Bout of Books 8.0 Day #1

Pages Read Today: 232 (Fun Home) + 168 (Sandman Vol. 6) + 168 (Sandman Vol. 7) + 176 (The New Deadwardians)

Pages Read Total: 744

Reading Helpers: iTunes on shuffle, comfy yoga pants, and a glass of cranberry raspberry flavored carbonated water.

Challenges:

• I participated in Sarah Says Read's Bookish Bucket List Challenge.  The prompt was: What is one bookish thing you want to do before you die? OR what is one thing you want to do before you die that was inspired by a book you read?  My answer: I’ve got a few bookish goals. First, I want to read one million pages (already over 150,000 pages down). Second, I want to meet so many different authors, but life always seems to get in the way. I really need to try harder at that one. Finally, I want to travel to the places from my favorite books: Spain, Italy, Greece, Boston…
• I also participated in Book Pairing's #Pairathon Challenge.  Since I am currently pregnant, I can't pair my lovely books with any alcoholic beverage...  Although if I could, there are some beautiful bottles of wine calling my name from our bar.  Instead, I went with nachos and cranberry raspberry flavored carbonated water.  What can I say?  It was lunchtime and I was craving some guac and chips.  And then I added salsa, cheese, and beans and called it a meal.  Yummy!  Later tonight I'm thinking a nice hot cup of chai tea and and some chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Comments: I got a bit distracted this morning with laundry and the internet.  I didn't dive into a book until lunch time.  I promise to do better for the rest of the week, except for tomorrow as I have guests coming for a lunch and pool date.  I did finish Fun Home by Alison Bechdel.  Put me in an odd introspective mood...  Later in the afternoon I tackled Vol. 6 and Vol. 7 of Sandman.  Always a great read!  And a fun little vampire and zombie graphic novel.  Very inventive!

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 8.0 is here!

Goals:

• Read at least 1000 pages (better milestone for me than books completed)
• Commit to reading at least 2 hours a day

TBR Pile (I won't get to all these, I know, but a wide selection seems to work better than to limit myself to a small set of books):

• The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
• Sandman Vol. 6 by Neil Gaiman
• Sandman Vol. 7 by Neil Gaiman
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• The Host by Stephenie Meyer
• Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
• Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
• The New Deadwardians
• American Vampire

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 8.0 is Coming!

It's that time again...  my favorite readathon of the year (or multiple times a year).  I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to commit to the readathon this season, but with big changes in my job, I have the time.  I want to keep my perfect attendance!  No, really!  I've been a participant since the beginning and I'm not ready to stop now.  Now I just need to figure out my TBR pile (and my choices for book club).  If you want to join us, click on the pic to link to the Bout of Books blog.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

High Summer Readathon -- Finish Line

Goals:

• Finish A Storm of Swords  √
• Start and possibly finish another book √

Page Total: 588 (A Storm of Swords) + 308 (The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor) + 38 (The Bleeding Dusk) = 924 pages

Woohoo!  Look at all the progress I made this week.  I really didn't think that I would get much reading done this week, but I exceeded all my expectations.  I finished my giant novel, start and finished another novel, and started a third.  Lots of good focus on reading this week.

High Summer Readathon Update #4

Reading Progress: 238 of The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor

I finished A Storm of Swords yesterday and felt the need for something a bit less heavy (topic and size), so I picked up my last remaining library book.  I love me some zombie books.  I dove in today and have almost finished the book.  It's a quick read.  I'm sure I will finish it by tomorrow night.

High Summer Readathon Update #3

Reading Progress: 287 pages of A Storm of Swords

I finally finished A Storm of Swords.  So excited about the book today and my overall progress this readathon.  I've read close to 600 pages all while working, taking care of the boys, and doing the usual household stuff.  Tomorrow I hope to start my next book, but we'll see how the day goes.

High Summer Readathon Update #2

Reading Progress: 221 pages of A Storm of Swords

I was a reading fool today!  221 pages in one day is crazy for me, especially attempting to take care of the boys (feeding, conversing, laundry).  I am getting close to the end (about 250 pages to go) and Martin is absolutely killing me.  In that, Martin is killing all the people I like.

High Summer Readathon Update #1

Reading Progress: 80 pages of A Storm of Swords

I jumped back into A Storm of Swords.  I am determined to finisht his book over the course of this week.  I started this readathon already having read 589 pages read (mass market paperback).  That means that I only have 588 pages to read (not counting today's page count).  I think I can do it, I think I can do it...

High Summer Readathon -- Starting Line

Usually for readathons, I have a huge TBR pile and list of goals.  Unfortunately, my life is so busy right now that expecting a huge amount of books read this coming week is just crazy.  Therefore, I am scaling back my goals to something much more realistic.  I still want to focus on reading this week and want to accomplish something.

Goals:

• Finish A Storm of Swords 
• Start and possibly finish another book

High Summer Readathon

From Seasons of Reading:

It's time to sign up for the High Summer Read-a-Thon! I hope you will join me this month for the week of July 22. We will start on Monday, 7/22 at 12:00am CST and finish on Sunday, 7/28 at 11:59pm CST (adjust times according to your time zone). Read what you like during the week. I've decided it's not about quantity, but quality (although those who rock the quantity...I salute you!). So, if you have kids and want to read children's books, go for it! As always, this is a week long read-a-thon, but you can join in and read whenever it's convenient for you. It's all about being laid back and getting some reading done.

