Just another bookworm's blog

Winter's Respite Readathon wrap up post

2012-01-30T19:04:00.001+02:00

Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed this readathon, and amazingly I got a fair amount of time to read especially over the weekend. Considering I am expecting my study material any day now it was really nice to get a last weekends reading in!
Sunday's progress
Books read today: 3 (Atlantis, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon; Treasure Island)
Books finished today: 1 (Atlantis)
Pages read today: 369 (Atlantis 179, Outlander 143, Treasure Island 47)

In total I read:
Books read: 5 (Atlantis, Outlander, The Great Hunt, Treasure Island, Learning)
Pages Read: 1414
Books finished: 3 (Atlantis, The Great Hunt, Learning)

All in all, I was pleased with how much I have read, I met my goal of pages and I read 3 books. Quite good considering the size and the amount of time I had to read. I see that Michelle is planning a spooky readathon next time which I am looking forward to!

Winter's respite readathon update post

2012-01-25T21:31:00.004+02:00

I have not dissappeared and have actually read a fair bit. Just have not had much chance to post. So, here is an update on where I am.

Mondays progress:
Books read today: 1 (Learning by Karen Kingsbury)
Pages read today: 190

Tuesday's progress
Books read today: 1 (The great hunt by Robert Jordan)
Pages read today: 93

Wednesday's Progress
Books read today: 1 (Learning
Books finished today: 1 (Learning)
Pages read today: 134

Thursday's Progress
(Lots of work, so didn't get much chance to read today)
Books read today: 1 (The Great Hunt)
Books finished today: 0
Pages read today: 52

Friday's Progress
Books read today: 1 (Atlantis by David Gibbins
Books finished today: 0
Pages read today: 152

Saturday' Progress
Books read today: 2 (The Great hunt, Atlantis)
Books finished today: 1 (The great hunt)
Pages read today: 424 (The great hunt 418, Atlantis 6)

Running totals:
Books read: 3 (The great hunt, Atlantis and Learning)
Pages read: 1045
Books finished: 2 (Learning + The great hunt)

Winters respite readathon starting line post

2012-01-23T19:41:00.000+02:00

I noticed this on twitter this morning. I am not really sure how I missed it at all. I have joined in the previous two run by Michelle and definitely can't miss the winter one, even if we are in the middle of a blazing summer here!
I probably wont be able to get too much read this week, but definitely commit to reading as much as I can. I would like to read more than 1350 pages which is what I read for the last readathon. I won't commit to number of books because a few of the books on my list are 500+++ pages.
I am starting with Learning by Karen Kingsbury and The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan, which I am halfway through. Thereafter I will move onto my to be read pile, half of which is below. I may even stop off at the library over the next week, and I still have my book club books here. So, really the choice is unlimited.
Sorry for the poor quality of the photo, but I took it on my phone this morning, and didnt even notice that the books were higgledy-piggledy and it seems a bit blurred!

Pop over to Michelle at The true book addict for the starter post. Click on the readathon picture at the top for the sign up page.

Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

2012-01-21T21:48:00.000+02:00

Synopsis from Amazon.comThe Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City. She's determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan.

My review:
This book traces the lives of Bailey and Cody both trying to establish careers and lives for themselves. Whilst it is not all bad, there were a few things that did irritate me a bit and impacted on my enjoyment.
1. This is my first Karen Kingsbury book and it states that it is Book 1 in the Bailey Flannagan series. However, there is obviously a lot that has happened in the past to these characters in another series. It was quite hard to work out what was going on at times, which made it difficult to understand. I feel that it should be linked to another series, or some sort of recommendation made that you read those books first, rather than having it stand alone.

2. The characters are just too perfect. There lives are perfect, they always do the right thing, everything seems easy for them. It seems to almost come across that if you are a CHristian your life will work out perfectly and you will be perfect. This made it hard for me to identify with any of the characters. I didn't feel that the characters or the plot were developed enough during the book.
3. Lastly, I felt that there were a bit too many bible references etc. I am a Christian, although I dont really read much Christian fiction. What I have read in the past I have enjoyed. But this just seemed to go over the top which made it seem more like a sermon or devotional book, than a fictional story.

Although I have been fairly negative up to now, it is not all bad. The basics of the story are good, I enjoyed the plot. It is a very sweet story, very easy to read and it is certainly refreshing to have no sex or violence in the beook, just normal people enjoying a normal life. I also feel that if I knew a bit more of the background, I would probably have enjoyed it a bit more. I own the second book in the series and will definitely read it to see how things progress.

Rating: I gave it 2 out of 5 on Goodreads.

Bout of books wrap up post

2012-01-16T19:57:00.000+02:00

Ok, so here is my final wrap up post for Bout of Books 3.0

Books finished on day 7: 0

Books finished since start: 1 and a half

Pages read on day 7: 116 (The Geneva Deception)

Pages read since start: 1349

Books read since start: Start Somewhere by Calvin Nowell, Kiss the girls by James Patterson, It's now or never by Carole Matthews, The Geneva Deception by James Twining, Duncton Tales by William Horwood. (These weren't finished, I read bits and pieces of them)

All in all, I enjoyed the readathon and the challenges I took part in. Even though I did not actually meet my goal I think my page count was pretty high. If I had chosen books that were less than 500 pages each, maybe I would have finished more. Thanks to Amanda for organising this readathon.

Bout of books 3.0 day 7

2012-01-15T18:37:00.000+02:00

I didn't get a chance to update yesterday, so this is for two days. I had a very surprise visit from my best friend and ended up going to lunch with her, so did not really get much chance to read yesterday. I have read a bit today. So, since Friday night I have read the following:

Books read since Friday: 0

Books read all together: 1 and a half

Pages read since Friday: 290 (270 The Geneva Deception, 20 Start somewhere)

Pages read since start: 1233

#insixwords so hot I am battling to read

Bout of Books 3.0 picture challenge and update

2012-01-13T22:29:00.000+02:00

Todays challenge over at The reading housewives was to show a picture of your book, your snack and your drink. Tonight, I dropped Brenda off to youth and then had a couple of hours to read.

I have had a craving for hot chocolate for a day or so, but it is far too hot here So, I compromised and treated myself to some chocolate milk, which was yummy. Also, my packet of Lightly salted crisps and some rocky road chocolate. Yummy! Reading wise I am busy with Duncton Tales, but will possibly take a break to read a few shorter books.

Since my last update I havent had too much chance to read, but am happy with my progress so far.

Books finished today: 0

Books finished so far: 1 and a half (It's now or never and Kiss the girls)

Pages read since last update: 151 (136 Duncton Tales, 15 Start somewhere)

Pages read so far: 943

#insix words: Thank goodness its nearly the weekend!

Interview

2012-01-12T20:14:00.000+02:00

Whilst surfing today I discovered this meme and thought this was quite a nice set of questions. Pop over to Booking through Thursday if you would like to join in.

1. What’s your favorite time of day to read?

Any time! With working full time, studying part time and raising a daughter, I can't really say I have a set time to read. I will snatch a few minutes here and there at various times of the day.
2. Do you read during breakfast? (Assuming you eat breakfast.)
If I am eating alone yes, but not if I am with my daughter. Same goes for other meals, even in restaurants
3. What’s your favorite breakfast food? (Noting that breakfast foods can be eaten any time of day.)
Egg, bacon, mushrooms, toast

4. How many hours a day would you say you read?
Once again, depends on the day, but I try to get at least an hour in. Sometimes it is a lot more, sometimes less.
5. Do you read more or less now than you did, say, 10 years ago?
I have always read a lot, but during the period where my daughter was very young I found less time to read and didnt read much at all. Not to say that I didn't read, I always had a book on the go, but would take ages to finish it. That would put us from about 1998 - 2002 or so. Over the last few years I have been reading progressively more and more.

6. Do you consider yourself a speed reader?
Wouldn't say a speed reader, but I think I do read relatively fast.

7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To fly!

8. Do you carry a book with you everywhere you go?
Pretty much. I have one on the go at work, and one on the go at home. If I am going out I generally take one in my bag, unless I am just popping out to the shops. I have been known to buy a book to read at a fast food place because I cannot sit on my own without reading.
9. What KIND of book?
Paper, I would LOVE a Kindle though.
10. How old were you when you got your first library card?
I have had a library card as long as I can remember. My mum got us one as small children and we would go to the library weekly. True confession here: I used to read more books than I was allowed to take out. So, I used to sneak extra books out the library and sneak them back in the next week!
11. What’s the oldest book you have in your collection? (Oldest physical copy? Longest in the collection? Oldest copyright?)
I have a copy of David Copperfield which was my Grandfathers setbook at school. My mum subsequently used it as well. There is no date in it, but he was born in 1892, so it must have been published around 1900. There is another one with the same binding (can't remember the name right now) so it possibly came at around the same time. Oldest book in MY collection is some copies of Noddy from my childhood.
12. Do you read in bed?
Yes, in bed with a cup of coffee last thing at night, first thing in the morning, middle of the day, lol. Any time.
13. Do you write in your books?
I am absolutely unable to do this. I write my name only if they are going to be lent out. That is generally written in the inside front cover. Otherwise I cannot write in books, tear pages out, bend the corners etc. We had a very strict librarian in junior school who drummed this into me. Occasionally I will underline or star in a textbook, but this is very lightly in pencil.
14. If you had one piece of advice to a new reader, what would it be?
Read as much as you can get your hands on. Also, try and mix it up a bit, so you are not reading the same thing over and over. You may get bored and give up.
15. What question have I NOT asked at BTT that you’d love me to ask? (Actually, leave the answer to this one in the comments on this post, huh? So I can find them when I need inspiration!)
This is my first time here, so dont really know what has been asked.

Review: Not that kind of girl by Catherine Alliot

2012-01-12T09:07:00.020+02:00

Picture links to Goodreads page
After being dumped at the altar Henrietta (Henny) falls in love and subsequently marries her boss, Marcus. The story starts about 15 years later when Henrietta, Marcus and their 2 children have just moved to the country and Henrietta takes a job as PA to a historian. After being found in a compromising, if innocent, position by her husband, her marriage starts to fall apart. Who should enter her life at this stage, but her ex-fiance Rupert. Who will she choose? Does her husband even want her? What are Ruperts plans? The book is set mainly between London and the countryside and some funny times ensue.

The majority of the book centres around Henny and her thoughts and feelings, as she tries to deal with these developments. I am really in two minds about this book as there are some brilliant parts but some really boring bits. I found the main character to be really tiresome. Given to flights of fancy which made her do really stupid things. Although I guess that is sometimes what the genre is about, it really made me want to kick her! Henny would look at something and then we would have 4-5 pages of her imagining all sorts of happy or sad things happening. And then worse she would act on these even when there was no conceivable reason for her to do whatever she was doing. There were times when the book dragged a bit, and could have probably done with having a 100 pages less fantasy. Having said that, the parts where there is any action are absolutely hysterical and had me laughing aloud. There are some scenes in the book which rank up there with my favourite scenes ever.
Rating: I gave it 3/5 on goodreads

Bout of books 3.0 Day 3

2012-01-11T21:29:00.000+02:00

Had work today, so I did not manage to read as much as I would have liked. However, I have managed to finish my first full book! I read It's now or Never by Carole Matthews which was a really sweet, funny, romantic story!

Progress so far:

Books finished today: 1 (It's now or never)

Books finished so far: 1 and a half (It's now or never and Kiss the Girls)

Pages read today: 184

Total number of pages read: 792

#insixwords: Work interfered with my reading!

Review: Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs

2012-01-11T09:10:00.002+02:00

Picture links to the Good reads page

A plumber doing some renovations on an empty house discovers an unknown part to the cellar, and with that a human skull,ritual implements and rotting animal carcasses. Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan is called to investigate. Subsequently, a headless body turns up on a nearby lake shore. Many questions arise, who is the owner of the skull? Do the skull and the body belong to the same person? Why is there minimal decomposition on the body? Who is responsible? Before anyone knows what is going on a preacher turned politician starts making accusations of witchcraft and local citizens turn it into a witch hunt.

