All my review indexes are out of date. I hope to get caught up on those by the end of May. Until then check out my WWW Wednesday posts for what I'm currently reading.
CONTESTS
Win one of 3 ebook copies of Rock with Me by Kristen Proby. International and ends 15 May. Click here for details.
Enter to win a signed copy of No Attachments by Tiffany King, a signed 16x24 foam board No Attachments poster, and a no attachments charm necklace. US/Canada only and ends 13 May. Click here for details.
Enter to win a $10 gift certificate to Amazon/BN and the book of your choice in Cinda Williams Chima's Seven Realms series. Open internationally and ends 31 May. Click here for details.
Enter to win a signed copy of Inhale Exhale by Sarah J Mass, a t-shirt and swag bag. Open to US/Canada and ends 20 May. Click here for details.
Are you ready for the freak show?? Three "lucky" winners will win prize packs of up to 5 books. Open to US/Canada (International if Book Despository ships to you) and ends 12 May. Click here for details.
Book Trailer Monday is where once a week I feature a trailer for a book that has captured my attention. This trailer might be for a book that is about to be published, or maybe its for a book that has already been released. There won't be any rhyme or reason to the trailer that I choose....the only common denominator will be that I liked it. That it made me stop or made me think or maybe it made me laugh. I do this mainly for my own enjoyment because I love book trailers. I find them fascinating and I hope that you enjoy the ones that I show here each week as well.
This weeks trailer is for The Tension of Oppositesby Kristina McBride which will be released by EgmontUSA on 13 May 2010. Internet this weeks trailer is a treat...yes I know that its not Monday but there is good reason for that....and it all has to do with Kristina McBride's book, Tension of Opposites. I picked this book up late....really late....Sunday night expecting to just check out the first chapter before mailing it out to a friend to use for YA Roundup. Well, next thing I know I'm closing the back cover and the clock is telling me that my alarm will be going off soon to wake me up for work. The books isn't perfect but man....did it keep me reading. And this trailer really does the book justice. It is so well done. I LOVE live action trailers. But enough chatter....What did you think of this weeks selection? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you know of a book trailer that you would like to see featured on Book Trailer Monday then please send me an email with a link to irisheyz_5 AT yahoo DOT com.
My portion of the contest is open world-wide and I think that Erica's is as well....but please be sure to ask her for confirmation! Not sure about Nicole or Stacy's but if you ask I'm sure they'll tell you because they are just awesome like that.
Contest is only open until 03 May so go now and cast your vote!
Hello Internet!!! As some of you know I'm a crocheter. I love to the art of crochet and have made many a blanket. Recently I was talking to Alea over at Pop Culture Junkie and she mentioned her idea of doing a contest with some of her extra supplies. She's new to crafting and yet it didn't take her long to become addicted to the craft store? (What is it about that new skein of yarn that is just so appealing??). Well during that conversation I said that if she wanted I had some extra yarn and hooks I could donate. It wasn't long after that I was setting up a contest of my own. The giveaways are crochet and amigurumi centric but use the supplies however you like!
The craft stash includes:
- Creature Crochet Kit (Includes book to make 12 animals, a 2.7 mm metal crochet hook and material to make 2 projects in the book.) Just looking at the box you can make a fish, hedgehog, beaver, duck, 2 different cats, trashcans and fish skeletons. - Pocket Guide Crochet. Which has instructions on all the basic crochet stitches as well as a gauge guide along its edge. - 6 plastic crochet hooks (3.75 mm to 6.5 mm aka US F to K) -new in package - 6 of worsted weight cotton yarn (2 white 7oz, 2 soft navy 7oz, and 2 basket ombre 5 oz) - 4 locking row markers (not pictured) - 1 metal tapestry needle (not pictured)
All the above, with the exception of the kit, were items that I had in my stash. The yarn was left over from an afghan I made and the colors all work well together. The hooks were given to me but I have a TON and so never got around to opening these. The Pocket Guide was a great tool when I was first starting and I hope that someone else can make good use of out it now.
