2010 100+ Reading Challenge

January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010

This challenge is hosted by J-kaye of J-Kays bookblog.

The goal is to read 100 books this year.

1. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Secret Of The Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

2. The Hardy Boys The House On The Cliff by Franklin Dixon

3. Betsy was a Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace

4.Betsy and the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace

5. Coraline The Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman

6. Beowulf by Gareth Hinds

7. The Metamorhosis by Franz Kafka

8. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene

9. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

10. Graphic Classics by O. Henry

11. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene

12. The War of The Worlds by H.G. Wells

13. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare adapted by Gareth Hinds

14. Frankenstein The Graphic Novel by Mary Shelley

The 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

January 1, 2010- December 31, 2010

This challenge is hosted by J-Kaye of J-Kaye's book blog.

I will participate in this challenge at the Super-size level

Support Your Local Library Challenge 2010

January 1, 2010- December 31,2010

This hosted by J-Kaye of J-kaye's book blog.

I will be participating at the Super-size me level which is 100 books.

1. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Secret Of The Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

2. The Hardy Boys The House on The Cliff by Franklin Dixon

3. Betsy was a Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace

4. Betsy and the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace

5. Coraline The Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman

6. Beowulf by Gareth Hinds

7. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

8. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene

9. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

10. Graphic Novel Classics by O. Henry

11. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene

12. The War of The Worlds by H.G. Wells

13. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare adapted by Gareth Hinds

14. Frankenstein The Graphic Novel by Mary Shelley

The Nancy Drew Challenge 2010

January 1, 2010 - December 31,2010

Goal is to read the entire Nancy Drew series which I think is 56 books.

This is hosted by Deborah of Books, Movies and Chinese Food.

1. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Secret Of The Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
2. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene

3. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene

The Big Read V The Woman In White January 2010

January 2010

Leila of Bookshelves of Doom is hosting another read-along challenge, The Big Read V: The Woman in White.

This is the schedule I'll be following:

January 6: The First Epoch: The Story Begun by Walter Hartright, Chapters I-VIII
January 8: Walter Hartright, Chapters IX-XV
January 11: The Story Continued by Vincent Gilmore; The Story Continued by Marian Halcombe
January 13: The Second Epoch: The Story Continued by Marian Halcombe, Chapters I-V
January 15: Marian Halcombe, Chapters VI-X; Postscript
January 18: The Story Continued by Frederick Fairlie, Esq.; The Story Continued by Eliza Michelson
January 20: The Story Continued in Several Narratives (This is a really short section, which will allow for any needed catching up.)
January 22: The Third Epoch: The Story Continued by Walter Hartright, Chapters I-VI
January 25: Walter Hartright, Chapters VII-XI
January 27: The Story Continued by Mrs. Catherick; The Story Continued by Walter Hartright, Chapters I-VII
January 29: The Story Continued by Isidor, Ottavio, Baldassare Fosco; The Story Concluded by Walter Hartright, Chapters I-III

The Tudor Book Challenge

January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010

This challenge is many levels I chose the Courtier level which is 7 tudor related books. This challenge is hosted by Michelle of Benedictionary.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

List of books forthcoming.

Graphic Novel Challenge 2010

January 1, 2010- December 31, 2010

This is hosted by

- Nymeth from things mean a lot and. Chris from Stuff Dreams are made of.

Goal: Intermediate (3-10 graphic novels)

1. Coraline by Neil Geiman
2. Beowulf by Gareth Hinds
3.The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
4. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
5. Graphic Classics by O. Henry
6. The War of The Worlds by H.G. Wells
7. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare adapted by Gareth Hinds
8.Frankenstein The Graphic Novel by Mary Shelley
9.
10.

Manga Challenge 2010

January 1, 2010- December 31 2010

The goal is to read a minimum of 6 mangas. There will be the odd prize throughout the year and bonus points if you manage to watch at least one anime film or 3 episodes of a series

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Film or Anime series:

Hours 19-20

Books read :10

Pages read so far: 1691

Minutes read:1130

Well everyon this it. I made it farther than I thought I was. Maybe next time will make it to 24. Everytime I have done this I have stayed up longer each time

Thank you Dreadlock girl for hosting this. I really enjoyed myself. I made my reading time goal but not my book goal but that is ok. I will do better next time but now I can barely keep

my yes open.

Hour 17 and 18

Total books read so far: 8

Total pages read 1499

Number of mins spent reading:1065mins

I had another graphic novel and a short juvenile chapter book. I did spend as much time reading much because I was cleaning up the bedroom to prepare for my husband's arrival and I have not seen him since July. So the kids and I are excited. I am now moving on to another Hardy Boys Graphic novel. If I do not fall asleep I will try another one the graphic novel after that. I am on 9 of 12 goal books. I did make it past 2am so that is accomplishment for me.

Hours 15 and 16 of the #rrreadathon

Number of books read: 6

Number of pages read so far: 1241

Number of mins reading 990mins

No snacks these couple of hours but I did have a grape soda and a shower. I will take 15 min breaks of course every hour but trying to do some last minute cleaning before hubby comes home from Kansas. I have not seen him since July. Up next: A HARDY Boys Graphic novel and then another short Nancy Drew Girl Detective chapter book.

I wonder who is still up. These last few hours are the hardest the longest I have been up was till 4am I wonder if I will make it past that this time.