Kathy Reichs has really become one of my favourite authors and I usually thoroughly enjoy her books. However, I really struggled to get into this book in the beginning. It seemed to take a long time to get anywhere. I found there was too much background information given considering that it was the 11th book in the series. Also, some of it had no bearing on the current story, so really was unnecessary. Also, there was too much theoretical information (I normally enjoy this, so not sure why it frustrated me in this book), and I felt that it sometimes interfered with the flow of the story. I also, generally prefer the books set in Canada, since I love Andrew Ryan and he did not get enough time in this book.
Having said that, the book is not all bad and I was never in any danger of giving up.The second half of the book is much faster than the first, and there are lots of twists and turns in the plot. I had guessed the culprit half way through, then with the way the story played out changed my mind about 4 times before finally discovering that it was my original suspect. Once you get into the story it is easy to read and goes quickly, so on the whole I did enjoy it.

Rating: I gave it 3/5 stars on Goodreads

Bout of Books 3.0 Starting line and updates

2012-01-10T10:01:00.000+02:00

I have once again signed up for the Bout of Books readathon, which starts on Monday. I will update daily on this post, since I will have access to a computer and not use the phone to post, apart from Twitter that is.

Time committed to:Definitely Monday and Tuesday for most of the day. Wednesday - Friday I will be back at work, so not as much time. But then, will be back on the weekend.

Goals:
I would like to read a minimum of 3 books, but will be thrilled with 5 or more. My ideal is to get a bit ahead in my goal to reach 120 books this year. I have quite a few long books on my TBR pile, so will count pages as well.

Books to be read:
I have about 15 books on my TBR pile, and 3 boxes of books in my house belonging to my bookclub, so I wont run out. I won't specify right now what I will read, since typically I specify and then read something totally different!

1/9
I didnt get as much chance to read as I liked, but did get some done. Going to bed now, so whatever I read in bed, will be added to tomorrows total.
Number of books I’ve finished today: a half (Kiss the Girls)
Total number of books I’ve finished: a half (kiss the girls)
Total number of pages read: 351 (Kiss the Girls 312; Start Somewhere 14; Duncton Tales 25)
Today #insixwords: Tired because I woke early today
Things I learned on Twitter: Twitter not working on my phone today :-(
Books: Kiss the girls, Start somewhere, Duncton Tales

1/10

Number of books I’ve finished today: 0
Total number of books I’ve finished: half
Pages read today: 257 (It's now or never)

Total number of pages read: 608
Today #insixwords: Too much excitement here to read
Things I learned on Twitter: Once again no time to tweet!
Books: It's now or never

1/11
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Today #insixwords:
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1/12
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1/13
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1/14
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1/15
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If you would like to join in, click on the picture above, or go here

Bout of books reading pile.

2012-01-09T14:10:00.000+02:00

This is my reading pile for the Bout of Books readathon. It is basically just my to be read pile. However, I have a confession to make: There is another pile hiding behind that one, but this is really where I want to start. I also have all the books from my book club, so it is quite possible that I will read something from that if I get bored! What isnt in this pile is the book I am currently reading which is Duncton Wood by William Horwood.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

2012-01-09T07:45:00.002+02:00

Is a weekly meme where we all get together and share what we have been reading and will be reading. It is a great way to build up your reading list.

Last week I managed to read quite a bit. I wanted to get ahead on my reading challenge, so that I have room to play when I go back to work this week. I mainly read James Patterson, since I was staying with my sister who has just about all his books.

This is what I read last week:

Swimsuit by James Patterson
Don't blink by James Patterson
Run for your life by James Patterson
Step on a crack by James Patterson
Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs
Not that kind of girl by Catherine Alliot
Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

Reviews done last week:

Swimsuit by James Patterson

What I am currently reading:

Kiss the girls by James Patterson - for some reason this book seems familiar but I have gone back and checked repeatedly and definitely have not read it. I am enjoying it though
Start somewhere by Calvin Nowell - a motivational weight loss book which I am definitely enjoying and identifying with. Will take this one slowly though.

Next on my list:

Not sure, but am doing the Bout of books readathon, so will definitely be reading!

For more reading inspiration, click on the picture above

2011 Challenge Round up

2012-01-08T08:42:00.002+02:00

Since we are a week into 2012, I thought I had better do a round up of 2011 challenges. I will try to be better this year about doing this as we go along.

100+ reading challenge
Goal: 100 books
Read: 108

Birth year reading challenge
Goal: 7
Read: 0
Oh dear, my main problem was since they were old books, I couldnt get them in my local library and needed to go into the main library in town, which I never got a chance to do. I may try and do this one this year.

Bronte sisters reading challenge:
Goal: 3
Read: 2
Oh dear.

Chunkster reading challenge
Goal: 6
Read: 20!

Lord of The Rings Readalong
Goal: 3 + 1 other Tolkien book
Read: 3 + The Hobbit

Mystery and Suspense challenge
Goal: 12
Read: 40!!!

Narnia Read a long
Goal: 7
Read: 7

New Author Challenge:
Goal: 15
Read: 32

Read me baby 1 more time
Goal: 13-20
Read: 18

Support your local library challenge:
Goal: 30
Read: 47

All in all, although I failed at 2 I think I did quite well. What I didnt do too well at is reviewing, I hope to be better this year!

Review: Swimsuit by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

2012-01-07T20:40:00.000+02:00

I have had a bit of a James Patterson readathon the last week, since I was staying with my sister and she has LOADS of them.

Synopsis from Goodreads:
A strikingly attractive swimsuit model, Kim McDaniels, goes missing at a photoshoot with the backdrop of an upscale hotel in Hawaii. Shortly after she vanishes, her distressed parents receive a shocking phone call – one that forces them to take the next available flight to Hawaii in a frantic effort to find their missing daughter. LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins is assigned to the case, and finds himself drawing on his experience as an ex-cop – particularly as the futile efforts of the local police are proving distinctly underwhelming. Ben may have his biggest scoop – but will it be at the expense of a young woman's life?

My review:
At the time I read this, I had only read one other non-Alex Cross book by James Patterson, and I felt that that book was a bit flat. However, this really did not dissapoint. It gripped me from the start, I started reading it at about 4pm on New Years day and finished that night, The short, punchy chapters make it easy to read, and easy to catch up if you need to leave it for a bit. That is if you can bear to leave it. He builds up the suspense slowly from the start of the book, and there are so many little clues throughout the book.. I liked the hero, Ben Hawkins, since I felt he was a normal sort of guy, that one could relate to. Although he had been a cop, he didnt have access to loads of fancy gadgets and backup, was just him on his own trying to solve the mystery. Although he is a reporter and obviously out to get a story, you do get the impression that he really cares about the victims and the outcome of the case. One thing that surprised me though, is that the story is told, in a round about way, from the killers perspective, which makes for a different read. There are so many twists and turns in this book, with lots of violence and action.

The only thing I didn't really like, and it may sound a bit strange considering the rest of my review, is that sometimes I felt the book lost its direction a bit. There was some unnecessary killing, and sometimes it seemed to go a bit in circles. However, overall it was an awesome read and perfect for a holiday or a long lazy day at the pool.

Rating: I gave it 5/5 on Goodreads

Support your local library challenge 2012

2012-01-07T18:40:00.000+02:00

I thought this challenge had dissappeared, but found it today. I am still trying to save money and get rid of books, so going to join in again. I will go for 37+ books from my library.

Rules:

Anyone can join.

You don't need a blog to participate. If you are a Non-blogger please leave a comment with a link (if you review elsewhere) to your review or with the book(s) you read.

Audio, ebooks (some libraries allow ebooks to be checked out), bound books are ok.

No re-reads

Go here to sign up

Challenge goes from January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012

Levels:

Level 1 - Read 12 library books

Level 2 - Read 24 library books

Level 3 - Read 36 library books

Level 4 - Read 37+ library books

Read me baby one more time 2012

2012-01-07T15:07:00.001+02:00

I thoroughly enjoyed this challenge last year, it was so nice to rediscover old favourites. So, when I saw it was up again this year, I couldn't resist joining in again. I will once again go for Groundhog day reader, which means I must reread 13-20 books. Click on the picture if you would like to join the challenge.

The outdo yourself reading challenge

2011-12-31T16:00:00.001+02:00

I found this challenge today and since I already want to do this, I decided to join in. Basically the aim is to read more books than you did last year (2011). I am going for the Getting out of breath level i.e. Read 11 - 15 more books than in 2011. Sign up on the Book Vixen's blog
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Chunkster Challenge 2012

2011-12-26T22:52:00.000+02:00

Another challenge which I enjoyed last year. This year, I am going to step this up a bit and go for the Mor-book-ly obese challenge i.e. 8 books of 450 pages, 3 of which must have 750 pages or more. If you would like to join in, click on the picture above.

New Author Challenge 2012

2011-12-26T22:20:00.000+02:00

Another challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed this year was the New Author Challenge. It was really nice to branch out and I read some amazing books as a result, and discovered some new favourites. So, here I am back for the second year. This year I would like to read 25 New Authors,and HOPE to read 50. I know that it will be a busy year, so not sure if I will make 50, therefore will have that as my "stretch target" as we say at work!
Click on the link for more info or to join up.

Outlander Reading Challenge

2011-12-26T22:07:00.000+02:00

The outlander series is one of my favourite series of all time, and since the 7th book is due to come out this year (hopefully) I had planned on rereading the series in 2012. Whilst hopping around I came across this challenge, which seems perfect for me. I will definitely read the Outlander series and as many of the Lord John books as I can get hold of. Pop over to Literary Escapism to check it out.

100+ books in a year reading challenge 2012

2011-12-26T21:47:00.001+02:00

In January I signed up for this challenge in two places, and managed to complete it. This year, I have decided to sign up at Book chick city for the 100+ books in a year. Since I have read 107 books and will probably make it 110 this year, I have decided to set myself a personal goal of 120 books for 2012, my aim is also to write more reviews. We will see how that goes, lol. If you would like to join in, pop over here or click the button in my side bar.

Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge 2012

2011-12-26T21:13:00.000+02:00

It is that time of year when we start looking at various challenges for the coming year. I thoroughly enjoyed this challenge this year, and in fact this has become one of my favourite genres at the moment. So, I am back for another year. This year I hope to read 24 books during the year, and hope to be better at reviewing the books as well! If you would like to join, just click on the link or the button in the side bar.

Bout of books readathon wrap up post

2011-11-02T20:03:00.000+02:00

For some reason this wont let me post a picture tonight, grrr!
Anyway, here is my very belated wrap up post for bout of books! I have been so busy since Monday I havent had a chance to come on.
I felt like I totally failed at this readathon, since I hardly read that much and I didnt update much. I did however, regularly check peoples tweets! Having said that I actually met my goal and managed to read two books, so that was a bonus. The books I read were:
Cracks by Sheila Kohler
The return of the king by J.R.R Tolkien. I also read about 50 pages of THe lost city of Z, but taking a break from that since I didnt really get into it.
I really enjoyed the readathon and am looking forward to the next one!

Bout of books day 2 and 3 update

2011-10-26T21:12:00.001+02:00

Didn't get a chance to update yesterday, what with studying for todays exam. I did get to do some reading and hope to post a review tomorrow when I get some time on the computer!
Books read since last update: 2 (cracks by Sheila Kohler and The lost city of Z by David Grann)
Books finished since last update: 1 (cracks)
Books fished in total: 1
Pages read since last update: 177 (125 cracks and 52 Lost city)
Pages read in total:218

I am not sure if I am enjoying The lost city of Z but will carry on for a bit longer
#insixwords not enough time in the day!
Sent from my BlackBerry®

Bout of books Day 1 update

2011-10-25T05:54:00.000+02:00

Doing this from my phone and will add links etc later.
As expected I did not read too much yesterday, partly due to studying and partly because my sister arrived with my new nephew.
I did however, read a very little bit. I started with a book called cracks by Sheila Kohler.
Books finished today: 0
Pages read today: 41
Today in 6 words: #work, study, baby, couldn't read much!
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Bout of books readathon starting post

2011-10-22T19:07:00.000+02:00

I am doing my start up post tonight, since I probably wont get a chance tomorrow, then I know it is up!