Here's how to enter to win the Craft Stash Giveaway!
Hello Internet! This weeks Book Trailer Monday has been postponed until later in the week as my blog has been invaded by members of the Summer and Winter Fey. Well....Summer tried to invade by the youngest son of the Unseelie court stepped in and managed to freeze them all away.
I am very excited to bring you news of an awesome contest being held by Julie Kagawa, author of the fabulous Iron King (my review) and to be a Co-Captain for Team Ash. Who is the best character in the book - well not including Grimalkin or the Pack Rats....because really who can top them? And now for a bit of why I am Team Ash in my own words seen below in my very first vlog. You know that Ash has got to be a great character if I'm willing to make a fool of myself on video.....I apologize now for my excessive dorkiness....but who knew vlogging could be so hard? lol Props to all those who make it seem so effortless.
But don't just take my word for it....here are what others have had to say:
Julie describes Ash as dark, brooding, cold and dangerous. If that doesn't give you goose bumps I don't know what will! Why is Ash so fantastic... because he is the bad boy with the heart of gold, even if it is layered under that icy exterior. He's mysterious and fiercely loyal, why would you want that guy on your side? Not to mention he's delectable! I just want to eat the guy up and I can totally get away with saying that for once without coming off as a creepy pedophile because he is thousands of years old! Team Ash all the way.
Dark, dangerous, and sexy as all get out. Ash is one bad boy who is oh so very good. Despite the icy facade this is one Fey who is scorchingly, melt your bones into putty, hot. Equal parts mystery, spontaneity, and tenderness Ash is the perfect match for Meghan? Let's not even start talking about the chem-o-meter cause, really, it's off the charts! In the end asking if there is a choice between Ash and Puck is like asking someone to choose between Batman and the Joker -- I'm all about the hot action over humor baby!
Ash is a character with a long history. He is the Hero of the day that doesn't want to be the hero. He is the one who is hardened because of past heartache. Ash is an adventure in himself. As readers we are privileged to read his journey to discover or rediscover another side of himself (Meghan*wink*wink*) thought lost. But one major element he brings is surprise. Ash surprised me several times in The Iron King and something tells me that there is more to come. So tell me what is not to love about a character who will take readers on an adventure within himself and within the Nevernever world?
~Chastity
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Dangerous. Mysterious. Elusive. Forbidden.
These are all words to describe Ash. Ash is, of course one of the love interests in Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey trilogy. And boy, do I love him! While reading, I found Ash to be all the above words, but also romantic, lovable, and I felt like he needed help. He can’t help the way he was raised or the things that have happened to him, but what he can do is be the best love for Meaghan. And he is. Remember, this is coming from a thirteen year old (straight) guy! That just shows how amazing Ash is. All hail Ash, prince of the Winter Court!
He's the dark mysterious guy that makes you shiver when he's looking at you. On the first glance Ash is the bad boy, the one that wanted to kill for revenge or just because you are from the other court, but when you look closer you see the boy behind that. The one who lost a love and a friend and who is bound to his family. He's a sad and tortured boy, then one you want to take your arms around him and tell him all will be good and fine someday!
Well and apart from that he's seriously good looking, gorgeous and just sweet! Yes that is why I'm Team Ash!
I love Ash because he is an epitome of a bad boy with a sweet side. It makes me want to be the girl, he would do anything for, even if that means breaking the rules he's grown up with. Plus I love reading about the instant connection he has with Meghan. *sigh*
~Jess
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Why I like Ash?
Ash is the epitome of man, at least in my opinion! He embodies all the characteristics most girls want in a guy: strong, dangerous, protective, honest, and sweet. He is supposed to kill Meghan, yet he is willing to risk his own life in order to save her! Beneath all the bluster is a young man who wants to be loved. He finds Meghan and she doesn't put up with his crap... she's the one who will bring out his sweet/loyal side. I believe most girls want to to find the mans softer side; and be the only one he shows it to. Ash is everything rolled into one deliciously hot (or cold, hehe) package!
