A Woman's Work: Writing Baseball History with Harold Seymour. I'd be happy finishing either of these, however.

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon?

No, not really.

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
I'll move between the sofa in my office to the bed in (surprise) my bedroom. With perhaps some subway reading.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
I'll finish up Emily and Einstein, an Amazon Vine book by Linda Lee Francis. (appears touchstones not working for it.

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours?
Yup, I've got some library and Vine books that need to be finished, and a couple of things that I really want to get started on.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
See the above...

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?
Nope, it's more a question of juggling the time for reading with some time on work. I'll try to do that 50-50. I'm supplied with food and Diet Pepsi, so I'm OK on that front.

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
Washington, DC. Mostly at home. If I have to leave I am going to make a conscientious effort to bring my audiobook.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
I think I will continue with The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them since I'm likely to finish that.
3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?
I have a pile of books I've already started: Anna Karenina, Just Kids, audio of The Color Purple. I might start A Visit From the Goon Squad or The Surrendered if the mood strikes me.
4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
I want to finish The Possessed, make progress with Anna Karenina (which is the book I read at night before bed--I'll see if I can stretch that time out), finish the next section of The Shock Doctrine for my book group, and get a good way into a new book (or two?)

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?
No, I don't really tell my family that I do this--I think they would try to obstruct me if they knew, even more than they already do :) I transferred my audiobook to my iphone so I can "read" if something comes up (like making dinner).

The Opening Meme for me:

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
I will be listening to my audiobooks outside in the garden doing the spring cleanup of all the dead soldiers. Later on I'll be in my living room or reading room (depends on the time of day!)

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
I'm going to start with Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley, then move on to Belle Ruin by Martha Grimes, both of which I've started.

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?

Just the above. I should be able to finish both and then I'm going to have to pick something else.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
I do want to finish the two books I've started... its been taking me forever this week to get anywhere!

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?

No, just going with the flow and working in the reading time amongst other responsibilities.

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today? I’ll be retreating to the bedroom for now, since the rest of the family is watching TV in the leaving room (my usual reading spot) and it’s very distracting. Might change location as I go on.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon? The Moviegoer by Walker Percy. Started reading it yesterday and it’s taking me a little while to get into.

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes? Along with The Moviegoer I have the audio version of The Golden Compass that I’m about halfway through, and also The Stranger by Max Frei standing by.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps? I’d like to read (listen) a little bit of all three books and hopefully finish the first or the second. The plan is not of course set in stone.

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example? No, can’t think of anything particular.

Hour one down everyone! I'm freezing already thanks to my newly-deceased boiler, so I think Operation Migrate to Mum's Living Room might have to happen a little sooner than anticipated...

HOUR 1

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 39
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 50 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 39
Total time read: 50 minutes
Total time posting: 10 minutes

The Menu: Chicago Town Takeaway chicken pizza, Spanish tortilla cut into little squares with cracked black pepper sprinkled over the top, coffee
Comments: A great start to the day! And the book looks set to be a good 'un - easy to read and absorbing - which bodes well. I'm freezing already though, as I mentioned up top, so this hour I might have to get all my things together and decamp to the main house for the night. They have a log fire, kittens and working heating, what can I say?!

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
I'll be reading either in my comfy reading chair in my living room or in bed I suppose.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
The Book Thief which I borrowed from a friend and need to get back this week.

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?
I have a few books planned that I would like to read but that will probably change once its time to start a new one.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
I would really like to at least finish The Book Thief.

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?
Not really just whatever happens happens.

HOUR 1

I've been reading: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 47
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 45 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 47
Total time read: 45 minutes
Total time posting: 10 minutes

The Menu: Just some hot water this hour.
Comments: The Book Thief is getting really good now, but unfortunately I have to go to work for a few hours so now I'm going to have to wait a few hours to continue reading!

Eeek, I've already missed the first hour due to screwing around here on LT, mostly trying to catch up on threads. As soon as this is posted I need to speed clean for a massage client who will be here in one hour (vacuum, de-fur the furniture, swipe my bathroom, perhaps clear off the dining room table so it looks like what it is, instead of an office supply store/open-air filing cabinet), and then set up my table. Plus, I feel like I'm seriously getting a cold, so my runny nose / sore throat / inability to focus will be a sheer joy to fake my way through for an hour and a half until my client leaves. Then, I can collapse into a heap, hopefully semi-conscious with book in hand. Ahem....

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
Various places around my living room, perhaps in bed, at my cozy little house.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
Killer in High Heels by Gemma Halliday - pure fluff.

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?
I have a fair few lined up, all already started. Hope one day to be so bold as to be able to simply pull any old book off of my shelf.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
Would like to finish the above mentioned, plus at least another one that I'm currently reading.

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?
I've stopped telling people simply because they look at me like I'm certifiably insane to be doing Yet Another One. This time I happened to be working from home today, and my day tomorrow should be a short one, so that helps. Plus, I could use a good chunk of time focused on reading for a change.

HOUR 1

I've been reading: Reading the OED by Ammon Shea

Books finished: One. Yay for me! I started the above book over a week ago so it's about time!

Pages read: 116. I skimmed some of the definitions because I cheated and read ahead looking for some cool words.

Posting time: 15 minutes
Reading time: l hr. 10 minutes

The Menu: A few York Peppermint Patties miniatures. My DH got me 2 big bags for Valentine's Day. You might say they are my favorite candy. ;-)

Comments: While I enjoyed Reading the OED, I think the author has a compulsive disorder. He is going to read it again! Here is what he had to say about his experience:

"It is only after I finished reading the OED that I fully realized why I had begun the project in the first place. I had hoped that within its pages I would find everything I had ever looked for in a novel: joy and sorrow, laughter and frustration, and the excitement and contentment that is unique to great storytelling. The OED exceeded all of these hopes and expectations. It is the greatest story I've ever read."

Mr. Shea is in desperate need of a visit to LT to get some good book recommendations!

I'll be joining in soon. Just catching up on some threads and need to figure out whether or not I should do groceries since my fridge is acting up and refusing to cool properly.

Isn't it ironic Elli? You can't stay warm enough and my food can't stay cool enough!

ETA: I look forward to you comments on Reading the OED Donna, sounds like an interesting premise. Mind you, my mum used to read dictionaries all the time when she was working at dull jobs so I don't think there's anything all that extraordinary about the goal Mr. Shea set for himself! On my part, I can't wait to read The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of The Oxford English Dictionary, which I should be getting in the mail soon hopefully.

Ellie, I just want to get a couple of YA books, at least, finished and ready to take to the shop in time for half term week.

*Whispers conspiratorially* Who wants to bet she likes the books she reads too much to give to the shop? *snickers*

Hours 1, 2

I've been reading: A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley
Books Finished: 0
Pages Read: 0, 1:15 minutes Audiobook
Reading Time: 1:15 minutes

The menu: nothing yet
Comments: Almost done with this one, enjoying it a lot while raking, digging and cleaning up the garden

Happy reading to all of you!

Hour 2
I've been reading: Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt
Books finished: Zero
Pages read: 51
Posting time: 10 min
Reading time: 1 h 43 min

Total books read: Zero
Total pages read: 51
Total time read: 1 h 43 min
Total time posting: 10 min

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today? I’ll read on the couch, at the dining table and in/on my bed.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon? I chose Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt, because the chance is high that I can finish it quite quickly.

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes? I will switch between different books: I would like to finish Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare and continue with War and Peace. It depends on how much time I’ll have, but there are two other Greenblatt books, and Philip Roth’s Portnoy’s Complaint at my command.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps? Except of finishing Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare, I just want to make a little progress in my other readings.

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example? No, not really.

No reading at all for hour 2, dammit! Instead I've been diligently packing up EVERYTHING I need for the read-a-thon (more than you think!), lugging it down to the house, finishing my laundry, retrieving kittens from my laundry basket/the tumble dryer, trying to clean down my bag where the stupid grape juice leaked all over it... Fingers crossed for hour 3! At the moment my parents are still watching TV so I guess I'll just have to wait them out... :-(

HOUR 1 and 2

I've been reading: The Color Purple on audio
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 20 equivalent
Posting time: 5 min
Reading time: 45 min

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 20
Total time read: 30 min
Total time posting: 5 min

The Menu:
Comments: Off to a slow start. I meant to dive right into my book but had some work to do so turned to an audiobook, then got interrupted by a phone call. I was able to complete one disk of the audiobook, which feels like progress, but mostly I did the dishes, talked to my dad on the phone, and read threads.

>37 elliepotten:: Ellie, wishing you a smooth transition to your mom's, stay warm!
>39 srkromer:: Stephanie, I have The Book Thief on my tbr list, looking forward to your impression on it.
>40 LauraBrook:: Laura, a virtual bowl of chicken soup for your cold
>41 Donna828:: Donna, great start! What's next on the agenda?
>42 Smiler69:: Ilana, I am too the lucky owner a of rebellious fridge. Ours used to either freeze everything or not stay cold enough. Tons of waste, aggravation and ruined dinner plans!

HOUR 1 and 2 (3pm-5pm)

I've been reading: The Moviegoer
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 31
Posting time: 30 min
Reading time: 55 min

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 31
Total time read: 55 min
Total time posting: 30 min

The Menu: Just water
Comments: As soon as I start to enjoy the book and go with the flow, the author comes up with yet another cultural or historical reference that curious me have to look up! Progressing slowly, but not giving up yet!

Elena, that soup looks like you could just lick it right off the screen! Yum. My fridge keeps making all these weird noises over and over again but only once in a blue moon so that I never know when it'll go on the fritz but when it does, it keeps reminding me that I really need to call in a repairman. I called someone who was recommended to me who isn't returning my message, so it's driving me absolutely insane. I can't even make up my mind to buy a pint of milk because I hate the idea of it freezing outside or getting spoiled within a few hours and right now, there's barely anything to eat in the house. ACCCKKK!!!