Time devoted to reading:

I commit to reading something every day for the entire week, but realistically it will probably be limited until Wednesday. I have an exam first thing Wednesday morning, and then will be at work the rest of the week.

Goals:

Read a minimum of 2 books (due to above exam limitations) but would like to read 3 which will bring my total for the year to 90, only 10 away from meeting my goal of 100 books this year.

Possible books to read:

To dream of the dead - Phil Rickman

Lost City of Z - David Grann

Leaving - Karen Kingsbury

The last Oracle - James Rollins

Labyrinthe - Kate Mosse

Break no Bones - Kathy Reichs (will be starting this one tomorrow)

The return of the King - J.R.R Tolkien

Crack - Sheila Kohler

Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson

I will update in daily posts so that I can do it from my phone quickly if I dont get much computer time. If you would like to check out the readathon then click on the button at the top of the post. Go on, you were going to read anyway!

Bout of Books Readathon and taking a break

2011-10-15T11:05:00.000+02:00

I totally missed the last readathon I signed up for. Had so much going on that week even though my daughter was away that I didnt get a chance to read. However, I have signed up for the above readathon which occurs during the week break between my two sets of exams, so that should be a nice destresser!
Since I have 3 exams coming up over the next week I wont be bloggin at all until those are finished.

Frightful fall read-a-thon

2011-09-18T17:24:00.000+02:00

As I write this we are having the hottest day so far this spring with temperatures outside of 28C at 5:30pm, so it feels strange to write about a fall readathon. But here I am doing just that! Michelle over at Castle Macabre is holding a readathon from the 3 - 9 October 2011. I thought since it is far enough away from exams to give me a bit of leeway I would join in. The main requirement is that you read one scary book, sounds easy enough!

It's Monday, what are you reading?

2011-09-05T21:04:00.000+02:00

This meme is where we share what we have been reading and what we are going to read.

This last week I have not really got very far with my reading at all. I havent been able to get down and read much, but am getting little bits done.

I am busy with two book:

1. Duncton Found by William Horwood. Now, dont get me wrong I love this series and this book. I would have to if I have read it 3 times before, lol. However this time, although I am enjoying the story I am battling through it a bit. I think it is because it is quite a long book and I havent had much chance to read at all. So, reading just a few pages a day makes me feel that nothing is really happening. I do love the book though, so will definitely get back into it.

2. The Black sun by James Twining. I started reading this because I thought it would be a bit easier to pick up and put down, and it definitely is so. I am thoroughly enjoying it!

For more reading inspiration pop over to Sheilah's blog.http://www.bookjourney.wordpress.com/

Bout of books readathon wrap up post

2011-08-29T20:50:00.000+02:00

I didnt get to post last night, so here is a wrap up post.

Books finished during the readathon: 2 (Fat Tuesday and Ant in my sugar)
Other books read: Duncton Found 300 pages

All in all, I am pretty happy with what I achieved, considering the fact that it was an exam/prac week.

Bout of books readathon day 2-5

2011-08-26T21:08:00.000+02:00

Sadly, all my good intentions came to naught! I was just so busy with my course that I didnt get a chance to post. I have however, been reading! So this is in fact an update post from Tuesday.
Books read today: 0.2
Books read so far: 1 + 0.2
Completed: Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown
#insixwords Thank goodness I can now read!

Bout of books readathon Day 1

2011-08-23T06:23:00.001+02:00

Just realised while I am sitting outside UNISA that I forgot to add an update last night. Thank goodness for modern technology and my phone!
I didn't get to read much at all yesterday, but I didn't really expect to.
Books read yesterday: 106 pages of Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown.
#insixwords sadly not much chance to read

I hope to get a bit more time today, but won't hold my breath.
Sent from my BlackBerry®

Bout of Books Readathon

2011-08-21T18:12:00.000+02:00

Ok, I am becoming quite the readathon addict these days! I recently came across this one and since I have had such a busy time lately with university work, a lot of which will come to an end this week, I decided that this is just the reward I need. It starts tomorrow and ends on the 28th, so a nice long time.get

How much time I intend to read?

Now, I probably won't get that much time to read during the week, but plan to spend most of next weekend reading. As a result, my goals are going to be set quite low!

Goals?

Due to the above my goal is only to finish Duncton Found which I am about a third of the way through and read one other book. I have about 13 books on my to be read pile, so I wont have any shortage of books! Will decide what to read based on how exhausted I am feeling by the end of the week!

There are also going to be some challenges, prizes and lots of fun, so pop over to On a book bender for more information.

It's Monday what are you reading?

2011-08-08T17:11:00.000+02:00

This meme is where we share what we have been reading and what we are going to read. I have been busy and sick with flu for the last few weeks, but hopefully will be back for a while now.
Last week I read 3 books:

Tell it to the skies by Erica James tells the story of Lydia who is sent to live with her grandparents after her parents die. Neither of her grandparents really want her there and she has a miserable childhood, only made better by the presence of her best friend Noah. Unfortunately when she is 18 tragedy strikes and she flees to Italy. We start the story with her step-daughter having met Noah's son which makes Erica go back over what she experienced as a child. I enjoyed this book a lot and would really recommend it, the only thing I have against it is that there were two many convenient tie-ups. But still it was a good book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It has all my favourite aspects - action, a bit of romance, intrigue, lots of historical detail. In the Dan Brown genre, but a lot more action involved!

Lastly, what I am reading at the moment:

I absolutely love the Duncton Chronicles, this is my third or fourth time reading the series. It tells the story of a community of moles, and although I thought I wouldnt enjoy it I have been hooked for years! Think The wind in the willows on a huge scale. I only started this last night, so havent got very far.

For more inspiration pop over to Sheilah's blog, link on the picture.

Sizzling summer readathon Update 3

2011-08-07T21:11:00.000+02:00

Okay, this will probably be my last update since I will probably go to bed fairly soon. If I read a lot more I may post another one tomorrow, but it is unlikely.
I have actually managed to finish 2 books and started on my 3rd.
Status:
Total books read: 2
Total pages read: 724
Books read since last update: 1 finished (Sandstone by James Rollins), I have read 22 pages of Duncton Found)
Pages read since last update: 267
Total time read: about 8 hours, forgot to time today
How I am currently feeling: Just had a bath, so I am nice and warm and definitely ready for bed. (its winter here)
Currently munching on: Just had supper - macaroni cheese, garlic bread and salad. Got some coffee and chocolate to enjoy now!
I have really enjoyed this readathon and although I didnt get as much read as I could have, I am happy with what I did. I never got to start The return of the king, was not in the mood for it. Thanks to Lisa and Stephanie for organising this!

Sizzling summer readathon

2011-08-06T19:17:00.000+02:00

Here is my first status update, I didnt do one last night since I didnt read much. Today has been much better although I did have a bit of running around to do.
Status:
Total books read: 1
Total pages read: 457
Books read since last update: 1 finished (Tell it to the skies by Erica James) I am about two-thirds of the way through Sandstone by James Rollins
Total time read: 5 hours 30 minutes
How I am currently feeling: COLD - it is raining and miserable so planning on having a warm bath and crawling into bed to read for the rest of the night.
Currently munching/sipping: Coffee, will be having supper soon.

Once upon a chapter Sizzling summer readathon

2011-08-05T19:45:00.000+02:00

I have just seen this and signed up, or I hope I have signed up. My internet doesnt seem to let me want to comment at the moment! I may even have signed up 5 times, lol.Since Brenda will be going to my sisters house tomorrow and only coming back on Tuesday I thought it was the perfect weekend!
I will be starting with:
Tell it to the skies by Erica James

I hope to read: 2 books (do have a bit of other things to do)

Books I hope to read:
Tell it to the skies
Starting The Return of the King

Otherwise, I am drowing in my TBR pile, so have a lot to keep me going.

Status:

Total Books Read: N/A
Total Pages Read: N/A
Books Read Since Last Update: N/A
Pages Read since Last update: N/A
Total time read: N/A
How I'm currently feeling: Reading to start reading!
Currently munching/sipping: About to have my supper and then will start reading.

High summer readathon final update

2011-08-01T19:21:00.000+02:00

My blog was down last night so I couldn't update. Anyway, here is my update post for the end of the readathon. My weekend was much more productive reading wise than my week and so I got quite a lot done.
Books read since last update: 3

New York 208 pages
Getting Home 338 pages
Bones to ashes by Kathy Reichs 464 pages

Books finished since last update: 3 (as above)
Books finished in total: 3
Pages read since last update: 1010
Pages read in total: 1498 (pity I didn't notice would have started another book, to make it 1500 lol)

I am very happy with my progress especially since that takes me up to 70/100 books for my challenge for the year! Although I do like the hectic 24 hour readathons, I also really enjoy these ones where it is longer and there is not as much pressure in it! So, thanks to Michelle for an awesome readathon! I cant wait for the next one, although it might clash with my exams.

High summer readathon - update 2

2011-07-30T04:31:00.000+02:00

I have not had much chance to either read or update during the week. Pressure of work, studying, bookclub and life has kept me off the computer. I have also had flu for 2 weeks so trying to rest as much as possible.
So, here is my progress for the entire week.
Books read during the week: 3 (Wilt on High 24pages, Getting Home 77 pages, New York 334 pages)
Books finished during the week: 0
Pages read since last update: 435
Pages read since start: 488

I plan to spend more time reading over the weekends although I do have a couple of commitments. This is the coldest winter we have had in years, so the perfect weather for staying indoors and reading.

High summer readathon day 1

2011-07-26T18:16:00.000+02:00

Well, I havent had much time to read at all since yesterday. Been studying, working and got a bit of the flu, so havent read too much.
Books read since start: 3

Wilt on High by Tom Sharpe (16pages),
New York by Edward Rutherford (8 pages),
Getting home by Celia Brayfield (29 pages)

Pages read since start: 53
Books finished since start: 0

I hope to have done much more by tomorrow.

High summer readathon starting post

2011-07-25T18:48:00.000+02:00

=
I have been at work and had quite a busy day, so only had a chance to post now. I actually left work early planning on going to the tax office and then coming home to read. Of course, when I got there there was a huge queue and I am going to have to go back at some stage. Then I was informed that Brendas hockey shoes had a hole, so I had to go and get a new pair since it is hockey tomorrow. As a result, I have not had much chance to read at all and have so far only read 5 pages!
My aim for the readathon is the following:
1) Finish getting home by Celia Brayfield (I have about 450 pages left)
2) Finish New York by Edward Rutherford (I have about 500 pages left)
If I finish all that, there are about 10 books on my to be read list so that will keep me busy for the week!

High summer readathon

2011-07-22T18:44:00.000+02:00

Michelle at The true book addict is hosting a readathon next week. I am not quite sure how I missed it, but better late than never. It runs from the 25-31 July. I wont be able to read much during the week since I have 1) work
2) studying
3) bookclub on Thursday night.
But, anyway, I will definitely read as much as I can and will do more on the weekend. (I know I failed dismally at my last readathon, but all sorts of drama occurred on that day) If you would like to sign up, pop over to Michelles blog (link above)

It's Monday, what are you reading?

2011-07-18T20:47:00.000+02:00

I have been busy for a while with work, plus had a bit of flu, so havent had a chance to get online much. I have, however done a fair bit of reading.
In the last week I have read the following:

Polar Star by Martin Cruz Smith which I enjoyed, but found a little slow going
Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer. I really love his books, and read this in a day

Currently reading 3 books

Dandelions in the Garden by Charlie Courtland. I was lucky enough to win 3 of this authors books and this is the first I am reading. I am thoroughly enjoying it, however since it is an e-book and I havent had much time on the computer I havent had a chance to read much
New York by Edward Rutherford. A huge novel about the origins of New York, which I am thoroughly enjoying, but it is definitely time-consuming at just over 1000 pages.
Getting home by Celia Brayfield. This is my first time reading Celia Brayfield that I remember and at the moment I am not too sure. I have only got 5 pages into it though, so will give it a chance.