Hours 13-14

Books read so far 4.95

Pages read so far: 1075

Time spent reading 915mins

I finished Betrayed this hour and I have a little over 10 pages left in the graphic novel that I started. Then moving to a short Nancy Drew Girl Detective Novel. Then back to the Hardy boys graphics and alternate for awhile. Hope to start the book by Steve Colbert which is the last in my stack.

Hours 11-12

Number of books read 3.50

Number of pages 725

Number of mins 660

Goals for the next 2 hours to finish Betrayed finally. I have been reading it all night lol. I hope to finish it by midnight.

Dinner was good and so I probably will not be hungry till sometime after 1am.

I visited blogs that come up on twitter and in my google reader and made comments all day.

Hours 9-10 of the #Rrreadthon

Books read 3.5

Pages read so far: 675

Mins spent reading 615

My math in keep up with this is garbage as I can see so I might stop adding minutes and wait till the end to tally up the pages.

I am still on my 4th book and I should finish it in the next 2 hours. Then it will a graphic novel marathon for awhile so that should keep me awake.

Hours 7-8 of the #rrreadathon

Books read so far: 3

Number of pages read so far: 605pgs

Number of mins spent reading 570 mins

Food eaten so far 5 twizzlers and some potato casserole.

Up next is Betrayed by P.C and Kristen Cast. Which I will be reading over the next 3 hours. I will also have to take a break after my next update because it will be dinner time for the kids. Then hopefully get them in bed between 930 and 10pm.

Hours 4-6 of the #rrreadathon

Total books read 2.25

Total pages read so far: 467

Total time read: 480 mins

I took of 30 mins instead of 15 to feed the kids that did not appreciate it oh well. Back to reading

I am currently reading The Hardy Boys The Tower Treasure and it is good so far a lot better than Evermore I wonder when these Authors are gonna realize that the appeal of the book will wane in about 5 years. Heck Oprah will not have a show after 2011 and I am not sure how long DrPhil will last.

Hours 3-5

Number of books read so far: 1.5 books still.

Number of pages read: 226 pages

Number of pages total: 420pages

Book Currently reading: Evermore

Mom duties changing a pullup and setting up tv. In this next hour coming up I will make lunch for the kids. I hope to finish Evermore by the next update in a few hours.

Hours 2-3 of the #rrreadathon

Books read : 1.5

Books completed: 1 Fade by Lisa McCann

Number of pages read so far:264

Meal: I cherry twizzler. I don't really eat while I read.

Hours spent reading : 2hr and 25 mins

I am doing pretty good with my reading so far I am on schedule for my goal. The only problem I am having now is that the constant interruptions from the kids. I am also having trouble getting into Evermore because it is too pop culturish. Which can get very annoying. Fade was much better cause it left all that type of stuff out. I understand that it is a YA book but they need to see that this stuff they are writing will seem archaic too the current generations children.

Hour 1 of the #RRReadathon

Books completed: 0

Pages read:94

Mins spent reading 45.

Listening to Pandora Quick Mix Station

Ate: Nothing but that will change the next hour

The next hour I hope to Finish Fade since I have less than 100 pages left. I willo then move on to Evermore by Alyson Noel.

Feeling accomplished now off to make the kids some oatmeal and read for 45 more mins

Starting post for the #rrreadathon

I am officially starting the rrreadathon now my goal is to finish at least 12 books the first book I will begin with is Fade by Lisa McCann. During my rrreadathon I will be listening to twitter and of course taking breaks to tend to the kids. Good luck to everyone participating. I will update every hour to 2hours and of course alternating commenting on two people above and two people below me.

Good Luck all

Thanks to Dreadlockgirl for making this possible.

Shannan

RRREADATHON Book List

I will be participating in this readathon as much as I can. I am going to try to finish 12 books so that will give me about 2 hours per book. That will be my goal.

Here is my list of books for the Rrreadathon.

1. Fade by Lisa McCann

2. Betrayed by P.C. and Kristen Cast

3.Evermore by Alyson Noel

4.The Hardy Boys and The Tower Treasure by Franklin Dixon

5. Nancy Drew Girl Detective Lights Camera by Carolyn Keene

6. Nancy Drew Girl Detective Action by Carolyn Keene

7. Nancy Drew Ghost Stores by Carolyn Keene

8. The Hardy Boys Board To Death by Scott Lobdell

9. The Hardy Boys To Die or Not To Die by Scott Lobdell

10. The Hardy Boys Haley Danelle's Top Eight by Scott Lobdell

11.The Hardy Boys SHHHHHH by Scott Lobdell

12. I Am America and So Can You by Stephen Colbert

This is just a start since some are graphic novels I will probably try to finish out the Betsy and Tacy series I started last readathon.

See ya Saturday.

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

Todays teaser comes from Betrayed by P.C. and Kristen Cast.

I made my way over to the long, linen-draped table that ran the length of one wall. It was filled with expensive cheese and meat platters, desserts, coffee, tea, and wine. I'd been at the House of Night for a month, and it still was shocking to me that wine is served so readily here.(pg6)

What is your teaser

What are you reading Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by J-Kaye.

What I completed this week:
Nancy Drew Girl Detective the Fake Heir by Stephen Petruka
Nancy Drew Girl Detective Mr. Cheeters is Missing by Stefan Petrucka
Nancy Drew Girl Dectective A Race Against Time by Carolyn Keene
High School Debut Vol1 by Kuzune Kawahara

What I am currently in the middle of:
Can You Forgive Her by Anthony Trollope (34 of 423)
Betrayed by P.C. and Kristen Cast (4 of 319)
Evermore by Alyson Noel (4 of 301)
Fade by Lisa McMann (50 of 248)

What I hope to start this week:
None I am hoping to finish 3 of these by the end of this week.