Totally 110% Team ASH!
~Cyndi
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Ash embodies what we all desire in a soldier - a protector of sorts: charm, purpose, stoic humor and a touch of arrogance. He holds true to his word, going above and beyond the call of fey law. Besides being obviously striking in appearence, his heart felt passion for those he cares about remains his greatest strength. Simply, he makes my pulse freeze, but in a good way.
Ash…just his name reminds me of why I support Team Ash. For one, being a Winter Prince, his name contradicts that fact. His name represents him perfectly; he’s icy, but towards Meg, he has the capability to melt away, or even burn for that matter, and become…ashes. With a name that holds so much, what is not to love?
In the Iron King, he acts like a complete douche bag at first, and honestly, I was Team Puck. But as the book went on, my love for them faded away. In addition, after reading the Iron Daughter, I found that Ash and Meg’s love for each other is 129293940403 times more beautiful than Puck’s and Meg’s will ever be. If Puck and Meg weren’t meant to be, it’s because Puck never really gave his all to convince Meg otherwise. Puck had YEARS to woo Meg, but he didn’t.
By Julie’s description of Ash, it doesn’t really give him justice. Personally, being dark, brooding, cold, and dangerous don’t interest me at all. Those words just make me think of Edward Cullen, and ~ehhh I don’t quite like that. BUT if Ash is Edward Cullen, at least, he ends up with the girl. But those words do set a sort of serious tone when you think of Ash unlike Puck. Ash is serious, and Meg needs a serious boy, not a boy like Puck. Sure, he protects her like his life depends on it, but whenever he opens his mouth, I think he‘s kind of arrogant... When I think of Puck and his mischievous ways, I get…annoyed. It’s perfectly fine to have a boy with a sense of humor, but Puck kills it for me. At first, I thought he was a pretty cool guy, but then his words got on my nerves. (In fact, he’s not even funny to me…seriously, if I have to hear one of his sarcastic remarks one more time, I’m going to make a voodoo doll!)
No matter how many death glares Ash gives Meg, I just think those glares are made of scrumptious, protective love. Sure, Ash is dangerous, but would he REALLY kill Meghan? Because if he did, he would have done so from the start. Ash is special, even in how he protects Meg. Anyone can launch themselves for Meg, but he chooses to do the worst thing possible, even if it breaks people’s hearts. Perhaps the real reason why Ash is just perfect for Meg is because the feeling is mutual. One-sided love is doomed from the start. Meg might have some feelings for Puck deep down there, but it’s not enough to spend all life with him. In the Iron Daughter, she states: “Even if I was turned ninety, lost my mind and forgot everything else, the memory of the Winter prince would be a shining beacon that would never fade.” So yes, even if one day, Meg decides to go with Puck, she will never forget Ash. You only forget those you want to forget…And ladies and gents, that is why Ash pwns Puck any second of the day, any day of the week, and every inch up to the sky.
I felt myself drawn to Ash from the very first moment he is introduced in the book, a hidden man in the woods. He is the dark mysterious man with a past. There is a reason he has turned to ice, he has loved and lost. Ash is a protector, a warrior, a man with a heart beneath the hard exterior. Meghan Chase makes him feel alive again, she melts the shell Ash hides behind. He sacrifices his loyalty and his life for her. He thaws little by little under the spell of the fairy princess. Thier dance at Elysium is magical and the tension that holds true between them only adds to the reason that Ash is forever the team I will choose.
So there you have it folks lots of love for Team Ash....although really....is there any doubt as to which Faery is the better one? Not for me.
Now for the rules:
-Leave a comment here saying if you're Ash or Team Puck and why. (Along with your email so you can be contacted if you win!) -An extra entry will be given for blogging, tweeting, posting about the contest. If you do any of the above please leave a link to the blog post, tweet, or whatever below. -An extra entry will be given for putting a Team Ash or Team Puck button up on their blog. (I have two fabulous Team Ash buttons posted on my side bar....so feel free to grab one). If you're on that other team then head over to Julie's Blog to pic it up. Please leave a comment saying that you've posted it as well.