So, that is what I am currently reading, for more inspiration pop over to Sheila's blog.

Summer mini readathon

2011-07-10T10:04:00.000+02:00

I signed up for this a few days ago, posted in draft and obviously forgot to press publish! I have been reading since 8 am my time (GMT + 2). So far I have read the following:

Books read since start: 1 (Polar star by Martin Cruz Smith)
Books finished since start: 0
Pages read since start: 79
Time read since start: about 90 minutes

I do unfortunately have to go to the shops and have a bit of work to do, but will otherwise read for most of the day.

The two towers - possible spoilers

2011-07-01T22:11:00.000+02:00

When we left the end of the first book Frodo and Sam had become seperated from the rest of the fellowship and this book continues that. Most of the book focuses on the adventures of the rest of the group. After burying Boromir, Legolas, Gimli and Aragon set off to find Merry and Pippin who have been captured by Orcs. They eventually meet up with Gandalf and go off to Gondor to fight a couple of battles. Merry and Pippin meanwhile escape from the orcs into Fangorn Forest where they meet Treebeard the ent and go off on some adventures of their own. In the meantime Frodo and Sam are nearing Mordor and finally meet up with Gollum and recruit him as a guide. The book ends with them in dire straits in Mordor.
This book is one that I always have mixed feelings about. There are some of my favourite parts and characters in it. I love the Ents and the parts in Fangorn Forest, I love the part where Frodo meets up with the Riders of Rohan and of course Gollum is always fascinating. As always, Tolkien builds such a fascinating world, which really draws you in to it, there are some wonderful battle scenes, and I love the banter between Gimli and Legolas. We also get to see Merry and Pippin as real characters on their own, rather then hangers on, which up until now they seem to have been. However, I do sometimes feel as if this book is just a "filler" There is no real beginning and end, it is just there in the middle, almost like something you have to get through to get to the good stuff in the last book.
I also have to talk about Sam here, he is such a wonderful supporting character. Always, loyal, helpful and trying desperately to do things for the good of his "master". I always think I would love to have a Sam by my side all the time!
I am really looking forward to starting the third one.
I just have to talk about Sam here

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

2011-06-25T19:47:00.001+02:00

This is going to be very quick since I am trying to catch up. I have been desperate to read this book since it came out, but it was always out at the library. A few weeks ago, I thought to check the Large Print section and there it was, in fact they had two copies. So, now I know what to do in future.
Robert Langdon, a renowned symbologist is asked by his mentor to give a lecture on very short notice. He rushes off to Washington only to find that his mentor, Peter Solomon has been kidnapped by Mal'akh and his right hand left in the Capitol building for Robert to find. Robert then teams up with Peter's sister Katherine to find the lost Masonic Pyramid and discover the lost word which will obviously solve all mysteries. Of course, nothing is as easy as it sounds and they are continuously chased and hindered by the CIA as well as being sent around by Mal'akh.
I enjoyed the book,however, it really follows the same old Dan Brown formula (not necessarily a bad thing) and I really didnt feel it was his best. Having said that there is a lot of action, twists and turns and enough historical information to keep me hooked throughout. What really frustrated me about this book was the CIA agent, Sato. She was so arrogant and obnoxious, and refused to give anything out. As a result she appeared to be the bad person and infact I thought she was in cahoots with Mal'akh in the start. I realise that obviously this is part of the plot, mystery etc, but in this book I thought that it was taken to such an extreme that it didn't really help the story.
Anyway, all in all I did enjoy the book and will be looking out for the next one.

Spud by John van de Ruit

2011-06-23T21:21:00.001+02:00

I have been a bit over-blogged since the read-athon. Not to mention busy with work! I am quite behind on my reviews, so there should be a few more coming very soon!
Spud is a book by a South African author, about a young boy who wins a scholarship to a prestigious private boarding school. He arrives at the school which closely resembles a mad house, and in diary form it takes you through his adjustment to school, life as a young teenager in 1990s South Africa, his meetings with girls and assorted other adventures.

Now, I first read this book shortly after it came out. A little bit of background information here, is that I played tennis with the authors sister, I grew up in the same area and his mom came to our church. My grandparents also lived about 15 minutes away from the school it is based on. So, when the book first came out, that was the reason I bought it. But I loved it then. I saw the movie at the beginning of the year, which I also enjoyed and decided to reread the series.
Spud is a really mad book, and has a bit for everybody. It is laugh aloud funny at times, but deals with serious issues that all teenagers face at some stage. There is really a bit of everything and Spud has to face it all - night swims, romance, ghost hunting, mad parents and even madder granny (aka The wombat), being the star cricketer, actor, but failing hopelessly at rugby (closely aligned to god in South Africa),not to mention an insane cubicle mate, demented cat and some really odd teachers. It deals with bullying, issues of identity, self-esteem, romance and even death, all of this is handled in a light-hearted way without getting bogged down in too much negative emotion.
Obviously this book appealed to me for the fact that it really took me down memory lane in a way, and it is quite South African. However I think it would appeal to many groups of people - those who like comedy, anybody who was a teenager in the late 80s, early 90s, anyone who went to boarding school.
A couple of things which may upset some people - there is a bit of reference to sex in a typical early teenage manner, although there are no sex scenes, it is more them desperately trying to devise ways to have sex. Also, one of the pupils has an affair with a teachers wife, this is not really out there, but is alluded to rather than discussed. There is also a lot of typical boy high jinks and a little bit of violence, bullying etc, although not by the main character. It didnt bother me and my 13 year old has seen the movie and read the book, we had a discussion about the issues and that was it.
Anybody who read and enjoyed Adrian Mole will love this book!
On a totally different note, I am desperate to read a book called Hard Time by Shaun Attwood, which details his experiences of life in prison in Arizona. His blog entries reminded me so much of a grown up Spud! Obviously, much bigger issues dealt with, but his style is very similar.

FINISH LINE: SiS Readathon Report # 2

2011-06-19T08:44:00.000+02:00

Ok, I failed hopelessly last night at staying up all night. I wrote my last update at 8pm my time (12:00pm MT) , but only started reading again at about 9pm. I read until 12, from then I battled to stay awake until about 1:30am. Then I decided to have a half hour nap, when I woke up I still couldnt stay awake, lol. I did set my alarm, but it didnt help. So, here we are at the end. I hope it is okay that this is a little late, since I have only just got up now.

1.First of all, give us an end-of-read-a-thon status update. Books read, pages read, you know the drill!

Total Books read: 4 and a half

Total pages read: 1308

Books read since last update: 1

Pages read since last update: 255

Total time read: 21 hours. (Was probably a bit more, but since I kept falling asleep I havent counted it)

How am I feeling now. Well after about 6 hours sleep not too bad! Just wondering why I am able to stay up much later to read books than to study.

Books finished since the start of the readathon:

Absolution by Caro Ramsay
The two towers by J.R.R Tolkien
The secret Island by Enid Blyton
Beach Road by James Patterson
King Solomon's mines by H.Rider Haggard.

2.What is your favorite book you read during the read-a-thon?
The two towers but I enjoyed all the books that I read

3.Did you participate in any mini-challenges? Which ones?
I have to say I didn't do very well in this department. Partly due to the difference in time zone. By the time the challenges got up and running I wasn't in the mood to be sitting at the computer. But, a lot of it was also that I was just so busy reading that I didn't get onto the computer much. I only did the Book Character Pairing and the Organisation one.

4.Which mini-challenge was your favorite?
I loved looking at the wordles and this will definitely be something I do on my own. But this is my daughters computer, so have to wait until I get mine back.

5.What has been your favorite thing about the read-a-thon?

I loved the twitter feed, although I didn't tweet much. I also enjoyed just taking the time out to read.

6.Are you satisfied with how much reading you got done? Did you do more than you expected? Less?

I actually read more than I expected mainly because I got more time to read than I expected. With my daughter spending time away unexpectedly I was uninterrupted.

7.What did you think of the updates? Too close together? Didn't like the time limit?

I liked that they were 2 hours apart, gave you time to get reading inbetween. I understood them to be voluntary unless you wanted to win that prize and so I chose to do 4 hourly updates. The reason I did this is I know I am a computer addict and tend to get stuck here, so didnt want to be on the computer too much. What I did do is to check the site on my phone every 2 hours then if there was a challenge that I really wanted to take part in I would have. I think also that having regular updates means that you fit in with every bodys schedule. Those that are ready for a break can stop, those that aren't can carry on. As far as the time limit goes I think 2 hours is fine, especially for those that only require you to answer a question. Maybe it could be extended to 4 hours for those like the writing one, the puzzle and the wordle that require a little bit more.

8.If you could change one thing about the read-a-thon, what would it be?

As I said in my previous post one of my problems was the time difference. But, obviously that will never satisfy everybody and has to fit in with the host! Where I did have a big advantage was that it only started at 4pm for me so I didnt have a problem with work. I wouldn't change anything actually I thought it was well planned and run. I would make sure I had a few more drinks at home and more comfortable reading places. I got a bit tired of the same places and it was rainy so I couldnt go outside. Also, I would have a few childrens books (long ones obviously) available. I did read one and it really broke the intenseness of the reading.

9.Would you participate in another read-a-thon hosted by Squeaky Books? Why or why not?
Yes I would I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

10.Any last comments on the read-a-thon?

Nope, they are sprinkled above.

Thanks for a really great 36 hours.

Spring into Summer Readathon Day 2 Update Post

2011-06-18T16:32:00.002+02:00

Update 2 (officially number 8)
This is my 2nd update for today, but the 8th in the readathon.

Mini-challenge:
If you had bookshelves FULL of all of your favorite books, how would you organize them?
Now this is really a question that I need to consider, since I have so many books and need to sort them out. When I say so many books, I have my own, my dads, my moms and even some of my grandparents! They are in bookshelves and boxes all over. I really need to go through them.
Most likely I would organise them alphabetically by authors name, since it makes them so easy to find. It is one of the reasons that I hate the main library near me, since it is so huge that often books are put back incorrectly and you can never find anything. I would put series together, but otherwise strictly alphabetically. But now here comes the problem! I really love the look of a row of books all of the same size. I dont like the higgledy piggledy look of all different sizes together. Whenever I have organised my daughters bookshelf (which I have to do fairly regularly) this is my main bugbear. So, I would probably have it alphabetically but bigger books in a shelf on their own.
Whew, that was a bit of a novel wasn't it?

Update:
Total books read: 3 and a half
Total pages read: 1103
Books read since last update: 1 (Beach Road by James Patterson)
Pages Read since last update: 232
Total time read: 1017 minutes (16hrs 57 min)
How am I feeling: Actually I am quite tired at the moment, so I have stopped for a bit of a break, to eat and rest my eyes a bit. I may have a little nap later, but hope to read right through now. My daughter is home, so she has been reading with me for the last couple of hours.

Books finished since start of readathon:
1. Absolution by Caro Ramsey
2. The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien
3. The secret Island by Enid Blyton
4. Beach Road by James Patterson

Update1 (officially update 6)
24 hours into the readathon and I am doing relatively well, I think anyway. I had a bit of a nap at lunchtime but apart from that and making and eating lunch I have read for most of the day. I have also just found out that my daughter is going to play squash with her friend and will get dropped off, so I dont need to go out at all and can just continue reading.
Total books read: 2 complete books, (Absolution, The secret Island), and a half (finished The Two Towers)
Total pages read: 871
Books read since last update: 1 and a half
Pages read since last update: 313
Total time: 840minutes (14 hours)
How am I feeling: Actually quite good, enjoying the book I am reading at the moment, about to get some coffee. I just want to say that this time I have had much less snacks etc since the last readathon and I actually seem to have managed better!

Mini-Challenge
Was to pair two characters from different series.

When I saw this I was immediately reminded two of my favourite male characters of all time (Jamie Fraser from the Outlander series is the third)
I personally think that al Lan Mandrogaron from The Wheel of Time Series and Aragorn/Striker from Lord of The Rings would make an awesome team. They have always struck me as similar characters, both strong, silent type, loyal and will do anything to do what they need to do. They definitely would kick some *ss if together.

