{Bout of Books 13} Goals + Progress

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 11th and runs through Sunday, May 17th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 11 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

With this post, I am officially signing up for Bout of Books 13! I honestly didn't know this was starting today, but what a great way to come back from a hiatus, lol. Anywho, I've technically already started reading a couple of the books that I've included in my "books to choose from" list, but since I've only read a little bit of them, I added them to the list, since I'm hoping to use this read-a-thon as motivation to finish them, instead of watching Hulu. We shall see!

Finish reading at least 4 books

Participate in at least 3 challenges

Comment on at least 5 blogs per day

  

   

   

Monday

Books Completed So Far: Our December by Diane Adams

Currently Reading: Hunting Season by Nikki Jefford (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #4)

Thoughts: Our December was a really quick read - I honestly didn't notice that it was a novella when I started it, since it's an eBook. I thought I was going to love it, since it had high reviews on Goodreads, but I actually found the writing to be rather sappy and cheesy. I guess I couldn't see how the main characters could "fall in love" so quickly - I didn't believe it. I gave it 2 out of 5 stars, since I was still able to get through it. The premise was a good idea, I just wasn't a fan of the execution.

Tuesday

Currently Reading: Hunting Season by Nikki Jefford (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #4)

Thoughts: Wow, it sure has been a while since I've read the last Aurora Sky book! I started this one off a little lost, but it got so good that I'm back in it, now. I'm so picky with indie novels that I'm glad I found an indie series that I really enjoy so much - the writing is great, and I'm a true fan of the story! I'm already 50% through it. :)

Wednesday

Currently Reading:  Hunting Season by Nikki Jefford (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #4)

Thoughts: As always, I completely enjoyed this latest Aurora Sky novel. I love this series, and I can't wait for book five!

Thursday

Currently Reading: Nothing

Thoughts: Today was a busy day, so I didn't have time to read :/

Friday

Currently Reading: Nothing

Thoughts: Spent time with my momma for her birthday! No reading today.

Saturday

Currently Reading: Falling by Barbara Elsborg

Thoughts: It seems that I made up for not reading on Thursday and Friday by both starting and finishing Falling by Barbara Elsborg today. I thought it was a super cute romance! I then felt in the mood to finally read the first volume of Ms. Marvel, which I also liked.

Sunday

Currently Reading: Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs

Thoughts: This book is amazing!!! It starts off like an episode of Supernatural. Plus, look at that cover - it's gorgeous! Haven't finished it yet because I need to sleep and go to work tomorrow, but I got a good head start. :)

   

2nd Annual Love For Books Read-A-Thon

So the 2nd annual Love for Books Read-a-thon starts today, and I thought I'd sign up and give it a go. Granted, I've recently started reading Outlander for a challenge I'm a part of (HERE), so my real goal is just to finish it as it's pretty long (but very good!). Still, I'm hoping that reading it for this read-a-thon will help me focus on it more, and get through it with enough time in the month to read some of my library books, before starting on book two, Dragonfly In Amber, in March.

I am reading Outlander on my Kindle, since it was free on Amazon once upon a time. At the start of this challenge, I was already 35% through it. My goal is just to finish the book, as it's pretty long.

I pre-ordered a hardcover edition of The Ruby Circle on Amazon immediately after I finished the series last year. I'd like to finish Outlander before starting this one, but I shall make no promises. Also, I haven't yet decided if I'm going to re-read the series before starting this one, since I read them at the end of last year & might not really need the re-fresher, but I haven't decided. This book is acting as my back-up goal, since I'm not even sure if I'll finish Outlander by the time this event ends. I'm crossing my fingers, though!

2/09 Monday

Currently Reading: Outltander by Diana Gabaldon

Percentage Read: 45% (only 10% progress, as I was 35% through it at the start of the event)

Memorable Scene: Spoiler, highlight to read: When Jamie beat his Claire for disobeying him. This is a great story, but guys, that is NOT okay!!! *End*

2/10 Tuesday

Currently Reading: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Percentage Read: 47%  (too much work today left me with hardly any time to read)

Memorable Scene: Bedbugs!

