Bout of Books 9.0 Day #5

Pages Read Today: 147 (The Fault in Our Stars)

Pages Read Total: 455

Reading Helpers: Caramel cocoa and late nights with baby.

Challenges: None for me.

Comments: Wednesday we were gone almost all day with with family.  I read a bit before bed, but wasn't going to take the time to do an update post.  I'm slowly slowly getting through The Fault in Our Stars, but time is just getting away from me.  I definitely won't be meeting my goals, but I do want to at least finish TFiOS by Sunday.

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, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th 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 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 9.0 Day #2

Pages Read Today: 64 (Medium Raw)

Pages Read Total: 308

Reading Helpers: A snuggly baby, chocolate peppermint bark, and an Arnold Palmer.

Challenges: Another day of me not entering any challenges.

Comments: Finished Medium Raw today.  A great book!  Love Bourdain's crazy perspective.  I plan on starting The Fault in Our Stars tonight before bed.  Can't wait to dive in...

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, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th 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 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain

Title: Medium Raw

Author: Anthony Bourdain

Publisher: HarperCollins 2010

Genre: Memoir; Food

Pages: 308

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; ebook; 52 Books - W2

Medium Raw marks the return of the inimitable Anthony Bourdain, author of the blockbuster bestseller Kitchen Confidential and three-time Emmy Award-nominated host of No Reservations on TV’s Travel Channel. Bourdain calls his book, “A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook,” and he is at his entertaining best as he takes aim at some of the biggest names in the foodie world, including David Chang, Alice Waters, the Top Chef winners and losers, and many more. If Hunter S. Thompson had written a book about the restaurant business, it could have been Medium Raw.

I read Kitchen Confidential last year, and I have to say that I enjoyed this one more infinitely more.  I think my main issue with KC was that at times it was so technical.  Because I do not have a background in cooking, there are terms and techniques that I just don't know.  I had to stop periodically to look something up to truly understand what Bourdain was discussing.  This book is a lot more friendly to the average reader. We are treated to the personal views of Bourdain as they relate to the food industry.  I loved his chapters about the Food Network and its stars.  I loved the chapters highlighting specific chefs.  And I really loved the chapters where he discussed his own transitioning thoughts and ideas.  It was a nice companion to his No Reservations television series.  Very enjoyable read!

Bout of Books 9.0 Day #1

Pages Read Today: 244 (Medium Raw)

Pages Read Total: 244

Reading Helpers: Chai Latte and chocolate chip cookies

Challenges: I didn't complete either for today, just focused on reading.

Comments: The actual temperature is below zero today with a wind chill around -30 degrees.  The entire city is snowed in.  It's a perfect day to start a readathon.  And I'm really enjoying Medium Raw.  Can't wait to finish it!

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, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th 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 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 9.0 is right around the corner!

This is my kick off post for the start of the readathon tomorrow.  I'm ready to get this thing going.  Before the readathon started, I had already started my 2014 reading.  But this coming week is when I kick everything into high gear.  I plan on reading as much as I can and participate in some challenges.  I know that Tuesday will be a wash with traveling back to California.  Traveling with baby seriously impedes my ability to read while flying.  But that's okay!  I have six other days to read and enjoy myself.

Goals:

• Read 5 books
• Read 1000 pages
• Review all books read
• Participate in 2 challenges (hopefully more, but this is my minimum)

TBR Pile: My various selections.  I won't get to all these, but this is my pile of options.

• High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
• Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
• Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein
• A Room with a View by E.M. Forster
• Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton
• The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

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, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th 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 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 9.0 is coming!

Join us... you know you want to!

Super excited for my 9th round!  I'm thinking about my goals and what I want to read.  I'll post a starting line post with goals and book choices on Sunday.  Spread the word and join us for some fun!

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, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th 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 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books 8.0 is Done! (Until Next Time...)

Pages Read Today: 118 (Pride and Prejudice)

Pages Read Total: 1976

Challenges: None

Comments: Another case of me getting busy with life and forgetting to update and participate in challenges.  Thankfully that did not mean that I forgot to read.  After finishing The Host, I rented the movie and watched it to complete my review.  That left me with the agony of choosing the next book.  I decided to finish the readathon by starting Pride and Prejudice.  And what a great choice!  It's been a few years since I read this one.  Diving in, the book felt like a return home.  I am really enjoying rediscovering the world of Elizabeth Bennet.  I don't want to rush through the novel, but I'm sure I'll finish in a few days.

Goals:

• Read at least 1000 pages √
• Commit to reading at least 2 hours a day √

TBR Pile:

• 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 (in progress)
• 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

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Title: The Host

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Publisher: Back Bay Books 2008

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 620

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Paranormal -- Aliens; TBR Pile; Book to Movie; Bingo -- 3 rereads

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

A reread for me.  With the release of the movie this year, I wanted to reread the book and do a bit of comparison.  I remember that I enjoyed The Host more than the Twilight series, but I wanted to see if my memories lived up.  They do live up to my memories.  I really enjoyed this book.  The story of the aliens taking over Earth through body snatching isn't anything new.  But Melanie/Wanderer's story of understanding and identity is nice and unique.  I loved following their slow realization that neither of them are the enemy.  And watching the love triangle (or is it a square?) develop did not annoy me like in the Twilight series.  This one felt genuine.  I loved rereading this book.  And I'll even admit to ugly crying in parts.