There are three other blogs hosting this contest (see links below)....so be sure to visit them as well for extra chances to win....though you'll only be able to win one Iron King. Julie has also mentioned the possibility of giving one of her fabulous painted Grimalkin rocks to each of the winners. This contest is open until 03 May....so from now until then go forth and spread the word for Team Ash!!
Book Trailer Monday is where once a week I feature a trailer for a book that has captured my attention. This trailer might be for a book that is about to be published, or maybe its for a book that has already been released. There won't be any rhyme or reason to the trailer that I choose....the only common denominator will be that I liked it. That it made me stop or made me think or maybe it made me laugh. I do this mainly for my own enjoyment because I love book trailers. I find them fascinating and I hope that you enjoy the ones that I show here each week as well.
This weeks trailer is for The Book of Awesomeby Neil Pasricha which will be available on 15 Apr 2010 from Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam. I first found out about this trailer from my friend Mollie who learned of it because she's a follower of Neil's blog 1000 Awesome Things. If you haven't heard of this blog then I suggest you check it out as its filled with lots of those little everyday things that just make life so amazing. This trailer used a song and letter that was written by a fan of the site as a way to tell his girlfriend how much he loved her. And I just think that its, well, awesome. What about you? What did you think of this weeks selection? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you know of a book trailer that you would like to see featured on Book Trailer Monday then please send me an email with a link to irisheyz_5 AT yahoo DOT com.
Title of book(s) read since last update: The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells (in progress) The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride (passed) The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (on hold) Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann
Thoughts on current read: I really enjoy the world & mythology that Jaye Wells has created. I enjoy the characters of Sabina, Giguhl, and Adam. Maisie also seems fun. My only dislike so far is that shortly after Sabina, Giguhl and Adam arrive in NYC Adam leaves. He was such a big part of book 1 and love his interaction with Sabina that I hate his going. I don't see the point to essentially dump well established characters. I seriously hope that this series doesn't go the way of Maria Snyder's Study series - in which book 2 saw the dropping of almost every character from book one. I hated that and I think that the series suffered because of it.
Number of books read since you started: 1 - my worst readathon showing yet. I got too hung up on Dark Divine I think and really should have cast it aside earlier. But I just kept hoping that it'd turn around and make sense...
Pages read since last update: 90
Running total of pages read since you started:500
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 2 hrs
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 11 hrs 30 minutes
Well internets I think its time that you and I had a parting of the ways. At least for the night. As always the read-a-thon has been fun and I look forward to the next one in October. But as of now I'm gonna power down, maybe read one more chapter or so before bed and then head off to dreamland.
For those that care I'll post my final update with books read, page count, etc tomorrow when I wake up.
Title of book(s) read since last update: The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells (in progress) The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride (passed) The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (on hold) Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann
Thoughts on current read: I had to put Dark Divine on hold....its just all over the map and its making my head hurt. I still can't care about the characters and while the jumps into the past seem to have stopped the chaos of the story is still there. There doesn't seem to be any direction to this book and Despain seems to think that tossing wee snippets of info here and there then sliding over to something else is enough. So I think its time to move on to something else.
So I started The Tension of Opposites and made it through a few chapters before putting it down. Nothing against the book but I've been reading since 8 am and its getting hard to focus. I was about to pick up Tension again when my eyes spied Mage in Black sitting near the top of Mt TBR the read-a-thon edition. I read Jaye Wells's Red-Headed Stepchild last April for the read-a-thon and was easily lured to it. Haven't read much yet but its already made me laugh out loud so that's a good thing.
Number of books read since you started: 1
Pages read since last update: 82
Running total of pages read since you started:410
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 2 hours (give or take) - spent a lot of time just relaxing and surfing the interwebs during this interval.