SiS Readathon Report#1

2011-06-18T10:03:00.001+02:00

Being 8 hours ahead of most of the others, it is mid morning for me, but should be early hours of the morning for everyone else. I went to sleep around 1:30am my time and slept until 7. Since then I have been reading most of the time, apart from the time it took me to have a bath and make some breakfast. I am actually on my own at home today, but will have to fetch my daughter at some stage. I hope to read for the rest of the day!

So, here is my report for the end of Day 1.

1.First of all, give us an end-of-day status update. Books read, pages read, you know the drill!
Total Books Read: 1 (Absolution by Caro Ramsey)
Total pages read: 558
Books read since last update: 1 (As above)
Pages read since last update: 223 (117 Absolution, 106 The two towers)
Total time read: 640 min (10hrs 40min)
How am I feeling: Happy now I am up and dressed

2.What is the favorite thing you have read today? Can't really say I have a favourite since I thoroughly enjoyed both books I am reading.

3.Which mini-challenge was your favorite? Oops, have totally failed at these, but loved the Wordle

4.What has been your favorite thing about the read-a-thon? Being able to just relax and read, as well as the twitter feed. I have been lucky that my daughter spent the night out

5.What has been your LEAST favorite thing about the read-a-thon?
Not really a problem, but the huge time difference meant I am opposite to everyone else
6.Are you on track to meet your goals?
Yes, am actually nearly there.

7.Will you be participating tomorrow? Do you have any new goals?
Yes, would like to get to 1200 pages. I plan to read for most of the day but will probably have a nap after lunch so that I am awake for most of the night too.

Spring into summer readathon update post

2011-06-17T20:15:00.002+02:00

Update 2 - 12pm (South African Time)/4:00pm MT
This may or may not be my last update for tonight, since it is midnight now and I am getting really tired now. However, the book I am reading has got me hooked, so I may finish it.

Total Books read: 0
Total Pages Read: 355
Books read since last update: 0
Pages read since last update: 223
Total time read: 410 min (6:50min)
How am I feeling: Battling to keep my eyes open!

Update 1
I will probably update this post a few times before making a new update post, just so that I dont overload things with too many posts!
So, we are now 4 hours into the readathon and here is my first update.
Total Books read: 0
Total Pages Read: 132
Books read since last update: 0
Pages read since last update: 132 (The two towers 71, Absolution 61)
Total time read: 190minutes (3hrs 10 minutes)
How I'm feeling: Eager to read more before I get too tired! (8pm here)

Spring into Summer Readathon Starting Post

2011-06-17T17:35:00.000+02:00

So, the readathon has begun. I have been reading for a bit but not had a chance to get on the computer before now. I cant do complicated posts on my phone, lol. So here is my start post.

What do you hope to read during the read-a-thon?

As I said in my previous post my book list is huge, but I obviously dont expect to read all of those books and may chop and change between them.

What book are you starting with?

The two towers by J.R.R Tolkien. This is a challenge book and I started with it at page 206.

I hope to read:

at least 700 pages, but hopefully more. I want to finish The two towers.

Where are you going to read?

At home for most of the time, but tomorrow will need to ferry my daughter around so will read in the car for a bit (not while driving, lol). Probably in my bed, but maybe outside or on the couch. It is actually winter here, so depends on the weather.

What will you include in your updates?

My updates will look like this:
•Total Books Read: __________

•Total Pages Read: __________

•Books Read Since Last Update: __________

•Pages Read since last update: __________

•Total time read: __________

•How I'm currently feeling:

Spring into summer readathon

2011-06-17T14:29:00.000+02:00

The readathon commences in just under an hour and my books are all ready to go! I obviously won't read all of these, but wanted to have a wide variety in case I get bored. I definitely would like to finish Lord of the Rings, and also have an e-book which I am halfway through and so may read a bit of that too. Before I can start reading I need to drop my daughter off at her friends house where she is spending the night. I will be updating here and on twitter (@tracydurbs)
Sent from my BlackBerry®

Kids

2011-06-14T16:17:00.000+02:00

Just had a conversation with the 13 year old that went like this:

13 year old: "Whatks for dinner?"

Me: "the remains of last nights supper"

13 year old: "That's the problem. I just watched a programme on talking chickens and I have decided to become a vegetarian"

Me: "but you don't eat vegetables"

13 year old: "That's ok, I'll just eat the rest of the stuff!"

Now, if you don't eat meat and you don't eat vegetables (including beans etc) what is there left to eat. Surely man cannot live by Carbs alone? Any suggestions?
Sent from my BlackBerry®

The Solitude of Emperors by David Davidar

2011-06-10T17:34:00.000+02:00

I got this book from my bookclub and when I opened it I found that most of the rest of the group had not enjoyed it at all, which made me a little concerned, but I dutifully read the book. I was glad I did, because I really enjoyed it in the end.

What is it about:
Vijay, a young man from a smallish town finds a job at a newspaper in Bombay. Whilst there he gets involved in the Bombay riots of 1992-1993 and is injured, necessitating some time off work. His boss, Mr. Sorabjee sees that he is becoming depressed and sends him off to investigate some trouble in a Niligris town called Neham. There is a Christian shrine called the TOwer of Silence which is being targeted by a Hindu group. Within a couple of days he has met Noah, a slightly older man who lives in a cemetery and helps him with his investigation. He discovers that this shrine is going to be attacked on the next feast day and attempts to prevent this. At the same time he is asked to critique a manuscript by his boss, Mr. Sorabjee.

What I liked about the book:
It is really down to earth and nothing is brushed over. The author does not shy from describing anything or exploring feelings and emotions experienced by the characters. Even some of the comments he makes on social customs etc I guess could make you feel a little bit uncomfortable if you were part of that culture. He probes issues and really puts it all out there as to the motives of the people. (There is a large Indian population here and I could see quite a few similarities.) Even the scenes with the riots really had nothing left to the imagination. The story flowed relatively easily. Throughout the book Vijay reads parts of the manuscript and in this way the author is able to discuss some quite serious things without making it seem like a lecture or instructions.

What I didn't like:
The only real gripe I have with the book is that Vijay himself seems very dull. You want to shake him and tell him to get a life! This made the book quite dry and slow at times, however all in all it is still an enjoyable book.

I will definitely look out for more books by this author.

The silver chair

2011-06-09T14:54:00.000+02:00

Sorry I am a bit behind with this series now, I have been writing exams and then sick and not got a chance to do any reviews. I still have to read the last one, but hope to get it from the library as soon as I get a chance to go back.
This books starts off with Eustace and his friend Jill being snatched from their school in England and back to Narnia. Jill meets Aslan and gets given some signs to watch out for in her quest to find King Caspian's long lost son. She is then sent off to find Eustace and get on with the quest which involves searching through the wastelands, into the giants land and then into the underlands, where we meet the witch, and then of course they find the prince and save the day!
I have to say that I loved this book, I found it to be so much more detailed than the others. It is definitely my favourite so far. There is much more of a plot, the children are so much more central to the story and there are many exciting adventures. The only things I didn't like was that there were times where the characters were really blind!
Favourite bits:

I loved the description of why the school was not suitable
The ride through the air
The marshlands (more on this later)
the Hall of Harfour scenes
the underland scenes

I just have to talk about Puddleglum the Marshwiggle, I think he is my favourite character in the book so far. He reminds me of Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, always looking on the dark side of life, whilst seeming almost cheerful about it. I love how he says that they wont like other marshwiggles because they are glum, lol. He really makes the books.
A couple of scenes which I found funny reading them in todays world, when words mean slightly different things:
1. "Gay," said Puddleglum with a deep sigh. "That's what we've got to be. Gay." ... "All right. Gay's the word," said Scrubb. "Now, if we could only get someone to open this door. While we're fooling about and being gay, we've got to find out all we can about this castle."

and.......
2. She made love to everyone - the grooms, the porters, the housemaids, the ladies-in-waiting, and the elderly giant lords whose hunting days were long past them. She submitted to being kissed and pawed about...

Quite funny in todays English, lol.

2011-06-07T15:54:00.000+02:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•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!

Here is my teaser for this weeK:

"Abruptly he placed his hands behind my head and pushed my head down - I didn't know what he wanted, didn't even know what he was thinking. In confusion I glanced at his half-closed eyes"

Taken from City of Light, by Lauren Belfer pg214

It's Monday, what are you reading

2011-06-06T10:28:00.000+02:00

This is the meme where we all get together and share what we have been and are reading. I haven't had a chance to do this for a few weeks, since I have been studying and had flu, but I hope to start doing it again more regularly.
In the last week I have read:

Absolutely loved this book, I forgot how funny Jilly Cooper is.

I love the Nic Costa series, but this was not my favourite one of the series. Way too confusing for me, and the ending left me with so many questions!

Currently I am reading:

City of Light by Lauren Belfer, which I have just started
The two towers by J.R.R Tolkien which I am reading for a readalong.

I hope to be more productive this week with my reading. For more book inspiration pop over to Sheila's blog

Summer (winter for me) readathon

2011-06-05T19:44:00.000+02:00

This post is to announce to the world that I'm participating in the Spring into Summer read-a-thon hosted by Enna Isilee of Squeaky Books!

This read-a-thon is going to be so great! It's two days where you try do NOTHING but read. It's a great chance to get rid of some of those books that have been sitting on your TBR pile forever.

But that's not all! There will also be awesome mini-challenges and a TON of giveaways! In fact, just for signing up you are entered to win a $25 gift card to Amazon! SO GO SIGN UP! And if you say that Tracy G. sent you, you'll get 5 extra entries to win that gift card! CLICK HERE to enter to win, and know all there is to know about the read-a-thon.

Here's my goal:

I plan to participate on: BOTH DAYS, (although do have to fit a bit of work in inbetween)
I plan to read: 2 books at least
I hope to read: This will be decided upon closer to the time, since I am not sure how much I will get to read between now and then. My TBR list is growing!
Well, have you signed up yet? DO IT NOW!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Too good to be true by Sheilah O'Flanagan

2011-06-04T18:42:00.000+02:00

Carey and Ben meet on a transatlantic flight between Ireland and New York. Carey invites Ben to a party, they fall in love and rush off to Vegas to get married. A few days later, they jet back to Dublin and that is where things fall apart. Everybody is shocked at their marriage, Bens on - off girlfriend is determined to win him back and they find that things are just not quite the same in real life.
I love Sheila O'Flanagans books and have read quite a few. I have been reading quite a few heavy books lately, so this was really light and refreshing which was what I needed, and I did really enjoy it. However, this particular book I didn't feel was the best of her books. Although there were some funny bits it was not nearly as funny as it could have been. Also, it did drag on quite a bit during the middle of the book. The two main characters were also a bit frustrating, once they returned to Dublin both carried on as if they never got married and expected the other one to be happy with it, particularly when things started falling apart. Also, they never talked about anything, just packed things in.
If you are looking for a light, funny, easy read this book is definitely for you!

Zambesi by Tony Park

2011-05-21T18:28:00.000+02:00

I read Zambesi on the recommendation of my friend, whose husband adores these books.
The Story is about Jed Banks whose daughter Miranda is apparently eaten by a man-eating lion. Jed, an American soldier, goes off to Zimbabwe to investigate the incident. On the way he of course encounters great danger and meets many people, who both hinder and help him. He teams up with Christine Wallis his daughters boss and they attempt to resolve the mystery, having many shocking discoveries along the way.