HOUR 3

I've been reading: 'Boys Don't Cry' by Malorie Blackman (ts playing up)
Books finished: None
Pages read: 14
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 25 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 53
Total time read: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total time posting: 20 minutes

The Menu: Nada
Comments: Well, I managed to get a little more reading done, for a few minutes in the kitchen while my parents were still watching telly, then after they went up to bed. Now I've got the downstairs to myself, so I should be able to get back to reading now, maybe go make a drink, make sure I keep the fire stoked to keep me warm... I might even relent and let the kittens back in, they've been racing round like mad things so I left them in the next room in the hope that they might settle down!

Ilana, and that's when that stack of delivery fliers one keeps on the fridge comes to the rescue ;)
Good luck getting in touch with the repairman, it's frustrating enough as it is, and uncertainty makes so much worse.

HOUR 3

I've been reading: East of Eden
Pages read: 27
Posting time: Ten Minutes 0:10
Reading time: Thirty Minutes 0:30


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The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today?

I started my first Stienbeck book for my book class today called East of Eden, then in a little while I'll read Fahrenheit 451.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?

East of Eden

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?

I seriously didn't know what to read until an hour before I started to read, but that usually doesn't happen.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?

Not really.

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favorite food, for example?

It'll pretty much be like a normal reading day.

>42 Smiler69:: The Professor and the Madman would be a good follow-up to my book....or vice versa.

>47 AnneDC:: I reread The Color Purple a few books ago, and loved it once again. I think listening to it would be an even more powerful experience. Who is the narrator?

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today? I’ll be in my snuggery...or I could call it my Lectory: "a place for reading" according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Ellie, like you I have no heat in that area of my house so as soon as the sun sets, I might have to seek out a corner on the warm side of the house. Today was warm here in Missouri, about 50 degreees F.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon? I've already finished the last bit of Reading the OED and am working (yes, it is work!) on Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? I have a juvenile lit book in the wings which I may switch over to before my head explodes with the philosophy in ZMM!

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? Just to stay awake which I've already failed. Another reason to switch books!

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example? My husband is bringing home supper, but that is more for Valentine's Day so I don't have to cook. Not certain what it will be, but I'm not picky.

Ellie - I grew up in a house whose furnace was constantly going out and freezing us to death. Hope you are warm now, despite the fact that your long winters night drama would make for entertaining reading here on the thread. :) (kidding)

HOUR 1-3 9am-12noon

I've been reading: To say nothing of the dog & In a strange room
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 2 chapters audio & 9 pgs
Posting time: 5 mins
Reading time: 1hr 45mins

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 2 chapters audio & 9 pgs
Total time read: 1 hr 45mins
Total time posting: 5 mins

The Menu: date scone & flat white coffee plus water
Comments: Listened to my audio book at the gym & in the car. Managed a few pgs of In a strange room while having a coffee.
I'm off into the city for the next couple of hours so will keep on with my audiobook, To say nothing of the dog which is a lot of fun to listen to.

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

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today? The gym, the car and also at home on the edge of Auckland City.
2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon? To say nothing of the dog by Connie Willis as it's my current audiobook on my iPod.
3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes? I have a couple to finish, an intro to read and I'll get going on a couple of YAs that need to be returned to the library.
4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?I have two I want to finish - Just as well I'm leaving: to the Orient with Hans Christian Andersen for the TIOLI travel challenge & In a strange Room for the Reading Globally Journey theme.
5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?
I've told a couple of my children, sometimes they read for a while with me.

Finally home and finally have internet connection!

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today? At home in Armagh, Northern Ireland.
2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark.
3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?
I've got a couple books that have to be returned to the library on Saturday that I really need to start, so that should keep me going.
4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
I really want to finish Jonathan Strange. I've been reading it for the past week and a half and as good as it is, I want to move on to something else. I've only got ~100 pages left, so hopefully I should get it finished...
5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?
Nope. I'm home on half-term and had no other plans, so this is perfect timing for me!

HOURS 1-3

I've been reading: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 11

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 11

The Menu: Nothing yet, feeling a bit peckish though.
Comments: I spent most of the first three hours at the cinema (watching The King's Speech, rec'd) so I haven't really got started yet. Not sure how much reading I'll get done tonight before I hit the hay, but I'll see how it goes :)

Kerry -

I just clicked on To Say Nothing of the Dog and it sounds right up my alley!

It's almost Hour Four in the readathon and I'm at a good stopping place in...

I've been reading: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Pages read: about 50
Reading time: 90 minutes
Total time read: 2 hours 30 minutes

The Menu: Water - tacos on the way!
Comments: ZMM is a difficult book to read. My reading rate has dropped dramatically. Part of the reason is that I take notes on tough material when I read. I read this back in the 70's; it's still deeeeeep!

HOURS 1 to 4

I've been reading: Emily and Einstein by Linda Lee Francis
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 159
Posting time: 5 min
Reading time: 2 hrs min
(Sleeping time: 1.5 hrs)

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 159
Total time read: 2 hrs
Total time posting: 5 min

The Menu: Nothing yet.

Comments: The migraine is back, so I'm not sure how long I'll spend reading. Big ruckus next door, too -- some idiot kicked down the door (drunk) and accused the guys inside of beating him up. Cops are there now. At least I've finished two Vine books ahead of this Thursday's February pick.

How's everybody getting on then? All okay into our fifth hour?

Jessie - nah, you weren't kidding, just admit it... ;-)
Gemma - I'll be eagerly awaiting that one on DVD, I think - especially after its performance at the Baftas yesterday!
Suzanne - I'm so sorry to hear your migraine's back! Nothing worse than a headache in any form really - there's just no escape from the darn things... Take it easy, okay? :-)

HOUR 4

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 20
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 35 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 73
Total time read: 1 hour 50 minutes
Total time posting: 30 minutes

The Menu: A slice of pizza
Comments: The 'rents are abed, so I got a bit more reading done this hour. Only problem is, I'm now having to battle the stupid log fire instead, which just doesn't want to stay roaring and lovely right now. Puff puff puff go the bellows, whoosh go the flames, 'Fabulous', thinketh I... then by the time I've sat down again the bloody thing's back to glowing embers! Grrrrrr. Maybe I'll just let it die down and get the blankets out instead... Onwards!

#53 The Color Purple is narrated by the author. It is a fabulous way to read it (I too am re-reading it, after many years, and loving the audio version.)

Hours 3 and 4

I've been reading: The Possessed and The Color Purple
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 37
Posting time: 5 min
Reading time: 50 min reading and 20 minutes audiobook

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 57
Total time read: 115
Total time posting: 10 min

The Menu: Nothing so far, I'm about to break for dinner.
Comments: After dinner I will get down to business.

Sigh. I worked late and will go directly to dinner with my friends. Hope to make up for it later on.

Happy reading everyone. Keep at it!!

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today? I will be reading at home in my chair in the TV room.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon? I will be reading To hold the Crown by Jean Plaidy

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes? Since I will be reading off and on for the next couple of hours I don't have any other books planned.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps? I just want to read for about 3 hours total tonight and maybe an hour tomorrow.

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example? No arrangements. Since it is just my son and I here we just let each other do what we want. No favorite foods just water.

I haven't started reading yet. I just got back from seeing my lawyer and need to get some dinner together, get changed and settle in my chair. Hopefully I will be able to start reading my 8 pm at the latest.

I've been participating in Mark's Fantasy February thread this month and it's been great. Some people thought it would be fun to follow up with a Mystery March thread so I've just put it up.

Hope you join in! :-)

My meager readings so far: 1 chapter of Master and Margarita before a meeting/interview *le sigh. Have homework to do, and should eat dinner, probably sleep. . . might try to squeeze in another chapter.

Yay everyone that is actually reading! Keep it up!

HOUR 5

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 29
Posting time: 15 minutes
Reading time: 45 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 102
Total time read: 2 hours 35 minutes
Total time posting: 45 minutes

The Menu: A couple of mouthfuls of New York cheesecake (sooooo good!), Ovaltine
Comments: A good solid hour of reading - and the log fire finally settled itself and crackled away beautifully without too much tending, hooray! The book's not exciting, exactly, but it's pretty interesting and absorbing, reading about this teenage boy who's found out he has a daughter and been left to look after alone, all in the same day. An different perspective to usual, which is good...

HOUR 3-5 (5pm-8pm)

I've been reading: The Moviegoer
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 16
Posting time: 15 min
Reading time: 40 min

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 47
Total time read: 1h 35mn
Total time posting: 45 min

The Menu: Grilled steak with green beans and macaroni, more water
Comments: Most of the last 3 hours was spent posting, helping with dinner, having dinner and doing dishes, I didn't get to do much reading, hope to make up for it in the next couple of hours.
The first part of the book is down and I'll be switching to something else for a while.

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
In my living room sitting on the lounge chair with my dog Coco. We're in Montreal.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
I'll probably finish The Turn of the Screw since I have just a few pages left. Then continue with The Fortune of the Rougons by Émile Zola. I've got The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman which is a graphic novel which I'd like to start. There's lots more too, but we'll see.

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?
See above. I also want to start an Inspector Rebus book by Ian Rankin and maybe an art book... have too many books to choose from!

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
Finish The Turn of the Screw for sure, make some progress on The Fortune of the Rougons... no other goals as I have too many things pulling me away from reading.

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?
Nope.

