by Kay | Apr 25, 2015 | Events for the Bookish |
Rah Rah Readathon! Once again, Dewey’s readathon is here! The event is starting in about 15 minutes, so you still have time to join for kickoff!
Opening Meme
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
La France – where it is overcast and not too hot (my perfect reading weather).
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Probably Joss Whedon’s Fray – I’ve been looking forward to that forever!
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Nutella (obviously).
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
I’m Kay and I’ve been blogging about books since 2009 and – in that time – I’ve done a lot of readathons (and loved each and every one). My reading companion on today’s readathon is my massive hound, Odin.
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today?
For this year’s Readathon… I am doing 1000% comic books! I love graphic novels and the readathon is a perfect opportunity to binge read them. They make you feel great too, as you manage to get a LOT of them done in the 24 hours!
What’cha reading?
On my list so far:
- Kill my Mother by Jules Feiffer
- V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
- Batman: the Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
- Fray by Joss Whedon
- Iron Man Noir by Scott Snyder
- Y: the Last Man by Brian K Vaughn
- Velvet by Ed Brubaker
Since my post yesterday, I’ve received a lot of suggestions on twitter for other graphic novels to check out – so I may be adding to this list, with the help of Marvel Unlimited and Comixology!
Updates
Hour 1: I’m starting with Velvet by Ed Brubaker! I’ve read the first issue already, so I know I am going to love it 🙂
Hour 4: I finished and loved Velvet – it was all the James Bond/Black Widow/spy-assassin awesomeness that I expected. Only now I am desperate
Hour 7: So, I took some time off to make cookies (because WHY NOT) and have only gotten a few chapters through Fray. I really like it so far – it’s Buffy… but with flying cars. Oh, and the intro by Jeph Loeb. Wow – that was amazing.
Hour 12: I’ve made it through Fray but don’t think I will manage more today!
Books completed
- Velvet by Ed Brubake
- Fray by Joss Wheson
Challenges
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde was one of those books that… transformed me as a teenager. It was witty and dark and subversive – it made me run out and find out everything I could about Oscar Wilde. He was a man unfortunately born in the wrong era, yet he managed so much in spite of that. This quote from Dorian Gray makes me think about the author, his life, my own life – and how little we know about the people we know. Secrets, my friends.
From left to right: a whole bunch of trees, a scary ax and snow!
by Kay | Apr 24, 2015 | Comic Books, Events for the Bookish |
That’s right – once again, Dewey’s Readathon is coming up! In fact, it starts tomorrow – so sign up and clear your schedule quick, as there is still time to participate!
Anyhow, since this is my fifth (or sixth?) Readathon, I wanted to do something a little bit different. Which, given my new obsession with graphic novels, obviously meant… doing a Comic Book Readathon! The above are but a small selection of the books I have, but I thought they’d be a good place to start.
On my list so far:
- Kill my Mother by Jules Feiffer
- V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
- Batman: the Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
- Fray by Joss Wheson
- Iron Man Noir by Scott Snyder
- Y: the Last Man by Brian K Vaughn
- Velvet by Ed Brubaker
And, since I am a Marvel Unlimited subscriber, I think I may delve into some more of the Daredevil run by Brian Michael Bendis. I am about 6 graphic novels through the run and it is getting really dark (totally loving it, of course!).
Anyhow, I am really looking forward to doing something different for this readathon. Everyone says you should try to include some graphic novels in the mix… so why not let them take up the whole thing! It’s going to be epic, people. 🙂
by Kay | Oct 18, 2014 | Events for the Bookish, Giveaway |
Hellow fellow read-a-thon-ers!
Thinking about sneaking a nap in? No way! Grab a cup of tea or coffee (or a Red Bull) because you’re in for the long-haul now. While you’re at it, get out your camera’s for the Hour 8 “Show It Off” Mini-challenge.
Here’s your challenge: I want you to show off a book (or books) from your shelves that you are extremely proud of. The unique, signed or simply dear-to-your-heart editions that you’d grab if there were a fire.
Need some examples? Well, how about that signed, personalised edition by your favourite author? Or how about that shelf of painstakingly-collected of every Jane Austen-related book in existence? Perhaps you’ve an extremely dog-eared copy of a book that’s been passed down through your family? Anything goes – just make it something special to you.
Last year, I showed off by wonderful signed copy of Bill Clinton’s Giving: How Each Of Us Can Change The World. The year before that, I highlighted my near-and-dear to me copies of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (beautiful editions that have been in the family for decades).