Movie:

Overall, I quite enjoyed this adaptation. I'll admit that the voiceovers for Melanie and Wanderer's internal conversations were awkward, but the movie kept them to a minimum.  The actors actually portray their characters well.  The movie spent a lot of time following the searcher, but it added to the heightened fear of capture.  My favorite character was Jeb played by William Hurt.  He captured that exact mix of crazy and genius that I loved from the book.  I went into the viewing thinking I would hate the movie, but it turns out that I really enjoyed it.

Bout of Books 8.0 Day #4 and 5

Pages Read Today: 620

Pages Read Total: 1858

Reading Helpers: Lots of yogurt, bagels, and juice.  My usual breakfast foods.

Challenges: None

Comments: I completely missed a day of challenges and updates. But don't worry, I was reading the entire time.  I started and finished The Host (reread) and am waiting until tomorrow to watch the movie version.  Very excited.  Now to pick my next selection.

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

American Vampire by Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, and Stephen King

Title: American Vampire

Author: Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, and Stephen King

Publisher: Vertigo 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror

Pages: 200

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

How I Got It: Library Loan

This volume follows two stories: one written by Snyder and one written by King. Snyder's story is set in 1920's LA, we follow Pearl, a young woman who is turned into a vampire and sets out on a path of righteous revenge against the European Vampires who tortured and abused her. This story is paired with King's story, a western about Skinner Sweet, the original American Vampire-- a stronger, faster creature than any vampire ever seen before with rattlesnake fangs and powered by the sun.

This was a refreshing change from the sparkly vampires.  Here we get classic horror.  Vampires with a vicious streak.  Vampires consumed with blood.  Vampires would transform into something truly grotesque.  I was riveted from the opening page.  Snyder and King's stories blend seamlessly together to create a unique tale of the first American Vampire.  I loved seeing Skinner and Pearl evolve into something new and compare them to the old style European vampires.  Vampire clan wars are too much fun!  I am really wanting to get back to the library to snap up the next volume.

Bout of Books 8.0 Day #3

Pages Read Today: 200 (American Vampire Vol. 1)

Pages Read Total: 1238

Reading Helpers: Mocha and a cranberry scone for breakfast reading at the coffeehouse.  Roasted garlic humus and Triscuit crisps for afternoon reading time.

Challenges: TBR List Challenge @ Musings of a Bookshop Girl:

Which 5 books are at the top of your TBR pile at this moment?

1. The Host by Stephenie Meyer -- Want to reread and then rent the movie version.  I keep shoving it farther down the pile...
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen -- I have to reread a few Austen novels each year.  I haven't gotten to this on in awhile.  I think it's time.
3. The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon -- After The Shadow of the Wind, I am in love with Zafon's writing.
4. A Feast for Crows by George RR Martin -- Need to get my Song of Fire and Ice fix.  This one's up next for me.
5. Gale Force by Rachel Caine -- I am determined to finish the Weather Warden's series this year.  I have the last three books, but shoved them aside for half a year.

If I gave you a wad of cash and sent you into a bookshop right now, which 5 books would you buy to add to the stack?

1. Prisoner of Heaven of Carlos Ruiz Zafon -- Love Zafon's writing.  Need the third book to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series.
2. Emma by Jane Austen (Penguin Clothbound Edition) -- Slowly replacing my crappy editions with the beautiful Penguin Clothbound Editions.  Emma is next on my list to replace.
3. A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin -- Duh!  Need the next one!
4. Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale -- Been wanting to read this sequel for awhile now.
5. Bossypants by Tina Fey -- How have I not read this yet?  I adore Tina Fey.  Really need to get on this.

Comments: I had actual work to do today, so my reading time was cut in half.  I did make it through the comic, American Vampire Vol. 1.  True horror in its essence.  I think I might need to pick up Volume 2...

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

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

Title: The Sugar Queen

Author: Sarah Addison Allen

Publisher: Bantam 2009

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 294

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Genre -- Fairy Tale; What's in a Name -- Kitchen Find; TBR Pile; Dusty Bookshelf

How I Got It: I own it!

Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night…. Until she finds her closet harboring Della Lee Baker, a local waitress who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother. With Della Lee’s tough love, Josey’s narrow existence quickly expands. She even bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who is hounded by books that inexplicably appear when she needs them—and who has a close connection to Josey’s longtime crush. Soon Josey is living in a world where the color red has startling powers, and passion can make eggs fry in their cartons. And that’s just for starters.

Another entertaining Allen book.  I caught on to the twist early on, but still really enjoyed seeing the plot unfold.  I immediately rooted for Josey and loved Della Lee.  Amazing characters!  And the addition of Chloe was nice.  As the story progressed, you couldn't help but root for Josey and Chloe to get their own lives apart from moms and boyfriends.  It's always nice to see female characters assert themselves for identity.  By the last chapter I was completely in tears, not from sadness, but from happiness at the character growth.  I can't wait to see how the other book club members felt about the book and get Allen's newest book.

Bout of Books 8.0 Day #2

Pages Read Today: 294 (The Sugar Queen)

Pages Read Total: 1038

Reading Helpers: A sesame seed bagel with cream cheese and key lime greek yogurt for breakfast.  An Arnold Palmer, chili, and cornbread for dinner.  Fitting dinner considering the setting of the book in North Carolina during winter.

Challenges: Didn't participate today... hopefully I can jump on the challenge tomorrow.

Comments: I had a friend and her little boy over for lunch and a pool date, so not a huge amount of reading done today.  After they left, I had a few household chores to do and just needed a bit of television time (Smallville S10, determined to finish this month).  I did start and finish my book club selection and am loving it! Of course, I knew I liked Sarah Addison Allen's books.  It's not a huge surprise that I like this one.  And I've already surpassed my week page count goal of 1000 pages.  This readathon is rocking!

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 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

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