I will not be hosting any mini-challenges, as we learned from my last few read-a-thons, focusing on the reading rocks. However, if anyone else would like to host a mini-challenge (or giveaway), you are more than welcome...just let me know. If you know someone who would like to donate a prize, or authors, if you would like to promote your book through the read-a-thon, please contact me via the tab at the top of the blog. We will also have a few scheduled Twitter chats again. I will announce the times in the starting line post. Our Twitter hashtag is #HSreadathonYou do not have to have a blog. You can sign up using your Goodreads, Twitter, or Facebook accounts.

I have stayed away from readathons this summer as the boys and work have keep me very busy.  But, I've always enjoyed no-fuss readathons.  I feel like it's time to join up again.  I will be posting my TBR pile and goals on Sunday July 21st.  But if you want to join up, head on over to Seasons of Reading and sign up with us!

Bout of Books 7.0 is Done!

Pages read today: 65

Total pages read: 1230

Total books read: 4

Comments: This week didn't go as well as the previous Bout of Books.  Having a full time job really put a dent in my reading time.  I just don't have that much time each day to devote to reading.  That being said, I am really excited about my accomplishments this week.  Four plus books, over 1200 pages read, and all things I liked.

Goals:

• Read at least two books √
• Review all books read √
• Participate in at least 2 challenges -- failed miserably
• Participate in at least 1 Twitter chat -- also failed

TBR Pile:

• The Walking Dead Book 5
• The Walking Dead Book 6
• The Walking Dead Book 7
• The Walking Dead Volume 17
• The Walking Dead Book 8
• Sixteen Brides (finished before readathon started)
• Emma
• The Hostage (in progress)

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 7.0 Day 5 and 6

Pages read today: 253

Total pages read: 1165

Comments: I wanted to read The Walking Dead: Book 8, but alas it was not to be.  The library only had Volume 17 (1/2 of Book 8), so I read that instead.  And I started The Hostage today.  I hope to finish it tomorrow, but I am uncertain as to the time I will be reading... Hoping to finish strong!

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 7.0 Day 3 and 4

Pages read today: 304

Total pages read: 912

Comments: I finished reading The Walking Dead Book 7 and I am starting of working through Book 8.  I should finish this series soon.  I think I've made some good progress during this readathon.  I hope to continue my reading for the last few days.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 7.0 Day 1 and 2

Pages read today: 608

Total pages read: 608

Comments: I ended up finishing Sixteen Brides before the readathon started, so I'm starting fresh today.  A bit of an update: somehow my blog went down last night and I wasn't able to update it.  I did end up finishing Book 5 and 6 of The Walking Dead.  I do love me some zombies.  Now I can't decide if I want to read the next Walking Dead book or Emma by Jane Austen.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 7.0 is Here!

Here we go again...  for the seventh time and it hasn't gotten old.  I love this readathon.  I love having a week to focus on my reading.  I love the twitter chats.  I love seeing what other participants are reading/doing.  I love connecting with other readers.  This is hands-down my favorite readathon of the year.  Since I am now working full time, I've had to be more realistic about my goals this time around, but I still want to focus on reading.  Here we go:

Goals:

• Read at least two books
• Review all books read
• Participate in at least 2 challenges
• Participate in at least 1 Twitter chat

TBR Pile:

• The Walking Dead Book 5
• The Walking Dead Book 6
• The Walking Dead Book 7
• The Walking Dead Book 8
• Sixteen Brides (already in progress)
• Emma
• The Hostage

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 7.0 is Coming!!!!!

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Super duper excited about this one!!!! I love the Bout of Books readathon.  I've participated in every one since the beginning and I'm not about to break that now...  Because of my job, my time won't be as dedicated as in the past, but I'll definitely be reading.  Now to go look at my TBR stacks for a reading list...  Hope to see everything on the 13th!

TCoYTP Finish Line

Pages Read Today: 123  (The Doomsday Vault)

Pages Read Total: 787

Books Read: 3+

Comments: About 1/3 of the way through The Doomsday Vault and I'm loving the adventure, steampunk, and zombies.  Definitely a winner!

Goals:

• Read 2 books √
• Review all books read √

TBR Pile for March (what's left):

• Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson
• Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (iPad)
• Sandition by Jane Austen (iPad)
• Coraline by Neil Gaiman (iPad)
• P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
• Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts
• The Doomsday Vault by Steven Harper (in progress)
• A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
• Confessions of a Vampire’s Girlfriend by Katie MacAlister
• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
• London Eye byTim Lebbon
• The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
• Next by Michael Crichton

TCoYTP Update #3

Pages Read Today: 199 (Valley of Silence)

Pages Read Total: 664

Books Read: 3

Comments: Finally finished Nora Roberts' Circle Trilogy.  Very good series overall!

TCoYTP Update #2

Pages Read Today: 153 (Valley of Silence)

Pages Read Total: 465

Books Read: 2+

Comments: Didn't get as much reading today as I had hoped.  I got distracted by food and organization. However, I did make quite a dent in my new book.  I should be finishing it tomorrow.

TCoYTP Update Day #1

Pages Read Today: 84 (Let's Pretend This Never Happened) + 228 (London Eye)

Pages Read Total: 312

Books Read: 2

Comments: Finished Jenny Lawson's awesome memoir! And read an entire book in one setting...  Great start to the readathon!