Running total of time spent reading since you started:9 hrs 30 minutes
1. What are you reading right now? I'm still reading The Dark Divine by Bree Dispain
2. How many books have you read so far? 1.5 - what can I say, I'm a slow reader
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Can't really say as I tend to pick books up on the fly. Perhaps I'll continue the Egmont reading trend though.
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? nope. just told people not to bother me and so far they have listened. though it helps I put my phone on silent...one less distraction fairy. sort of.
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Just the pizza delivery man who scared me when he rang the buzzer for my apt. but it was a welcome interruption as it meant food.
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? Nothing really. This read-a-thon like the past ones I've been in have been filled with amazingness all around. Great readers, cheerleaders, & books. AS always the hosts have done an wonderful job. Dewey would be proud. =)
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? I think that the organizers have got a pretty good format going on. I don't see how they can improve on it. Although I am sure they will find a way.
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Really wish I read faster....but I don't see that happening. Maybe next year I'll unplug completely. Yeah....I don't see that happening either.
9. Are you getting tired yet? I wasn't until you mentioned it. lol Nah...a little fatigued but I hope that passes. If not, then nape time.
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? Changing my position helps....as well as where I am reading. Helps to refresh me a bit.
Title of book(s) read since last update: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (in progress) Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann
Thoughts on current read: I don't seem to be reading very fast and I'm not sure I can pinpoint a reason why. Yes I've been doing some blog surfing and twittering but not a ton. I think part of it is due to the fact that I keep rereading bits of Dark Divine trying to figure out what is going on. This story is very disjointed for me and will randomly move through time. Sometimes its structured and there will be a little note saying 3 years ago or something....but other times Grace's monologue will just drift into the past and then jerk back into the present. I am also finding it hard to care about any of the characters. This is one weird book.
Number of books read since you started: 1
Pages read since last update: 148
Running total of pages read since you started:328
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 3 hrs
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 7 hrs 30 minutes
Title of book(s) read since last update: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (in progress) Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann
Thoughts on current read: Just finished Things I Know About Love....wow...this book is short and fun and serious all at the same time. I really like it. Well, most of it. If you've read it you probably know what I didn't like about it. But don't want to say anything there so I don't give anything away.
Started the Dark Divine and while I haven't gotten to far into it...(the distraction fairy was out in spades) I am liking it. Although the text is all bolded so that is a bit off putting. Its almost as if the book is yelling at me & yet the text doesn't match the anrgyish tone of the print. So my brain is in a bit of a war with itself. lol
Number of books read since you started: 1
Pages read since last update: 89
Running total of pages read since you started:180
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 2 hours (took some long breaks to read, chat on twitter and visit some blogs - may have actually read more but I lost track, oops.)
Running total of time spent reading since you started:4 hrs 30 minutes
The idea of this mini challenge is to take 3-4 books and make a sentence out of them. The challenge is being hosted by Bart's Bookshelf and full details can be found here. I thought this was a really fun challenge and think I might have to steal this idea at some point for a contest of my own. *lol*
Anywho, here is my entry and I apologize in advance for the shoddy pic...
The things I know about love linger, for keeps.
Updated: I just saw someone post about a book title on Twitter and got an idea to add to my sentence above and while I like the above pic....I love this one. What do you think?
The things I know about love linger, like dirty little secrets, for keeps.
Title of book(s) read since last update: Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann (in progress)
Thoughts on current read: Deeper than I thought it would be but I am really enjoying it. Love the sort of blog/diary style of it...and it has a another POV tossed into mix. Love multiple POV books.
Number of books read since you started: 1/2
Pages read since last update: 91
Running total of pages read since you started:91
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 2 hrs 30 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 2 hrs 30 minutes
Where are you reading from today? I'm reading from my comfy couch in Central MA. Might take it outdoors at some point though as it is looking like a nice day out there.