2/11 Wednesday

Currently Reading: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Percentage Read: 49% (see why I only chose Outlander as my initial goal?! Only 2% today!)

Memorable Scene: The sex, of course. What else?

2/12 Thursday

Currently Reading: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Percentage Read: 49% - No reading today.

Memorable Scene: None - I didn't read today.

2/13 Friday 

Currently Reading: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead - I put Outlander on hold, as I really don't want to wait much longer to start reading The Ruby Circle. (This is a re-read.)

Percentage Read: 15% - I was too sleepy!

Memorable Scene: The alchemist meeting at the beginning of the novel is really what stuck with me - they really seem like a cult.

2/14 Saturday

Currently Reading: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Percentage Read: 70%

Memorable Scene: Sydney's developing friendship Adrian. Basically any Sydney/Adrian scene is most memorable for me. I love them all!!!

2/15 Sunday

Currently Reading: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead (This is also a re-read.)

Percentage Read: 65% 

Memorable Scene: Adrian's reaction to Sydney's dress at the Halloween dance.

If any of you are participating, please let me know in the comments so I can cheer you on!

Falling for Autumn Read-a-thon

Today is the first day of the Falling for Autumn Read-a-thon, which is hosted by Ner @ A Cup of Coffee and a Book!!! For those of you who may not have noticed, I was in a major reading slump this year, which I managed to get out of after both starting The Jade Series by Allie Everhart and by finally going to the library and renewing my card (after so many years). So, since I've been back to devouring books lately, I figured, why not another read-a-thon?

Here's a look at what the official challenges for this read-a-thon are:

* Read a total of four (4) books
* Read at least 150 pages per day
* Read a book with an autumnal color on the cover (red, orange, brown, gold)
* Read a book with a male protagonist
* Read the first or last book in a series

   

The Lightning Thief and The Maze Runner both feature male protagonists and are the first in their respective series. Vampires in the Lemon Grove features fall colors by having a gold cover with a red-orange font on the front. And finally, Throne of Glass is the first in a series, and has been sitting on my shelf for a while despite being a library book (I should get to it soon.) These books may change, since usually when I start a series I will continue it immediately, but we shall see - I have a good feeling about finishing the first two, at least.

{Bout of Books 11} Goals + Progress

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 18th and runs through Sunday, August 24th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 11 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Read at least 4 books

Participate in at least 5 challenges

Comment on at least 5 blogs per day

   

   

Monday

Currently Reading: The Martian by Andy Weir

Thoughts: Not as much reading today as I would have liked. My air conditioner died, and all I could do to keep my mind off of the heat was hibernate.

Tuesday

Currently Reading: The Martian by Andy Weir

Thoughts: It's gonna take me a while to read this one - I can already tell.

Wednesday

Currently Reading: The Martian by Andy Weir

Thoughts: I feel smarter every time I turn the page. 

Thursday

Currently Reading: The Martian by Andy Weir

Thoughts: Still no air conditioning, but this book is oh-so-good.

Friday

Currently Reading: Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Thoughts: Finished The Martian by Andy Weir - now I need to make up for spending so much time on one book. I'm continuing with the Vampire Academy series because I know they'll be quick reads.

Saturday

Currently Reading: Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Thoughts: Insanely good. Can't put down. This is the best one so far...

Sunday

Currently Reading: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

 

{Bout of Books 11} Count Me In!!!

Guys - it's almost time for another Bout of Books read-a-thon!!! Bout-of-Books is one of the best read-a-thons out there, not only because so many people participate, but because there are also a lot of fun challenges to take part in. With this post, I am officially announcing my participation in this event. If you're also participating, please let me know, so that I can make sure to stop by your blogs and cheer you on during the event!