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today? The couch in my living room overlooking a quiet street from my small house on a small hill.
2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon? The last half of Jahanara: Princess of Princesses by Kathryn Lasky.
3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes? I set a reading order for the month (don't always keep to it), and this book will be followed by Walkabout by James Vance Marshall and Brian's Hunt by Gary Paulsen. I read many books for younger YAs and older children because of my job.
4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps? My one goal is to finish Jahanara.
5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example? I did buy a variety pack of Bigelow herbal tea in case I stay up late.

HOURS 1-5

I've been reading: Jahanara: Princess of Princesses by Kathryn Lasky
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 40
Posting time: 2 min.
Reading time: 90 min.

Total books read:
Total pages read:
Total time read:
Total time posting:

The Menu: Unsalted pretzels
Comments: The author is ridiculously one-sided. She makes Aurangzeb seem like Osama bin Laden. Reading this has made me hungry for some more scholarly books about India.

The Opening Meme

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
My couch and then probably my bed

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?
Case Histories by Kate atkinson

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?
I have a few in mind, but I might just scan my books, who knows for sure.

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?
I just would like to get a good chunk of reading done, around 5 total hours.

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon?

No, not really.

I haven't started reading yet, but I will be reading in the next hour. I just got home from work about 15 minutes ago.

HOUR 6

I've been reading: 10496938::Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 27
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 35 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 129
Total time read: 3 hours 10 minutes
Total time posting: 55 minutes

The Menu: A piece of Spanish tortilla with black pepper, Ovaltine
Comments: Another decent spell of reading - this book is really very good, and rather sweet - but I must admit, I'm getting tired now! I've not really had much to eat or drink, either, being in my parents' house. It feels weird having to creep to the kitchen in case I wake anyone up - I think I'll move back to the flat as soon as it feels legitimately like morning, just get the fan heater running and hole up in the living room. Brrrr! Anyway, it's 2am so I think I might try and get a few minutes' sleep now before I reach that really icky wee-small-hours feeling...

Almost Hour 7

I've been reading: well, listening to Duty & Desire by Pamela Aidan
Books finished: 0
Pages read: Errm, no idea
Posting time: 15 min

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 0
Total time read: 1 hr 40 min
Total time posting: 15 min

The Menu: Taco Rice, lemon fizzy water, lemon bars for dessert, lots of water
Comments: Big fat *sigh*. Thank goodness for audio books, otherwise I'd have gotten nothing read since this started. I had a massage client here at the house, then cooked and ate dinner, and have just spent the past almost 2 hours working on things for Job #2 accompanied by the audiobook. I fear this cold has turned from a maybe into a yes, since my nose is quickly becoming a faucet, the sore throat is both dry and mucus-y at the same time (sorry, that's gross), and I'm dreaming of unending cups of warm things to drink. Oh well. I'll just finish getting ready for bed and then head over to the recliner to read for a while.

BTW, Elena, thanks so very much for the virtual chicken soup. It looks delicious! Wish I would've had that for dinner instead. :)

Very late to the party but I have been reading since I escaped from Conor.

1) Where are you going to be reading today?
Tonight I was reading at home, as I will tomorrow morning for a little while, then on the tube to and from work and in the kitchen there at lunchtime.

2) What book have you chosen to kick off the read-a-thon?

I'm reading from my current reading pile of 8 books

Mary Norton, Bedknob and Broomstick
Sarah Blake, The Postmistress
Linda Grant, We Had it So Good
Paul Smith, Twitchhiker

Joan Aiken and Jan Pienkowski, The Kingdom under the Sea and Other Stories
Charles Emmerson, 9546909::The Future History of the Arctic
Gail Jones, Five Bells
Margaret Atwood, Writing with Intent

I started with a few pages of The Kingdom Under the Sea

3) Do you have any book ideas already lined up for the next 24 hours? Or do you prefer to just browse your shelves when the time comes?

Will be reading from current pile as I have several review books and more on the way

4) Do you have any particular goals for the day? A book you really want to finish, perhaps?

I will finish Bedknob and Broomstick and possibly The Kingdom Under the Sea - only a few pages left of each

5) Have you made any particular arrangements ready for participating in the read-a-thon? Warned your family in advance, or bought in your favourite food, for example?

No

I've been reading: several books, the largest amount (41 pages plus 7 of footnotes) from The Future History of the Arctic
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 113

HOUR 7

I've been reading:Case Histories and Talk Nerdy to Me
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 36
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 60 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 36
Total time read: 1 hour
Total time posting: 5 minutes

The Menu: nada
Comments: A good start to this readathon =)

HOUR 7

I've been reading: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Pages read: 85 Pages
Posting time: 5 Minutes
Reading time: One Hour 1:00

Total books read: 2 Books
Total pages read: 112 Pages
Total time read: One Hour and Thirty Minutes 1:30
Total time posting: Fifteen Minutes 0:15

Comments: I think I'm good for today. I got a third to a half of the way through Fahrenhiet 451, so I'm pretty fullfilled.

That’s all for me, guys! It’s been fun reading with you for this short amount of time. Tomorrow is a busy day for me and I need my sleep to gear up for it! I hope lots of great reading gets done through the end of Ellie’s readathon. As always, you’re a great organizer, Ellie.

Ilana, I’m interested to know how you end up liking The Turn of the Screw. I’m becoming a Henry James fan these days.

Laura, I hope you get to feeling better. I hate it when my nose runs!

I finished up my reading with: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Total books completed: 2
Total Pages read: 444! (The last 278 pp. were from an illustrated children’s book)
Total Time spent reading: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Menu: My husband brought tacos home. We had assorted chocolates for dessert. I won’t say how many, but it is Valentine’s Day so a little indulgence is to be expected.

Comments: It’s always fun to see what everybody is reading, eating, and what is going on around them. Thanks for hosting, Ellie. I hope you stay warm tonight!

Ok, this is not happening for me. I just managed to listen to The Gruffalo's Child on audio (all 6.5 minutes of it!) and then was going to continue with the audio of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd when my dad dropped in on us and I of course invited him in for tea. I want to do a bunch of reading, but my mind is all over the place and I don't know that I'll have the patience to keep tabs on pages/hours that I'm reading which is something I usually enjoy doing during read-a-thons. So I'll follow along with you guys in spirit but don't think I'll be posting much as far as updates go.

Donna, it looks like we posted our messages practically at the same time so I just saw your comment. I liked the first story in the book, The Aspern Papers and right now, it looks like it could go either way with The Turn of the Screw. He's been building up to something, and how the whole thing is resolved will determine my overall view of this piece. That said, I've really enjoyed his writing and look forward to reading more of his work.

HOUR ?? I really don't know what hour I am on. I will say that I am on hour 1 & 2

I've been reading: To Hold the Crown by Jean Plaidy
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 30
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 2 hours

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 30
Total time read: 2
Total time posting: 10 min

The Menu: Romaine Lettuce, Radishes, peanuts and water.
Comments: I read during the commercials of some tv shows or just through the tv shows. I hope to read a little before falling asleep tonight.

I won't be posting again tonight. Happy Reading all!!

Hours 3,4,5,6,7:

Nothing. Had to take a shower to get off the garden dirt. Then had to surf the internet. Then had to fix breakfast for dinner (my favorite). Then had to go join my neighbor at her house for spur of the moment anti-valentines day cocktails. Now I'm back home. Fire lit. Buzz on, Game On! (just a little later than I expected).

Here's the scene at my house!



Hope everyone is doing well, getting a lot more reading done than I am, and is nice and toasty warm (even you Ellie!)

HOUR 6.5 to 7.5??!!??

I've been reading: Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
Books finished: 0
Pages read: approx 39
Posting time: 5 mins
Reading time: 45 mins

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 198
Total time read: 2 hrs 45 mins
Total time posting: 10 min

The Menu: Chicken, mashed potatoes, peas.
Comments: Headache marginally better. Spent an hour talking on the phone in between there somewhere. Other books on my TBR stack: A Mountain in Tibet by Colin Thubron, The Great Influenza by John Barry and One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson. There's some other stuff, but those are priorities. Or, if I want more fluff, there is Very Valentine by Adriana Trigniani.

HOUR 8

I've been reading: Talk Nerdy to Me
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 33
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 60 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 69
Total time read: 2 hours
Total time posting: 10 minutes

The Menu: nada
Comments: I think I will probably only be able to read another hour or two before heading to bed. Not too tired yet, but I think it will hit me soon.

HOUR 2-8 i guess...

I've been reading: The Book Thief
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 31 pages
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 35 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 78 pages
Total time read: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total time posting: 15 minutes

The Menu: Some soup to keep warm and some water
Comments: After several hours at work I was able to come home and read some. Not sure how much longer I will be able to stay awake but I'm hoping for at least another hour since I didn't get as far as I planned for tonight.

Hour 8

I've been reading: Killer in High Heels
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 32
Reading time: 24 min
Posting time: 10 min

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 32
Total time read: 2 hrs 4 min
Total time posting: 25 min

Menu: Water, the last lemon bar
Comments: Finally finished Killer. It was somewhere between okay and good. Just turned my heat up a little, grabbed a blanket to hit the couch, and now I'm beyond sleepy. Will try to push through it to finish a book of poetry (at least) or make some progress on one of my chunksters. Will try to post again before bed, but if nothing else will post tomorrow morning before I leave for work.

Off to make some tea, methinks.

ETA: jessieb, that picture is fantastic! so cozy - perfection!

Laura, sorry to hear about your cold, hang in there!

Jessie, love the idea of anti-valentine day cocktails! The fire looks very cozy.

Suzanne, glad that your migraine is better, and the fact that you covered 200 hundred pages with a headache is very impressive!