What are you reading this week?

Mailbox Mondays

This is as weekly meme hosted by Marcia of Printed Page





From Back cover:

Sentenced to life in prison when he executes the men who murdered his wife, Kane Silver is singled out by the warden for his fighting ability. Along with inmates Valentino Lopez and Si'Ling Lee, Kane is drafted into service and forced to fight for money in high -stakes tournaments. But when the three firends escape during New Years's Eve match in Lake Tahoe saving the warden's life in the process-- thier situation becomes more complicated.

Their status undetermeined, they vanish underground and sign on to help a young woman whose parents are being held by an Argentinean drug kingpin. Follow Kane and his friends as they compete and grow closer while rediscovering what it means to be free. From Lake Tahoe and the western United States to Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, and Thailand, Life After 1987 takes readers on an exhilarating ride filled with big money, intense action, justice and pursuit of honor.

This was sent to me by the author Wade J Haverson

What are you reading Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by J-Kaye.

What I completed this week:

Shadow's Kiss by Richelle Mead

Kit and The Mystery of The Zoo by Katheleen Ernest

Goong by So Hee Park

The Hardy Boys #1 The Ocean of Osyra by Scotte Lobdell

Nancy Drew Girl Detectiv #1 The Demon of River Heights by Stephan Petrucha

Wake by Lisa McCann

Derby Girl by Shauna Cross

What I am currently reading:

Fade by Lisa McCann

What I hope to start and complete this week:

Evermore by Alison Noel

Blue Moon by Alison Noel

GodChild Vol 1-2

Untamed by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Betrayed by P.C. and Kristin Cast

What are you reading this week?

Tuesday Teaser

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

This week's teaser comes from Marked by P.C. Cast.

Also, it is assumed that their leader is being groomed to be a High Priestess, so she 's supposed to be the heart, mind and spirit of the school- as well as a future leader in vamp society, et cetera, et cetera, blah blah. Think National Merit Scholar in charge of the Honor society mixed with ceerleaders and band fags."


What is your teaser this week?

Mail Box Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by Marcia of Printed Page.

I only received only on book in the mail this week which is great for me because I have been turning down reviews because I am over my limit at the library.

I received this from the author to read and review.



Product Description from Amazon.com
What if you found out that everything you thought you knew was a lie? That the people you loved and trusted kept a life changing secret from you? These are a few of the questions Amanda Martineau must answer in The Truth Lies in the Dark. As a child Amanda survived a plane crash that killed her parents and left her with no memory of her life before the accident. Raised by her grandparents, she only knows what they have told her about her past and her family. But her reoccurring nightmares tell her something different. They leave her feeling like a stranger in her own mind. Then an unfinished letter written by her grandfather thrusts her deeper into confusion. A business trip with her husband Nick quickly turns into a personal journey to expose the secret of her past. As she searches for answers she only finds more questions. Who can she trust? Who is there to help her and who is there to make sure that the truth remains...in the dark?

What are your reading Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by J-Kaye.

This week I only read about 5 books. Which is pretty good. My reading my slow down a little because I am reading longer books and less Manga.

Books Completed This Week:

Emma Volume 8 by Kaoru Mori
Emma Volume8 by Kaoru Mori
Frostbrite by Richelle Mead
Really Truly Ruthie by Valerie Trip
Rumors by Anna Godberson

What I Currently Reading:

The Other Queen by Phillipia Gregory (Disc 13 of 14)
Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast (pg 54 by 306)

What I Hope to Start:
Shadow's Kiss by Richelle Meade
Betrayed by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
Ink Exchange by Melissa Mar
Night World Vol 1 by L.J. Smith

What are you reading this week?

October Books Wrap up.

This month I managed to complete 48 books which is a record for me. I am also so behind on review I feel I will never catch up. Here is what I read this month.

1.Happy Hustle High Vol 4 by Rie Takada

2. Meet Kit by Valerie Trapp

3. Kit Learns a Lesson by Valerie Trapp

4. Happy Hustle High Vol 5 by Rie Takada

5. Emma Vol 1 By Kaoru Mori

6. Kit Suprise by Valerie Tripp

7. Emma Volume 2 by Kaoru Mori

8. Emma Vol 3 by Kaoru Mori

9. Fruits Basket Vol 1 by Natusuki Takaya

10. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace

11. Nefertiti by Michelle Moran

12. Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

13. The Luxe by Anna Godverson

14. Emma Vol 5 by Kaoru Mori

15. Emma Vol 4 by Kaoru Moir

16. Happy Birthday Kit by Valerie Tripp

17. Fruits Basket Vol 2 by Natsuki Takaya

18. Fruits Basket Vol 3 by Natsuki Takaya

19. Fruits Basket Vol 5 by Natsuki Takaya

20. Fruits Basket Vol 4 by Natsuki Takaya

21. Kit Saves The Day by Valerie Tripp

22. Changes for Kit by Valerie Tripp

23. The Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

24.Fruits Basket Vol 6 by Natsuki Takaya

25. Sushi For One by Camy Tang

26. Betsy-Tacy and Tib by Maud Hart Lovelace

27. Jane Eyre The Graphic Novel by Charlotte Bronte

28. Wild One by Kiyo Funiwara

29 Chocolate Vol 1 by Shin Ji Sang. Geo

30. Chocolat Vol 2 by Shin Ji Sang. Geo

31. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fantaksy

32. Family Constitution by Scott Gale

33. Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill by Maud Hart Lovelace

34. Emma Vol 6 by Kaoru Mori

35. Fruits Basket Vol 7 by Natasuki Takaya

36. Nana Vol 1 Ai Yazawa

37. Chocolat Vol 3 by Shin Ji Sang.Geo

38. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

39. Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace

40. Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace

41. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

42. Nana Vol 2 by Ai Yazawa

43. Betsy in Spite of Herself

44. Emma Vol 8 by Kaoru Mori

45. Emma Vol 9 by Kaoru Mori

46. Frostbite by Richelle Mead

47. Really Truly Ruthie by Valerie Tripp

48. Rumors by Anna Godberson

What did you read this month? A lot of those were read due to my participation in the readathon.