This year I wanted to show you guys two wonderful books I have signed by one of my favourite writers: George R. R. Martin. Seeing as how I chose one of his books for the readathon, it made sense to share these volumes for Show it Off.
Back in 2011, Game of Thrones had REALLY taken off and the Iron Throne was making a tour around the world. I was one of those new fans who rushed to pick up a signed copy of A Dance with Dragons the minute I realised I could. Then, the next year, I got to meet GRRM a few times at Eastercon! It was a thrill and he was the most awesome person in…er… person. Despite con rules (which I didn’t know about until much later), he was the first to sign my Tea poster (to the left) along with a ton of other authors (including Gail Carriger, Tricia Sullivan and 20 others – I think everyone was willing to get on board once they saw his autograph!). He also signed this first edition of his novel A Song for Lya (I adore the psychedelic 1970s cover).
In short: GRRM is awesome.
Now, show off yours!
- Take a picture of a book/books from your library you really want to show off: signed editions, rare editions, obsessively-organized Sherlock Holmes collections – just whatever is special to you!
- Post your photo on your blog, twitter, facebook, flickr, etc. then add your link in the Linky below.
- Use the hashtag #showitoff and #readathon if you are sharing on twitter/instagram
- This challenge will close in three hours (just before hour 11)
- One winner will be chosen to receive $15/£10 gift certificate to Amazon/Book Depository OR this SIGNED COPY of The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Challenge closed and the winner is… #49 Elishia! I will be in touch soon with your prize.
Thanks EVERYONE for your FANTASTIC entries – this year was an amazing success! If you’re stumbling across this post months from now, go and check out some of the links above for some beautiful books. 🙂
by Kay | Oct 18, 2014 | Events for the Bookish |
It’s readathon season!! WhooHooo!!! I have been looking forward to this all month and cannot wait to get started.
Once again, I am going to be hosting the Show It Off! challenge at Hour 8 – so stay tuned for that! The books I am showing off this year are both recent acquisitions, so I am rather excited to share.
What’cha reading?
I am going for a completely different approach this year, focussing on one long novel I have been putting off completing for years and… graphic novels!
I started reading A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin way back before Season 2 of the series had even aired. Unfortunately… I got stuck. At page 728, if my bookmark is correct. Well, I plan to finish this tome today! I am only 300 or so pages to the end, so completion is feasible!
Y’all have probably noticed that I have really gotten into comic books these past few months, so it made sense to add a few to my pile for when Clash of Kings gets a bit too dense. I’ve got some well-loved favourites in my sack, namely the first volumes of Saga and Y: The Last Man as well as Joss Whedon’s Fray and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. In case I really want something different, I’ve also got an anthology: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells. I picked up this Ellen Datlow anthology at BEA last year and think it is a good volume to try some different authors from.
Opening Questions
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
La France!
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Hmm… I am not sure. Probably most eager to complete Clash of Kings – if only so that I can start on the next book!
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
ALL MY TEAS. I don’t get much of a chance to brew tea during the week (too much work!) and so this will be a chance for me to try some of those odd teas I’ve had sitting in my cupboard.
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
Oh, hello. I’m Kay – I read fantasy and YA and Sci-Fi and other awesome, awesome books. I’ve been blogging about books since 2009 and it totally changed how I view books and publishers and the whole she-bang. This is my 4th time participating in Dewey’s readathon and I will be hosting a challenge at Hour 8!
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
I wasn’t able to do the Spring readathon *sad face* and last took part in October 2013. This year I am taking a completely different approach for the readathon (all explained above!).
End of Event Meme
1) Which hour was most daunting for you?
Hour 8, just as my challenge was about to start! There were so many things that could go wrong….
2) Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Go with Graphic Novels – Saga was a great readathon pick this year!
3) What were the names of the books you read? Which book did you enjoy most?
Clash of Kings and Saga – I was surprised how much I loved getting back into the GoT universe!
4) How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
100%! Cannot wait for the next readathon! Hope to host a challenge again:)
Updates
Hour 1: Lunch has been had, and I have a masala chai in hand. Starting off with Clash of kings!
Hour 3: I needed appropriate Game of Thrones music while reading, so turned to 8tracks. Love this Arya Stark mix!
Hour 4: Clash of Kings is dragging a bit – although maybe that’s just my lack of chocolate talking. May start in on Saga instead…
Pages read: 72
Hour 6: I am a fair ways through Saga (love it) but think I shall be returning to Clash of Kings. Reaaaallly want to finish that during the readathon!