HOUR 6-8 (8pm-11pm)

I've been reading: The Stranger by Max Frei
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 46
Posting time: 25
Reading time: 1h 25min

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 93
Total time read: 3 h
Total time posting: 1h 10min

The Menu: Tea
Comments: I haven't read that much today, but enjoying my first read-a-thon immensely nonetheless! Might squeeze another hour or two of reading before turning it for the night. The book is easy enough read but not ready to make up my mind about it yet.

HOUR 9

I've been reading: Talk Nerdy to Me
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 32
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 50 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 101
Total time read: 2 hours 50 minutes
Total time posting: 15 minutes

The Menu: cranberry juice
Comments: Probably just one more hour for me.

Go Gang Go!

Colds and migraines, yikes... *sends out care parcels of chocolates, tea, whisky, medicine and warm fluffy blankets to Laura and Suzanne*

Jessie - Marvellous picture - I wish I'd managed to stoke my fire to look like that! Plus I keep knocking the fire guard off when I'm using the bellows too enthusiastically, which may not have endeared me to my parents in the room above!

Congrats to everyone who's been reading along so far and now finished their reading for the day - it's been nice having you along for the ride, as always! And anyone still with me - hang in there! We're on our way to the 12-hour mark!

ETA: Thanks Ilana! Very cute cheerleaders! I was just thinking I ought to go find something to post... now I can go make a 5am cuppa instead so your timing was perfect! :-)

HOUR 7-9

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 31
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 50 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 160
Total time read: 4 hours
Total time posting: 1 hour 5 minutes

The Menu: A bit of water
Comments: Well, I needed that sleep! Normally I just snooze until my next hourly alarm but I decided to add myself an extra hour on this time, since I didn't manage a nap before I started thanks to the boiler thing. But I had a good 50 minutes reading when I woke up, and now I'm getting hungry so I'm going to go get myself a nice cup of tea and something to munch as a (very) early breakfast...

HOUR 9

I've been reading: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 32
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 35 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 110
Total time read: 1 hour 55 minutes
Total time posting: 20 minutes

The Menu: Nothing
Comments: I'm almost done with The Book Thief but struggling to stay awake my bed is to warm and comfy so this might be my last post of the night. Hopefully I can finish this book in the morning and start my next one before the end of the read-a-thon!

Well since this is probably my last post of the night, good luck everyone. Happy reading through the night :)

I spent far longer than expected at dinner with the old friends.

Reading...

90 minutes
50 pages read, approx, of Dorothy Seymour Mills' book, A Woman's Work: Writing Baseball History with Harold Seymour.

Really enjoying it though I've got a busy day ahead and need some sleep.

Happy reading!!

Hours 4-9
Not much to report as I stayed out all afternoon, so listened to 2 or 3 more chapters of To say nothing of the dog which is still rather fun. I did buy some books & even 2 pairs of shoes and am now rushing a dinner together so I can get back into reading in the next hour. I ran the gauntlet of several bookshops looking for book 3 in the Song Ice and Fire series for my son who is in the last stages of book 2 and keen to continue.

#57 Jessie - it's my first Connie Willis book and I'm really enjoying listening to it. The dog, Cyril, is a delight.

edit: found the book in the last bookshop I went to.

Just dropping by to root everyone along. Hope you are all comfortable and enjoying your reading.

Ellie, they say timing is everything. Which is a good thing because it hopefully makes up for other occasions when I've been remiss (hopefully you know what I'm talking about). xx

Hours 5-9

I've been reading: The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books, The Color Purple, All-of-a-Kind Family
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 74
Posting time: 5 min
Reading time: 105 min reading and 30 minutes audiobook

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 131
Total time read: 250
Total time posting: 15 min

The Menu: For Dinner, asparagus ravioli and salad; Valentine cookies and raspberries for dessert. And a glass of pink champagne.
Comments: Finally my house is quiet and I can read!

HOUR 10

I've been reading: Talk Nerdy to Me
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 28
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 45 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 129
Total time read: 3 hours 35 minutes
Total time posting: 20 minutes

The Menu: nothing
Comments: Headed to bed now, will resume reading in the morning

Hours 8,9,10:

I've been reading: Belle Ruin by Martha Grimes & A Redding Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley
Books Finished:0
Pages Read: 15 & 1:30 minutes audiobook
Reading Time: 2 hours

Total Books Read (from): 2
Total Pages Read: 15 & 2:45 minutes
Total Time Read: 3:15 minutes

The Menu: 6 gummie bears (its the only candy left in the house, and now its gone)
Comments: Starting to get a little sleepy, think I'm going to take this show on upstairs and see how much more I can get done before I pass out.

p.s. Suzanne - I don't know how you are managing any reading at all with a major headache. I'd be a lumpy mess on my pillow upstairs just moaning to myself in the dark. I hope you feel better soon. Hate those things.

Good morning!

Hour 10
I've been reading: Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 37
Posting time: 10
Reading time: 1 h 10 min

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 88
Total time read: 2h 53 min
Total time posting: 20 min

The Menu: *breakfast* (tea, bread with honey, cereals, yogurt)
Comments: Yay, I reached my first goal and finished book number one! :D I first wanted to continue with another one, but then decided to take a little nap. The little nap became a full 6-hour-sleep. So, I’m refreshed – sipping my tea (English Breakfast, of course, in honor of our host) and browsing your readings.

Sounds like everyone's still doing okay! Goodnight to everyone across the pond who's heading off to bed... I'm heading up top now *points upwards* to add the Halfway Meme to the opening post, ready for y'all in a couple of hours!

Ilana - Your timing was marvellous. Consider it a success! :-)
Anne - Mmmmm, cookies and raspberries with pink champagne... Now, that, boys and girls, is what Valentine's dreams are made of... *drools in a very unromantic manner*
Jessie - I agree! Suzanne's been quite the trooper today...
Kathy - Good morning! And thankee kindly for the beverage-related nod... I'm on the PG Tips meself, strong tea with a good dose of milk and a bit of sugar, marvellous!

HOUR 10

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 12
Posting time: 20 minutes
Reading time: 25 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 172
Total time read: 4 hours 25 minutes
Total time posting: 1 hour 25 minutes

The Menu: Tea, a piece each of tortilla and pizza
Comments: Another few pages down, I'm a bit more awake now, I have a cuppa... the morning has begun! I did make the mistake of letting the kittens in, only for one to start chewing the edge of the muffin box and one to immediately discover the pizza, so they're back in the next room for the time being!

Hours 10-11

28 pages of Anna Karenina and I am heading to bed. Happy reading to all!

HOUR 10&11 6-8pm

I've been reading: In a strange room
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 44
Posting time: 10 mins
Reading time: 45mins

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 4 chapters audio & 53 pgs
Total time read: 2 hr 30 mins
Total time posting: 15 mins

The Menu: coffee
Comments: Finished Damon Galgut's In a Strange Room while dinner was cooking. Will read my daily dose of 20pgs of Les Miserables which I'm now halfway through before going on to my nonfiction read.

Aaaaand we're halfway through!

HOUR 11-12

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 21
Posting time: 20 minutes
Reading time: 50 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 193
Total time read: 5 hours 15 minutes
Total time posting: 1 hour 45 minutes

The Menu: A little more tea
Comments: A little more reading and another much-needed nap... This time I was joined by a small black and white kitten who pounded away very happily at my entire blanket before finally settling down in the crook of my leg with her head on my knee. Awwww! Now, to stay here and be distracted every five minutes, or to move back up to the cold flat and see how it goes?

The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon?
Only one book so far - Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman.

2) How are you getting on with your current book?
Pretty well! I'm well over halfway through and it's a pretty interesting and absorbing read. I think it helps having the male perspective on the 'teen parent going it alone' story - Dante is a really likeable character and with his dad and brother on hand, it's making for a really good read.

3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel? The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, or maybe The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- Most inspiring book? Biblioholism by Tom Raabe for bookishness, Eat, Pray, Love for a good life attitude - it came along at the perfect time for me!
- Favourite literary hero or heroine? I think Jane Eyre will always be one of my favourite heroines. I fall in love with half the fictional men I come across so it's hard to choose one guy!
- Favourite literary villain? I think Fagin and Bill Sykes in Oliver Twist are amazingly written. Bill Sykes just oozes menace even when he doesn't appear on the page, and Fagin is so exquisitely written that you recoil from him even as you feel faintly sorry for him.
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play? Ummmm. I can't even answer my own question - I'm a sucker for an adaptation and there are so many to choose from!
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone? The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, no question. Every single person, young or old, should read this witty, honest, heartbreaking, incredible book at least once.

HOURS 4-12

I've been reading: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 39

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 50

The Menu: Discovered the incredibly delicious and addictive biscuits that my parents brought back from Spain last night and ate an appalling number of them. Sticking to cereal this morning.
Comments: I always read a lot better after a good night's sleep. I'm up now and I've got the house all to myself so hopefully I'll get Jonathan Strange finished in the next few hours.

The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon?
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.

2) How are you getting on with your current book?
Great! I think I've read more in the past twelve hours than I have in the past week. Hitting page 700 felt like an accomplishment, I'm telling you.

3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel? This changes a lot depending on how recently I read the book (what, it's true), but I would have to say The Night Watch by Sarah Waters. I was just totally engrossed in it.
- Most inspiring book? I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower a few weeks ago and it's changed my outlook on life so much.
- Favourite literary hero or heroine? Hmm, that's a tough one. I'm a big fan of the Baudelaire children in A Series of Unfortunate Events.
- Favourite literary villain? Voldemort from Harry Potter. I just find him fascinating, especially his back story.
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play? I don't tend to be much of a fan of screen adaptions, but off the top of my head, I enjoy the movie of Fight Club just as much as I enjoy the book.
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone? The Book Thief. Absolutely.