I am really in two minds about this book. I loved the idea and the plot, the story was great. Fast paced with lots of action, many twists and turns it really kept me glued to the end. Although I had kind of guessed some parts of the ending there were enough surprises that it didn't really matter.
What I found difficult about the books was the way he wrote. I wouldn't like to say it was a badly written book, because I really don't think it is. He keeps the story going, there is not too much extra stuff happening in the book and the pace is excellent. It is more the feelings I got when reading the book. I really didn't like any of the characters, there was nobody who stood out. The hero came across as the typical arrogant American*, come to save the world. Christine Wallis was even worse, I wanted to give her a slap, she refuses to co-operate at all, even when being secretive and difficult very obviously makes things worse. Obviously you can't like the bad guys, lol. Maybe I am a romantic, but I find that I can identify with the book more if there is at least one character I do like. Also, having read that the author was an Australian who had spent some time in Southern Africa I thought he would have more of an understanding about the area. He painted it in a very bad light and didn't seem to like it at all. It was full of stereotypes and seemed to only scratch the surface. I know that South Africa has an extremely high crime rate, but the parts set in Johannesburg made me laugh. He makes it out to be the Wild West, I have spent a lot of time in Johburg and never seen people behave the way he made it out. I just wondered why if he seemed to dislike a place so much you would bother to write a book about it? In the interests of fairness, he was writing from the perspective of a newcomer to Africa, so it could be that he was trying to bring that out.
Having said that I did enjoy the book and did finish it, and will definitely read more of his books.

*(Please don't anyone get offended about me talking about the "typical American" I know that 99% of Americans are not like that, I was just talking about the way they tend to be portrayed in a lot of movies and books)

Teaser Tuesday

2011-05-10T19:12:00.000+02:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

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!

Here is my teaser:

"The message on the capstone was suddenly crystal clear. Its meaning had been staring him in the face all night."
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown pg 571

It's Monday , what are you reading?

2011-05-09T19:59:00.000+02:00

This week I have only managed to finish two books, but I guess that is better than none! You would think that by not reading as much I would get more studying done, unfortunately that is not the case either, I am not sure what exactly I have spent my time doing, lol.
Finished this week:

The solitude of Emperors by David Davidar - found this slow going, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
Spud by John Van der Ruit - second time reading this book and I found it even more funny the second time around. I was in stitches.

This week I have no definite plans as such but books on the go are:

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Jane Eyre
The two towers

For more reading inspiration pop over to Sheilas blog

Mothers Day by Kirsty Scott

2011-05-07T18:17:00.000+02:00

I started reading this book when I was in need of a quick, light read and it definitely hit the spot. I must admit that the first line starts with something like: "Have you got the money for the prostitutes?" and I did wonder what sort of book I had picked up, needless to say it really was not pornographic, lol.
It tells the story of 3 mothers who meet in the playground of a posh primary school. There is Alison, the working mum who is doing everything she can to keep her child there, following some trouble at a more normal school. Katherine, the beautiful trophy wife, who everybody thinks is just perfect, but really is a mess inside. And lastly, Gwen who seems to have the perfect life, a happy marriage to Rob, with three gorgeous children. Of course, surrounding all of this are the snobby mothers at the school.
I really enjoyed this book, it was lighthearted and funny, but despite that it dealt with some pretty serious issues. Bulimia, unemployment, divorce, prostitution, rape, are just a few. This book is however, not about those issues as such, just that they are touched on in the book. It is really about the blossoming friendship between the three mums and how their lives play out. As a mother I could really relate to the characters, you see them every day hanging out outside the school. There were times when I laughed out loud, but there were a few tear-jerking moments at all. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.

Wuthering Heights

2011-05-06T20:35:00.000+02:00

Okay, okay I am finally getting around to doing a book review on this. I first read this book when I was 16. We had been on holiday and somehow I picked up the book at the holiday place, I didnt actually know anything about the book when I started reading it, or about the authors at all. I started reading on the morning that we left and by the time we got back home I had finished the book! I have not read it again, until the Wuthering Heights Readalong came along.
The basic story line is like this. Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw grow up together after Heathcliff is found and adopted by Catherines father. Unfortunately the father soon dies and Catherines brother banishes Heathcliff to work on the farm. Catherine and Heathcliff become very close, however it is an obsessive kind of love. Cathering subsequently marries somebody else and all sorts of disaster follows! Heathcliff tries to win Cathy back, but that doesnt work and he sets out for revenge on the whole family.
What I found amazing this time was how differently I viewed the book reading it at this age as I did when I was 16.When I was a teenager I viewed Heathcliff as the little poor boy, misunderstood who if he was just accepted and loved would have been perfect. Very much the "bad boy persona" who all girls think they are going to change. As an adult I can see just how disfunctional and evil he is. What I also didn't pick up the last time was just how much of his revenge was planned rather than a lucky break, if that makes sense.
As for Catherine, I found her to be a real little cow, spoiled and just wanting her own way. Most of the bad things that happen can be brought back to just how spoiled she was.
Edgar and Isabella Linton I think were the nicest characters although both were real wimps. But there was no harm in either of them, and they at least showed some signs of taking responsibility for their lives.
Hindley is the other person who I viewed differently as an adult. I had a much softer view of him this time. Before, I viewed him as the evil older brother, this time I realised fully how much he was actually wronged by Heathcliff.
Cathy Linton (Catherine and Edgar's daughter) was also very spoiled and did exactly what she wanted, however I did make allowances for her in that I didnt feel that there was any malice in her. Also, everything she did she was really trying to keep others happy.
Lastly, perhaps the only person that I felt any feelings for was Hareton Earnshaw. I really felt like he was actually the nicest person in the book and the most wronged. He really didn't stand a chance from the beginning and it was almost like all of Heathcliffs revenge just worked out to his disadvantage.
As for the book itself, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but wow is it dark and gloomy. Not a light read at all!

It's Monday what are you reading?

2011-05-02T13:38:00.000+02:00

I have had quite a productive week this week, although there were a lot of things that got in the way.
Finished this weeK:

The silver chair by C.S. Lewis
The way we were by Marcia Willett
Too good to be true by Sheila O'Flanagan
Zambesi by Tony Park
Mothers day by Kristy Scott

Unfortunately this week I need to start seriously studying and of course, all the holidays are over, so I doubt I will get as much done, however these are the books I have on the go:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The two towers by J.R.R Tolkien
The solitude of emperors by David Davidov

I hope everybody manages to have a good reading week! For more inspiration pop over to Sheila's blog

April Wrap up post

2011-05-01T22:04:00.000+02:00

Ok, since I have done a fair bit of reading I thought it was time to reintroduce the wrap up post.
Books read in April:
1. Prince Caspian by C.S Lewis
2. Lessons in Heartbreak by Cathy Kelly
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
4. The Messiah Code by Michael Cordy
5. Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan
6. The guide to the people of South Africa by Simon Kilpatrick
7. The Lizards bite by David Hewson
8. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
9. Star Spangled Bride by Iris Johansen
10. Mothers Day by Kristy Scott
11. Zambesi by Tony Park
12. Too good to be true by Sheila O'Flanagan
13. The way we were by Marcia Willett
14. The silver Chair by C.S Lewis

I cant believe that I managed to read 14 books!

Outstanding reviews:
1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
2. Mothers Day by Kristy Scott
3. Zambesi by Tony Park
4. The silver chair by C.S Lewis

Status on my challenges:
100 books challenge - 44/100
Mystery & suspense challenge - 9/12
Bronte Sisters Reading challenge - 1/3
Lord of the Rings Readalong - 1/4
Chronicles of Narnia Readalong - 6/7
New Author challenge 10/15
Read me baby one more time - 13/20
Support your local library - 18/30
Birth year challenge - 0/7
Chunkster challenge - 1/6

All in all I think April was a fairly constructive month.

Spring Serenity Readathon Wrap up post and mini-challenge

2011-05-01T21:13:00.000+02:00

I just havent had much time to do regular updates on this readathon, however, I have managed to do a fair amount of reading. Not as much as I could have, but a decent amount.
Reading done:
175 pages of Mothers Day by Kirsty Scott (book completed)
560 pages of Zambesi by Tony Park (book completed
58 pages of Jane Eyre
266 pages of The silver chair by C.S. Lewis (book completed)
442 pages of Too good to be true by Sheila O'Flanagan (book completed)
300 pages of The way we were by Marcia Willett (book completed)
8 pages of The Solitude of Emperors by David Davidar

Total: 1809 pages
Books completed: 5

So far that means that I have read 43 books this year and according to goodreads am 10 books ahead YAY! I wont be doing too much in May since I seriously need to study, so being ahead is good.

Michelle also has a mini-challenge going where you have to take the first sentence from a few books and make a paragraph. I thought this would be quite fun, so here is mine:

They are the invisible ones, the ones who are too small, wealk, poor or slow to escape the onrush of history.There was no possibility of taking a walk that day. It was a dull autumn day and Jill Pole was crying behind the gym. To the west.A dead place.
Sentence 1 - The solitude of emperors.
Sentence 2 - Jane Eyre
Sentence 3 - The silver chair
Sentence 4 - The way we were
Sentence 5 - Zambesi

I am amazed that it actually makes a bit of sense.

The Lizard's bite by David Hewson

2011-04-28T12:47:00.000+02:00

David Hewson is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. This book continues the story of Nic Costa and his friends. They have been exiled to Venice in punishment for some offence and are about to go on leave and then return to Rome. Circumstances of course, conspire to change this and they are called in to investigate a bizarre double murder. Uriel Arcangeli and his wife have been burnt to death in a glass foundry. The friends are called in to investigate but are basically told what their outcome is supposed to be. Unfortunately their investigation does not mirror what the establishment wants them to find and many feathers are ruffled. The investigation is bungled a little bit and lots of family secrets come out and possibly unnecessary results occur. Although I did enjoy this book a lot, I really dont feel that it is the best in the ones that I have read. However, lots of twists and turns in the plot kept me enthralled right until the end.
When I first started reading these books I didnt actually realise it was a series, and I have not read them in order at all. Whilst you can do it this way and still get through the books okay in retrospect I would try and read them in order. I have read more of the later books in this series and now jumped back to this one. It was a little bit difficult to work out what exactly was going on, why they were in Venice for example. It was also a bit surreal reading this book when I know so much of what is going to happen to them later for e.g. one of the main characters dying in one of the later books. All in all though, a really fast paced, fun book to read.

The two towers by J.R.R Tolkien Chapter 1 - 7

2011-04-27T15:34:00.000+02:00

Although I planned to spread the reading of this section out over the month, I started reading and actually couldn't stop, so it is a couple of weeks since I read this now. I haven't had a chance to do the review since then. As I said in my last reviews, I just love the way Tolkien builds his world up, his descriptive powers are so amazing that you actually feel like you are there. The scenery is also just so majestic and awe-inspiring.
At the start of the section we find Boromir mortally wounded by Orcs, Pippin and Merry abducted by Orcs and Frodo and Sam missing. After sending Boromir down the river in his boat, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli go off searching for Pippin and Merry. These two brave little hobbits actually manage to escape from the orcs when they are attacked by the Riders of Rohan. They run off into Fangorn forest where they come across Treabeard the Ent, who eventually persuades the rest of the Ents to oppose Saruman.
Meanwhile Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli come across the battle scene and find footprints leading into Fangorn. In Fangorn they meet up with Gandalf, and eventually go to Rohan. Here they rouse King Theoden from his lethargy and they all go off to fight the forces of Saruman.
Favourite parts in this section:

funeral of Boromir
the ents and the whole Fangorn scene
Aragorn meeting the riders of Rohan
the name Grima Wormtongue (King Theodrens advisor who is actually a servant of Saruman)
the battle between Sarumans forces and Rohan

I really cant wait to start the next section!

Spring Serenity Readathon update 1

2011-04-27T15:17:00.000+02:00

I didn't update yesterday because quite frankly I havent had a chance to read that much. So, here is my firstt update for the readathon.
Read so far:
175 pages of Mothers Day by Kirsty Scott (book complete)
298 pages of Zambesi by Tony Park
32 pages of The silver chair by C.S Lewis
48 pages of Jane Eyre
Total pages so far = 553
Books completed 1

Teaser Tuesday

2011-04-26T22:05:00.001+02:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•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!