3 facts about me … 1. I love to crochet. I usually make afghans but have recently started in on amigurumi (little Japanese animals) - they are so cute! 2. I love to travel and while I don't have any big trips this year, well other than NYC in May for the Book Expo....next year I plan on going to Maui with friends and back to Poland to see my family there. 3. I'm addicted to coffee
How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? I have set aside 2 HUGE piles of books to choose from. I know that I won't read 1/2 of them but I'm going to try and limit myself to choosing only from those stacks. This way I hope to spend more time reading and less time searching for that next great read.
Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)? No goal, just read as much as I can and have fun chatting about the event via blog comments and twitter.
If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time? I recommend turning off word verification to make it easier for people to post. =) I also blogged about some read-a-thon tips yesterday. You can find that post here.
Happy Reading! I'll check in later with an update.
Good morning everyone! Welcome to my little section of the 24 hr Read-a-Thon. This is my third time participating in this event and I am so excited! During the Read-a-Thon you'll find my update posts every few hours here on my blog, for more current updates then follow my on twitter (@Irisheyz77).
My coffee is brewing and cinnamon rolls are baking and I am all set to start with this read-a-thon. First up I'm going to start Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann. Its only 160 pages and so I'm hoping to start off the read-a-thon with a bang. lol Not sure what I'll move onto next but I have a huge pile of books to pull from so hopefully there will be something in there that holds my interest. As with the last Read-a-Thon I won't be posting full reviews during the read-a-thon, but I'll give a few thoughts on each book I read. So let the read-a-thon being....I'll be back in a few hours with an update. Good luck and happy reading to all the participants. And cheerleaders you are awesome, thanks in advance for all you do. Happy Cheering.
Internet, as you may or may not be aware tomorrow is a very important day. It’s a day when bloggers across the globe all put aside their daily routines and just sit and read and for as many people who spend the day reading there are just as many out there cheering them on. This event, this very special event is Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-Thon and it only happens twice a year, in April and October. It’s a wonderful event that is held in memory of a blogger named Dewey who was such an integral part of the book blogging community. She had a knack of bringing bloggers together and making the community feel like family. Tomorrow makes my 1 year participation in this event and before it started I just wanted to post a few tips that I’ve learned from both my experience and from other veterans.
1. If you plan on blogging during the event its helpful to have some sort of template in place.
No one expects you to write your usual type of review, that can always come after the read-a-thon is over. But it can be helpful to post a few good thoughts about your reading experience as you go. For my template I like to track the number of hours I spent reading, the number of pages read, the books I’ve read, a few lines on my thoughts, challenges I participated in and some blogs that I visited. I list of the blogs because I always come across so many new blogs during the event that I want to be able to go back to them later. To see my template just look through my archives, and also do a search on blog participants. Many use templates and you can get an idea of what people found useful and what might work for you.
2. Don’t try to blog every hour.
I did that for my first read-a-thon and even with a blog template I seemed to spend more time on my posts and less time reading. Last October I moved to making a post every 2 hours. And this year I’m thinking of expanding that out even further to 3 or 4 hour intervals. I want my focus this read-a-thon to be on reading. Also, consider your readers who subscribe via RSS feeds, not everyone who reads your blog will want an hourly update. =)
3. Turn off comment moderation and word verification
I cannot stress how important this one simple task is. There are many cheerleaders who will be stopping by your blog to leave comments and help keep you motivated. Cheerleaders are a very important part of the read-a-thon so don’t make it hard for them to do their job. You can always go back to your normal moderation settings after the read-a-thon but for the sanity of the cheerleaders who will be going to dozens of blogs and making tons of comments on each make it as easy as possible for them. Spam can always be deleted. A cheerleader’s sanity once lost may never be regained. ;-)
So if you only do one thing during the read-a-thon, do this.
4. Take breaks
During every hour of the read-a-thon there will be challenges. You can find out what is going on by checking out the read-a-thon blog (or by following them on twitter @readathon). These are often a great way to rest your eyes and sometimes even to get your blood pumping throughout the event. Not only are they are great way to get a break but you can always win prizes! And who doesn’t like prizes? But even if you don’t participate in any of the challenges take a break. Go for a walk around your building, do some jumping jacks, or even take a short nap.