Good answers Gemma! I keep hearing good things about The Perks of Being a Wallpaper so I'm adding it to my wishlist. I nearly put Voldemort down as my favourite villain too, he's just pure tyrant! :-)

HOUR 13

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 8
Posting time: 20 minutes
Reading time: 10 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 201
Total time read: 5 hours 25 minutes
Total time posting: 2 hour 5 minutes

The Menu: Zilch
Comments: Yet another interrupted hour, in which the house came back to life, little Millie (kitten #2) went off to the vet's to be speyed, and I decamped back up to the flat to see if I could warm the place up a bit with strategically placed heaters. The bloody engineer's not coming until tomorrow sometime so I still have tonight to think about, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it... Hopefully this next hour should be pain-free and reading-full though, hooray!

Hour 12&13 8-10pm

I've been reading: Les Miserables & Just as well I'm leaving
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 39
Posting time: 20 mins
Reading time: 35mins

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 4 chapters audio & 92 pgs
Total time read: 3 hr 5 mins
Total time posting: 35 mins

The Menu: lasagne
Comments: Not as much reading done as I would have liked, but will push on and try to finish the Booth book in the next couple of hours.

Forgot to do the meme!
The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon? In a strange room & Les miserables
2) How are you getting on with your current book? into the last 80pages
3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel?too hard...maybe...Dr Zhivago
- Most inspiring book?A Fortunate Life by A B Facey
- Favourite literary hero or heroine?currently Francis Crawford of Lymond from Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles
- Favourite literary villain?Patricia Highsmith's Ripley
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play?I like both movie and book - Everything is Illuminated
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone? A tale of love and darkness by Amos Oz

Howdy Kerry! You're doing great... I must read The Talented Mr. Ripley - another one to add to the wishlist! Ooops. Everything is Illuminated is already on there, but I can't remember if I've seen the movie or not. Must investigate further...

HOUR 14

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 41
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 50 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 242
Total time read: 6 hours 15 minutes
Total time posting: 2 hours 10 minutes

The Menu: Choc chip muffin, coffee
Comments: Aaaah, now we're back on a roll! It may be cold up here in the heating-less flat, but at least I'm back on home ground and I've barely looked up from my book the whole hour. It's really gotten good - I've welled up a few times, too - and I think I'll only be another hour or two before I'm finished...

Ellie: I sympathise completely with your heating troubles. My heating broke down for nine days over Christmas, including the coldest night of the year... I recommend lots of hot chocolate :)

HOURS 13-14

I've been reading: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 41

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 91

The Menu: Nothing.
Comments: So close to finishing Jonathan Strange!

Gemma - yep, it royally sucketh. I might have to go for the 'snuggly dressing gown over my clothes' approach, and a hot chocolate sounds pretty good right now too. Make the best of a situation, and all that!

HOUR 15

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Books finished: None
Pages read: 40
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 45 minutes

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 282
Total time read: 7 hours
Total time posting: 2 hours 20 minutes

The Menu: A piece of tortilla with black pepper, a mouthful or two of cheesecake and a couple of gulps of red grape juice. I'm grazing again!
Comments: This book continues to be absolutely gripping at this point, and I'm having to listen very carefully for the supermarket delivery van so I have time to wipe away the tears and make myself look presentable before the doorbell rings! It's been a long time since I read a Malorie Blackman novel - I'd forgotten how darn good she is at getting just the response she wants! So, there'll be a little disruption next hour - helping my mum with a chore or two, and sorting out the shopping - but hopefully I'll have finished the book within two hours at the most. Hooray!

HOUR 15

I've been reading: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 34

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 125

The Menu: Coffee
Comments: I finished Jonathan Strange, all 790 pages of it! As much as I liked it, I'm glad to be finally able to move on to something else.

Just stopping in to say good day and you guys are all doing a wonderful job!! I may try to read a little before I go to work. If I do will post something later.

Happy Reading All!!!

This morning

I've been reading: Bedknob and Broomstick; The Postmistress
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 74

Total books read from: 8
Total pages read: 187

The Menu: tea, croissants and yoghurt for breakfast
Comments: I enjoyed rereading Bedknob and Broomstick but am glad to have The Postmistress now top of my pile as I'm really enjoying it.

Mornin' across-the-pond read-a-thoners! We're at midday over here, well on our way to lunchtime, and I'm feeling remarkably awake. I always get suspicious because it usually means an irresistable urge to nap isn't far behind... ;-)

HOUR 16

I've been reading: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman; The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
Books finished: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
Pages read: 28
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 35 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 310
Total time read: 7 hours 35 minutes
Total time posting: 2 hours 25 minutes

The Menu: The last of my slice of New York baked cheesecake - heaven!
Comments: I finished my first book! Hooray! And what an excellent book it was. Blackman has her impeccable reputation for a reason. It's about a boy who is, quite literally, left holding the baby when his long-gone ex turns up, tells him the bundle in her buggy is his, then legs it. Throw in a father who's trying to keep his family together in finest manly style, and a brother struggling to balance his out 'n' proud gayness with the homophobia around him, and you've got a thoughtful and moving book. Sooooo, next up I'm onto something a little lighter, a little more escapist - The Reformed Vampire Support Group. Should be fun. My shopping delivery driver's stuck behind a funeral procession right now ('I can't really beep my horn at this one, love') so I'll get cracking on the next hour!

Rah Rah, keep it up everyone!

Ellie: congrats on finishing! And RVSG looks really interesting, look forward to your thoughts on it :)

115: I don't know that I actually want to read that series but I do love the titles (there's another one apart from reformed vampires isn't there?) - I had to resist asking for a Bookbag review copy of one.

The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group is still there!

Ellie: I used to be a huge Malorie Blackman fan (I still believe Noughts and Crosses is one of the best books ever written, like, ever) but I've been kind of giving Boys Don't Cry a miss because I think teenage pregnancy is played out in YA books. But from what you've said it actually sounds pretty interesting so maybe I'll get on it some time.

HOUR 16+17

I've been reading: The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 86

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 211

The Menu: Some more of those Incredibly Addictive Spanish Biscuits, and I'm currently tucking in to veggie bacon and salad in a bagel. Yum.
Comments: The Rules of Attraction is strangely absorbing. Going to take a break from reading for a while, though.

Well, I apologize to everyone for not being here to at least cheer you on. My internet has been down all night long, so I could not even peek in to see how it was going despite the CSI marathon with Beth.

I got extremely sleepy soon after I posted last night. Got just a bit of reading in this morning at breakfast. Debated bringing my book to work with me, but there's so much other paperwork to do here that I decided against it. Anyone who thinks librarians read all day, be disabused of that notion!

The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon? Jahanara: Princess of Princesses by Kathryn Lasky
2) How are you getting on with your current book? Average: I love the descriptions of landscapes, food, and festivals (this is the main reason I read) but her political and religious views, that she interjects very obviously into the story, annoy me. I've been googling different Moghul emperors to get a more objective story. (which of course cuts down on my book-reading time!)
3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel? Gone With the Wind
- Most inspiring book? The Dharma Bums
- Favourite literary hero or heroine? Ray Smith
- Favourite literary villain? Captain Segura
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play? The Other Side of Midnight
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone? Paterson

I only managed a little more before I royally passed out last night, and now I need to leave for work in a half hour and instead I'm sitting here in pj's. Very bad start to the day! Oh well - will just make this a quick one.

The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon?
Killer in High Heels & Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead

2) How are you getting on with your current book?
I'm really liking Scarlet, and am glad to be making some headway after stalling out halfway through a few weeks ago.

3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel? Time & Again, Jack Finney
- Most inspiring book? anything by SARK
- Favourite literary hero or heroine? despite all of her flaws, Isabel from 9984::The Portrait of a Lady
- Favourite literary villain? Voldy, all the way
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play? I have two: Sense & Sensibility, directed by Ang Lee and 2237::The Age of Innocence, directed by Scorsese.
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone? It would be book 6 of the Potter series, but you'd have to read the others first. This is the book and series I've rec'd the most. Harry Potter rules!

Great job reading, everyone! Ellie, hope you're staying nice and cozy with kittens!

> Hi Katie! Stay tuned for this one then...
> Luci - I didn't know there was another book! If I like this one I'll be sure to look out for it.
> Gemma - I don't normally go for 'realism' type YA novels, simply because it's kind of a case of 'been there, done that, never want to go back'.... But this one was actually a really good twist on the 'girl gets left with baby' thing, particularly since there's a big focus on the gay brother and the homophobic bullying he's facing as well. It's nice to see a family of men being portrayed like this in a YA novel instead of a women-centred plot!
> Margaret - And THAT'S why I decided against librarianship and opened a second-hand bookshop instead... ;-)
> Laura - Well, Millie's gone off to be speyed today, but me and Domino had some nice napping time together earlier! And Harry Potter TOTALLY rules. I cried like a baby all the way through the end of book 6... Shame the film messed up the funeral scene, it was so moving in the book, with the mermaids and the phoenix song and the glittering ice and snow. *hic*

HOURS 17-18

I've been reading: The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
Books finished: None
Pages read: 25
Posting time: 15 minutes
Reading time: 50 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 335
Total time read: 8 hours 25 minutes
Total time posting: 2 hours 40 minutes

The Menu: Yummy yummy pizza and white hot chocolate
Comments: I've run my hours together again since I had a big interruption in the middle to go do a few chores and wait for/sort out the food shopping delivery. I've had a good spell of reading since then but now I'm sooooooo tired again! It may be time for a nap again before long, my eyes are going all blurry, never a good sign... On the plus side, my new read, while not exactly gripping, is pretty amusing and a bit different, so I'm hoping for good things. Onwards!

