Wishing for Wicked my Sara Shepard

Okay, I may be a dork (call it what you want), but I'm thrilled to death about the November 25 release of Wicked by Sara Shepard. This will be a wonderful birthday gift seeing as how my birthday is three days later.

If you haven't read the series yet, I suggest that you read it--IMMEDIATELY! I promise you, if you are a fan of teen fiction, then you will not be disappointed. I compare these novels to the Desperate Housewives sitcom just because there is so much...juice, dirt, gusto! You'll be finding yourself up at two in the morning continually turning the pages wanting to know what happens next.
I promise you all that I will have a review of this book posted as soon as it reaches my little hands. Until then, I shall be counting down the days until it's here.

Long, Lean, and Lethal by Heather Graham

I bought this novel along with several others at a garage sale during the read-a-thon, and didn't really think it would be my kind of read. I frequently buy books with hopes that they will be a nice change of pace for me, and if they aren't then I can bookcross them. This one was pretty enjoyable, and it was definitely a quick read (this one was read in about 2 days).

Heather Graham is new to me and while she may be a bestseller, I had never really heard of her. Just by judging the cover I thought this one was going to be a cheesy romance novel (the hot pink cover with a man on it kind of got me), but it just reiterated the fact that you can't judge a book by its cover. Far from a cheesy romance, this novel was a who-did-it thriller that held my attention to the last page.

Jennifer Connolly, a soap opera actress, has much to fear. Her mother has received notes from an anonymous person threatening to kill her daughter. Two other Hollywood actresses are murdered and it's suspected that the killer could be someone close to her. Conar, her stepbrother and love interest in the book, has promised Jennifer's mother that he will protect her, but he can only do so much. Jennifer even has suspicion that Conar may be the killer, but out of all her acquaintances, who is it really?

I'm not a huge fan of mystery/thrillers, and I don't read a lot of them so for me to enjoy this book is saying a lot. I'm not sure if it is because I'm craving easy reads lately, or just because this novel was actually pretty good. Read it and find out for yourself. I will warn you though, it is a good book but with a cheesy ending. I found myself rolling my eyes at the end, and I'm sure you will too. Don't let that discourage you from reading though. Most books of this kind end in the exact same way, whether we like it or not.

Long semi-bookish weekend.

This weekend probably shouldn't be called the "bookish weekend" but really the "I'm too tired to read so I'll just collect more books weekend." Friday, the boyfriend and I went to Nashville to see The Crystal Method. I took my current read, Long, Lean, and Lethal by Heather Graham, hoping I could get some reading done on the trip there, but that just didn't seem to happen. Both of us were too anxious and excited to get there.

After a three hour trip home on 3 hours of sleep, we were both extremely ready to be home. Low-a-behold when I pull into the driveway, there is a bookcrossing bookbox waiting for me on the porch. Even though I was pretty much having to hold my eyelids open, I tore open the box and looked through. These are the books I've decided to keep.

The Lost by Jack Ketchum
Silent Night 2 by R.L. Stine
Dust to Dust by Tami Hoag
Anatomy of Fear by Jonathan Santlofer
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

There is no method to my book picking madness. If it looks interesting in anyway, then I take it. If my interest is piqued in anyway then I might as well give it a try. I'll just end up bookcrossing it if I don't enjoy it. I'm also thinking of doing a few giveaways on Book and Cranny so make sure you check back for those.

So now, that my long weekend is nearing it's end, I will pick the book back up and continue to update.

The Westing Game

This is another book I chose to read during the read-a-thon. Anyone that really knows me will know that I don't really read too much children's literature (besides Harry Potter, of course), but I picked this one up because I wanted a change of pace. I received just that. This book was such a fun read and reminded me of my childhood days, as this is just the kind of book I would have read when I was young. Actually, I'm quite surprised I never read this one as a child.

In this book, a millionaire Paper company owner, Mr. Westing, dies and his Sixteen heirs have to play a game invented by him. The game, which is layed out in his will, instructs the heirs that they must figure out who his murder is by the clues he left behind. What they soon find out is that the murder is one of the sixteen heirs, but who is it?

It was so much fun reading this and trying to figure out the murder along with the other characters. Maybe I'm slow, but I only realized who it was right before everyone else did. I did have lots of fun reading this and realized why this book was awarded the Newberry prize. Ellen Raskin has a knack for keeping the reader involved in the story. There were times when I was kind of reminded of the game Clue which was a favorite game of mine growing up (along with Guess Who?). I had lots of fun reading this one, and it made me realize that it's actually fun to read children's books occassionally. Apparently, I'm not the only one that enjoyed this one...

