Mondays with Megan-Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon & Cybils Awards-10/5/15

Happy Monday! It’s a gorgeous day here in Cleveland and I have the day off. Lucky me! I have gotten my reading groove back and have read and listened to some great books this week. But first, a couple of bits of news. First, it’s time for another Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon! I missed the spring readathon because I was meeting my new nephew in April, but I am all registered for the October 17th event. You can sign up too! The second bit of news is that I was selected to be a judge for the Cybils Awards again. This time around I will be a Round 2 YA Speculative Fiction. There is still time to nominate titles, so head on over to the Cybil site if you are interested.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Teach Mentor Texts. 

Finished:

     

Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett and Manhattan Project, vol. 1 by Jonathan Hickman were both recommended to me by patrons-♥♥♥

The others were all amazing! I am really loving the Ms. Marvel series and Lockwood & Co has taken an interesting turn. Walk the Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson is the first book in a new trilogy. Who new westerns could be so awesome? ♥♥♥♥♥ to all four!

Current Audio:

 

Currently Reading:

   

On Deck:

  

I am off to enjoy my day off!

Happy Reading!

~Megan

Mondays with Megan Readathon Review 4/28/14

Happy Monday *yawn* *reaches for more coffee*! This weekend I participated in my sixth Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon. I love this online reading challenge for so many reasons. First and foremost because it is an excuse to sit around and read all day (and night) long. I also love the online camaraderie it builds as you explore new blogs and complete mini challenges. And if I am being completely honest, I kind of love the excuse to snack. Snacks are important. Anyway. I made it to Hour 18 this year and finished 5 and 2/3 books. Sound like fun? Consider signing up for the October challenge!

Here’s a quick check-in with Book Journey and Teach Mentor Texts for another round of It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Finished:

• The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S King-this is her debut novel and the last of her books that I needed to read. Emer Morrisey is pirate who is cursed to live the life of 100 dogs. When the curse is fulfilled she is able to pick up where she left of. Sort of. This was an odd and entertaining book and I enjoyed it, but I am glad this was not my introduction to A.S. King.
• Nantucket Red by Leila Howland is the sequel to Nantucket Blue. The story picks up shortly after the end of the first book with Cricket and her boyfriend (no spoilers!). The new relationship comes with complications and to add to that Cricket needs to plan for college. I know that is vague! I really enjoyed the continuation of Cricket’s story. This is a fun summer romance, but start with the first book!
• Breakfast Served Anytime by Sarah Combs is a lovely and charming debut novel. Gloria is a collector of the written word. She signs up for a summer workshop at the local college that offers a mysterious sounding class called Secrets of the Written Word. She leaves her dad, her best friend, and all connects to social media behind and embarks on a summer of discovery.
• The Walking Dead vols 18-20 by Robert Kirkman. Brutal.
• The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn. This book was recommended to me by a teen reader. I am glad she enjoyed it, but this book inspired rage in me. I am not ready to talk about it! Needless to say, I will not be reading the rest in the series.

Current Audio:

Currently Reading:

On Deck:

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Mondays With Megan-Fall 2013 Dewey Wrap-Up and What Are You Reading?

Wow! What a busy weekend!

As you may already know, Saturday was the Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon. This was my fifth time participating and as usual, it was loads of fun. I read 6 books and participated in 5 mini-challenges. I made it to Hour 18. I could have pushed on, but I knew I had a crazy week ahead of me and decided that sleep was more important. Ready for my giant Monday reading list? Good!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Be sure to visit Book Journey, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for more list!