Good morning/ afternoon! I barely managed a couple of pages before bed as well, so I'll wait to do hourly update till there's something to present.

The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon? The Moviegoer and The Stranger
2) How are you getting on with your current book? Very well! I’m accustomed to the author’s style now and I want to know what happens next.
3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel? I never know how to answer that, mainly because I feel like I haven’t read that many books yet. I’m going to go with Master and Margarita; it’s due for reread, who knows, I might change my mind.
- Most inspiring book? Sky-locked Atlas by Goran Petrovic. It’s very imaginative and uplifting and inspires me to enjoy little things. I’m not sure it’s been translated into English though.
- Favourite literary hero or heroine? This one is even harder than the book! I guess right now it would be Winston Smith, following my most recently finished book 1984.
- Favourite literary villain? Woland (Voland) from Master and Margarita. I think he is very charismatic, multifaceted and kind of likable. And also Alex from A Clockwork Orange comes to mind, but I’m not sure he qualifies as a villain.
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play? There are so many! The Third Man, To Kill a Mockingbird, BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, The Big Fish and if graphic novel counts, I thought recent Watchmen was very impressive, to name a few.
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone? Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

I see that you are all doing a great job!

Hour 19
I've been reading: Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare
Books finished: 1
Pages read: -
Posting time: 10
Reading time: -

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 88
Total time read: 2 h 53 min
Total time posting: 30 min

Comments: Somehow the others must have smelled that I want to concentrate on my readings today – the phone didn’t stop ringing and I haven’t made any progress since morning. I have to change that NOW. Phone is out, as well as the doorbell, and the last 5 hours are dedicated only to my books!

The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon?
Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt. Until so far I was a little lazy (or rather I took care of a few duties), but now I can really continue with my reading.

2) How are you getting on with your current book?
I finished it yesterday, so quite well.

3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...

- Favourite novel? That’s impossible, I can’t name just one book – there are too many great books!

- Most inspiring book? Hm, also a quite difficult choice. One book I really love is La peste by Albert Camus, a great play is La cantatrice chauve by Eugène Ionesco. A lighter/brighter book would be Narziß und Goldmund by Hermann Hesse.

- Favourite literary hero or heroine? OR - Favourite literary villain? I usually like complex characters with different qualities – when you can’t say if (s)he’s only good or bad, e.g. Emma Bovary. Another thing I noticed is that the character evaluation can change over the years: For example when I first read Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller at the age of about 15 I thought of Willy as the poor victim (he was the good one), but when I reread the play lately and I had to notice that this wasn’t the case at all.

- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play? If I liked a book a lot, I usually don’t dare to watch the movie. But I have to admit that I liked e.g. the Lord of the Rings trilogy, although the exaggerated love story fell on my nerves.

- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone? Again, why choose only one? :) But a book for EVERYONE (old and young, male and female…) hm… Maybe the tales by H.C. Andersen, or a book like Momo or Neverending story, if it should be more amusing. If it can be more politically maybe something like Die Wolke by Gudrun Pausewang.

Sorry, if I evade giving clear and direct answers...

HOUR 19

I've been reading: Talk Nerdy to Me
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 10
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 25 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 139
Total time read: 4 hours 00 minutes
Total time posting: 25 minutes

The Menu: nothing
Comments: Just started reading again

The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon?
Talk Nerdy to Me

2) How are you getting on with your current book?
I've made it through a good chunk of it

3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel? I don't think I have a favorite, but I really enjoyed Night by Elie Wiesel
- Most inspiring book? The Child Called It by DAve Pelzer, because it's a true story of a child trying to rise above his upbringing and abuse
- Favourite literary hero or heroine? I can't really think of a fave =(
- Favourite literary villain? Gollum from Lord of the Rings
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play? I would definitely have to say that the Harry Potter series would have to be high up on the list.
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone?
I don't think that there is one book that everyone would like

Hours 12-15 zzzzzzzz
Hours 16-19

I've been reading: Anna Karenina, The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books, The Color Purple audiobook
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 72
Posting time: 5 min
Reading time: 120 min reading and 20 minutes audiobook

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 232
Total time read: 450
Total time posting: 20 min

The Menu: Avocado on toast, tea
Comments: I feel like I'm reading very very slowly...

HOUR ?-19 I lost count of where I left off..

I've been reading: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 78 pages
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 188 pages
Total time read: 3 hours 5 minutes
Total time posting: 30 minutes

The Menu: poptart and some water
Comments: After trying to get through The Book Thief for a few weeks now I finally got into it and finished it! This book has easily become one of my favorites and as soon as I finished it I wanted to start reading it again. I just devoured the last 80 pages of this book in the last hour I couldn't put it down or stop sobbing for that matter. If you haven't read this book yet I highly recommend you read it ASAP! Now I need to find something a little lighter to read now...

The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon? The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
2) How are you getting on with your current book? I just finished and loved it! I love the style of writing that Zusak has because it's fun to read and really connects you to the story.
3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel? This is definitely a hard choice but right now I would have to say Love Walked In
- Most inspiring book? I've been thinking about this one and there are so many good inspiring stories out there I don't think I can choose one.
- Favourite literary hero or heroine? I would have to say Penn Cage. I love all books by Greg Iles but his Penn Cage series are definitely my favorites.
- Favourite literary villain? I'd have to agree and say Voldemort for sure. His character is so well done.
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play? I'm going to go with something a little more recent. I absolutely love The Time Traveler's Wife and the movie is just as good.
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone? Before I read The Book Thief I would have said I Am the Messenger also by Markus Zusak so instead of picking one book I going to pick one author and say anything by Markus Zusak, because he has such a great style of writing.

#125 Alaina I was going to put The Child Called It as my most inspiring book but then I got distracted by a whole list of other choices then I couldn't decide, but I completely agree with you what a wonderfully inspiring book it is!

Lets see if my touchstones work in this message since they apparently didnt work in my last. *crosses fingers*

ETA: Now they showed up in both messages so just ignore my last comment :)

The Halfway House

1) What have you been reading over the first half of the read-a-thon? I've been alternating between Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them and an audio version of The Color Purple, depending on where I am. SInce I started it at the beginning of February, I always read a few pages of Anna Karenina before bed, so I settled down for a longer session last night. And I read a chapter of All-of-a-Kind Family to my daughter at bedtime.

2) How are you getting on with your current book? or books--great. I should finish The Possessed this morning (just the final section to go) and I finished the 5th of 7 disks of The Color Purple. I also finished Book 2 of Anna Karenina. I am really enjoying all of them and, maybe because they are so different, have not been tempted to pick up other books.

3) Here's something a little different! Name your faves...
- Favourite novel? Always a hard question: Pride and Prejudice
- Most inspiring book? Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
- Favourite literary hero or heroine? For today, I'll go with Jo March. Or, from my recent reads, maybe Jacob de Zoet.
- Favourite literary villain? A tricky question, since "favourite implies you like them somehow, yes? Too hard to think about right now, but I'll offer for "worst villain"--Miss Minchin from A Little Princess Entirely mean with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
- Favourite screen adaptation of a book or play? Harry Potter films generally.
- What's the one book you would recommend to anyone and everyone? Hmmm. Maybe The Book Thief? Or To Kill a Mockingbird. Or A Prayer for Owen Meany

Some interesting answers to the different meme questions! I always find it hard to answer the questions too - and if you're a book lover it can be nigh on impossible to make a choice without feeling like you've betrayed a whole heap of other books...

HOURS 19-20

I've been reading: The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
Books finished: None
Pages read: 7
Posting time: 15 minutes
Reading time: 15 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 342
Total time read: 8 hours 40 minutes
Total time posting: 2 hours 55 minutes

The Menu: Nothing much... I think?
Comments: I don't think TRFSG is going to be the right book for a read-a-thon, it's neither here nor there at the moment. Amusing but not that amusing, vampire fiction but not really vampire fiction, adventure but thus far lacking in adventure... you get the picture. All of which doesn't add up to a bad book, but it does spell disaster for trying to read after a night of wakefulness! I spent the last hour and a half asleep instead...

HOURS 18-20

I've been reading: The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 86

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 297

The Menu: Raspberries.
Comments: One thing I have learned: my cats will not just let me read.

HOUR 20

I've been reading: Talk Nerdy to Me
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 16
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 30 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 155
Total time read: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total time posting: 30 minutes

The Menu: nothing
Comments: Distracted by the TV this hour, also, just started cooking lunch

I read some more over coffee.

I've been reading my baseball history book.
Total pages read: about 100 pages
Total time read: about 2.5 hours

I've got about 60 pages til I finish it but doubt I can get that done before the readathon ends.

Overnight hours: 11-20

I've been reading: Belle Ruin by Martha grimes
Books Finished: 0 (argh)
Pages read: 90
Reading Time: 1:45 Minutes

Total Books Read From: 2
Total Pages Read: 115, plus 2:45 minutes audiobook
Total Read Time: 5 hours

Menu: nothing yet, but coffee. Not much of a morning eater
Comments: So passed out over night several times and woke back up to read a little more. Did make some progress and I think I fell asleep for real around 3:30 my time. Going to try and eek out a little more before the end!

HOUR 20-21

I've been reading: No One You Know by Michelle Richmond
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 45 pages
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 55 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 233 pages
Total time read: 4 hours
Total time posting: 35 minutes

The Menu: nothing really just some water
Comments: This book has been sitting on my shelf for a few months now and I never got around to reading it, but I am so glad I finally started it. Even though I'm not that far into it so far so good. It's a very engaging read about a young woman whose sister Lila was murdered with no clues of who the murderer was. So far I only got the background information but it's seeming like its going to be a very good read.

