I’m Going to Do The Read-A-Thon!!!
by Jenners • 10/13/2009 • Book Talk • 33 Comments
Have you heard about Dewey’s 24-Hour-Read-A-Thon on October 24th? (If not, head on over here to find out more. And if you don’t want to read, you can be a cheerleader or a mini challenge host.)
Well, I really really wanted to do it as I don’t get nearly enough time (in my opinion) to read uninterrupted. I broached the subject with Mr. Jenners carefully—prepared for long and hard negotiations because if I am to read for an extended period, someone needs to take care of the Little One. I thought my chances were about 30% before talking to Mr. Jenners. I was prepared to offer all types of things—including increased frequency in marital relations, a giving up of material Christmas gifts, and so forth.
But he said OK pretty easily and quickly. It makes me a bit suspicious actually. What does he want? What is he going to ask for in the near future and use the Read-A-Thon as ammunition? But, they say not to look a gift horse in the mouth so I won’t.
So here is my list of books that I hope to read during the Read-A-Thon (though, for me, I’m sure it will more like a 12-Hour Read-A-Thon as I don’t do well with little or no sleep.) Taking everyone’s advice, I’m choosing shorter books and mixing books with lighter topics with my “need to read for a challenge” books.
- State by State: A Panoramic Portrait of America, 50 Writers On 50 States—this is a book of essays by 50 different writers writing about the 50 different states. I figure this would be a good book to dip into when I need a change of pace. The first states I’ll read will be ones where I’ve lived for an extended time, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Montana.
- Candy Girl by Diablo Cody—I wrote about Candy Girl before, and it seems like a quick, fun book—plus it is one I’ve been saving for myself as a little treat
- Big Ball of Blame: User’s Guide by Miriam Zellnick—This is a book for my Take A Chance Challenge and I think I’ll be able to knock it off in about 20 minutes tops as it is only 57 pages long!
- Esquire Presents: What It Feels Like To: Walk on the Moon; To Be Gored By A Bull—Another short book with different essays written by different people about what a variety of different experiences feel like. I figure this will be great for when I need a quick break. Another little treat I’ve been saving for myself.
- The Chosen by Chaim Potok—The most serious and longest book I’ve chosen for the Read-A-Thon. This is for my Take A Chance Challenge—my birth year book.
- Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O’Brien—A longer book but not excessively so about a girl who thinks she is the last person left on Earth. This is my Z book for the A to Z Challenge.
I’m so excited about doing this. How about you? Are you going to participate in some way?
These are all new books to me…State by State sounds interesting!
Good luck. I hope you enjoy all your books!
I'm glad the negotiations weren't too tough … Mr. Jenners might call you on an IOU when you don't expect it!
Have a great time with the readathon; I'll check in and cheer when I can (Boston Book Fest is 10/24)
I'll be joining you for the read-a-thon. I asked my husband if he would read to me for a little while when my eyes needed a break, and he said YES!
I have The Chosen on my shelf, but not sure if I'll read it for this. State by State looks really good.
I plan to read this time around and do a little cheering on the side. I have State by State and I really like it, but I am not sure it's a book to sit down and read straight through. I've read all the states I've lived in and hope to get back for more reading one of these days.
BTW, I gave you an award!
http://bibliofreakblog.com/memes/time-awards/
I've read The Chosen–it's actually a pretty quick read once you get into it. At least that's how I remember it–I read it when I was in high school.
I wasn't going to do this-but my reserve is caving daily. I have so many books to catch up that this looks like a great excuse just to unwind and read.
I'm so happy you're going to do the readathon! I'm glad you didn't have to use all of your powers of negotiation though I hope it doesn't come back to bit you you know where in the near future! LOL
The Chosen is a wonderful book, great choice! I definitely want to read Candy Girl. I am a huge Diablo Cody fan so if I haven't read it by then or don't read it then, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Is it bad that I haven't decided whether or not to do the read-a-thon this time? I wish you luck and congratulate you on getting the time to read.
Jenners….YAy..this is my 1st read-a-thon, but i will surely need some sleep as well. Getting my pile together this week. have fun.
Good luck. I'm like you I don't think I could read for 24 hours straight. I'd fall asleep for sure. Have fun!
I want to read State by State and the Esquire book!
I'm glad you are going to have one whole day to just read. As a mom, I'm sure that is a rare treat for you. I'm reading too and looking forward to it. I haven't finalized my list yet – but soon.
Good for you Jenners! I can only imagine the conversation with MY husband if I were to convince him to let me read for 24 hours! Actually my daughter and I both wanted to do this, but then discovered I'd planned my "girls only" cruise during the same time period. Maybe, to show solidarity, I will drink rum punches for 24 hours at the same time! I'm still hoping to do it, maybe next Spring!
Good luck. I'm not joining you in this one but shall be cheering you on from the sidelines as it weree. I haven't read the rest of the books but The Chosen is a great read, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. i look forward to hearing all about it.
Oh – I only wish I had the time to read uninterrupted! Sounds wonderful. I'll be here cheering you on…
Hooray! So glad you get to do the Read-a-Thon. I'm not going to do this one because I haven't been sleeping well recently so it's not a good idea to take on a task like this right now. It's too bad too because I have a massive TBR pile and a library list that could shortly turn into a library catalog!
I'm so happy to hear that you are going to be able to participate! Your book selection looks great!
Good luck with your participation. I am unfortunately going to be away on business and working so I won't be able to participate this time around!
Sounds fun! I have yet to actually participate in a challenge. Someday. Your book choices look very interesting. Good Luck!!
I'll be reading too! I haven't done my list post yet. I am almost caught up with stuff and plan to do so soon.
BTW…The Chosen is a wonderful book. It's a tad slow but a great read. Read it early on.
I'll be cheerleading, so prepare yourself for some cheesy comments.
What fun! Especially having a whole day off from child care! Who even cares if you read, heh heh! I hope I can stop in and root for you!
I would do this but I'm going to be out of town/province/country that day. (yeah, me! What? you're surprised? yeah, me too!)
(it won't let me use the strike through html code. BOO)
candy girl is great- both amusing and fascinating. i think it's a good book for the readathon! i will also be participating- i am new to book blogging and figured i'd just jump right in! i'm nervous, but really excited.
Glad you are joining in! I planned on being a cheerleader but after my library haul this weekend I may have to re-think and be a reader as well.
An increase in marital relations is always a bargaining chip isn't it? I'm saving that one for the day of – just in case Mr. T gets snarky and tries annoying me while I'm reading.
YIPPEE!!
We can cheer one another on.
My goal is to read 12-15 hours over the course of the entire weekend. I also do not do well with little sleep, and I have tried to establish a totally free weekend in order to take advantage of quality reading time both Saturday and Sunday.
What? No novella?
the Chosen is an excellent book. I think it will pair well with Candy Girl.
Z is for Zachariah is supposed to be really good. I'm so glad you're participating! We managed to get babysitters that weekend for the boys so Jason and I will both be able to do readathon this year. Yay!
Good luck with the read a thon.
You never fail to make me laugh! I hope you have a great time during the read-a-thon.