5Dec/093
Read.Read.READ-A-THON: Virtual Prize Bucket
Thanks to Hachette and Sterling Publications, and the lovely Iris, Anna, Miriam and Valerie for these splendid prizes!!!
Throughout the day I will use my favourite random.org site and plug in the 61 numbers and people will win books. YES BOOKS! I will come visit you and let you know if you can pick something from our virtual prize bucket. Make sure you are commenting on your buddies blogs, and visiting the 'Breaktime Shindigs' (or that hour blog stops) for full qualification-but I am leaving that up to the honour system because I can't check up on all of you. ENJOY!!!
Once a title is scratched out, that means it is no longer available. Good luck!
Sterling Publication Prizes:
SURVIVING PARADISE (five four copies available)
ROAD OUT OF HELL (Five four copies available)
FLAWLESS (claimed by Shesten @ I Heart Monster)
Health & Self-Help:
SEVEN By Jacqueline Leo
Media guru jackie Leo and renowned mathematician Ed Burger explain how the number seven can improve the focus of your life in this fascinating exploration of the numeral's power and significance.
BEYOND BLUE By Therese Borchard
Part memoir, part self-help, BEYOND BLUE tackles severe mood disorders, particularly depression, with the intelligence of Kay Redfield Jamison (An Unquiet Mind) with the insight and wit of Anne Lamott
A GOOD TALK By Daniel Menaker
A stylish, funny and surprising guide to the art of conversation, from one of New York's foremost literary wits.
Romance:
RION By Susan Kearney
RION is the second book in USA Today best selling Susan Kearney's Pendragon Legacy Series.
KNIGHT OF PLEASURE By Margaret Mallory (Claimed Julie)
| An exciting new voice, Margaret Mallory writes medieval historical romances that will appeal to fans of NYT bestselling authors Kathleen Woodiwiss, Jude Deveraux, and Bertrice Small. |
A BLACK TIE AFFAIR By Sherrill Bodine
Sherrill Bodine's witty, sexy, and ultimately heart-tugging follow-up to Talk of the Town will appeal to readers of Susan Mallery, Barbara Bretton, Sherryl Woods, and Susan Wiggs.
SLEEP NO MORE By Susan Crandall
RWA RITA award-winner Susan Crandall delivers a heart-pounding romantic suspense novel that will appeal to fans of New York Times bestselling authors Karen Rose, Brenda Novak, and Beverly Barton.
SEDUCED BY A ROGUE By Amanda Scott
SEDUCED BY A ROGUE is the second volume in the latest Scottish historical series by USA TODAY bestselling author Amanda Scott.
Health:
PRIME-TIME HEALTH By William Sears, M.D.
From one of the most trusted names in family healthcare, a comprehensive head-to-toe program for living a long, healthy life.
DENIS’S DAILY DOZEN By Denise Austen
Fitness mega-guru, Denise Austin, brings her upbeat and sensible attitude to a book that makes healthy living as easy as counting from 1 to 12.
TOTALLY TONED ARMS By Rylan Dugan
The effective, easy program guaranteeing the coveted "Obama arms"-- in only 21 days!
Fiction:
THE UNNAMED by Joshua Ferris (Claimed by Corina)
THE UNNAMED is a dazzling novel about a marriage and a family and the unseen forces of nature and desire that seem to threaten them both. It is the heartbreaking story of a life taken for granted and what happens when that life is abruptly and irrevocably taken away.
THE SWAN THIEVES by Elizabeth Kostova (taken by perpetual spiral)
Kostova's masterful new novel travels from American cities to the coast of Normandy, from the late 19th century to the late 20th, from young love to last love. THE SWAN THIEVES is a story of obsession, history's losses, and the power of art to preserve human hope.
ROSES by Leila Meacham (claimed by Miss Wisabus)
Roses is a classic novel in the best sense--a big, juicy read with a riveting plot and characters that leave a lasting impression. Spanning the 20th century, the story of ROSES takes place in a small East Texas town against the backdrop of the powerful timber and cotton industries, industries controlled by the scions of the town's founding families.