As Gene Shalit from The Today Show said about this novel, 'The Westing Game is wonderful-part mystery story, part play-along game, part do-it-yourself puzzle."

Booklist said, "A supersharp mystery...Confoundingly clever, and very funny."

Buy this one for your children or if, like me, you are wanting to morph into your childhood self for a while. Pick this one up and don't be embarrassed about it. As I found out, it's nice to feel like a child again.

The Other Woman by Jane Green

During the 24 Hour Read-A-Thon I had the opportunity to finish reading The Other Woman by Jane Green. I've read a few others of hers in the past and have really enjoyed them (although I must say that Jemima J was my favorite).

This book follows Ellie through her engagement and first two years of marriage. Her mother has died when she was younger and has never really know the love of a mother. When she becomes engaged to Dan, his mother, Linda, feels the need to try everything she can to make Ellie feel like part of the family-part of a family.

Ellie immediately finds Linda overbearing and intrusive. In a way, I kind of agree with Ellie. There are times when I find Linda to be absolutely unbearable and find myself feeling sorry for poor Ellie. During the course of the novel, things start to unravel in her life and you're soon finding Ellie fighting for every realtionship in her life, including the one with her mother-in-law.

I enjoyed this novel mostly because it kept my attention during the 24 hour reading binge, but also because Jane Green realistically portrays marriage and the hardest realtionship of all, the daughter and mother-in-law relationship. Jane Green has a great talent of keeping her novels fun, light, easy reads while at the same time taking on serious issues.

I recommend this book for anyone that has in-laws that they love but just can't quite connect with. It will really shine some light on it all for you.

Hour 22 and I'm done.

I read over 500 pages and stayed up 22 hours. I'm exhaused and completely non-functional right now. I'm sure I'll wake up after a nice sleep and just gasp at all my typing errors and absurd sentences.

I want to thank every person that took time to come visit me here and send me good luck messages. Your encouragement kept me going for as long as I did. I don't think I could have lasted this long without you guys. Thanks again!

I'm not off to brush my teeth and cuddle up in the bed.

Read-A-Thon: Hour 21

Title of book(s) read since last update: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Number of books read since you started: I'm on book 3
Pages read since last update: 11
Running total of pages read since you started: 509
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 27 min
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 12 hrs 11 min
Mini-challenges completed: 10
Other participants you’ve visited: Checked in at Dewey's page and left a comment in hopes that I will win a box of books. I also left a few comments on other readers blogs (the ones still awake) encouraging them to stay awake.
Prize you’ve won: None

I'm really about to fall asleep in my book. There are a few moment here and there that I can think clearly for a few minutes. At these times I think I may just be able to make it. However, I'm going to try my hardest to get through hour 22.

Read-A-Thon: Hour 20

Title of book(s) read since last update: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Number of books read since you started: I'm on book 3
Pages read since last update: 17
Running total of pages read since you started: 498
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 34 min
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 11 hrs 44 min
Mini-challenges completed: 10
Other participants you’ve visited: I visited Aerin's list of participants to see who is still reading and blogging and who has gone to bed.
Prize you’ve won: None

I had to go check out what the other bloggers are doing at this hour. Seems like more people are still up than I thought there would be. A part of me really wants to finish the 24 hours, but my body is telling me I can't last much longer. I'm trying to hang in there guys, I really am.

Read-A-Thon: Hour 19

Title of book(s) read since last update: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin and It by Stephen King
Number of books read since you started: I'm on book 3
Pages read since last update: 19
Running total of pages read since you started: 481
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 40 min
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 11 hrs 10 min
Mini-challenges completed: 10
Other participants you’ve visited: Visited the RIP III Challenge blog. Prize you’ve won: None

Oh goodness! The word on the page are not really staying ON the page anymore, they're kind of swimming across the page as I'm reading. I finished the RIP III Challenge where I had to read a scary book for an hour (It by Stephen King), and now I'm terrified to go outside and smoke. I don't do scary books at night. I just don't. ;)

Now I'm going to continue with The Westing Game and hopefully finish it before the 24 hours is up or either I pass out-whichever comes first.