Other good ideas on breaks is to go on twitter (make sure you use the #readathon hashtag!) and see what other participants are talking about. Or to spend a few minutes visiting the blogs of other readers. You can be both a reader and a part-time cheerleader. Cheerleaders are part of what really makes this event special so if you do go blog visiting make sure to leave a comment. Let that blogger know that you are there and you are supporting them in their goal of trying to make it the full 24 hours.
5. Have snacks handy
You’ll be thankfully to have something to munch on during the event and certain foods can also be a good energy booster, like bananas. Plus people will be talking about snacks during the read-a-thon and they will give you the munchies. Also, if you have time try and prepare you’re main meals in advance or even better call in delievery. Nothing like splurging on those calories! As of right now I have plans of ordering in pizza…mmm….I can almost smell that greasy goodness now!
6. If a book isn’t grabbing your attention don’t force it.
I know many people like to finish every book they start and while that is great (and admirable) for normal reading it may not be the best course of action for the read-a-thon. You will get tired and you don’t want to be struggling with a weighty tome like War and Peace at 3 am. That will almost guarantee that you’ll fall asleep before you’re ready. =) No one will think any less of you if you put a book aside, nor is a reflection on the book. The idea is to read and read as much as you can. So while book x might be a highly acclaimed novel that you’ll love if you aren’t sucked into it by a certain page then put it aside and pick up something that will. There will be plenty of time after the read-a-thon to go back to book x and give it the attention that it deserves.
7. Have a large pile of books handy
You may not read every book and that’s ok. But its nice to have a selection easily at hand so that if a book isn’t grabbing you its easy to move on to something else.
8. Don’t get discouraged
Everyone will read at a different pace so don’t get discouraged is Blogger Y reads 20 books to your 2. Its not about how much you read but about reading as a group. Don’t compare yourself to others all that matters is that you are reading.
9. Its ok if you don’t last 24 hours
I’ve taken part in the last 2 read-a-thons and I crashed somewhere around the 2 am hour on each. I hated to do so but I know myself and my body was crying for sleep. So if you need to sleep than sleep. You can always try to take a quick nap and then come back and finish up. Or you can just call it quits and sleep until you can’t sleep anymore. No matter what you decide its ok and no one will judge you. Its very difficult to last the full 24 hrs and I give major kudos to those that do. I’m hopeful that I’ll last longer this time than in October but if I don’t then I’m ok with that. The read-a-thon is about having fun and if you are struggling to keep your eyes open then you probably aren’t having fun.
I know that I’ve probably missed some good tips and what I’ve said above may not work for everyone. So if you’ve participated in past read-a-thons then please leave a comment below and let others know the tips and tricks that worked best for you. Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing what everyone is up to during the read-a-thon tomorrow!
And if you want some more tips, there here's what other people have said. (If you posted some read-a-thon tips then please LMK and I'll add to the list!)
As she laughed I was aware of becoming involved in her laughter and being part of it, until her teeth were only accidental stars with a talent for squad-drill. I was drawn in by short gasps, inhaled at each momentary recovery, lost finally in the dark caverns of her throat, bruised by the ripple of unseen muscles. An elderly waiter with trembling hands was hurriedly spreading a pink and white checked cloth over the rusty green iron table, saying: "If the lady and gentleman wish to take their tea in the garden, if the lady and gentleman wish to take their tea in the garden ..." I decided that if the shaking of her breasts could be stopped, some of the fragments of the afternoon might be collected, and I concentrated my attention with careful subtlety to this end.
There is a place where the sidewalk ends And before the street begins, And there the grass grows soft and white, And there the sun burns crimson bright, And there the moon-bird rests from his flight To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black And the dark street winds and bends. Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow, And watch where the chalk-white arrows go To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow, And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go, For the children, they mark, and the children, they know The place where the sidewalk ends.
