Category Archives: Lists I Keep

semi-biographical listography

Currently and Around Here

We interrupt this ~~regularly scheduled~~ blog silence to bring you the next round of READ-A-THON. (insert whistles and wild round of applause!!!)

If you judge by this blog you’d think it really was just yesterday that the last readathon occurred. Alas, life goes on even when there’s nothing important to say and no motivation to talk about it anyway. But Readathon comes twice a year, and no matter where I am on the proverbial roller coaster that is my life, I always take time to participate.

This year’s book stack is taller than past events, but that’s simply an indication of my current phrenetic state of mind. (See what I did there? Heh.) I’m preparing for all possible scenarios in this Fall Readathon, and I’m also choosing titles from my all-too-lengthy TBR list. If a dedicated 24 hours is not the time to catch up on past reading wishes, I just don’t think there is a time!

Readathon Fall 2014

FOR THE WARM-UP PHASE OF READATHON
I learned early on that it’s best to begin with shorter titles in the early hours, just so I can finish one or two books before I begin to feel tired. I love YA and middle grade lit for this phase, and I’ve chosen some titles that never quite made it to my Presently page.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg — I never got around to this one in the spring, and it still intrigues me. I have no idea why I never read it as a child, though. Too much Judy Blume, I’m guessing.
The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World by E.L. Konigsburg — Because it was sitting on the shelf next to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and it seemed interesting enough to keep on hand. As backup, mostly.
This One Summer by Jillian and Mariko Tamaki — I’m not a reader of graphic novels, but I’m always game for new things during Readathon. This one came to my attention through Andi of Estella’s Revenge, and I’ve been intrigued for weeks now. It’ll be a quick read in a format that will break up any monotony. Readathon-ers always need a title like that!

FOR THE INTENSE HOURS
When the excitement of the early hours settles and distractions can finally be limited, I like to dive deep into a novel and ride the wave as far as I can. My moods have been finicky lately, so I chose a few options in case my plans go awry.

Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang — Just last week I read the first chapter and was thrilled to find it available at my library. It’s heavy subject matter, dealing with teen suicide, but it’s written in a similar tone to Th1rteen R3asons Why, which I loved for its beautiful handling of the issues. Falling Into Place drew me in immediately, and I think it will be a quick enough read to complete before the night hours draw me into a somber mood. This book is actually one of my most anticipated titles for this Readathon.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern — Another title I’ve been intending to read for months, this one challenges me a bit. I’m intrigued, but I’m also unsure. There’s something about the summary that unsettles me, though I can’t quite put my finger on it. I’ve heard nothing but great reviews, so I’m going to make an effort to read this one. It remains to be seen whether it will be today or months from now.
I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak — This author also wrote The Book Thief, which I adore, so this book is a definite for me. I like having a sure-thing option in my readathon stack in case my first choices don’t pan out.
The Racketeer and Sycamore Row by John Grisham — He’s my go-to author, Grisham is, so I always include the titles that I’ve yet to read. Though I know that Grisham will be comfort food for me, I’m not always in the mood during Readathon. Still, it’s good to have a comfortable place to land if all other reading plans fall through.

FOR THE WEE HOURS OF THE NIGHT… er… MORNING
During the last readathon I stayed awake till dawn’s early light and joined in congratulating others on the event’s conclusion. I do my best reading between “bedtime” and early morning, so I expect this time will be no different. In the past I’ve not planned well for these hours, despite knowing my tendencies, so I chose a sure thing for this round: author Rainbow Rowell.

Fangirl, because, obviously, I can relate, and because it’s the book that most Rowell fans keep talking about. I adored Eleanor & Park, and I loved reading it via audiobook, so I’ve taken the same route with Fangirl. I’ll start with audio during the hours that my eyes become tired, but I have the print version in case the audio causes me to drift off into a sleepy state. It happens, ya know.
Attachments is a back-up choice in case I complete Fangirl or in the (highly doubtful) event that I don’t latch onto it. I’ll eventually read all of Rainbow Rowell’s books, but I don’t expect this readathon will allow for more than a dip into the pond with these two titles.

So that’s the plan for this weekend. A nice stack of titles for the choosing, and some great menu items on tap for the snacking. I’ve planned well this time around, and I’m looking forward to enjoying nice weather — Come on Texas, you can do it! You can begin the Autumn already! — for the glorious hours of communal reading.

Follow me @PhreneticMind on Twitter for spontaneous updates throughout the event, and sign up below for email updates from this blog as I participate in readathon challenges and regular check-ins during my reading. If you’d like to join me for the Readathon, check out the official website at 24hourreadathon.com. And leave a comment to let me know you’re joining in! I’d love to follow along with you. Meet you back here tomorrow!

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Posted in Lists I Keep, What I Read

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Tags: around here, currently, fall readathon 2014, readathon, reading, right now

31 days of blogging

Sep 30

Posted by Jules Q

31 days of blogging catch-up CLICK HERE for the index of 31 Days posts for 2013

Each year The Nester challenges bloggers to write on one topic for 31 days in October. This year I’m going to attempt to keep up. I considered writing on a single topic, and then I contemplated 31 days of Untold Stories, but something else kept niggling at my brain. I’m just behind on blogging! So I’m bending the rules of 31 Days – just a bit – and using the month of October to play catch-up.

Throughout October I will endeavor to share much-delayed posts on books and film commentary, favorite photos, family events, and, yes, previously untold personal stories. The goal is one post per day, and I’ll be keeping a list on this introductory post so that each new story is easy to locate.

In 2012, over 1200 bloggers participated in the 31 Days challenge (and most of them followed the rules). I expect that number to explode again this year. Take a look at The Nester’s site for full details. You’ll also find links to every person who is writing this month.

Come back to phrenetical each day in October for new posts. You can also sign up below to have updates sent directly to your email.