RIP III mini-challenge

I started reading It by Stephen King for the RIP III Challenge. I decided to stop my reading for a second to let you all know. In order to me eligible you must participate for the full hour. I will up date you all on my reading in this post at the end of the hour.

PS. It's a little spooky reading this when the house is silent and I'm up all by myself. :(

**UPDATE**I read 16 pages of It and now I'm glad I'm done with that challenge! Phew, I'm not a huge fan of reading scary books late at night in silence. No way, Jose. More like when the sun is out and there are plenty of people around. Hehe

Thanks for hosting this challenge!

Read-A-Thon: Hour 18

Title of book(s) read since last update: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Number of books read since you started: I'm on book 3
Pages read since last update: 21
Running total of pages read since you started: 462
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 41 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 10 hrs 30 min
Mini-challenges completed: 9
Other participants you’ve visited: Went to Dewey's blog and answered the question for the hour.
Prize you’ve won: None

Ugh, I'm starting to get that "I don't think I can go much longer" feeling. I knew last hour when my head started to feel heavy that it was not looking good for me. I haven't had a cup of coffee in a couple hours so I'm refueling. I have to make it, I just have to!

Boyfriend went to bed and from now on I'm up alone. Now things will start to get really challenging with no one here to help keep me away. It's pure will power now...and not to mention the book I'm reading! The Westing Game is a fun book. I'm just cracking up over Turtle, she's a hoot!

Read-A-Thon: Hour 17

Title of book(s) read since last update: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Number of books read since you started: I'm on book 3
Pages read since last update: 24
Running total of pages read since you started: 462
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 37 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 9 hrs 49 min
Mini-challenges completed: 9
Other participants you’ve visited: I went over to Tracy's blog to participate in her mini-challenge. I had to provide a caption to a funny photo she posted.
Prize you’ve won: None

The Westing Game keeps me turning the pages. They just received the clues and are pondering over what they mean. I'm trying to get a feel for all the different characters so I can figure out who the murderer is!

Read-A-Thon: Hour 16

Title of book(s) read since last update: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Number of books read since you started: I'm on book 3
Pages read since last update: 8
Running total of pages read since you started: 438
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 16 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 9 hrs 12 min
Mini-challenges completed: 8
Other participants you’ve visited: None this hour. I've been too busy reading all my comments! I was reader of the hour!!
Prize you’ve won: None..although reader of the hour was prize enough!

Wow...this past hour has been crazy! I was selected as reader of the hour and I must say I was absolutely overwelmed by the inflow of comment messages I received in my inbox during this time! Thanks to everyone that left me comments and kind words! I can't say it enough; you guys are awesome!

As for my reading, I wasn't able to get too much reading done this past hour. I read all my comments left by you terrific people and boyfriend and I ran to Sonic for a late night hot fudge cake sundae. I might regret this sugar intake later in the night, but it was just so delicious.

Read-A-Thon: Hour 15

Title of book(s) read since last update: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Number of books read since you started: I'm on book 3
Pages read since last update:26
Running total of pages read since you started: 430
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 33 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 8 hrs 56 min
Mini-challenges completed: 8
Other participants you’ve visited: I went to softdrink's page to participate in the Top 10 challenge.
Prize you’ve won: None


I just want to say, since I didn't elaborate in my last update, that The Other Woman by Jane Green was a pretty good read. It really sheds light on the whole mother and daughter-in-law relationship. Also, it realistically portrays marriage and the work you must put into it to make it work. I'm not reading some children's literature-The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin.

Top 10 List Mini-Challenge

This one is hosted by Softdrink. We're supposed to make a Top 10 list like on David Letterman that has a read-a-thon theme. Here's mine.

TOP 10 WAYS YOU KNOW YOU'VE HAD TOO MUCH COFFEE DURING THE READ-A-THON

10. Just the smell makes you feel perkier.
9. You can't even think about going to sleep.
8. Your hands feel empty without a cup in it.
7. You can't find your coffee mug and start to freak out, and scold your boyfriend when you find out he washed it when you were obviously still using it.
6. You automatically fill the coffee pot when you see it's close to empty.
5. You can't keep your fingers still enough to type a coherent sentence.
4. You can no longer taste food because you have continuously taken your first sip when it was still entirely too hot.
3. Your urine begins to smell like coffee.
2. Your mind races so fast you can no longer remember what you were just thinking.

AND NUMBER ONE....
1. You now know why they call coffee a natural laxative.