Four Month Challenge

This challenge is hosted by Virginie of Virginie Says. This challenge starts in November 1, 2009. I can't wait I did not get a chance to complete the first one but I hope to complete this one.


5 Point Challenges
Read a book with a proper name in the title Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin

Read a book about a queen or king

Read a book by a Bronte

Read a book about Vampires Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Read a book by V.C. Andrews

10 Point Challenges

Read a book by Canadian author

Read a book by Charles Dickens

Read a book set in France

Read a book by Georgette Heyer

Read an ‘art’ themed book.

15 Point Challenges

Read a book with a Civil War theme (any country)

Read a book with characters inspired by King Arthur or about King Arthur/Camelot

Read a biography/autobiography

Read a book related to or something by Shakespeare

Read a book by an author born in November, December, January or February

20 Point Challenges

Read a book with a wintery theme (Christmas, snow, ice, freezing etc.)

Read a book that was a winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

Read a book that begins with A and one that begins with Z

Read a book from The Modern Library Top 100

Read a book and then write a review

10/250

What are you reading Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by J-Kaye.

Here is what I completed this week:


Chocolate Vol 1-3 Shin J. Sang, Geo
Nana Vol 1-2 AI Yazawa
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fantasky
Family Constitution by Scott Gale
Emma Vol 6 by Kaoru Mori
Fruits Basket Vol 7 by Natasuki Takaya
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace
Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Betsy in Spite of Herself by Maud Hart Lovelace
What I am currently reading:


The Kings Grace by Anne Easter Smith
Emma Vol 8 By Kaoru Mori

What I hope to start this week:

Emma Vol 9 by Kaoru Mori
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Shadow's Kiss by Richelle Mead
Marked by P.C. and Kristen Cast
Betrayed by P.C. and Kristen Cast

What are you reading this week?

Readathon Hour 24 and Wrap-up Post

Books I read: Nana Vol 2

#of pages read this hour: 208

Time spent reading: 40 mins

Mini-Challenges completed: 0

#of pages total read this far: 1788

Total books completed so far: 7

Snacks/Meals eaten: none

My Thoughts: I overslept because I was going to go be up to read the last to hours but I did not set my alarm right so I woke up at at 7:10 I decided to pick up a graphic novel cause I usually can whiz through those without interruption in less than an hour.

Wrap-up Post

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Hour 18 so I went to sleep after it and woke up in hour 24

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

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? None

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? Get more graphic novels and try The American Girl series

5. How many books did you read? 7

6. What were the names of the books you read? Betsy and Tacy go Downtown, Vampire Academy, Nana Vol 1-2, Heaven to Betsy, Wintergirls, Chocolat Vol 3, Betsy in Spite of Herself

7. Which book did you enjoy most? Wintergirls

8. Which did you enjoy least? Heaven to Betsy but really I enjoyed them all.

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? I am going to participate in it again unless my hubby is working that weekend because I am dying of sleep deprivation right now. I will be a reader but I might try to switch and be a cheerleader.

Well that is all folks. I really enjoyed myself now I must get back to real life. 7 hours till the kids bedtime and then I can sleep because I have to work in the morning.

Readathon hours 17-18

Books I read: Wintergirls and Betsy in Spite of Herself

#of pages read this hour: 190

Time spent reading: 1hr and 45mins

Mini-Challenges completed: 0

#of pages total read this far: 1580pgs

Total books completed so far: 6

Snacks/Meals eaten: None

My Thoughts: I am gonna call it a night I have my alarm set for 6am so I will hope to finish Betsy In Spite Of Herself. Good night see ya at 6am hopefully

Readathon hours 13-16

Books I read: 1. 75

#of pages read these 4 hours: 292

Time spent reading: 3hrs

Mini-Challenges completed: 2

#of pages total read this far: 1404

Total books completed so far: 5

Snacks/Meals eaten: Turkey, stuffing. mash potatos and greenbeans(TV dinner), and scooby doo fruit snacks

My Thoughts: I had several interruptions these 4 hours and I will probably only read 2 hours next time and then get a sleeping break. In this hour I hope to complete Wintergirls and start Betsy in Spite of Herself because I am really needing a light read after the emotionally draining Wintergirls.

Readathon Midway Survey.

Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now? Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
2. How many books have you read so far? 4
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Nana Vol 2
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? No, I still had the children hubby is deployed
5. Have you had many interruptions? too many How did you deal with those? I just dealt kids were begging for attention
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? How many books that Deborah read so far
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? None
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? I would make sure the kids are out of town or the hubby takes them away. Or rent a hotel room to read without interruption
9. Are you getting tired yet? No ask me around 12am eastern
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? If you get tired go audio.

Readathon 9-12

Books I read: Heaven to Betsy, Nana and Vampire Academy

#of pages read these hours: 435pgs

Time spent reading: 3hr 30min

Mini-Challenges completed: 0 again I just not had the time.