AMONG THIEVES by David Hosp
Attorney Scott Finn is drawn into the deadly search for missing art in David Hosp's breakout thriller.
DOORS OPEN by Ian Rankin (claimed by El FAY)
A dynamic new thriller that blends the worlds of high art and low-down crime from international bestselling author Ian Rankin.
DEATH OF A VALENTINE by M.C. Beaton
New York Times bestselling author M. C. Beaton is back with a new mystery featuring Scotland's most laconic and low-tech policeman.
SEARCHING FOR TINA TURNER by Jacqueline E. Luckett (claimed- BrownGirl)
In this breathtaking debut novel reminiscent of early Terry McMillan, Lena Spencer is going through a mid-life crisis and looks to singer Tina Turner for strength.
DAMAGED by Kia Dupree (claimed Kathryn)
In the style of urban literary greats Teri Woods and Vicky Stringer, Kia DuPree tells an engrossing and heart-wrenching story about a young woman living on the streets of Washington D.C.
LONE STAR LEGEND by Gwendolyn Zepeda (claimed by Ari Reading in Color)
An aspiring young journalist stuck blogging for a gossip site stumbles across a story that gives new meaning to the word legendary.
KITTY'S HOUSE OF HORRORS by Carrie Vaughn (Claimed Lanie)
Talk radio host and werewolf Kitty Norville has agreed to appear on TV's first all-supernatural reality show. She's expecting cheesy competitions and manufactured drama starring shapeshifters, vampires, and psychics. But what begins as a publicity stunt will turn into a fight for her life.
ALL ABOUT US #6: THE CHIC SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH by Shelley Adina (Claimed Shannan)
The girls of Spencer Academy are ready to graduate and take on life after high school . . . if they can make it through their last term!
The following gifties are NOT up for grabs in the regular Virtual Prize Bucket- The winners of these will be handpicked by me at the END of the Read.Read.READ-A-THON! Fun, right!?!
Three SUPA-LUCKY winners will be able to select a pack prize, of one of the following sets:
1. Angels By Chuck Fischer ISBN: 0316039705
2. Miracles By Karen Kingsbury ISBN: 0446557951
3. The Gift of an Ordinary Day By Katrina Kenison ISBN: 0446409480
4. Christmas Memories By Susan Branch ISBN: 0316106488
5. The Paper Bag Christmas By Kevin Alan Milne ISBN: 1599950731
1. Start-up Nation By Dan Senor , Saul Singer ISBN: 044654146X
2. The Monuments Men By Robert M. Edsel , Bret Witter ISBN: 1599951495
3. Sex, Drugs & Gefilte Fish By Shana Liebman ISBN: 0446504629
4. The Woman Who Named God By Charlotte Gordon ISBN: 031611474X
5. A Lucky Child By Thomas Buergenthal , Elie Wiesel ISBN: 0316043400
1. The Boy Next Door By Irene Sabatini ISBN: 031604993X
2. Mrs. O By Mary Tomer ISBN: 1599952580
3. Role of a Lifetime By James Brown , Nathan Whitaker , Tony Dungy ISBN: 0446541176
4. On the Line By Serena Williams , Daniel Paisner ISBN: 0446553662
5. Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales By Nelson Mandela ISBN: 1600246664
All of these giveaways are OPEN IN US AND CANADA ONLY. NO PO BOXES PLEASE.
5Dec/094
LET’S GET IT STARTED!!! Read.Read. READ-A-THON! (T)
Grab your blankets, your coffee, your cereal/flax seed and bust out them reading glasses for it is time to train your eyes on a book!
Throughout the Read.Read.READ-A-THON I will be posting here every two hours, to try and keep you motivated and moving forward in your reading. There will be memes, giveaways, and prizes...play them if you wish (they'll be really fun).
Let's rock this joint!
In this first hour read, and make sure you find your 4 buddies and love on them by way of comments!! Like I said, you are in charge of cheering the two above your name and the two below your name. If you are confused comment on this post and I'll try to clear things up. Be gone! Read! Comment!
To follow on Twitter the hashtag is: #rrreadathon !! Follow me on twitter if you don't already (dreadlock_girl)!
