Last Read-a-Thon post

The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A successful look at the Alcott family from a fictional point of view. It expands the story without violating conventions of the time. This is a good example of fictionalized biography.

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I must admit I didn't stay up the entire time. I fell asleep about 3 a.m. for an hour. But I've enjoyed the whole thing immensely.

And thanks to my visitors. Lorie and Jean each came over read for awhile. And Gena came over unexpectedly and gave me a revitalizing neck and shoulder rub. This was such a lot of fun that I know I'll be tempted again in October by the next one.

Second book finished for Read-a-Thon

The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is kind of like one of those dreams where things start out very life-like and plausible and gradually things start turning odd. That is if you dream of Edwardian England and eccentric families.

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So far, Lorie has been over to read with me and says she'll be back later.

It's Time to Start Reading!!!

And the big adventure begins with The Tofu Quilt by Ching Yeung Russell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a delightful book filled with marvelous word picures of growing up in Hong Kong--"only" a girl. But she was so lucky. She was a girl with a fierce mother who supported her wish for an education beyond elementary school.

I am going to read some of these next week to the first graders, since they are so interested in poetry.





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Do I have a plan yet? Yes, of sorts

I am arranging this Read-a-Thon as if it is a party. I'm assuming that at least a few of my RL friends will show up at some point for a while. If nothing else, they can play along with some of the mini-challenges. I'm thinking of trying the new recipe for Spinach cake (it's healthy, right?) as well as veggies with hummas. Probably order in pizza for supper. And lots of M&Ms. As for my Reading List (in no particular order--it's just how they are stacked by my chair0: The Art of Racing in the Rain (I must finish this by Monday for Book Group), The Comfort of lies by Randy Susan Meyers, The perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky;Perfect Timing by Catherine Anderson; Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods, The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones,Family Pictures by Jane Green; The unknowns by Gabriel Roth, You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney. And I'm putting rereading some of my Georgette Heyer books in as my fall-backs.

Prepping for the Read-a-Thon (Sort of)

As the Read-a-Thon approaches (April 27) I've been debating strategy. Should I start with a boring book and get it out of the way? Should I read a short book first, finish it quickly, and feel like I accomplished something? Should I just keep a stack of books on hand and just dip and swing my way through? Should I alternate between "book" books and stuff on the e-reader? How much time should I allot to posting stuff on the blog as I go along? Can I make a party out of this? I've certainly had stranger themes for a party.

Can I stay awake for Twenty-four hours?

I'm getting ready to participate in the Dewey 24-hour Read-a-thon. (http://24hourreadathon.com/) which takes place on Saturday, April 27. This means for that day and night from 7 a.m. I should be reading, blogging about it, eating, and ignoring everything else. I'm just warning everyone now. However, if any of my friends would like to join me for all or part of the experience, feel free to join in, either virtually or physically. Anyone who would like to come to read at my house for a few hours--we can make a party of it, play an author-type game, write our own book. The rules seems rather fluid about how we carry it out. Anyone who would like to contribute chocolate will be welcomed with open arms.