#of pages total read this far: 1122

Total books completed so far: 4

Snacks/Meals eaten: None

My Thoughts: This has been a decent 4 hours for me so far. My kids are starting to get antsy so I am off to fix dinner for them and get them in the bed within the next 4 hour window. Also in the next 4 hours I hope to finish Vampire Academy. I may even get to start on Nana Vol 2. I hope to get a better dent in Wintergirls since I am listening to it via audiobook while making dinner and getting the kids ready for bed. See yall again in 4 hours.
draft

Readathon hours 5-8

Books I read: Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown and Heaven to Betsy

#of pages read this hour: 359pgs

Time spent reading: 3hr30min

Mini-Challenges completed: 0 this hour

#of pages total read this far: 681pgs

Total books completed so far: 2 books

Snacks/Meals eaten: cheese, scooby gummy snacks, fries and 2 cookies

My Thoughts: We I am just about Betsy and Tacyied out for right now but I hope to finish Heaven to Betsy and then read a Manga for a break from them. I may start Vampire Academy and then go to the last Betsy and Tacy on my list for the Readathon. I think I am doing pretty good despite the interruptions of lunch and entertainment. I will try to do another mini- challenge before getting back to reading.
draft

Readathon hours 1-4

Books I read: Wintergirls and Chocolate Vol 3

#of pages read these 4 hours: 322 pages

Time spent reading: 3hrs40 mins

Mini-Challenges completed: 2

#of pages total read this far: 322pages

Total books completed so far: 1 book

Snacks/Meals eaten: Lunchables Ham, Cheddar + Mini Ritz

My Thoughts: Well I would have read more pages and completed more books but I had to go audiobook because my son had rocket day with the boy scouts. Am I disappointed with myself no because my son enjoyed him self and my daughter had fun at the playground. I will now move on to more serious reading that does not require audiobook. Chocalot was a short Manga of only 200 pages and I enjoyed it its about the trials and tribulations of groupies following their favorite band. The setting takes place in Korea. I have learned a lot about some of the Korean culture through this series.

Hour 1 mini- challenge

Where are you reading from today? In my room, the kitchen and outside of my son's school

3 facts about me … I am a mother, A cat shelter volunteer, A nursing graduate

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? 12 books

Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)? I hope to read at least 6 books, I don't have any goals for the number of pages, I hope to read at least 18 hours and I have not goals on commenting on blogs. So to me there are no set number of comments

If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time? My advice for newbies is if your eyes get tired switch to an audiobook for awhile you are allowed one audiobook I think also if you have kids to cook for that helps as well.

Let The Read-a-Thon Begin

And she is off. I have now officially started the readathon. I thought I would start with the audiobook Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. This reason I am starting with an audiobook is because I will be helping my son out with Rocket Day for his boy scout troop. So not to disappoint him we have decided to do that. Luckily I have enough memory on my blackberry to download it from audible.com. So for the first 4 hours I will be listening to Wintergirls. I will probably use it again when my eyes get tired around 12am. I am going to to do as many hours as I can stay awake.

I have decided to update my blog every 4 hours and complete one mini-challenge per 4 hours. I will be tweeting my progress every hour since its just quick flip to goodreads. My goals for this readathon is to complete at least 6 of the 12 books in my readathon pile.

Here is my readathon pile as of today:

1. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

2.Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace

3.Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace

4.Betsy in Spite of Herself by Maud Hart Lovelace

5. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

6. Frostbite by Richelle Mead

7. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

8. Chocolate Vol 3 by Shin Jisang.Geo

9. Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast

10. Betrayed by P.C. and Kristin Cast

11. Nana Vol 1 by Ai Yazawa

12 Nana Vol 2 by Ai Yazawa

See ya again in 4 hours.....

Friday Fill-in

1. The crickets sing, _chirp chirp____?

2. _____I am happy______ wherever you are.

3. I want to get far away from the __hell hole._________.

4. ________Winning the Lottery___; this was a dream.

5. But as for me _I am happy with my life for the most part__________.

6. ___Do you know where________ I come from

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _Relaxing____, tomorrow my plans include ___Readathon and Rocket day with my son__ and Sunday, I want to ___Relax and catch up on some sleep but I doubt it.__!

Review of The Family Constitution by Scott Gale

Product Details

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Spectrum International Press (January 15, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982296134
ISBN-13: 978-0982296134


Product Description from Amazon.com

What do you get when you cross two working professionals, two active kids and a dog? Chaos! For more than a decade, Scott Gale and his wife, Karen, juggled three bowling bowls- kids, personal needs, and careers. Clear and consistent expectations simply did not factor into their frantic lifestyle. In the wake of a Mother's Day family meltdown, Gale took time to evaluate his family's challenges and induce change, piecing together a powerful tool to restore family harmony. This 'Family Constitution' became the catalyst for clarity, consistency and commitment ('3C's), enabling his family to enjoy mutually understood boundaries and much-needed structure. Your Family Constitution shares Gale's innovative parenting tool and, more importantly, reveals the step-by-step process he went through to become a happier and more effective parent. He guides readers through the rewarding process of creating their own custom Family Constitution, while sharing many hilarious and personal accounts of parenting successes and failures. Your Family Constitution is a life-changing technique that parents can easily apply to make their own families stronger.

My Review:

This book is just what my family needs in our chaotic lives. We are constantly going through issue with discipline. Here in ths book they use the basic principles of the constitution to come up with a solution to help with the most of the common issues that families deal with on a day to day basis.

