Dewey’s Read-a-thon Oct 18, 2014 Wrap Up

That’s it, my 8th Dewey’s Read-a-thon!!

Well, this year I totally missed the RAT in April as I was travelling, and for October’s, I was out and about most of the day, so I really did minimal reading – a little bit of audiobook while driving, a hurried few pages here and there, except for (really proud of myself) a solid two hours when I woke up at 4am to read two hours before heading to work!

I have to admit, with some shame, that my smart phone has seriously taken time off my reading.  However, reading last year’s notes, I realized that I’ve actually read more books this year than last year.  I guess my longer commute helps made a difference.

Knowing that I have little time to read, I’ve picked some really slim books, and as a result I managed to finish quite a few books!!  More than some other RATs, I’d say…

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?

Well, considered I didn’t read much, it wasn’t daunting, except that I have to say I am really proud of myself for waking up at 4 am to read for 2 hours before heading to work!

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

Manga/graphic novels are great for in between longer reads. Young adult paranormal fantasies are great too.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
Funny, last year I complained about not receiving any cheering, and this year I got several visits!  I used twitter more this year as I was on the road mostly, and I guess it helps, easily for both me and the cheerleaders to fire off a short exchange?

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
The tweets.

5. How many books did you read?
I’ve read 5, plus a manga and an audio book I didn’t finish.

6. What were the names of the books you read?
At Her Majesty’s Request
What?
The Last Brother
The Snow Geese
Sumo
Angel
The Ghost Map

7. Which book did you enjoy most?
Happy to say I enjoyed all the books and didn’t think any was a waste of my time.  The Snow Geese is my favorite.

8. Which did you enjoy least?
Can’t pick one – I like them all so even to pick one and say I like it least feels like a betrayal.

9. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Most definitely. And hopefully I’d have more reading time so I can join the cheerleading as well. Overdue for some pay it forward!

Total Pages read: 726
At Her Majesty’s Request – 140
What? – 84
The Last Brother – 164
The Snow Geese – 58
Sumo – 106
Angel – 74
The Ghost Map – 100

Total Time spent reading:

About 4 hrs

Other Readers I have visited:

Books I have munched on:

Books I have finished:

Mini Challenges I participated in:
Sadly, none. Hopefully next time as I do love them.

Dewey Read-a-thon Opening Meme

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?

I’m in Miami, Florida

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?

Hmm… I would say it’s my manga.  If I get to it.

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Tim Tam!!  Always!  The Unofficial snack of BookCrossing

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

Love to read, love to eat, likes wine and beer.  Enjoy travelling, love a good massage,

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

I didn’t do April’s but have done a few read-a-thon before.  One thing I do different today? Umm, not read as much… because luckily, or sadly, I won a free ticket to a food & wine fest and that’s just too good to pass up!! Will try to read while in car, etc, and I have stacked up a few very thin book so at least I can claim to finish a book or two.

Now on to a little bit of reading before I have to go to volunteer at the library!

Getting Ready for Dewey’s Read-a-thon October 18, 2014

Just a sleep away from the read-a-thon!!

I missed April’s as I was travelling in Thailand on that day. True, I could read some books, but I figure it would be a terrible waste of a trip that could be once-in-a-lifetime.

For October, I requested my day off work way ahead. However, it looks like there’s some conspiracy from the Universe to keep me from my books (other than inventing the smart phone, that is…) I won a pair of tickets to an event. It’s called Seeds Food & Wine Festival, supposedly the first vegan food & wine festival in the country. I admit I’m not a vegan, though mostly vegetarian, but it does sound like a fun event, and with the ticket costing $40, it seems a waste to pass it up.

Then my friend organized a meetup on Sat night at one of my favorite restaurants, Gyu-kaku, a Japanese BBQ place, where you grill your food at the table. (Yes, I admit, I’m NOT vegetarian)

So, I will try my best to read as much as I can. But in all honesty it won’t be a lot. I have to work Sunday at 7am so it’s not even like I can stay up at night to play catch up. I will probably tweet my progress (@crystalsp) as I’ll be out most of the day.

For any cheerleader and fellow Read-a-thon-ers, thank you so much for stopping by! Happy Reading to you all!!