Revving up for the Read-a-thon

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In the rush of everything--job, family, even the NYRB reading week, I almost forgot: I'm joining Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-thon this Oct. 9!

I've joined this particular read-a-thon twice before. Both times, I think my performance was pathetic. Two and a half short books the first time; three books the second. Well, at least there was some improvement.

But I keep joining because hope springs eternal. That is, I hope I can actually get a lot of reading done. And because Dewey's Read-a-thon was the first blogging event that made me feel part of the Great Book Blogging Community (notice the capitalized letters. heehee.)

This time, I join again as a reader. I leave the cheerleading to the eternally energetic ones. And I'm changing my strategy. Whereas before, I wanted to get as many books finished as I possibly could, this time, I shall not pressure myself with such lofty goals. Instead, I think I'll view this read-a-thon as an opportunity for me to finally enjoy reading in big chunks of time, since all the reading I've done lately is via stolen time. (You know, time stolen from work, kids, other responsibilities.)

And so, here are the books I'm lining up, though I won't mind if I finish just the one. Granted, the first one is 983pp. long.

  1. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - it's a book club assignment. Though in truth, it's something I've been wanting to read for a long time now.
  2. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick - thick, but half of it is in pictures, so not as daunting as it appears. Will get to this in case I finish my tome with time to spare. Also, this book is on loan from Aldrin, so I better read it soon.
  3. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett - another loan from Aldrin, and one I've been wanting to read since I browsed through its pages a year ago.

I think that's all I can realistically put. Because, although it's already October 9 in my part of the world, the read-a-thon doesn't start here until 8PM. Which means that my read-a-thon won't be on a Saturday. Majority of it will be on a Sunday, a day that's chockful of family activities. Oh well. I'll take what I can get.:)

And now, with roughly twelve hours to spare, I shall finish the tales of Lenny Abramov in Shteyngart's book, so that I can start the Read-a-thon with a fresh new story.

You all geared up for the Read-a-thon, too? I bet you are.

Comments

Anonymous said…
The Pillars of the Earth is a great book but man are you ambitious for reading it during the read-a-thon!
October 9, 2010 at 8:31 AM
fantaghiro23 said…
Haha! Why, yes. Yes, I am.:)
October 9, 2010 at 8:42 AM
Kate @Midnight Book Girl said…
Great pile, and I think it's good to set realistic goals. I once again have a huge pile of books, and a Kindle chock full of awaiting reads. Of course this year I have lots of graphic novels and a few kids books to give me a sense of early accomplishment, or to have an easy read for the wee hours of the night. I have Pillars of the Earth unread on my Kindle (loved the miniseries) and I am in awe of you trying to read it all in one day. Since I'm cheerleading a bit this time let me say, you can do it! Read, read, read! And don't forget the snacks!
October 9, 2010 at 10:01 AM
fantaghiro23 said…
Hi, Kate! Thanks for the early start at cheerleading.:) Actually, I'd be very happy just to finish Pillars of the Earth during the readathon. And I have got to get my hands on the miniseries.
October 9, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Lightheaded said…
I didn't sign up for the Readathon this year (I think I'm busy but most of it is simply pretend-busy) but I'll be with you and the rest in spirit :) While all of you read, I'll try to write :) My backlog posts feels like someone's version of a Readathon pile (that or an RIP pool). Enjoy!

Oh and I've been eyeing that Hugo Cabret in NBS for the longest time but still waiting for it to be placed in that 70%-off bin :)
October 9, 2010 at 12:18 PM
fantaghiro23 said…
@Lightheaded - Thanks for supporting us! Oh, I used to have backlog posts, too. My solution--not to write them anymore.:) And I'm really thankful Aldrin lent me his Hugo Cabret. Been eyeing it for a long time, too.
October 9, 2010 at 7:26 PM
sumthinblue said…
Happy reading Honey! That reminds me I have to start Pillars of the Earth soon...

Just posted my Readathon list!
October 9, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Julie said…
Pillars of the Earth is on my wishlist, and "The Adventures of Hugo Cabret" was a great book! My Bebe Boy James and I chose it as one of our read-together books last year! Enjoy the readathon!

Julie @ Knitting and Sundries
October 10, 2010 at 7:25 AM
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