The author starts the book off by talking about the time his family hit rock bottom. For him it was a wake up call. From then he though there has got to be a better way. So one day he contemplated for a while and came up with the constitution. He figured if the founding fathers had it to help balance power in government then it shoube be adapted into the family setting as well.

He then goes on to discuss a step by step way of framing and creating your own family constitution which would be right for you family. It is divided into 4 chapters with the second part of the book. It includes an appendix at the end of the book that shows the constitution of the Gale family.

Mr. Gale is a very straight-forward he does not sugar coat the results for you. He clearly states that you will not see results right away but if you maintain consitency you will see results. The key is you must reinforce the rules.

I recommend this for any family because it has a lot of valuable tips for helping your household run as smoothly as possible. I hope to incorporate this in my family life as soon as my hubby gets home we will start using the principles in this book.

I rate this book a 4/5

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me for review.

Thursday Thunks

1. If you were to start a meme (or a second or third), what would you call it and what day would you pick? I would pick a Friday. Friday Manga. Since I have an addiction to Manga

2. When a celebrity endorses a product, do you really believe they like it/use it? No, most don't,

3. Why don't zombies ever just eat each other? I guess it kills the thrill of the kill.

4. If you were an elephant, would you rather roam free or be in a zoo? I would roam free I hate to be cooped up.
5. The doorbell rings on October 31st, do you answer it? Yes, cause I would want them to answer for my kids
6. If you see a piece of paper on the ground while out & about, do you pick it up? If so, do you look to see what it is? No, I dont
7. If Jon Gosselin and Octomom got married and then their own reality show, do you think she would try to get pregnant again for better ratings? I am sure she will.
8. If Thursday Thunks was to be put on hold or quit completely, would you be sad? Yes, I kind of like it but I realize that people have their lives.

My Tentative Reading List for the Readathon

I know I will not be able to commit to the full 24 hrs because my son has an activity to go to in the morning but I will hope to complete about 18 hours. It took me awhile to think about my list. I know I am going to do mostly series and switch it up. I will also include some Manga to relieve my eye strain.

Here is my tentative list:

1. Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace

2. Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace

3. Betsy in Spite of Herself

4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

5. Shadow's Kiss by Richelle Mead

6. Nana Vol 1 by Ai Yazawa

7. Nana Vol 2 by Ai Yazawa

8. Chocolate Vol 3 by

9. Marked by P.C. and Karen Cast

10. Betrayed by P.C. and Karen Cast.

This list is subject to change. What is on your list?

Wonderous Words Wednesday

This is a weekly meme created by Bermuda Onion.

My word this week comes from The King's Grace by Anne Easter Smith.

1. addlepated- 1. being mixed up confused 2. eccentric

pg 36. "Forgive me for being addlepated, Grace"

What words did you find this week?

Tuesday Teaser

TEASER TUESDAYS is hosted by ShouldBeReading and asks you to:♠Grab your current read.♠Let the book fall open to a random page.♠Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page.♠You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!♠Please avoid spoilers!

Today's Teaser comes from The Kings Grace by Anne Easter Smith.

Grace wondered if she would ever get used to the wind in Yorkshire as she leaned into it, feeling it loosen the hair pinned beneath two cauls on either side of her head.( pg 11)

What is your teaser?

Mail Box Mondays

This is a weekly meme brought to you by Marcia of The Printed Page

I only recieved one book in the mail this week. Which is good because my house is overflowing with books. When hubby gets back from Iraq he will have a heart attack.

Here is what I recieved from Marcia of The Printed Page:

Recieve me falling by Erika Robuck



Product Description
Every slave story is a ghost story. The haunting words of an historian and former cane worker on the Caribbean island of Nevis launch Meghan Owen on her quest to unlock the secrets of an abandoned sugar plantation and its ghosts. After Meg's parents die in a car accident on the night of her engagement party, she calls off her wedding, takes leave of her job in Annapolis, and travels to land she's inherited on Nevis. A series of discoveries in an old plantation house on the property, Eden, set her on a search for the truth surrounding the shameful past of her ancestors, their slaves, and the tragedy that resulted in the fall of the plantation and its inhabitants. Through a crushing phone call with her lawyer, Meg learns that her father's estate was built on stolen money, and is being sued by multiple sources. She is faced with having to sell the land and plantation home, and deal with the betrayal she feels from her deceased father. In alternating chapters, the historical drama of the Dall family unfolds. Upon the arrival of British abolitionists to the hedonistic 19th century plantation society, Catherine Dall is forced to choose between her lifestyle and the scandal of deserting her family. An angry confrontation with Catherine's slave, Leah, results in the girl's death, but was it murder or suicide? Hidden texts, scandalous diaries, antique paintings, and confessional letters help Meghan Owen uncover the secrets of Eden and put the ghosts to rest.

Thanks Marcia.

What did you recieve in your mailbox this week?

What are you reading Mondays

This is a weekly meme hosted by J-kaye.

What I completed this week:

Kit Saves The Day by Valerie Tripp
Changes for Kit by Valerie Tripp
The Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr
Fruits Basket Vol 6 by Natasuki Takaya
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Betsy- Tacy and Tib by Maud Hart Lovelace
Jane Eyre The Graphic Novel by Charlotte Bronte
Wild Ones by Kiyo Fujiwara

What I am currently reading:

Chocolat by Shin Ji San-Geo
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fanatsky

What I hope to start this week:

Chocolat Vol 2-3 Shin JiSang-Geo
Fruits Basket Vol 7 by Natasuki Takaya
Being Nikki by Meg Cabot
Emma Vol 6 by Karou Mori
Emma Vol 8 by Karou Mori
Betsy and Tacy Over the Big Hill by Maud Hart Lovelace
Misty by V.C. Andrews
Marked by P.C. Cast
The Kings Grace by Anne Easter Smith
Rumors by Anna Godberson
Vampire Academy by Rachel Mead
Frostbite by Rachel Mead.