I had tons of fun with this one! Thanks softdrink!

Read-A-Thon: Hour 14

Title of book(s) read since last update: The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:21
Running total of pages read since you started: 404
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 30 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 8 hrs 23 min
Mini-challenges completed: 7
Other participants you’ve visited: None...was trying to finish up this book.
Prize you’ve won: None

Okay, I finally finished reading The Other Woman by Jane Green. Only took me 8 hrs and 23 min! hehe So, now my problem is picking my next read. Hmm...I guess I could pick up where I left off in A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby or maybe one of my new yard sale finds? Guess you'll have to wait until my next update to see what I decided..

Read-A-Thon: Hour 13

Title of book(s) read since last update: Same one- The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:10
Running total of pages read since you started: 383
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 13 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 7 hrs 53 min
Mini-challenges completed: 7
Other participants you’ve visited: I haven't visited any blogs this hour besides Dewey's to check in for the hour.
Prize you’ve won: None

Friend finally left and now it's back to reading. :) Sorry for the late update.

Mini-Challenge: Mid-Event Survey

This seems to be a mini-challenge Dewey is hosting. She does so much, you have to love her!

Mid-Event Survey:

1. What are you reading right now? The Other Woman by Jane Green

2. How many books have you read so far? 2

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? I'm really looking forward to the RIP III Challenge. I picked up It by Stephen King just for the event.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Nope. I work one Saturday a month and luckily this weekend was not my weekend to work. Perfect timing I would guess.

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Well I'm currently dealing with plenty of interruptions. My boyfriends friend just showed up with his girlfriend and two kids. :( So I'm sure I won't be doing as much reading as I'd like until they leave. Other than that, my interruptions haven't been too bad. I had to help my boyfriend a few times with winterizing the boat, but nothing that took longer than 5 min or so.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? The cheerleaders, the readers, and random people stopping by to wish me good luck. I'm honestly overwelmed by everyone's kindness.

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? Not really, I think everything was very well organized. Thanks to Dewey and all the other co-hosts.

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Make sure I have the house to myself for the day. heh

9. Are you getting tired yet? Surprisingly, no. I'm sure that will all change around midnight.

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'm really not sure. This is my first Read-A-Thon and I'm just learning as I go. Maybe some alumni gave give ME some tips! :)

Read-A-Thon: Hour 12

Phew...halfway through! I'm close to being done with this Jane Green novel. I'm just trying to figure out what I will work on next now that I have these new books I bought at the yard sale during the mini-challenge.

Here are my stats:

Title of book(s) read since last update: Same one- The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:26
Running total of pages read since you started: 373
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 52 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 7 hrs 40 min
Mini-challenges completed: 6
Other participants you’ve visited: Too many to list. I visited most of the people that commented on Kim's blog under the Walkin' & Snappin' mini-challenge.
Prize you’ve won: None

People finally showed up. Expect my reading time to dwindle. :(

Read-A-Thon: Hour 11

No new reading this hour. My stats are the same as last hour. I've been participating in a mini-challenge and chatting a bit with boyfriend (which feels a little neglected today). A BIG thanks goes out to all that have commented with words of encouragement. You don't know how much it all means to me.

Good luck to all fellow readers! We're almost halfway there!

Walkin' & Snappin' Mini-Challenge

I just finished doing Kim's Walkin' & Snappin' Mini-Challenge for the Read-A-Thon. For this challenge, I was supposed to take a short walk and take pictures of the things I see along the way. I decided for this challenge to take a short walk down the street to visit a neighbor's garage sale. They were in the process of packing up and I figured it would be the perfect time to see if they had any books they were willing to part with.



A picture of the garage sale from a distance.



What I scored at the sale.

I would say my walk was a successful one. Thanks so much for the opportunity Kim! Not only did I get a little exercise, but also some new reading material!

Read-A-Thon: Hour 10

Title of book(s) read since last update: Same one- The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:26
Running total of pages read since you started: 347
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 24 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 6 hrs 48 min
Mini-challenges completed: 5
Other participants you’ve visited: Still trying to catch up on my reading. I promise to visit other bloggers during the couple off hours I decide to take.
Prize you’ve won: None

Boyfriend is inviting company over. We'll see how that affects my reading. :/

Read-A-Thon:Hour 9

Title of book(s) read since last update: Same one- The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:81
Running total of pages read since you started: 321
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 50 min
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 6 hrs 24 min
Mini-challenges completed: 5
Other participants you’ve visited: None this hour. Tried to catch up on the reading because of the hour I missed for showering.
Prize you’ve won: None

Now I'm really starting to feel bad for poor Ellie. I'm still rooting for her though, and while I haven't been able to visit too many blogger's page this hour, I'm rooting for you all too! Good luck readers! Keep plowing through the pages.