PS. Please don't worry if you aren't getting buddy comments, some people aren't reading the whole time so you will probably get some later. Just try your best to comment on other peoples blogs, and I bet they will reciprocate.
3Dec/091
Read.Read.READ-A-THON:Read With Purpose, Read For A Cause.
Reading with a cause in mind since my first read-a-thon two years ago, I know that I will never be able to read for just myself. I love reading, but I am a quitter if there is no purpose or point. When the point is raising money for people who need it I don't quit. How could I? I go until I can't go anymore. I encourage you to find your cause, or to donate to one of the ones that others are talking about. Pick yours, really it will make this read-a-thon something completely beyond you, more than reading you are giving.
I would like to encourage all of you Read.Read.READ-A-THONers to consider reading for a cause. You have only 2 days left to think about what you would like to support.
I have chosen a group called Rabuna Fi, which means "God is here".
It is a program reaching the women of Sudan, not only with the Word of God but also to teach them to make crafts in order to earn family income, literacy training, tailoring school and others. I have decided that for each page I read I am going to donate $.10 to this organization. Rabuna Fi is an outreach of Far Reaching Ministries Aviation.
My heart has been stolen by this Rabuna Fi ministry, by these women and that they are not just reaching them with the gospel, but they are training them in life skills- things that they need so desperately. I have been bonded to these women through prayer and I hope you will be as well. Please watch the following videos, you won't be the same.
Here is the miracle taking place before your very eyes.
I love what these women are doing, they are in a country so racked with war and hunger- and yet (as you saw in the video) they pray for us while they make the crafts. I covet these prayers, I covet these prayers for our nation and for our families.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed... 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Still need to SIGN UP!?!?! Sign up for the Read.Read.READ-A-THON now!
29Nov/095
Read. Read. Read-A-Thon!! (TSS)
The Read. Read. READ-A-THON is coming right up, it is actually this coming Saturday (December 5th)! Can you believe it!?! I have tons of book gathering to do, and I have been working on writing some reviews so I won't be swamped afterward. So far I have been joined by the following peeps, and amongst them there are bookie friends new and old. I just can't wait to read for a full day with them all.
Make sure you read on for some very important information on the Read.Read. READ-A-THON!
To the Read.Read.READ-A-THON participants:
You'll need to be getting ready this week.
*Stash some snacks, (I recommend healthy and non-healthy so you don't get cravings in the middle of the event). Fruit, veggies, chocolate, popcorn, french bread, nuts, chips, trail mix.....there are so many good snacks. Stock up! I recommend staying away from caffeine though because it will not help you in the long run.
*Pick up some books that are short and sweet (I recommend YA, or chick lit, or just lighter than usual books). Go to the library, local used bookstore or wherever. But find stuff you want to read!
*Meet your Read.Read.READ-A-THON buddies!!! The list is posted below (as well as on the initial Read.Read.READ-A-THON post) and you will be in charge of making sure that this is an amazingly welcoming event for the two people who signed up before you, and the two after you. They are your people, stick with them, comment on their posts, keep them encouraged. Whenever you check in, every hour or two or so leave a comment for them. You are welcome to comment on more people's blogs- go all out if you want. But at the very least encourage those four people.
*Figure out where you are going to read. Sometimes you don't have an option, and other times you do. If you have an option figure out the best place for you to stay focoused and be at ease while dedicating your day to reading. Think about that now.
To Those Who Don't Know What I am Talking About:
What is a Read-A-Thon!? well it is a day where you choose to read for a full 24 hours, or 10 hours or 2 hours (I'll shoot for 24) and you get yourself all ready by getting food ready the day before, and drinks and a quiet place to stay focused and read. Yes, you try to read as long as you can and as much as you can- but really the main focus is to have fun and enjoy each other. Throughout the Read-A-Thon I am going to encourage the participants to check in on the two people above them (on that list up there) and the two below, just comment on their blog, post encouraging remarks and be friendly. Actually it is the best part about the read-a-thon, reading together and getting all loopy together. Sounds like fun, right!? It is!