What are you reading this week?

Review of Kit Learns a Lesson by Valerie Tripp

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 67 pages
Publisher: American Girl Publishing Inc (September 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1584850183
ISBN-13: 978-1584850182

Synopsis from Barnes and Noble.com
Kit hopes her father will find a new job soon so that things can return to the way they were before—with no boarders in the house and no long list of daily chores. But a visit to a soup kitchen shows Kit just how much the Depression has changed everything.


My Review:
In this book the focus is on Kit and her classmates. She and Ruthie sit together in school. They are getting ready for the Thanksgiving season at school. While setting up for a play, a boy in thier class insults Kit. She lashes out and she and Ruthie are punished.

Meanwhile, Kit;s father is looking for a job. He goes down to the city for job interviews but all is not s i t seems.

At the house they are getting ready for more boarders. They need more boarders to help pay bills cause they are starting to get behind.

Overall this is a good book for a young girl. It will teach her what it was like to be a child living in the depression or what some of the less fortunate go through now in this day in time. It is a fast read and is very engaging.

I rate this book a 4/5.

Friday 56

1. Grab the book nearest you right now.
2. Turn to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like).
5. Post a link with your post to Storytime with Tonya and Friends

This weeks Friday 56 comes from Sushi For One by Camy Tang.

"No Sexual immorality, impurity,and all that stuff." " That's in Ephesians too? I have to read my Bible more."


What is your Friday 56 teaser?

Friday Fill-in

1. So are we going __to the movies___?
2. ____A night with my DVR_______ is what's up ahead.
3. I love to ____Sleep_______.
4. _______A toy ____ of some sort.
5. I walk a ___mile rarely________.
6. _______Sleep____ is the true elixir of life!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to __Relaxing___, tomorrow my plans include _taking my son to the dentist and doing a boyscouts thing____ and Sunday, I want to ___ relax__!

Thursday Thunks

1. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.All the king's horses,And all the king's men,Couldn't put Humpty together again.
Why was Humpty Dumpty sitting on that wall? He was guarding the city from intruders

2. If Mother Goose and Father Time had kids, what would they look like and what would they be named? A goose with a clock and will probably also look like Flava Flav. Goosey and Timey for names
3. Does Barbie have kankles? No but she needs some disorder she is so freaking perfect lol

4. Have you ever been featured in a magazine? No.

5. Did your parents keep a baby book for you? If so, how often have you looked through it? Yes, they did and I look at it ever so often. I wish I did a better job keeping one for my kids

6. If someone dropped off a case of candy bars at your front door, what kind of candy bar would you want? (Berleen's question from Insanity Cafe.) I don't eat candy bars. Not a big fan of chocolate

7. Rub-a-dub-dub,Three men in a tub,And how do you think they got there?The butcher, the baker,The candlestick-maker,They all jumped out of a rotten potato,'Twas enough to make a man stare. I guess they were trying to go fishing.

What happened to the rotten potato? Further more, if they jumped out of a rotten potato, do you think they stink? I am sure they don't smell fresh and I am sure the potato fell apart.

Review of Meet Kit by Valerie Tripp

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 70 pages
Publisher: American Girl Publishing Inc (September 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1584850167
ISBN-13: 978-1584850168

Synopsis from Barnes and Noble.com
Kit longs for a big story to write in her daily newspaper for her Dad—that is, until she's faced with news that's really bad. When Mother's friends lose their house and come to stay with her family, it's nothing but trouble for Kit. Then Kit's dad loses his business, and things go from bad to worse. Will life ever be the same again?

My Review:
Set in 1935, During the height of The Great Depression, Kit finds out her father has lost his job as a car salesman. She also finds out that he has used up his family savings. She now comes to realizaation that her family is poor like some of the families she has been hearing about.

Kit's friend Ruthie's family is not one of the families effect by the depression. Her father works at the bank. She does her best as freind to help her friend and her family out.

This is the first in a series written for young firls as an introduction to historical fiction of America in this series they focus on what life was like for a child during the The Great Depression.


I rate this books a 4/5.

Wonderous Words Wednesday

This weekly meme is hosted by Bermuda Onion.

This weeks words come from the The Luxe by Anna Godberson.

1. haranguee- 1. a speech addressed to public assembly. 2. a ranting speech or writing 3. lecture

pg 142 " I won't harangue you with my jealousies any more"

2. Phaeton- 1. any of various light four-wheeled horse drawn vehicle 2. touring car.

pg147-8 The phaeton came to a stop, and Buck climbed almost delicately for a man of his size down to the street so that he could assist Penelope.

3. gesticulated- to make gestures especially when speaking

pg 161 She gesticulated and laughed and pouted and generally made the dress she was sewn into and the room she inhabiting look ridiculous and constraining.

4. filigreed- to adorn with or if with filigree. ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces.

" We've almost got it," Claire said as she puffed up the stairs on to the enclosed iron filigreed porch.