"As well as Miranda he thought of Iqbal and the divergent paths their lives had taken during the years at university. Hassan wondered if it was fear that had kept him on the safe path of pursuing the family business in idyllic, fragrant Zanzibar."
Zambesi by Tony Park 368

Catching up readathon update 4

2011-04-25T20:18:00.001+02:00

This will be my last update for this readathon. Although it continues till the end of tonight, I doubt I will read much more. What have I read since my last update:
92 pages of Starspangled bride - complete
375 pages of Mothers day by Kirsty - complete
31 pages of Jane Eyre
21 pages of Zambesi by Tony Park
Total pages: 519
Books Completed since last update: 2

Total since the start of the readathon:
Pages read: 1763
Books completed: 6
I think that was quite a good result!

Spring Serenity Read a thon starting post

2011-04-25T15:22:00.000+02:00

The spring serenity readathon starts today and ends on the 1st. I have already finished one book today. Mothers day by Kristy Scott.
I have the following books on my reading pile and hope to make a dent in them. I will however be going into town tomorrow for something else and so plan on stopping at the main library for a couple of books. I very rarely go into town, but when I do I like to pop in there.
1. Sex and the city by Candace Bushnell (Have tried to read this before, and didnt get far)
2. Spud by John Van de Ruit (reread)
3. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
4. A Home for Rose by John Katz
5. Zambesi by Toni Park
6. The Solitude of Emperors by David Davidar
7. Too good to be true by Sheila Flanagan
8. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
9. The way we were by Marcia Willett

As I said, the final list my not resemble this list at all!

It's Monday, what are you reading?

2011-04-25T10:34:00.000+02:00

This week I have actually managed to finish quite a few books, mainly because of the nice long weekend and Brenda being away.
Started off by finishing

I absolutely loved this book. I absolutely love this series, but the books around 8-11 did drag a bit. However, this one really picks up the pace and so much happens. One of my favourite characters is back too. I am thinking of doing another reread before the next book comes out, but will leave it for a few months.

David Hewson is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I really enjoyed this book. The only thing I must admit is that I think I should have read the books in order since there are some things I am a bit in the dark about. Also, there are some things that I know that will happen in the future for eg. one of the main characters dying that make it a bit surreal reading these.

I pickedd up this book at the airport and read it while waiting for my daughters plane to go. Since it was delayed by nearly 2 hours I actually finished the book there. The title is really misleading since this is just a tongue in cheek look at the various people of South Africa. In parts it was so funny that I actually laughed out loud in the bookshop! It is funny, irreverent, very politically incorrect, loaded with stereotypes but quite a lot of the time it is absolutely spot on. If anyone has spent anytime in South Africa, you would definitely laugh.

I read this for a readalong, but actually finished it way before the time because I was enjoying it so much. I have read it before as a teenager, but it is amazing how I viewed it so differently this time around. I don't remember it being as dark as it is, also last time I viewed Heathcliff as the misunderstood little poor relation. However, this time I was much more aware how fundamentally dysfunctional some of the characters are. What does that say about me that I still enjoyed it lol.

I enjoyed this book, but felt there was too much left unsaid, and the ending didn't really work for me at all.

Lastly, I read The Star Spangled Bride by Iris Johansen, a light romance, which I needed after all the heavy books.

What am I reading this week:

These two are for a read a long, so wont be reading the whole thing.

Thoroughly enjoying this one!
For more reading inspiration pop over to Sheila's blog

Chronicles of Narnia Read along.

2011-04-24T22:16:00.002+02:00

Whilst looking around for some challenges for 2011 I came across this one. I absolutely love the Narnia series and since they are fairly short books it should be quite achievable for me. And the best thing is that it only starts in February so I have a chance to settle in to the year first!
NB: This was published on 21/12/2010, however, it keeps getting moved when I edit it.

1. The Magicians Nephew
2. The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe
3. The Horse and his boy
4. Prince Caspian
5. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
6. The silver chair
7. The Last Battle

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S Lewis

2011-04-24T22:11:00.000+02:00

I have to say that this is one of my favourites in the series. In a way it reminds me a bit of Gullivers Travels.
At the start of the book we find Edmund and Lucy Pevensey staying with their cousin, Eustace. Eustace is a particularly spoiled, annoying little brat. In fact there were times when if I was Edmund or Lucy, I think I would have slapped him. The three children are admiring a forgotten panting in the guest bedroom when they are sucked into Narnia. There they meet up with Caspian who is on a voyage to discover the fate of the seven Lost Lords of Narnia. What follows is an astonishing series of adventures where the children are repeatedly in danger but eventuallly once again it all works out. I liked the format of having lots of little stories throughout the book, and there was definitely enough adventure to keep me going.
Favourite parts:

I loved Eustaces little comments, although he was very annoying in the beginning. I loved how he kept asking for the British Embassy
Reepicheep the mouse makes an appearance again and is of course a favourite
the scene where the governor of Lone Islands is replaced by Lord Bern
Eustace waking up and discovering he is a dragon
the Duffs Island
the Island of the star with the sleeping Lords
sailing over the merpeople

The ending is quite sad since we wont be seeing Lucy and Edmund again, but I know that there are still two books left in the series.

Spring readathon

2011-04-24T21:38:00.000+02:00

Another readathon I have happened across is the Spring Readathon, which runs from the 25 April to the 1 May. Since I will be on leave at that time, I thought I would join in. I do plan on doing some studying, but should be able to take some time out. Why don't you hop on over and take a look?

Chunkster challenge

2011-04-24T21:35:00.007+02:00

Another challenge I found today is the Chunkster challenge. I love reading big books, so this is perfect for me. I have read quite a few this year, but will only include those that I finish after this.
I commit to the Plump primer challenge which is to read 6 books of more than 450 pages.
I could probably have gone for more, but since I have got quite a few challenges on the go, I dont want to over extend myself.
If you would like to have a go at this, just click on the picture.

1. Zambesi by Tony Park
2.The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
3. Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy
4. Empire of Gold by Andy Mc Dermott
5. Jump by Jilly Cooper
6. New York by Edward Rutherford
7. Getting home by Celia Brayfield
8. Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs
9. Sepulchre by Kate Mosse
10. The black sun by James Twining
11. Duncton Found by William Horwood
12. The secret servant by Daniel Silva
13. The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen
14. The return of the King by J.R.R Tolkien
15. Hell Gate by Linda Fairstein
16. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
17. To dream of the dead by Phil Rickman
18. The lost Throne by Chris Kuzneski
19.The eye of the world by Robert Jordan
20. The Forest by Edward Rutherford

Birth year challenge 2011

2011-04-24T20:53:00.000+02:00

I recently came across the Birth year challenge and thought it sounded interesting. Basically, you find books that were published in the year you were born and read them. So, since my birth year was 1971 (ahem) my books are as follows:
1. Nemesis by Agatha Christie
2. The day of the Jackal by frederick Forsyth
3. Bonecrack by Dick Francis
4. The lathe of heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
5. Wheels by Arthur Hailey
6. The end of summer by Rosamunde Pilcher
7. The Carpet People by Terry Pratchett

Those are my books for now, I may read more if I can find them. I am trying not to buy books this year until I have got rid of some, so it was dependent on what is in the library!

Catching up readathon update 3

2011-04-24T19:41:00.000+02:00

I havent had a chance to update since yesterday, but have managed to read a fair bit. I havent dont too much today since I was out until around 1pm and then had a nap from 3 till 6.
So, since yesterday morning I have read:
102 pages of Wuthering Heights - completed
389 pages of Earth and Heaven - completed
118 pages of Star Spangle Bride
Total pages read: 609

Since the start of the readathon
Pages read: 1244
Books finished: 4

At the moment I am reading an old Loveswept book called Star Spangled Bride, not sure what I will do after that, feel like I need a couple of light books.

100+ reading challenge 2011

2011-04-23T22:08:00.014+02:00

I am going to try this again in 2011. I didnt get there this year, but definitely have read much more than I have in years, so hopefully 2011 will go better. This is being run on J.Kayes Book Blog, the same as last year and it is also being run here on My overstuffed bookshelf. I will do it differently and list all my books on this post just to clear up my sidebar a bit. I already have quite a big to be read list so this will help to get through that.
NB: This post was originally posted in December 2010, but somehow whilst editing it it became moved.
1. The Double Crown by Marie Reece
2. Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult
3. The Last Testament by Sam Bourne
4. Duncton Wood by William Horwood
5. The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
6. Wedding Bells at wandering creek by Pamela Thayer
7. Cobblestone Heroes by Ken McCoy
8. Riotous Assembly by Tom Sharpe
9. Other secrets by Farida Karodia
10. No, I don't want to join a bookclub by Virginia Ironside
11. A cat called Norton by Pete Gethers
12. Duncton Quest by William Horwood
13. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
14. A Chequered Career by Heather Chorn
15. Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard by Kiran Desai
16. Kingdom by Tom Martin
17. The Magicians Nephew by C.S Lewis
18. Fire Ice by Clive Cussler
19. I, Alex Cross by James Patterson
20. The Disposessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
21. Three Way Miracle by Karen Sandler
22. The Genesis Code by John Case
23. My fabolous divorce by Clare Dowling
24. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
25. The Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien
26. The horse and his boy by C.S Lewis
27. An echo in the bone by Diana Gabaldon
28. Bodyguard by Suzanne Brockman
29. Ancestral vices by Tom Sharpe
30. Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
31. Lessons in Heartbreak by Cathy Kelly
32. The voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
33. The Messaih Code by Michael Cordy
34. Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson
35. The Racists guide to the people of South Africa by Simon Kilpatrick
36. The Lizards bite by David Hewson
37. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
38. Star Spangled bride by Iris Johansen
39. Earth and Heaven by Sue Gee
40. Mothers Day by Kirsty Scott
41. Zambesi by Tony Park
42. Too good to be true by Sheila O'Flanagan
43. The silver chair by C.S. Lewis
44. The way we were by Marcia Willett
45. The solitude of emperors by David Davidar
46. Spud by John Van de Ruit
47. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
48. A home for Rose by Jon Katz
49. Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy
50. Empire of Gold by Andy McDermott
51. Sex and the City by Candice Bushnell
52. The double eagle by James Twining
53. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
54. Jump by Jilly Cooper
55. Dante's Numbers by David Hewson
56. City of Light by Lauren Belfer
57. The last battle by C.S Lewis
58. Absolution by Caro Ramsey
59. The two towers by J.R.R Tolkien
60. The secret island by Enid Blyton
61. Along Came a spider by James Patterson
62. Beach Road by James Patterson
63. King Solomon's mines by H.Rider Haggard
64. The fabric of sin by Phil Rickman
65. The Amber Room by Steve Berry
66. The white Queen by Phillippa Gregory
67. Polar Star by Martin Cruz Smith
68. Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer
69. New York by Edward Rutherford
70. Getting home by Celia Brayfield
71. Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs
72. Tell it to the skies by Erica James
73. Sandstone by James Rollins
74. Sepulchre by Kate Mosse
75. Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown
76. There are ants in my sugar by Annica Foxcroft
77. Born to run by Michael Morpugo
78. The Black sun by James Twining
79. 206 bones by Kathy Reichs
80. Duncton Found by William Horwood
81. A good dog by Jon Katz
82. Pompeii by Robert Harris
83. Times Legacy by Barbara Erskine
84. The secret servant by Daniel Silva
85. Quicksilver by Sam Osman
86. The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen
87. The Lion by Nelson De Mille
88. Break no bones by Kathy Reichs
89. Cracks by Sheila Kohler
90. The return of the king by J.R.R Tolkien
91. The Killing Place by Tess Gerritsen
92. Hell Gate by Linda Fairstein
93. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
94. To dream of the dead by Phil Rickman
95. The last Oracle by James Rollins
96. The five greatest warriors by Matthew Reilly
97. Love Letters by Katie Fforde
98. The secret dreamworld of a shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
99. The Marshkings daughter by Elizabeth Chadwick
100. Fatal Attraction by Carol Smith
101. To the moon and back by Jill Mansell
102. The sinnery by Tess Gerritsen
103. The Gift by Cecilia Ahern
104. Theodore Boone by John Grisham
105. The lost throne by Chris Kuzneski
106. The eye of the world by Robert Jordan
107. Bare bones by Kathy Reichs
108. The forest by Edward Rutherford

Catching up readathon - day 2

2011-04-23T09:21:00.000+02:00

Ok, so here we are at the start of day 3. I managed to get quite a bit read yesterday.
Since last update:
82 pages of The Lizards bite
150 pages of Wuthering Heights
20 pages of Heaven and Earth by Sue Gee
252 pages in total
Books finished since last update: 1

Total so far
Pages read: 635
Books finished 2

I really have to do some studying today, and also need to pop to the shops, but hope to get at least a couple of hours reading in. Hope you are all managing to get caught up.