Hour 8: My Show it off challenge is getting some fantastic responses this year! It’s distracted me from my books but it’s the best kind of distraction 🙂
Mini-Challenges
Don’t get me wrong: I like a latte in the morning. Vanilla Soya Extra-hot Grande, if I can get to a Starbucks – and an espresso with milk if I cannot. But tea is my comfort drink. There is nothing a cuppa cannot fix – I guess I am just very British that way. #TeamCSLewis
Quotable Quotes Challenge at Breathes Books
“There are gods, she told herself, and there are true knights too. All the stories can’t be lies.” Sansa, A Clash of Kings p. 757
Name your #readathon challenge! Mine is rather epic…. The Last Clash of Knight Saga!
by Kay | Mar 27, 2014 | Events for the Bookish |
Today is the kick off of Bloggiesta! I’ve been wanting to participate in this awesome blogger-fest for years, but the timing has never been right. At last, the stars have aligned!
Here’s my to-do-list for the next 4 days:
- write (at least!) two reviews
- update Goodreads reviews
do at least one mini challengesstart my blog journal (<- mine is awesome, FYI!)visit some of the other bloggers participating- take part in at least one twitter chat
clear up my inbox and answer some emails!!update my challenge post
For the first time in EVER, I can’t wait to get started on my to-do list! Wish me luck, people.
Mini-challenge: Productivity/Organization tips
Try out a blogging calendar
I never really liked the idea of these, as it felt too confining. But then I gave it a go on Google Docs and it worked wonders! This was primarily because it gave me incentive to schedule some posts! Now, I’ll admit that it doesn’t work completely perfectly – I find it is too easy to just not CHECK my calendar. So… I am working on making my own printable template. There are a bunch out there if you don’t want to make your own – give one a go!
Don’t force a review
Some books won’t inspire you enough for a review – and that’s OK. Yes, it’s OK even if you got the book specifically FOR review. That’s just life. Besides, if you have to force a review out, your readers will be able to tell! Lose-Lose.
by Kay | Dec 10, 2013 | Events for the Bookish, Reading Challenges |
So, you might have heard that I am shooting for the near impossible: reading 18 books in December in order to complete my Goodreads challenge. I’m on track so far… but I can feel a lull coming on. Spotting the End of the Year 2013 Readathon hosted by Jenny from Juliababyjen’s Reading Room and Dana from Danasquare was just the motivation I needed!
They’ve got daily challenges and events scheduled – so there is plenty to keep me motivated. I am going to be using this post for daily updates and to post my challenge entries. It should be fun!
Progress
5/12 read!
I’ve got to get through 18 books before January 1st, and 12 books during this readathon.
December 9 – The TBR Pile
My TBR Pile for this challenge is based off my December TBR posted a few days ago:
- The Sign of Four by ACD – 3 stars
- Endgame by Ann Aguirre – 5 stars
- Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
- The Carpet People by Terry Pratchett
- I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter – 3.5 stars
- Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
- Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle
- Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead
- Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell
- Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
- The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
- Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas – 3 stars
- Letters from Santa Claus by J.R.R. Tolkien
– 4 stars
December 10 – Teaser Challenge
All you have to do is open the current book you are reading to a random page and post 2 sentences. – Book Loving Hippo
So, I am cheating on this challenge a bit! But this quote is too funny to select just two sentences from…
“You’re never going to let me live this down, are you?”
“Probably not. It is possible, however, that in five hundred turns, neural decay will set in, and I will no longer recall how hilarious this is.”
“You’re an evil, evil Bug.”
– Endgame by Ann Aguirre
December 13 – Favorite Book-to-Movie Release in 2013
Today’s challenge is hosted by Falling for YA.
Quite predictably, my favourite Book-to-Movie adaptation of the year is Catching Fire. Surprise, Surprise. BUT, if TV Shows counted, I’d say my favourite adaptation is the TV show Elementary. That show is beyond fantastic and probably edging out Sherlock (BBC) as my favourite Sherlock Holmes adaptation!
December 14 – Seasonal Challenge
This challenge is hosted by Book Briefs. We’ve got to choose books we’ve read in 2013 to fit these categories…
Recommend a book good for a snow day:
Letters from Santa Claus by J.R.R. Tolkien
Recommend a book good for a rainy day:
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman
Recommend a book good for a beach day:
Heist Society by Ally Carter
Recommend a book good for a spooky night:
Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
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