To Those Who Are Ready to Sign Up (or want more information):
Is the Read.Read. Read-A-Thon itch biting you yet!?! If it is and you want to see my first post on this, do read that. To sign up, do so right below. Do it at your own risk though, because participating in read-a-thons is highly addictive. Promise.
20Oct/0938
Can’t do Dewey’s Read-A-Thon? JOIN US!!
A couple of weeks ago when our church planned a woman's retreat for this weekend, I was thrilled- then I realized something. It was scheduled for the same weekend as the Read-A-Thon. I am a book geek, nerd, freak yes it is true, and I LOVE THE READ-A-THON!! I love reading for a full day and testing the limits of my sanity. Check out my Vlog from last time if you think I am exaggerating. Yeah, I knew you'd be convinced.
If you are in the same boat and can't do Dewey's Read-A-Thon you should join up for this one! If you are doing Dewey's Read-A-Thon and just need to get a ton of reading done, join up! You can read for as long as you want during the 24 hours. I have a hard time staying up all night, but I try to make it. This will be my third Read-A-Thon and each time it gets BETTER! It would be even better with you...so if you are on the fence, join in-even for a bit of it.
Sign Ups are located below, if you want more of your bookie buddies to join up-post it on your blog! Feel free to grab the button too. Mostly just get ready to read yourself silly!!
Read-A-Thon Button in two sizes:
Here are the deets:
*Read-A-Thon starts on 5th of December, at 6am PST (Seattle,Washington,Vancouver)
*You can read for the full 24 hours or sign in for the first half or second or whenever you can!
*HAVE FUN! (eat,drink, read and build community!)
(I am sure I need to have more info here....if you notice something missing let me know!)
SIGN UP HERE!!
19Apr/0924
Sunday Salon: Yes, I did a vlog with my chicken!
Hey Sunday Salon folks!!!
I did the read-a-thon yesterday and it was delightful. What I like best about it is how much of a community building event it is, people going out of their way to encourage others and really all the cheers made my day.
I knew I had to get a little sleep because we have church this morning and I also have little kids who need mom today so I just can't do that on no sleep. But it was great while it lasted for sure.
I was able to read American Born Chinese, Peter Pan, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, and I made it half way through Anne's House of Dreams. My total number of pages was 1401 which smashed my previous read-a-thon page count by a boulder!
I read in my car, on the floor at the lib (in a private quiet room...huh, I do wish they had comfy chairs in there...wooden ones weren't cutting it!) and on the hammock outside in my backyard.
Here are some highlights that I would like to share with you all:
My husband (B) and I decided to donate $.10 for every page that I could read during the read-a-thon. He jokingly accused me several times of trying to make him go bankrupt ;p
That was certainly one of the coolest things for me for the day, the reading with a purpose! I was able to raise $141.00 for Living Water International!!!
Reading at the library, with my lap quilt.
Green Tea Frap!!
and my favourite personal highlight was this vlog I did, I had so much fun with it and my chicken was a great co-star!!! (her name is Francisca)
Have an amazing Sunday, blessings all around! And a HUGE thank you to the cheerers, the commenters and all my friends I tried to keep up with during the read-a-thon.
19Apr/0917
Read-a-thon: T plus 21
Titles of books completed:
American Born Chinese
Peter Pan
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Titles of books still working on:
Anne's House of Dreams
Pages read since last update:
* The Inventions of Hugo Cabret p. 165
Total: 165
Running total of pages read since you started:
*American Born Chinese p. 233 (complete)
*Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress p. 192 (complete)
*Peter Pan p. 276 (complete)
*The Inventions of Hugo Cabret p. 533 (complete)
*Anne's House of Dreams p.77
Total: 1331
Money Raised for charity: $ 133.10
Who I am *trying* to keep track of:
Ti from Book Chatter and other Stuff
Vasilly at 1330v
Trish from Trish's Reading Nook
Claire from Kiss a Cloud
Chris from Stuff as Dreams Are Made On
Joanne from The Book Zombie
Jennifer from The Literate Housewife
Megan from Medieval Bookworm
Laura from Reading Reflections
Violet from Violet Crush
Parole (Words)
I heart Monster
So I just finished The Invention of Hugo Cabret and it is so cool!! Here is a book trailer, I have never seen another book quite like it.