Can't really do the hour by hour stuff; it doesn't work with the way I'm able to read during the week.

Since I last posted I've read about 155 pages of the Kindle version of Three Day Road. So I've finished one book and am close to finishing another. Total pages, about 352, but the Kindle doesn't give page counts. Since I've been picking the book up and putting it down, I don't know how many hours/minutes, etc.

Ok, so I'm going to post everything after the read-a-thon, because I was updating everything, and all of a sudden, my computer went on the completely loco, and it keeps doing random things like backspacing this thread so I would have to start all over. Well, thirty minutes later, it's now fixed, but the will to read and write everything all over again has left me after numerous frustrating minutes. Dang technology.

Looks like everyone's still doing brilliantly! And Suzanne - don't worry about it, I update the exact same way when I'm participating in a read-a-thon when I'm at work... It'd drive me mad trying to keep track of everything on an hour-by-hour basis at the shop! :-)

Anyway, wouldn't you know, for the first time ever in my read-a-thons I hit the book wall. I just didn't want to read another page! So I put down my book, headed down to the house, and had a break. Millie (kitten #1) is back from her op and fast asleep on the sofa, Mum was doing the Times crossword so I helped with that, Domino (kitten #2) was desperate for some fuss because she felt left out, then I went and had a glorious shower in the spare room en suite. In the flat, all I have is a tub with a little shower-over thing, pitiful water pressure, tiny surface area, smaller tank, you get the idea. So half an hour in a big shower with a huge flat high-pressure spray.... aaaaaaah.

Anyway, enough of that. Point is, I'm now ready to get back in the game for the last two hours. On we go!

Hour 22

I've been reading: War and Peace by Lew Tolstoi
Books finished: 1 (Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare)
Pages read: 76
Posting time: 5
Reading time: 2 h 40 min

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 164
Total time read: 5 h 33 min
Total time posting: 35 min

The Menu: a delicious Faschingskrapfen (typical Austrian carnival meal: kind of jelly-filled doughnut)
Comments: FINALLY, I could read in peace! So, let’s enjoy the final two hours!

HOURS 21-22

I've been reading: The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 71

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 368

The Menu: Nothing
Comments: I'm feeling really tired now. Having a break for dinner which should perk me up a bit so I can read a little more before the end.

HOUR 9-22

I've been reading: The Stranger
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 39
Posting time: 10 min
Reading time: 50 min

Total books read: 0
Total pages read: 132
Total time read: 3h 50min
Total time posting: 1h 20min

The Menu: coffee and choc chip cookie for breakfast, sandwich for lunch
Comments: Did some chores and ran a few errands this morning. Try to read a little more, before the read-a-thon is over, I'm starting to really enjoy the book now.

HOUR 22 & 23

I've been reading: Talk Nerdy to Me
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 63
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 90 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 218
Total time read: 6 hours 0 minutes
Total time posting: 35 minutes

The Menu: Mexican Pizza
Comments: One more hour to go =)

Only one hour to go! And as a few people have already pointed out, it's just that final coasting down, reading a few more pages, another chapter or two, before another read-a-thon comes to an end... I just wish I hadn't been so lethargic this time! Constantly feeling sleepy or getting into that not-enough-sleep funk and not being able to clamber out again quickly enough. *sigh* Anyway, let's keep this thing going to the end people! And the end of event meme is up top whenever you're ready...

HOUR 23

I've been reading: The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
Books finished: None
Pages read: 28
Posting time: 15 minutes
Reading time: 40 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 370
Total time read: 9 hours 20 minutes
Total time posting: 3 hours 10 minutes

The Menu: Grazing at everything I have left - a handful of M'n'Ms, some sweet popcorn, tortilla, and pizza
Comments: Aaaaaand she's back. Amazing what a decent break and a long shower can do! The book's still leaning further towards 'dull' than I had hoped or expected, but I'll give it this last hour to improve before I decide whether to keep reading or not. It has potential so I don't want to cheat myself by throwing in the towel too early! One hour to go...

HOUR 22-23

I've been reading: One No You Know by Michelle Richmond
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 39 pages
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 50 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 272 pages
Total time read: 4 hours 50 minutes
Total time posting: 40 minutes

The Menu: Strawberry Green Tea
Comments: Plenty of distractions these past two hours but still trying to make some headway in this book before the end of the readathon. I'm hoping to get some more reading done this last hour.

One hour to go. Have fun reading everyone!

Hours 20-22

I've been reading: The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books, The Color Purple audiobook
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 87
Posting time: 10 min
Reading time: 60 min reading and 75 minutes audiobook

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 319
Total time read: 585
Total time posting: 30 min

The Menu: Tea
Comments: The final hour!

HOUR 24

I've been reading: Talk Nerdy to Me
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 31
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 45 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 249
Total time read: 6 hours 45 minutes
Total time posting: 35 minutes

The Menu: Chocolate Milk
Comments: Had a great time with this readathon

Woohoo! I got another chapter squeezed in. . . . for a total of 2 chapters. So pathetic :P

Final wrap-up:

42 pages of To a Mountain in Tibet by Colin Thubron
Approx 33 pages more of Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden.

I should finish both by the end of the day.

Total: About 426 pages in three books, one of which was finished. No idea how many hours total of reading -- perhaps 5.5?

Hour 14-24 10pm - 9am

I've been reading: Just as well I'm leaving:To the Orient with Hans Christian Andersen by Michael Booth
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 84
Posting time: 30 mins
Reading time: 2hr 15 mins

Total books read: 2
Total pages read: 4 chapters audio & 176 pgs
Total time read: 5 hr 20 mins
Total time posting: 1hr 5mins

The Menu: breakfast - toast & coffee
Comments: Fell asleep before I could finish my book, so continued with it this morning.

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they?
To say nothing of the dog; or, How We Found the Bishop's Bird Stump at Last by Connie Willis - audiobook - 4 chapters
In a strange room by Dalmon Galgut - finished
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo - 21pgs
Just as well I'm leaving: To the Orient with Hans Christian Andersen by Michael Booth - finished
2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?! I fell asleep trying to read the last 50pages of the Booth book.
3) Which book did you enjoy the most? The Connie Willis book is fun.
4) Have you added any books to your wishlist from other participants' reading and discussion over the last twenty-four hours? Kathy mentioned Die Wolke and as I've enjoyed other books by Gudrun Pausewang, I've requested the English version from the library.
5) What did you enjoy most about the day? reading the half-way memes
6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon? don't push yourself too hard

Hour 24

I've been reading: War and Peace by Lew Tolstoi
Books finished: 1 (Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare)
Pages read: 38
Posting time: 15
Reading time: 53 min

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 172
Total time read: 6 h 26 min
Total time posting: 50 min

The Menu: nothing
Comments: I really liked to read with you all again! It’s a pity that I didn’t have the whole time to read, but that’s life. And nevertheless I had a lot of fun!
Whole-hearted thanks to our great host Ellie!

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they? I read the following two books: Verhandlungen mit Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt (finished) and War and Peace by Lew Tolstoi (continued).

2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?! I had two such crises: First I slept longer than I wanted last night, and in the afternoon I couldn’t find the peace to read, because there was always someone who wanted something from me.

3) Which book did you enjoy the most? Definitely War and Peace.

4) Have you added any books to your wishlist from other participants' reading and discussion over the last twenty-four hours? The Colour Purple, The Rules of Attraction, Anna Karenina

5) What did you enjoy most about the day? The idea of simultaneous reading.

6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon? Make sure that you’re not that easily “disturbed” by phone calls, etc. :)

It's over for another day! Thanks everyone for reading along with me once again - it never ceases to amaze me how I can start a thread at the last minute and still come back the next morning to find it filled with so many fantastic friends and readers! Now go, make yourself a cup of tea and relax, you deserve it!

HOUR 24

I've been reading: The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
Books finished: None
Pages read: 29
Posting time: 10 minutes
Reading time: 40 minutes

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 399
Total time read: 10 hours
Total time posting: 3 hours 20 minutes

The Menu: More grazing, plus a white hot chocolate and a mouthful or two of a decadent cheesecake I accidentally accepted as a sub in my food delivery. It's huge!
Comments: Okay, so the book got a whole lot better once I'd had a break... Not a stay-up-all-night page turner thus far, but better nonetheless! Anyway, another read-a-thon is over and although I was definitely more tired (and therefore took more breaks and read less) I don't think I did too badly, especially with all the interruptions! I might carry on reading for a bit actually, at least until I've finished my hot choccy... :-)

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they?
I only read from two books this time - I read the whole of Malorie Blackman's Boys Don't Cry, which is another RHCB review copy finished AND should be a hit if I add it to our half-term window display at the shop, being so new and all. Then I moved on to The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks. Jury's out on that one...

2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?!
I was definitely much more tired this time, which had a knock-on effect on every aspect of the read-a-thon really. Plus there were extra distractions - a delayed food delivery, a kitten's operation, a dead boiler (and therefore an icy flat), the subsequent move down to the house for the night and back this morning, phone calls, chores...

3) Which book did you enjoy the most?
Definitely Boys Don't Cry. It made ME cry, and perfectly balanced the grittier side of the story with sweeter and more heartwarming elements.

4) Have you added any books to your wishlist from other participants' reading and discussion over the last twenty-four hours?
Lots! Reading the OED, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Rules of Attraction...

5) What did you enjoy most about the day?
Being back in the game! It's been a week or two... I just like the pampering aspect I guess - although a read-a-thon is more gruelling than it sounds (at least, it is if you're actually going for 24 hours, I must be mad!) and really exhausting, there's still something decadent about sitting down and saying 'right, for 24 hours my life is all about books, coffee and junk food!'

