1. What are you reading right now?
I’m very nearly finished with Dead of Night by Jonathan Maberry and We The Animals by Justin Torres. Haven’t finished a book yet today, but since I’m almost finished with these — when I do I’ll have TWO under my belt. Holla.
2. How many books have you read so far?
–see above answer
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
I’m considering reading Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I’ve seen everyone completely freak out about that one for a long time now. I won’t know for sure until I finish the first books because I CAN’T PLAN AHEAD!!
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
Kind of. My husband agreed to cook today and take the kids (3 of them!) for me. So he made pancakes for breakfast, took the kids on a nice long bike ride for several hours this afternoon, then came home and grilled out for dinner. Normally he would never have had to do all of this by himself. I totally appreciate it!
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
It isn’t possible to have children at home without interruptions, but they understand what a readathon is and they are great at being supportive of it. I must say they’ve kept their interruptions at a minimum. The worst interruption for me today is the noise level. I realized while they were all gone that I read much more efficiently in a readathon if I’m home alone.
ALSO, the interruptions are the reason I don’t set concrete goals for myself. Because I know to anticipate them, I don’t feel disappointment in myself that I haven’t totally finished my book yet. I know that if I keep with it, I will soon. 🙂
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
Honestly, I think I had built up this particular readathon so much in my head that I thought there would be tons more cheerleading. Maybe my blog and twitter has been especially quiet and hit-or-miss, but it is a little disheartening to me.
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
No.
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
I don’t really know! Ask me again in 12 more hours!
9. Are you getting tired yet?
Yes! All day long I’ve wanted to throw in the towel and sleep. At this point, I’m considering it…
10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?
I would say to the other readers and cheerleaders, to spread the love with the cheerleading. It means a lot to everyone. Try and visit blogs that you don’t normally visit and interact with people you don’t normally interact with. I was super excited about this 12 hours ago…now I’m not feeling it and I know that the encouragement and support and “we’re-in-it-togetherness” of the reading community tends to make a difference with events like this.
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Update:
I finally finished Dead of Night by Jonathan Maberry!
WOW, that ending…
If you’re a fan of the TV show The Walking Dead or
if you love zombies, you will probably love that book.
Just wanted to share that with everyone.
Now I’m about to finish my second book.
Keep at it, everybody…Hang in there!!!
Aww, I didn't sign up for the Readathon as a reader or cheerleader. I'm cheering for you, though! Please don't be disheartened!
I am jealous about Shatter Me! With all of the reviews and excitement that I've seen, it should be your next. Sounds like it will be great to keep your attention and keep you awake! 🙂
*Does a cartwheel* Goooooo Asheley!
Aww, I know what you mean. My blog has been a little quiet today too. :/ I'm trying really hard to strike up conversations on Twitter though.
Don't get too disheartened! 🙂 Enjoy the next 12 hours of the read-a-thon!!
I totally agree about the cheering! But KEEP GOING and we shall make this fun yet!! Let's knit together and become more of a community, damnit.
I'm here to cheer! Cool that you are about to finish not one, but two books! You're doing great!
You're doing great. I think I only finished one book last readathon. Have fun!
Encouragement! Encouragement! Thanks for cheering me on at Literary Lindsey. I totally understand about trying to readathon with kiddos, although I only have one! Happy Reading!
I hope you are still going!! Dont' throw in the towel. You can do it!! Happy Reading.
I think 4 is a sensible number of books to get through if you're not reading YA or really lightweight stories. Though I think the pressure got to me as picked up my half finished book this morning and was reading much faster!