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. đ
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 youâre in for the long-haul now. While youâre at it, get out your cameraâs for the Hour 8 âShow It Offâ Mini-challenge.
Hereâs 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 youâd 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 youâve an extremely dog-eared copy of a book thatâs been passed down through your family? Anything goes â 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 â 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… #49Â 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. đ
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 â 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, whatâs one thing youâll 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: Â 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 đ
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! Â
by Kay | Oct 13, 2013 | Events for the Bookish, Giveaway |
Hey there, 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 youâre in for the long-haul now. While youâre at it, get out your cameraâs for the Hour 19 âShow It Offâ Mini-challenge.
Hereâs your challenge: I want you to show off a book (or books) from your library that you are extremely proud of. The unique, signed or simply dear-to-your-heart editions that youâd 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 youâve an extremely dog-eared copy of a book thatâs been passed down through your family? Anything goes â just make it something special to you.
Last year, I chose to show off my near-and-dear to me copies of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. They are beautiful editions that have been in the family for decades. But this year – to give you something different – I thought I’d share one of my favourite signed copies ever: Bill Clinton’s Giving: How Each Of Us Can Change The World
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Giving: How each of us can change the world by Bill Clinton
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Giving by Bill Clinton
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Tried getting my hound Odin’s opinion, but he mainly wanted to address why I woke him from his nap!
I met President Clinton in London in 2007 and was absolutely over the moon. Technically – my mother reminds me – I met him when I was a little girl and he was campaigning. He was so ridiculously nice in person; he made it seem like he was talking only to you, even though he was meeting dozens of people. It was a great experience and I wouldn’t change this copy for a thing. (OK, that’s not true. If you had a book signed by John Adams, I’d trade you in a second. Adams is, and forever shall be, my favourite US President.)
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 â just whatever is special to you!
- Post your photo on your blog, twitter, facebook, flickr, etc. then add your link below.
- One winner will be chosen to receive  $15/£10 gift certificate to Amazon/Book Depository
- This challenge will close in three hours (just before hour 22)
Thank you everyone! I loved looking at everyone’s entries – you guys have great collections!
And the winner is…
Congrats Tanja @ Time for Reading! I will be in touch soon đ
by Kay | Oct 12, 2013 | Events for the Bookish |
Tis the season for a Readathon! I am very excited about this yearâs readathon: it is exactly what I need to get back into the swing of reading after my summer illness.
Once again, I am going to be hosting the Show It Off! challenge at Hour 19 â stay tuned for that, it will be great fun (again)! I actually haven’t picked what I am going to show off yet, so it will be a challenge for me too!
So, whatâs on my TBR pile?
Diversity is key for readathons â you always need that back-up novel for when things start to turn south. This year, I’ve got a few sequels-I’ve-been-dying-to-read, a few for-review books that look great, and a couple of light hearted novels/graphic novels that should be perfect around midnight!!
- Fathomless by Jackson Pearce
- Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
- Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs
- Just Your Average Princess by Kristin Springer
- Angelfall by Susan Ee
- The Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks
Readathon Must-Haves
With every readathon, I learn something new about myself that helps me prepare for the next readathon. Here are my must-haves for any readathon!
- Healthy snacks: Chocolate is tempting, but it won’t be after Hour 23. Stick to what makes your tummy happy!
- TEA. At the moment, I am rocking some Organic Lavender Grey by Tea Palace. Yum.
- Slippers! Warm feet are happy feet. These are my vampire bunny slippers signed by Rachel Caine.
Introductions!
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
I am currently in… France! Tis rather cold at the moment, to be honest.
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
1000% Patricia Briggs. I love that woman.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
The Taralli Casereco Pugliesi – google them and then buy some. They are Italy’s greatest creation.
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
I am a EU/UK blogger who reads YA/Urban Fantasy/Sci-Fi. I lurve meeting fellow booklovers, so don’t be shy!
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, whatâs one thing youâll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
I last participated in the 2012 October readathon… this year, I’m much more prepared in terms of snacks and distractions. The computers are facing AWAY from the reading area!
Updates
Hour 1:Â After 40+ min of general excitement, I am finally reading Angelfall!