6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon?
Remember that whenever it is and whoever's hosting, it's your read-a-thon! The hosts are just there to do a little admin and motivating really - the rest's up to you... My best advice would be to make it your own, post how you want, sleep when you want, read what you want, and let yourself shine through. Have fun, and don't be afraid to chat and cheer! If everyone pours a little of themselves into the day it becomes almost like a long-distance book club-cum-sleepover, which is great!

HOUR 24

I've been reading: No One You Know by Michelle Richmond
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 30 pages
Posting time: 5 minutes
Reading time: 30 minutes

Total books read: 1 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Total pages read: 302 pages
Total time read: 5 hours 20 minutes
Total time posting: 45 minutes

The Menu: Crackers and water
Comments: I had a great time reading with everyone! I'm glad I finished one book and made a healthy dent in another.

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they? I read from 2 books, The Book Thief and No One You Know.

2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?! Not really except when I wanted to finish the very end of The Book Thief last night but couldn't keep my eyes open one more minute.

3) Which book did you enjoy the most? Definitely The Book Thief

4) Have you added any books to your wishlist from other participants' reading and discussion over the last twenty-four hours? I'll have to look over the books but Boys Don't Cry looks like a good one.

5) What did you enjoy most about the day? Reading everyone's memes and having the motivation to get some reading done.

6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon? This was my first readathon and it definitely won't be my last, but I suggest just having an idea of what you want to read and just to enjoy reading. Don't get too caught up with keeping up with the posts.

HOUR 20-24

I've been reading: Belle Ruin by Martha Grimes & A Redding Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley
Books finished: 0 (boohoo, and so close on both!!! they will both be done by tonight though)
Pages read: 20 more audio minutes
Reading time: 20 minutes

Total books read: 2 (neither finished)
Total pages read: 115 plus 3:10 minutes audiobook
Total time read: 5 hours 20 minutes

The Menu: Sushi and Miso Soup
Comments: Well, those anti-valentines day drinks took a good chunk out of my prime time reading time, but I still manage to get a bit done. I should be able to finish up both tonight (the audiobook literally has like 20 minutes to go!). Thanks everyone, these are fun. One of these days I might have to host one myself!

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they? I read from 2 books, Belle Ruin, and A Red Herring without Mustard

2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?! From about 1 am to 3:30 am I was in and out. I rallied a few times, and my cat was ripping around the house like a maniac which helped, but I finally had to get my 7 hours of sleep!

3) Which book did you enjoy the most? I really like them both, so I can't say.

4) Have you added any books to your wishlist from other participants' reading and discussion over the last twenty-four hours? Yes, To say nothing of the dog is now on my list.

5) What did you enjoy most about the day? I've been having a rough week reading, and even though I still got distracted, I did manage to get some reading done. I also just like the 'community' of it all and reading what everyone is doing/or not doing.

6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon? I think you get the most out of it when you just relax and make the readathon an event that can encompass eating, gardening, and drinking with friends.... it doesn't matter if you get 30 minutes of reading done or 20 hours.

Great advice so far... I think people panic a bit sometimes that it has to be an all-consuming thing - which it can be, if you want to sit down and do it that way (like I do, when I'm hosting!) - but if you're busy that day it's just as enjoyable to drop by when you can, share, chat and savour the few precious hours you have to read.

Hour 24 Wrap-Up

I've been reading: The Color Purple audiobook
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 20
Posting time: 0 min
Reading time: 35 minutes audiobook

Total books read: 2
Total pages read: 339
Total time read: 620
Total time posting: 30 min

Comments: happy ending

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they? 4 books. The Possessed, The Color Purple, Anna Karenina, All-of-a-Kind Family
2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?!
No unforeseen crises, but the foreseeable problem of family members wanting me for various things. I was looking forward to settling in with Anna Karenina for a good long read before bed, but my husband stayed up much longer than usual
3) Which book did you enjoy the most? The Color Purple, and I'm really enjoying reading Anna Karenina a few chapters at a time.
4) Have you added any books to your wishlist from other participants' reading and discussion over the last twenty-four hours? I'm intrigued by Reading the OED and The Great Influenza
5) What did you enjoy most about the day? Making an attempt at purposeful reading
6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon? Just do it, even if the timing isn't perfect--it doesn't have to be an all-day thing.

Thanks Ellie for hosting--even without heat!

It's over and it was great! Thank you, Ellie for organizing and hosting, despite your maintenance troubles.

The last update

HOUR 23-24 (2pm-3pm)

I've been reading: The Stranger
Books finished: 0
Pages read: 64
Posting time: 40 min
Reading time: 1h 25min

Total books read: 2 (none finished)
Total pages read: 196
Total time read: 5h 15min
Total time posting: 2 h
Menu: water
Comments: Had to step away from the laptop for a bit, but managed to get a good chunk of uninterrupted reading before finish.

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they? I was reading from two books: The Moviegoer by Walker Percy and The Stranger by Max Frei
2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?! Had to switch books when I realized I couldn’t remember a word of what I just read and had to read everything twice.
3) Which book did you enjoy the most? The Stranger, but only because The Moviegoer wasn’t the right choice for the read-a-thon. It required much more concentration than I expected, but I have every intention to finish it.
4) Have you added any books to your wishlist from other participants' reading and discussion over the last twenty-four hours? Reading the OED, Alan Bradley's mystery series, To Say Nothing of the Dog, In a Strange Room, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
5) What did you enjoy most about the day? I really liked the continuity of it; it seemed like at any moment for the last 24 hours someone somewhere out there was reading, kind of like keeping the Olympic torch going on its way to the Games. And as Jessie said above, the community aspect, it was a great way to connect to others and to learn more about them.
6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon? I just want to repeat what everyone else is saying: not to make it a competition, enjoy oneself, get plenty of rest and take breaks in order to not overdo it.

HOUR 24

I've been reading: Fahrenhiet 451 by Ray Bradbury
Pages read: 20 Pages
Posting time: 10 Minutes 0:10
Reading time: Twenty-Five Minutes 0:25

Total books read: 2, finished none
Total pages read: 132 Pages
Total time read: One Hour Fifty Minutes 1:50
Total time posting: 20 Minutes 0:10

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they?

Just one and that was Fahrenhiet 451

2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?!

I was so ready to read a whole new hour that I didn't post, but I my computer went to peices, and I was too stubborn to take the universal solution: turn it off, so that put me out of my mood for my only good time today.

6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon?

Don't let stupid things get to you like the misshap that happened to me.

#156 - Elena, I've looked at the Max Frei book a few times and wondered if it was any good.

Today's reading starting from when I got up this morning until 8 pm, including reading over breakfast (already mentioned), on the way, lunch and on the journey home

I've been reading: Just as well I'm leaving: Books already mentioned above
Books finished: 2 - Bedknob and Broomstick and A Kingdom of Raindrops and other stories - I only had a few pages of each left at the beginning of the day
Pages read: 163

Total books read: 8
Total pages read: 276 pages

The Menu: lunch: sandwiches, tea: fish, peas and sweetcorn, water

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they?

8

Mary Norton, Bedknob and Broomstick (finished)
Sarah Blake, The Postmistress
Linda Grant, We Had it So Good
Paul Smith, Twitchhiker

Joan Aiken and Jan Pienkowski, The Kingdom under the Sea and Other Stories (finished)
Charles Emmerson, 9546909::The Future History of the Arctic
Gail Jones, Five Bells
Margaret Atwood, Writing with Intent

3) Which book did you enjoy the most?

Sarah Blake's The Postmistress is a good read

6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon?

Don't worry about what you can't do, come and join in as you can.

# 158: Kerry, so did I. Decided to give it a try inspired by Fantasy February. It seems to be ironic fantasy (is this a genre?). The beginning was a bit confusing to me, and I couldn't help thinking that the author was trying too hard to be funny at any given moment, which I thought was unnecessary. But once I got used to it, I found it pretty funny and interesting. Can't judge the originality, for I am a fantasy virgin, but overall (about 1/3 into) it's quite enjoyable.

HOURS 6-24

I've been reading: Jahanara: Princess of Princesses by Kathryn Lasky
Books finished: 1
Pages read: 60
Posting time: 3 min.
Reading time: 60 min.

Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 100
Total time read: 2 hrs. 30 min.
Total time posting: 5 min.

The Menu: Valentine cookies; pepperoni pizza (in that order!)
Comments: Lasky displayed her writing skills in the section about Peter Mundy and the flirting bazaar. I enjoyed all the factual diagrams, maps and photos in the epilogue -- want to visit the Granger and see those ivory miniatures of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

The End-of-Event Meme

1) How many books did you end up reading from over the day? What were they? Just one: Jahanara: Princess of Princesses by Kathryn Lasky (one of the Royal Diaries series for children/YAs).
2) Did you have any hairy moments along the way? Maybe you got super-tired when you wanted to read, or had an unforeseen crisis?! I got super-sleepy, and spent lots of time on Valentine's eve commiserating with both my daughter and my younger brother about multiple crisis-level problems they were having with their Camrys. (I thought those cars were supposed to be extremely reliable!)
3) Which book did you enjoy the most? Since I only read one, I'll pick a section -- the historical background of the Moghul empire in the afterword.
4) Have you added any books to your wishlist from other participants' reading and discussion over the last twenty-four hours? No -- I've actually read over half of the titles mentioned in this thread! That's rare on LT.
5) What did you enjoy most about the day? Having "permission" to drop everything and read for three stretches of time -- and even more if I could've managed it.
6) What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's thinking of joining in the next read-a-thon? Do it!

Thanks again all - hope you've all recovered after a day's rest, and that any crises from the day have resolved themselves peacefully by now... See you next time! :-)