5.epaulet ts- something that ornaments or protects the shoulder a. an ornamental fringed shoulder pad formerly worm as part of a military uniform b. an ornamental strip or loop sewn across the shoulder of dress or coat.

pg 258 There were all the usual people- the sons and daughters of old New York families mixing with new millionaires, in black tails and skirts of tulle and spangled satin- and the naval men, with their epaulets and swords, too.

6. samovar- 1. an urn with a spigot at its base used especially in Russia to boil water for tea. 2. an urn similar to a Russian samovar with a device for heating contents.

p271 Henry went over to the desk, where elaborate samovar sat.

Review for Elizabeth and Mary Cousins, Rivals Queens by Jane Dunn

Product Details
Audio CD
Publisher: Random House Audio; Abridged edition (January 6, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 073930982X
ISBN-13: 978-0739309827

Synopsis from Barnes and Noble.com
The political and religious conflicts between Queen Elizabeth I and the doomed Mary, Queen of Scots, have for centuries captured our imagination and inspired memorable dramas played out on stage, screen, and in opera. But few books have brought to life more vividly than Jane Dunn’s Elizabeth and Mary the exquisite texture of two women’s rivalry, spurred on by the ambitions and machinations of the forceful men who surrounded them. The drama has terrific resonance even now as women continue to struggle in their bid for executive power.Against the backdrop of sixteenth-century England, Scotland, and France, Dunn paints portraits of a pair of protagonists whose formidable strengths were placed in relentless opposition. Protestant Elizabeth, the bastard daughter of Anne Boleyn, whose legitimacy had to be vouchsafed by legal means, glowed with executive ability and a visionary energy as bright as her red hair. Mary, the Catholic successor whom England’s rivals wished to see on the throne, was charming, feminine, and deeply persuasive. That two such women, queens in their own right, should have been contemporaries and neighbours sets in motion a joint biography of rare spark and page-turning power.


My Review:

I listened to the abridged version of this book. It did not feel like I was missing a lot. It gave me the meat and potatoes of the story.

The narrator's voice was very suitable for this genre. So it was very interesting. The narrator seem really into what she was saying. The CD were about an hour long each. So you are roughly listening to 8 hours of material.

The author seemed well -researched in her topic. Her writing style seemed more like a novelist than a boring dry historian. It will definitely keep your attention.

I would recommend it to any who has the love of Tudor England and of course the infamous Mary Stuart.

I rate this a 4/5

Tuesday Teaser

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Tuesday Teaser comes from Kit Saves the Day by Valerie Tripp:

"Where have you been?" he asked. " Are you all right? Mr. Peck went down to the jungle to find you. We've been frantic! What's happened?" (pg 56)

What is your teaser?

Review of Happy Hustle High Vol 3-5

Product Details
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; 1 edition (September 8, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1591169143
ISBN-13: 978-1591169147

Product Description from Amazon.com

Hanabi Oozora's always acted like a boy, but she's never actually wanted to date one, until she meets Yasuaki Garaku. Hanabi wants to discover the origin of hunky Student Council V.P. Yasuaki's dislike of women, but lately, he has been anything but forthcoming. Her solution - the ancient art of hypnosis! Through her prestigious powers of prestidigitation (and with the help of a five-yen coin), Hanabi successfully lulls Yasuaki into a deep slumber, but will this voyage into his murky, male subconscious yield proof-positive that Yasuaki's aversion is unfounded, or further drive a wedge between the dashing V.P. and all of womankind?




Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; 1 edition (December 13, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421500833
ISBN-13: 978-1421500836


Product Description from Amazon.com

Just when Hanabi thinks that she and the dreamy Yasuaki have reached the pinnacle of romantic bliss, the cruel hand of fate throws her a wicked curveball - her childhood friend Takeru (now a marvelous specimen of teenage studliness) is back in town and wants to reminisce about the good old days. Takeru's designs on Hanabi seem more than friendly, especially when he asks her to choose between Yasuaki and himself. Who'll get kissed? Who'll get punched? Who'll get kissed and punched?! Later, Hanabi finds herself in trouble with the school administration (for, like, the gazillionth time), and now must ace her finals and become the best student in her class...or else face the horrifically hair-raising consequences!




Product Details
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; 1 edition (March 14, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421503239
ISBN-13: 978-1421503233

Product Description from Amazon.com

What happens when an all-girls' high school reigning tomboy finds out her school is about to be filled with boys!?
Hanabi Oozora is a rambunctious 16-year-old tomboy who comes to the rescue of her less assertive friends-sometimes in exchange for food. So what does she do when, all of a sudden, her all-girls' school is about to be integrated with an all-boys' school?!
She meets and falls in love-naturally-with one of the three most popular and handsome boys in the Student Council, Yasuaki Garaku! Unfortunately, Yasuaki doesn't care for girls...and when the girls' Student Council clashes head-on with the boys' Student Council, Hanabi steps in to become a member-hoping she'll change Yasuaki's mind!

My Review:

Hanabi is a girl who is in love with Yasuki Garaku, but poeple around them are coming between their love. One is her childhood friend Takeru Sonon the second is her father who comes in to town for a visit. Hanabi's character gradually develops throughout the rest of the story we learn about her childhood when she went from a crybaby to a strong and fierce teenager who will not take crap from anyone.

This is the ending books of the series and I loved it. The books in the series were page turners and I could not wait to see what happened in the end. The characters were well-developed and interesting. The storyline was fast-paced and never dull. This series had gotten me to love manga and I feel it is a great introduction to this wonderful genre.

I would recommend this for a older teenager who is a newcomer or already a fanatic because it is relatively short series.

I rate this 4.5/5