Catching up readathon

2011-04-22T17:20:00.000+02:00

I joined this readathon in an attempt to actually get ahead in my reading, so hopefully it will do that. It started yesterday, but I didnt actually get too much time to read last night. I did manage to read 59 pages of Wuthering Heights, but that was all. This morning I read a bit of The lizards bite by David Hewson, but had to stop to take my daugher to the airport. Of course, once we got there we found out her flight was delayed by an hour. So, I popped into the bookshop there, and picked up a little book called The racists guide to the people of South Africa by Simon Kilpatrick, and ended up reading the whole thing right there. Although the title sounds terrible, it is quite misleading. The book itself is not really about racism or racist in any way, but is just a generally funny poke at the people of South Africa. It is politically incorrect, irreverent, full of stereotypes but really spot on, so much so that at times I actually laughed out loud. I would really recomment it to any South Africans or anyone who has spent some time here.
So, at this point I have read:
59 pages of Wuthering Heights,
180 pages of The Lizards bite by David Hewson
144 pages of The Racists Guide to the people of South Africa
Books finished: 1

Teaser Tuesday.

2011-04-19T19:00:00.000+02:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•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 teaser is as follows:
"At first she gave him no glance of recognition: he was invisible to her abstracted gaze. The delirium was not fixed, however; having weaned her eyes from contemplating the outer darkness, by degrees she centred her attention no him, and discovered who it was that held her."

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte pg 139

Catching up Readathon

2011-04-18T19:42:00.000+02:00

Kirsten at Bookworming in the 21st century is hosting a catching up readathon this week. Although, according to Goodreads, I am not behind in my challenge, I have decided to join in for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it encompasses the entire weekend, you can start and read when you want. My daughter will be away so I won't have her to worry about. I do need to start studying this weekend, but I am sure I can fit some reading in around that. Since this is the last weekend that I can seriously relax before I start the buildup to exams I think I could use the readathon to actually get ahead so that I dont fall behind over the exam period.
My goals at this stage are to get my readalong books up to date and to read at least 2 books.

The Messiah Code by Michael Cordy

2011-04-10T19:32:00.000+02:00

Tom Carter is a genetic scientist working on experimental ways to cure cancer. On his proudest day his wife is killed by an assassins bullet meant for him. Shortly after that he discovers that his daughter carries a gene which makes her likely to get terminal brain cancer. While Tom attempts to find a genetic cure for brain cancer a shadowy organisation called The Brotherhood is attempting to find the Messiah who has supposedly come again. They team up together, but a sinister member of the organisation is still trying to kill Tom as she has killed many before her.
Things I liked:

If you like The Da Vinci code you will like this. Having said that this is nowhere near as good as The Da Vinci Code.
I liked all the medical information and twists
It was a brilliant idea for a book
The author really kept you guessing until the very end, although there were some indications of how things would turn out this was nowhere as clear cut as all that, and the ending was a surprise

What I didn't like:

Not enough action for me, there were parts that were a bit dry and long winded
The epilogue was bit confusing, and I didnt really feel it served any purpose
He didnt really go into things enough, there were times when you were left wondering why things had happened or how things happened.

Would I read it again: No
Would I try another book by this author: Yes

Prince Caspian

2011-04-10T18:03:00.000+02:00

I am a little late for this review, just been really busy and I also battled to get hold of this book and actually ended up buying it. I know that I have a copy somewhere, but never managed to find it.
One thing I find a little bit annoying in C.S. Lewis books is that very often the main character actually has a supporting role if that makes sense. All the action sort of happens around them. In The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe the children were there, but didnt really cause anything to happen. Once again in this book, Prince Caspian although he appears to be the main character doesn't really do anything. He just waits for everyone else to sort his problems out. Also, in this story a lot of the action is told third hand rather than us seeing it happen. That said, I did enjoy the book, lol, although it may sound like I didnt. I like the way C.S Lewis writes as if he is telling you the story and the little side comments he puts in for the reader. I also think the books are fun, simple reads for children and adults.
Favourite parts

the parts where they are wondering around Cair Paravel, but dont realise what it is
rescuing the dwarf
the parts where Lucy sees Aslan and the others dont
the romp and feast with all the woodland creatures
I loved the mouse Reepicheep
the part where Aslan walks through Narnia picking people out to join him
I also felt there was quit a lot of growth in the children, particularly Lucy

Favourite quote:
"That's the worst of girls," said Edmund to Peter and the Dwarf. "They never carry a map in their heads.""That's because our heads have something inside them," said Lucy

Readathon wrap up post

2011-04-10T14:12:00.000+02:00

Wow, I really cant believe that it is now over and that I pretty much managed to make it though, apart from a slight break in the middle.
Since last update;
Pages read since last update:

The Messiah Code: 140
The Two Towers: 16
Towers of midnight: 18
Total: 174

Minutes read: 111

Since start of readathon:
Pages read in total since start of readathon: 1014
Total time spent reading: 912 minutes = 15 hours and 20 minutes

I am quite pleased with this since this was my first attempt. Next time I will do the following to make it easier

have more thinner, easier reads for when the going gets tough
go to sleep very late the night before so I sleep longer in the morning, and maybe have a proper nap before it starts. (I had already been up for 8 hours when it started)
alternatively, I will move to America for the weekend (lol)
have more savoury, not sweet snacks and of course by then I will be able to drink my beloved coke
Get spare batteries for my walkman so I can listen to audiobooks on their when my ipod battery fails
Next time I probably wont write up as many update posts. I found that with checking the challenges and doing hourly update posts I didnt get as much time to read. So I will probably do them every 2nd or 3rd hour or when their is a natural break in my reading.

Thanks so much to everybody who made this readathon possible - the organisers, hosts, cheerleaders, sponsors etc. It was really an amazing experince for me, I cant wait for October!

Readathon end of event survey

2011-04-10T13:56:00.000+02:00

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
Hour 13-14 which was 1-3 in the morning for me. I eventually landed up having a bit of a sleep after that.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Not really sure about titles, but next time I will have some more short, easy reads on my pile. Maybe some favourite kids reads. So I dont have to concentrate too much.
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
Not really sure

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
I liked the challenges to break it up a bit

5. How many books did you read?
I finished two and read from 2 others

6. What were the names of the books you read?
The Messiah Code by Michael Cordy (finished)
The voyage of the dawn treader by C.S. Lewis
Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan
The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien
7. Which book did you enjoy most?
The voyage of the Dawn Treader
8. Which did you enjoy least?
I love The two towers, but found it difficult to read it in these circumstances since it seemed to be very heavy to read. That could have been the time that I was reading it though (see above)
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
NA

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Definitely - reader if I can. The next one is about the time of my exams though, so if it clashes with that I will cheerlead

Readathon hour 22

2011-04-10T11:09:00.000+02:00

Progress so far: Title of book(s) read since last update:
The Messiah Code by Michael Cordy

Number of books read since you started: 4 read, 1 finished

Pages read since last update: 203
Running total of pages read since you started: 840
Amount of time spent reading since last update:122 min
Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!)
801 minutes

Mini-challenges completed:
Where In the World Are You Reading?
Oldies but Goldies
Collabarative Fiction
Mid-event meme
Bookclub suggestions
Book habits
Character Crush
Bookish Humour
Movie Madness

Readathon hour 19

2011-04-10T08:24:00.000+02:00

I didn't dissappear, just slept a bit longer than planned.
Progress so far:
Title of book(s) read since last update:
The Messiah Code by Michael Cordy

Number of books read since you started: 4 read, 1 finished

Pages read since last update: 125
Running total of pages read since you started: 637
Amount of time spent reading since last update:1:27
Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!)
679 minutes

Mini-challenges completed:
Where In the World Are You Reading?
Oldies but Goldies
Collabarative Fiction
Mid-event meme
Bookclub suggestions
Book habits
Character Crush

Readathon hour 14

2011-04-10T03:04:00.000+02:00

Progress so far:

Title of book(s) read since last update:
The Messiah Code by Michael Cordy
Number of books read since you started: 4 read, 1 finished

Pages read since last update: 72
Running total of pages read since you started: 512
Amount of time spent reading since last update:55
Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!)
552minutes

Mini-challenges completed:
Where In the World Are You Reading?
Oldies but Goldies
Collabarative Fiction
Mid-event meme
Bookclub suggestions
Book habits

Other participants you’ve visited:
3 blogs and reading twitter

Prize you’ve won:
None so far!

And now, I will be off for a nap, since I am already falling asleep. Will be back in a couple of hours

Readathon hour 13

2011-04-10T02:05:00.000+02:00

Progress so far:

Title of book(s) read since last update:

The Two towers by J.R.R Tolkien

Number of books read since you started: 3 read, 1 finished

Pages read since last update: 29
Running total of pages read since you started: 442
Amount of time spent reading since last update:30
Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!)
497minutes

Mini-challenges completed:
Where In the World Are You Reading?
Oldies but Goldies
Collabarative Fiction
Mid-event meme
Bookclub suggestions

Other participants you’ve visited:

3 blogs and reading twitter

Prize you’ve won:
None so far!

Readathon hour 12 + mid-event meme

2011-04-10T01:17:00.000+02:00

Mid-Event Survey:

1. What are you reading right now?
Lord of the Rings - The two towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

2. How many books have you read so far?
I have completed 1 book, but read bits out of 2 others.

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
Well, I would have said The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (late addition to my reading pile), but my mother has abducted it. So, I will go with The Messiah Code by Michael Cordy

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
I had asked my parents to have my daughter, but at the last minute they didnt, so I persuaded her to do the readathon too. She has now gone to bed

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
Apart from daughter spilling chicken all over the bed and having to change and wash all the linen, no. I did stop for dinner and fell asleep at 1 stage.
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
That I am actually still here.

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
No

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
I would go to bed later the night before, so that I sleep in longer in the morning. Or, have more of a nap just before the readathon starts
9. Are you getting tired yet?
Since it is now 1am here, I am a bit. I did fall asleep unintentially between 11 and 12 and may have another nap a bit later.

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?
Not really

Progress so far:
Title of book(s) read since last update:

The Two towers by J.R.R Tolkien

Number of books read since you started: 3 read, 1 finished

Pages read since last update: 42
Running total of pages read since you started: 413

Amount of time spent reading since last update: 60
Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!)

467

Mini-challenges completed:

Where In the World Are You Reading?

Oldies but Goldies

Collabarative Fiction
Mid-event meme
Bookclub suggestions
Other participants you’ve visited:

3 blogs and reading twitter

Prize you’ve won:

None so far!

P.S The time on some of my posts has been a bit off. I have posted some from my phone so it seems to be giving the wrong time.

Readathon hour 10

2011-04-09T22:15:00.000+02:00

Since last update:
Reading: The two towers
Pages: 42
Minutes: 80

Sent from my BlackBerry®

Readathon hour 8

2011-04-09T21:09:00.000+02:00

Title of book(s) read since last update: Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan
Number of books read since you started: 3 read, 1 finished
Pages read since last update: 39
Running total of pages read since you started: 329

Amount of time spent reading since last update: 40 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: (keep track of this one to be eligible for a prize!)
298 minutes

Mini-challenges completed:
Where In the World Are You Reading?
Oldies but Goldies
Collabarative Fiction

Other participants you’ve visited:
3 blogs and reading twitter
Prize you’ve won:

None so far!

Readathon Hour 7

2011-04-09T20:27:00.001+02:00

Book read in hour 6: Towers of Midnight
Pages Read: 23
Time spent reading: 30 minutes