Some information on the read-a-thon:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 18th and runs through Sunday, August 24th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 11 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! 

{Bout of Books 9.0} Goals + Progress

Hey guys, welcome to 2014! Sorry that I haven't posted anything this past week, but the holiday was pretty busy for me. I'm glad to be back, though, and I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday! How great is it to be able to start off the year with another Bout of Books read-a-thon to help you kick-start your TBR pile? I'm excited to start - let's make this year another great year for reading! And if you're participating in the read-a-thon as well, let me know so that I can check in on your progress and cheer you on!

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

My Goals

Read at least 3 books

Participate in at least 5 challenges

Comment on at least 5 blogs per day

I'll do my best to try and reach my goals, but since I'll be working all week I won't beat myself up if I'm unable to meet them. がんばれ!

Books To Choose From

*subject to change*

   

   

    

*I'll also be starting Vampire Academy 

for a read-along hosted by Kelly @ Dandelion Dreams*

Updates

Monday

Books Completed:

none

Currently Reading:

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker (58% done)

Challenges Completed Today:

none

Thoughts:

I didn't get any sleep last night, so when I got off work today I wasn't in the best shape to stay up and read. Hopefully I can catch up on sleep tonight and will be able to stay awake easier tomorrow.

Tuesday

Books Completed:

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

Currently Reading:

*in between books*

Challenges Completed Today:

Reading Tactics

Thoughts:

I finished The Golem and the Jinni, and it was utterly amazing! Such fantastic writing and masterful storytelling - it's now a favorite! My next read will have to be something lighter, since I'll need time to recuperate after this one...

Wednesday

Books Completed:

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

Currently Reading:

xxxHOLiC: AnotherHOLiC by NisiOisiN (on page 43 of 208)

Storm Front by Jim Butcher (audiobook - on part 2 of 8)

Challenges Completed Today:

none

Thoughts:

It's a lot harder than I thought to read through these books - sometimes after work I feel like I don't have that much time for it, since I also have to make dinner, exercise, etc. I'll try my best, though!

Thursday

Books Completed:

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

Currently Reading:

xxxHOLiC: AnotherHOLiC by NisiOisiN (on page 108 of 208)

Storm Front by Jim Butcher (audiobook - on part 3 of 8)

Challenges Completed Today:

The Found Poem Challenge

Thoughts:

I'm still trudging through! Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday - this weekend will be full of cramming! Also, that poem challenge was pretty fun, and I recommend you give it a shot.

Friday

Books Completed:

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

xxxHOLiC: AnotherHOLiC by NisiOisiN

Currently Reading:

Storm Front by Jim Butcher (audiobook - on part 3 of 8)

Challenges Completed Today:

none

Thoughts:

Two books down, and now I need at least one more to read my goal. Hurrah for the weekend!

Saturday

Books Completed:

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

xxxHOLiC: AnotherHOLiC by NisiOisiN

Currently Reading:

Storm Front by Jim Butcher (audiobook - on part 3 of 8)

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (23% done)

Challenges Completed Today:

none

Thoughts:

Sorry, I was planning on reading more today, but then I started playing Left 4 Dead 2 for the first time, thanks to Steam giving it away for Christmas...I think I stayed up until 3 am playing it.

Sunday

Books Completed:

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

xxxHOLiC: AnotherHOLiC by NisiOisiN

Currently Reading:

Storm Front by Jim Butcher (audiobook - on part 3 of 8)

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (23% done)

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor (25% done)

Challenges Completed Today:

none

Thoughts:

Well, sadly I didn't get much reading done during the challenge. In fact, I kind of went all over the place, and now I'm in the middle of two YA books and one audiobook. I'm enjoying all three, but this is new for me, since I'm used to reading books one at a time (yet I have no problem juggling multiple TV shows at once, so I wonder why I haven't tried this before with books....)

Books Completed During This Challenge