Read-A-Thon: Hour 8

Title of book(s) read since last update: Same one- The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:46
Running total of pages read since you started: 260
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1 hr 10 min
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 6 hrs 44 min
Mini-challenges completed: 5
Other participants you’ve visited: None this hour
Prize you’ve won: None

Oh goodness, my book is something else! I don't want to give anything away, but things don't seem to be going well for poor Ellie right now. I hope things end ok, I really do.

Read-a-Thon: Hour 7

Just completed hour 7! Here are the stats:

Title of book(s) read since last update: Same one- The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:26
Running total of pages read since you started: 214
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 45 min
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 5 hrs 34 min
Mini-challenges completed: 5
Other participants you’ve visited: I commented on the readers of the hour blogs, Tammy and J.C. Montgomery
Prize you’ve won: None

Read-A-Thon:Hour 6

Title of book(s) read since last update: Same one- The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:26
Running total of pages read since you started: 188
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 45 min
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 4 hrs 49 min
Mini-challenges completed: 4
Other participants you’ve visited: This hour I visited Meryl's blog and took part in the mini-challenge she was hosting. I had to submit a quote from any of the books I've read today so far. I entered in one from The Other Woman by Jane Green which you can view by going to her blog.
Prize you’ve won: None

Things are going well so far. I'm just dealing with minor interruptions here and there mainly do to the fact that my boyfriend is winterizing the boat today and needs my help for little things here and there. I think I'm going to continue with the same book for hour 7. The more I read, the more enraged I become with the "other woman" which is in fact the mother-in-law of the main character, Ellie. I'm having fun with it.

Read-A-Thon:Hour 5

Title of book(s) read since last update: Same one- The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:30
Running total of pages read since you started: 162
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1 hr
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 3 hrs 56 min
Mini-challenges completed: 3
Other participants you’ve visited: Valentina and Chris
Prize you’ve won: None

I had to battle my boyfriend over quiet time. He insisted on turning the TV and continuously asking me questions while he was making breakfast. Nevermind, it doesn't matter. I will now try to participate in the 6th hour's mini-challenge.

Read-A-Thon:Hour 4

Just to let everyone know. I'm posting at the end of the hours. So while most people are posting their blogs and hour ahead of me (for example, most bloggers are calling this hour 5), I'm posting at the end of the hour and there for my post look like I'm an hour behind. In all actuality, I started on time even though it was hard to get out of bed this morning.

So at the end of the hour, I will update. I haven't read anymore since my last update because I had to take shower and refresh my coffee supply (although I believe this will be my last cup for a while because I'm already getting coffee jitters). So now I will continue where I left off with The Other Woman by Jane Green.

I'll update my end of the hour progress close to noon.

Read-A-Thon:Hour 3

Title of book(s) read since last update: Still on The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update:41
Running total of pages read since you started: 132
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 56 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 2 hrs and 56 min
Mini-challenges completed: 2
Other participants you’ve visited: I went to all the co-hosts pages and thanked them for helping with the Read-A-Thon
Prize you’ve won: None

I'm really enjoying this Jane Green novel. I believe I will now take a small break and take a quick shower.

Read-A-Thon: Hour 2

Well I've moved on to The Other Woman by Jane Green which I had already read 50 pages into. Here are my stats:

Title of book(s) read since last update:The Other Woman by Jane Green
Number of books read since you started: 2-although none completed yet.
Pages read since last update:48
Running total of pages read since you started:91
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1 hour
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 2 hours
Mini-challenges completed: 2
Other participants you’ve visited: Sarah at http://www.dillonslattery.com
Prize you’ve won: None

Thanks checking in...now time to open the book back up!

Read-A-Thon: Hour 1

Hour 1 was spent reading Sex Fantasies for Women by Women by Lisa Sussman. I can honestly say that I might already have to switch to something different for a little while. Reading the word "orgasm" over and over this early in the morning isn't really helping me much. heh

Dewey posted some introduction questions on her site that I will go ahead and answer.