I don't know what I will read next. I am still working on Anne's House of Dreams but I don't know that I will have time to finish it.
UPDATED: I am going to keep reading Anne's House of Dreams for a bit and then go to sleep. I'll post a complete update tomorrow. Good night and sweet dreams/ or reading!!!
19Apr/0915
Read-a-thon: T plus 18
If you missed my vlog with Francisca the chicken, ya gotta see it!!
Titles of books completed:
American Born Chinese
Peter Pan
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
Titles of books still working on:
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Anne's House of Dreams
Pages read since last update:
* Anne's House of Dreams p.20
* The Inventions of Hugo Cabret p. 262
Total: 282
Running total of pages read since you started:
*American Born Chinese p. 233 (complete)
*Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress p. 192 (complete)
*Peter Pan p. 276 (complete)
*Anne's House of Dreams p.77
*The Inventions of Hugo Cabret p. 368
Total: 1223
Money Raised for charity: $ 122.30
Who I am *trying* to keep track of:
Ti from Book Chatter and other Stuff
Vasilly at 1330v
Trish from Trish's Reading Nook
Claire from Kiss a Cloud
Chris from Stuff as Dreams Are Made On
Joanne from The Book Zombie
Jennifer from The Literate Housewife
Megan from Medieval Bookworm
Laura from Reading Reflections
Violet from Violet Crush
Parole (Words)
I heart Monster
I am engulfed in The Invention of Hugo Cabret, it is amazing, the charcoal drawings are so good!! You all are so sweet, I am so happy you liked my vlog. Francisca the chicken says she will sign autographs if you slip her some mula 
After I finish this book I don't know what to start next. Maybe The Book Shop? I don't know yet.
What are you reading? Are you planning on going all night?
19Apr/0926
Read-a-thon: T plus 15
Title of books completed: American Born Chinese, Peter Pan, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
Title of book still working on: The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Anne's House of Dreams
Pages read since last update:
* Anne's House of Dreams p.57
* The Inventions of Hugo Cabret p. 106
Total: 163
Running total of pages read since you started:
*American Born Chinese p. 233 (complete)
*Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress p. 192 (complete)
*Peter Pan p. 276 (complete)
*Anne's House of Dreams p.57
*The Inventions of Hugo Cabret p. 106
Total: 864
Money Raised for charity: $ 86.40
Who I am *trying* to keep track of:
Ti from Book Chatter and other Stuff
Vasilly at 1330v
Trish from Trish's Reading Nook
Claire from Kiss a Cloud
Chris from Stuff as Dreams Are Made On
Joanne from The Book Zombie
Jennifer from The Literate Housewife
Megan from Medieval Bookworm
Laura from Reading Reflections
Violet from Violet Crush
Parole (Words)
I heart Monster
Okay, so this time I spent most of my time driving home, eating dinner, making the above video and getting my kids to bed. I need to sit down and really bust out some pages now. I hope you enjoy the vlog!
My tummy is happy.
19Apr/0920
Read-a-thon: T plus 12
Title of books completed: American Born Chinese, Peter Pan, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
Title of book still working on: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Pages read since last update:
*Peter Pan p. 123
*Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress p. 136
Total: 259
Running total of pages read since you started:
*American Born Chinese p. 233 (complete)
*Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress p. 192 (complete)
*Peter Pan p. 276 (complete)
Total: 701
Money Raised for charity: $ 70.10
Who I am *trying* to keep track of:
Ti from Book Chatter and other Stuff
Vasilly at 1330v
Trish from Trish's Reading Nook
Claire from Kiss a Cloud
Chris from Stuff as Dreams Are Made On
Joanne from The Book Zombie
Jennifer from The Literate Housewife
Megan from Medieval Bookworm
Laura from Reading Reflections
Violet from Violet Crush
I heart Monster
Next I am going to read The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick! It looks so good. I have been trying o keep my hands off of it without a ton of luck. I love charcoal drawings
I need to go get some food now. And yes, I have busted out the chocolate and black licorice now. It is so hard to be inside right now when the sun is shining, keep in mind that I live in Oregon where the sun shines twice year.