Book Trailer Monday is where once a week I feature a trailer for a book that has captured my attention. This trailer might be for a book that is about to be published, or maybe its for a book that has already been released. There won't be any rhyme or reason to the trailer that I choose....the only common denominator will be that I liked it. That it made me stop or made me think or maybe it made me laugh. I do this mainly for my own enjoyment because I love book trailers. I find them fascinating and I hope that you enjoy the ones that I show here each week as well.
This weeks trailer is for The White Cat by Holly Black which will be available on 04 May 2010 from Margaret K. McElderry. This trailer was produced by VLC Productions and as with other trailers that have been produced by Vania this one is pretty darn amazing. In fact of all the trailers that she has made this one has got to be my favorite. Its just so filled with awesome that I simply can't gush over it enough. I am also so very glad that I have a copy of The White Cat in my possession because this trailer makes me want to read it right this very moment. What about you? What did you think of this weeks selection? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you know of a book trailer that you would like to see featured on Book Trailer Monday then please send me an email with a link to irisheyz_5 AT yahoo DOT com.
There is another sky, Ever serene and fair, And there is another sunshine, Though it be darkness there; Never mind faded forests, Austin, Never mind silent fields - Here is a little forest, Whose leaf is ever green; Here is a brighter garden, Where not a frost has been; In its unfading flowers I hear the bright bee hum: Prithee, my brother, Into my garden come!
You know how this is: if I look at the crystal moon, at the red branch of the slow autumn at my window, if I touch near the fire the impalpable ash or the wrinkled body of the log, everything carries me to you, as if everything that exists, aromas, light, metals, were little boats that sail toward those isles of yours that wait for me.
Well, now, if little by little you stop loving me I shall stop loving you little by little.
If suddenly you forget me do not look for me, for I shall already have forgotten you.
If you think it long and mad, the wind of banners that passes through my life, and you decide to leave me at the shore of the heart where I have roots, remember that on that day, at that hour, I shall lift my arms and my roots will set off to seek another land.
But if each day, each hour, you feel that you are destined for me with implacable sweetness, if each day a flower climbs up to your lips to seek me, ah my love, ah my own, in me all that fire is repeated, in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten, my love feeds on your love, beloved, and as long as you live it will be in your arms without leaving mine
She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellow'd to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impair'd the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o'er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!
Hello Internet!! As you may or may not know April is National Poetry Month and I am a huge lover of poetry. Since around 1995 or so I've been celebrating this event by emailing a poem a day to many of my friends and family. Some will whine and moan about it, but those same people are usually among the first to remind me if I've missed a day so I know they love it. And if not tough. *lol*
Last year I branched out and also posted a poem a day here on my blog and so thought to continue that trend again this year. I'll still be posting my trailers and other reviews during this time so this daily poem will just be an added thing. For those who follow via an RSS feed I apologize in advance for all the extra posts. Though all will be titled with NPM so you'll know at a glance if its a poem or review. There are a few rules, of sorts, for this event and they are as follows:
I enjoy reading and picking out poems on a daily basis (and when I am feeling brave I send out one of my own), but I know that my tastes are the tastes of all....so if there is a particular poem or poet that you would like to see featured then please let me know. I'll also do my best to round up a poem if you only remember a fragment or two. I don't always succeed but I always enjoy the challenge.
And well...that's about it for rules. Like I said...there were only a few. lol Please feel free to comment (I love comments), sit back and enjoy the poems.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.
by Kristina McBride which will be released by EgmontUSA on 13 May 2010. Internet this weeks trailer is a treat...yes I know that its not Monday but there is good reason for that....and it all has to do with Kristina McBride's book, Tension of Opposites. I picked this book up late....really late....Sunday night expecting to just check out the first chapter before mailing it out to a friend to use for YA Roundup. Well, next thing I know I'm closing the back cover and the clock is telling me that my alarm will be going off soon to wake me up for work. The books isn't perfect but man....did it keep me reading. And this trailer really does the book justice. It is so well done. I LOVE live action trailers. But enough chatter....What did you think of this weeks selection? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