Where are you reading from today? I have a small stack of books reserved for today which can change at any given time. As of right now I have:
Sex Fantasties for Women by Women by Lisa Sussman
A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby (recommended by my friend Josh)
The Other Woman by Jane Green
Where or When by Anita Shreve
Enticing by Lori Foster
Navy Husband by Debbie Macomber
Lost and Found by Jacqueline Sheehan
It by Stephen King

All books I have never read before but some I may have started and not gotten very far. I have plenty of bookmarks to go around and plan on reading bits and pieces from each book.

3 facts about me …
1. I love rock and roll concerts. Tool puts on a fantastic show.
2. Ticks terrify me.
3. I have a book buying addiction. Please help. hehe

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?
I guess it's 8 as of right now. Although I have no plans of completing them all during this 24 hours.

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)? Well, I don't really have too many goals. I would like to stay up for the whole 24 hours and that's a big enough goal for me I guess. It would be nice to have a few comments on my blogs because it's still fairly new.

If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time? No, this is my first time doing the Read-A-Thon. I'm having fun though!


Well now I need to update you on my reading. Phew that last hour just flew by, but time always seems to fly by when I'm reading.

Title of book(s) read since last update:Sex Fantasies for Women by Women by Lisa Sussman
Number of books read since you started:Haven't finished any yet. Still on book 1.
Pages read since last update:
Running total of pages read since you started: 43
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 1 hour
Running total of time spent reading since you started:1 hour
Mini-challenges completed:2
Other participants you’ve visited:Well, during the days leading up to the event I've comment on several other reader's blogs. However, this morning, just starting out, I've dedicated the first hour mostly to reading and this update. I hope to visit others blogs soon enough.
Prize you’ve won: None as of yet.

5 minutes left until Read-A-Thon begins.

Alrighty, my coffee is brewed and my books are stacked. I stocked up on cigarettes and I'm ready to go! I think I'll start my reading with Sex Fantasies for Women by Women so I can at least feel like I've finished a book during the 24 hour period. Some of my selections I know I will not get through, and are mostly there for variety.

The last 15 minutes have been spent contemplating this whole thing. "What have I gotten myself into this time?" It's okay though. I have a feeling it's going to be a lot of fun and very rewarding in the end to say I've actually read continuously during a 24 hour period. How many others can say that?

So I'll be using a template for my hour updates that Dewey has provided on her page. Every hour I hope to update so please stick with me.

I want to wish all the other readers good luck, and thank the cheerleaders for their words of encouragement. Above all, thanks to Dewey for organizing this event! You're an angel. :)

Read-A-Thon Book Choices

So I've been at work all day stressing about what to read tomorrow for the 24 Hour Read-A-Thon. Yeah, yeah. I know I've kind of waited until the last minute to figure all this out, but Covington, TN is not the place to buy books. I was hoping that while I was in Memphis yesterday I could stop by Goodwill and stock up on some good novels for cheap, but alas, I couldn't. I had to rush to Memphis after work, pick up my relatives and best friend, and head to the movie theater so we could wait in line in the freezing cold. BTW, The Secret Life of Bees movie was great! The movie stayed true to the book and was portrayed very well on film. Go see it!

Now let me get back on track. My book choices so far are as follows:

1. Sex Fantasies for Women by Women by Lisa Sussman
2. A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
3. The Other Woman by Jane Green
4. Where or When by Anita Shreve
5. Enticing by Lori Foster
6. Navy Husband by Debbie Macomber
7. Lost and Found by Jacqueline Sheehan

I still need to go by Wal-Mart (Covington's only "bookstore") tonight and pick up something for the RIP III mini-challenge. Maybe some Stephen King (sigh), but hopefully I won't have to resort to that. Everyone knows Stephen King is not my favorite writer, to say the least.

I'll be waking up in the morning at 6am. That should give me enough time to take a quick shower, brew a pot of coffee, gather my books, and log online to set up my first blog of the 24 hours. I'm interested to check out other readers blogs as well and check in on their progress. It'll be fun to know that more than 100 readers will all be reading at the same time for a same common goal.

Please feel free to check in on me tomorrow and leave me a comment or two. I could use any kind words or encouragement tomorrow, especially in the later hours when my head is going to feel like a brick. I'm looking forward to it though. Bring on the books!

Special "Secret Life of Bees" movie screening.