Hour 2-3: I’ve been picking up/putting down Angelfall every two minutes. The book is just SO TENSE. I mean, it’s amazing, but Gah! I’m getting nervous!
Hour 4: Angelfall is still being frustratingly awesome.
Hour 5-6: OK, problem. This book is ending soon and it is way too good!! When is the sequel coming out? Tomorrow??
Hour 7: JUST FINISHED ANGELFALL AND OMG SO MANY SHIPPER FEELINGS.
Hour 8: Can’t completely decide between Hunting Ground and Forever, so I am taking a break and having some food! (May also watch some Project Runway, but let’s not talk about that.)
Hour 11: So, I’m fed, rested and caught up on twitter. I guess that means it’s time to go back to reading, huh? Hunting Ground it is!
Hour 12:Â So I lied: I am going to sleep!! Just for a few hours…. You’ll barely even notice I’m gone…
Hour 17: I’m up! I might not be able to accomplish any coherent reading though.
Hour 18: Yup, no coherent reading done. That said, I’ve sorted out some mini-challenges, so I am calling it a win. đ
Hour 20: I spent WAY too long on mini challenges (I animated a gif!!) and no time reading! Going to start Adventures of Superhero Girl in order to feel productive.
Hour 21: The Adventures of Superhero Girl was A-MA-ZING. Seriously loved every second.
Hour 22-23: I’ve made some solid progress into Hunting Ground, thought it is 1000% NOT going to be finished today!
Mini-Challenges
Hour 2 – Book Tunes
Choose a song that best suits the book you’re reading so far and explain why.
I’m reading Angelfall by Susan Ee and the PERFECT song for it is Fallen Empires by Snow Patrol. Take a listen!
Hour 4 – Spine Poetry!
I looooove the Spin Poetry challenge. This year, I came up with:
The Candidates, Eve and Adam, crossed the floating islands.
Hour 5 – Blackout Poetry!
I have ALWAYS wanted to try my hand at some blackout poetry. Turns out, it is pretty difficult… Here’s my best attempt!
Hour 8 – Books on Books
For this challenge, we had to pull some books from the shelves that have books on the cover. Here’s what I found:
Hour 17 – Armchair Travel
Over at Reader’s Respite, we were asked to share a novel that had taken us on a great voyage. For me, the answer was easy: Moloka’i by Alan Brennert. This book took me on a glorious voyage all the way to the Hawaiian island of Moloka’i. It was set at the turn of the last century, when the island was a leper colony. My mother visited the island before I was born and was able to give me some wonderful descriptions to add to the reading experience. It’s a beautiful location and a beautiful book.
Hour 17 – MEME
As you can see, I had WAY too much fun with this challenge. I mean, I animated it for goodness sakes!
Hour 18 – BOOK JENGA!
This was actually easier than it looked. I was tempted to add a third level!
Hour 22 – Turn the Page!
I used Patricia Briggs’ Hunting Ground, page 32, to make this sentence:
“I would rather read than screw up in public any day!”
Hour 23 –Â Reading Soundtrack
Since I am now on a different book, I can now choose a different soundtrack! I’d say “The Wolf” by Fever Ray is a great, atmospheric match for Hunting Ground:
Goodbyes! – Final Hour Questions
1) Which hour was most daunting for you?
The post-Angelfall hours were the toughest. I couldn’t bring myself to read anything else after such a great book. Took a nap to compensate and woke to tackle two more books!
2) Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
I did a whole post on this: My #Readathon Recs đ
3) Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
Nope! I love how it was organised this year (and last, really) – wouldn’t change a thing!
4) What do you think worked really well in this yearâs Read-a-thon?
I absolutely loved how active the hashtag was – I know it has trended during previous editions, but it felt unusually active. There was a great sense of community.
5) How many books did you read?
I finished 2 books, and am currently reading #3.
6) What were the names of the books you read?
I finished Angelfall by Susan Ee and The Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks. I am currently reading Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs.
7) Which book did you enjoy most?
Hard to choose! I loved them both and they are so radically different.
8) Which did you enjoy least?
Can’t say – again, I loved them both. đ
9) How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
I will take part in as many readathons as I can (schedule permitting!) I absolutely loved hosting a challenge again, and will certainly do so next time.
Â
Until next year kids!