I read The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd about a year ago and absolutely loved it. Now they're making a movie out of this great novel and I was lucky enough to score free tickets (courtesy of a book club I'm in)! The movie has tons of big name actors and actresses such as Queen Latifah, Alicia Keyes, Jennifer Hudson, Paul Bettany, and Dakota Fanning. I think the casting is excellent, although I don't really care for Dakota Fanning too much.

I'm not going to go into what the book is about because I believe most people have read this one already (and if you haven't then you should go read it right now). However, here's the trailer for anyone interested in viewing it.


While I'm usually skeptical about movies based on books, I still find myself anxious to go see them. This is especially true when I've loved the book in the past. I'm going to this special viewing on October 16th so I'll be sure to let you all know what I thought.

24 Hour Read-A-Thon

I've decided today after much debating that I will be taking part in the 24 hour Read-A-Thon on October 18. That means I'll be waking my happy butt up at 7:00am and reading until 7am the next day. Yes, I may be crazy and foolish, but to this ole bookworm it sounds like tons of fun.

I'll be updating every hour or so on my reading and my progress which everyone can track here. I'm sure there will be plenty of post that don't make much sense, but just bare with me! I plan on making it through all 24 hours (although I can't guarantee anything). I'd appreciate any support from readers, so please feel free to stop by and give me a comment with a little encouragement. My sleep deprived mind will be thrilled!

If you're interested in signing up as a reader or a cheerleader (spend time checking up on the reader's blogs and giving them words of encouragement), then please feel free to check out the website. http://deweymonster.com/?page_id=722

Lusting.

While checking out Amazon.com one day, I saw an advertisement on their main page for their new ebook reader. The Amazon Kindle.

I've always liked the idea of an ebook but never felt compelled to buy one. The paper book always seemed more appealing to me. However, when I saw the Amazon Kindle and read all the features, I started drolling. I started showing it to anyone that would look and listen to be. I even begged.

This device has tons of cool features that other ebooks don't. First, it has wireless internet so you don't ever have to connect it to a computer to download new books. Just connect to the Amazon store and download wirelessly. It also has a built in dictionary and access to Wikipedia!

My favorite feature of all is the screen. The Amazon Kindle has "electronic paper" which basically means that the screen isn't back lit. The background of the screen is white so it reads just like paper. Your eyes won't be straining after reading like they would if you'd been staring at a computer screen for a while.

All the reviews I've read have been great. There were one or two people that didn't like the layout of the buttons, but most of the complaints have been of a cosmetic sort. The price tag? 350 dollars. Yes, it's a bit pricey but if you purchase it through Amazon, shipping is free.

I would like to tell you how I have personally enjoyed it, but I haven't been able to scrap up enough cash to purchase one yet. When I do, I'll be sure to post a review. Until then, if anyone has purchased one, please tell me how you like it or dislike it. I would love to know what others think.

I'm ready for my book to arrive.

I've always been a sucker for a good young adult read. I've plowed through the Princess Diaries series, Twilight series, Harry Potter series etc. Sure, character development is usually lacking, but I usually just read these books because they're fun. The stories are entertaining and yes, I do sometimes roll my eyes at some of the dialogue (especially in the Twilight series) but I can't stop reading them. After reading a novel like The Memory Keeper's Daughter or Atonement (which were both really good in my opinion), it's nice to open up a YA book and just morph (for the time being) into my teenage self.

I stumbled upon the first book in the Pretty Little Liars series, also titled "Pretty Little Liars", at a garage sale. I read the back cover and figured since it was only a few cents I had nothing to lose. Let me just say, I read the book in a day and a half and I was captivated by it. So much scandal, so much mystery. So much....dirt.

In a nutshell, it's a story about 5 best friends. The ring leader, Ali, disappears mysteriously when the girls are in 8th grade. Three years later, the remaining four girls lead seperate lives, not really having much to do with each other until they start receiving mysterious text messages and emails from someone called "A." You spend the whole novel trying to figure out if this is really Ali, if she's still alive and following her friends around taunting them via text or if it's someone else. If it is someone other than Ali then who is it?

After reading this book, I couldn't wait to read the second in the series called "Flawless." Since I live in "no-where-town" and there is no where to shop for books other than my local Wal-Mart hell, I decided to buy it on half.com. The seller marked the book as shipped yesterday so I'm just waiting for it to arrive. I can't wait.

Anyone who enjoys YA fiction should definitely pick up Pretty Little Liars! It's like the teen version of Desperate Housewives. You have to try it!