Finished:

I realized that I missed last week, but I decided to just skip those books….I *finally* finished Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein! It was a difficult read for a couple of reasons. First, I thought it had a slow start. Second, the subject matter is so difficult for me handle in large doses. Nevertheless, I am glad I read it. I also finally tucked in to the final Gallagher Girls, United We Spy, by Ally Carter! I loved it. A perfect ending. The tenth volume of Chi’s Sweet Home by Konami Kanata was particularly adorable and entertaining and even had a bit of a cliffhanger! Gordon Korman has a new series out called The Hypnotists. It was a quick and exciting read and I will definitely follow the series. My other two books were graphic novels. Wars in Toyland  by Joe Harris and Sweet Tooth vol.1 by Jeff Lemire were both unusual and I very much enjoyed them. Oops! I forgot Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles! Another sexy addition to the Elkeles shelf.

Current Audio:

I am really enjoying The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater. My only complaint is that I can’t stand the voice the reader uses for Kavinsky. Otherwise, the story is moving along nicely with lots of twisty turns and a new and mysterious character. I am also continuing my nonfiction audio streak with Love, Life, and Elephants by Daphne Sheldrick.

Currently Reading:

House of Hades!!!! I am surprised to find myself lingering and savoring this one rather than greedily devouring it! I am still working on Monsters by Ilsa Bick in small, manageable doses. So horrific! I am also slowly picking at The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood.

On Deck:

This month my department is reading Westerns, so I need to get started on The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt. I am also hoping to get to All Our Yesterday by Cristin Terrill and Prep School Confidential by Kara Taylor.

What are you reading?

Happy Reading!

˜Megan

Mondays With Megan-Beaches, Spies, and Bout of Books 8.0

I am ending the summer on a high note. I finally made it out to my aunt’s house for a beach day. She has lived in a little cottage on the shores of Lake Erie for my entire life. Her backyard is a small patch of pebbly beach and it’s a little piece of heaven. It’s just not summer without a day of swimming and hunting for sea glass. Somethings you just don’t outgrow.

Ok. On to Monday business. I am participating in two read-a-thons this week!

We are entering week three of the Gallagher Girls read-a-thon, hosted by Books As You Know It. This week we are reading Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter.

Today is also the beginning of Bout of Books 8.0, hosted by Bout of Books.

In case you are interested, you can see my goals for the week here.

Finally, it’s time to check in with Book Journey and Teach Mentor Texts for another It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? list.

Finished:

My favorites from this bunch are Joyland by Stephen King and The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. Talk about fantastic storytelling! Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter was reread for me. It was fun to go back to the beginning and relive the introduction of Zack. Things are really going to take off now! Drama by Raini Telgemeier was kind of a letdown after Smile. The artwork wonderful, but I found the story to be lacking. I found the characters to be clichéd and stereotypical. Finally, I tore through Infinityglass, the final book in the Hourglass trilogy by Myra McEntire. It was a nice, solid ending, but I think the first book is still my favorite.

Current Audio:

Currently Reading:

Yeah, I’m busy!

On Deck:

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein and Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein are definitely on the top of my TBR list.

Happy Reading!

˜Megan

Getting Ready For Bout of Books 8.0

YAY Read-a-thons! I have signed up for another round of Bout of Books. The week-long event starts on Monday (8/19) and it’s time to start setting some goals. If you aren’t signed up yet, I suggest you get busy. Then, grab this handy template and start planning your week.

Time Devoted to Reading

This one is easy. I read and listen everyday! I know that I will not be able to finish my audio books, but I am going to try complete the four books and two graphic novels listed.

My Goals

• My primary goal for this week is to get caught up on my Goodreads reading goal. I am still a couple of books behind. Turns out that this was my #1 goal during BoB 7.0.
• Visit and comment on some new-to-me blogs

Books to Read

Books:

• Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
• The Coldest Girl in Cold Town by Holly Black
• Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
• Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich (started)

Graphic Novels:

• War Brothers by Sharon E. McKay
• Kill Shakespeare, vol. 1 by Conor McCreery

e-books:

• This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales (started)
• Shadows by Ilsa Bick (started)

Audiobooks:

• Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
• The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (started)

Updates

Monday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 210
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 60
Total number of books I’ve finished: 0
Books:

• Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
• The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
• This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
• Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich
• Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Tuesday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 182
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 80
Total number of books I’ve finished: 1
Books:

• Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
• The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
• This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
• Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich
• Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Wednesday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 259
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 41
Total number of books I’ve finished: 2
Books:

• The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
• This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
• Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich
• Shadows by Ilsa Bick
• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
• Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Thursday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 110
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 75
Total number of books I’ve finished: 2
Books:

• The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
• Shadows by Ilsa Bick
• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
• Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Friday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 227
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 70
Total number of books I’ve finished: 3
Books:

• The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
• Shadows by Ilsa Bick
• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
• Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Saturday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 104
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 90
Total number of books I’ve finished: 3
Books:

• The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
• Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich

Sunday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 136
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 20
Total number of books I’ve finished: 4
Books:

• The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
• Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich
• The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
• The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey

Number of pages read: 1,228
Number of minutes listened: 436 (or 7.25 hours!)
Number of books finished: 4

Not bad!

An Abundance of Readathons!

I can’t believe it is already August! That means that the Summer Throwdown is over. I set a goal to read 20 books in July. I managed 18, which is still better than last year. I was just beginning to wonder what I was going to do next when I found two new readathons to join!

First up is a Gallagher Girls reread, hosted by Books As You Know It. I am excited about this because I rarely reread, but have been itching to revisit some favorites lately. This is the perfect excuse and I will be all ready for the September release of the final *sniff* book in the series, United We Spy.

Here is the schedule:

July 29th-Aug.4th:

 SIGN UPS

Aug.5th-11th:

I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You
August 12th-18th:
Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy

August 19th-25th:

Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover

August 26th-September 1st:

Only the Good Spy Young

September 2nd-8th:

Out of Sight, Out of Time

It’s not too late to sign up and Ally Carter is providing a prize!

Next up is Bout of Books 8.0.

“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 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th 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 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team”

I hate to say this, but the next Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon is right around the corner on October 12.

Are you participating in any cool readathons? Let me know!

Happy Reading!

˜Megan

 

Mondays With Megan-Bout of Books 7.0 Wrap Up

Um, it’s Monday already? How did that happen?!? I guess between birthday parties, baseball games, and a little bit of yard work (just enough to keep my yard from looking like an abandoned lot. I tell you, it is a total pain in the neck having a next door neighbor with a front yard like a golf course…so much pressure!) the time just flies by. It was so much fun I am ready to do it again. Despite all the running around and having fun, I managed to get a ton of reading done for the Bout of Books 7.0 Readathon. Here is one giant check-in post, and then I am off to prepare summer reading and fall programs.

Last week was the readathon, so my results post will double as my It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? post. This one little post is working triple time. Check out Book Journey and Teach Mentor Texts for more Monday lists.

Finished:

3 Graphic Novels

The Walking Dead vol. 17: Something to Fear by Robert Kirkman is a devastating addition to this disturbing series. Seriously messed up. Actually, the same goes for American Vampire vol. 4 by Scott Snyder. Cardboard by Doug TenNapel was a bit tamer, but still featured monsters. It is no wonder I had some pretty creepy dreams last week. I need a rainbows and kittens cure ASAP! (In case you couldn’t tell, I thought ALL of these were awesome.)

3 Novels

I finished an e-galley of 45 Pounds by K.A. Barson. I admit I was worried that it was going to be a fat-girl-is-shunned-but-loses-weight-and-everything-is-perfect kind of story. It was not. And it was great! I am way behind on NetGalley reviews, but stay tuned because I swear I will get to it soon. My trip to the Ohioana Book Festival inspired me to catch up on some local authors, so I picked up One Moment by Kristina McBride. I really enjoyed hearing the author’s point of view on this dark read. It is a fast, compelling read that doesn’t get tied up with a pretty bow at the end. Finally, I spent the week hunting a serial killer. Game, by Barry Lyga was by far my favorite book from last week. I confess, I am a big baby and this one creeped the bejeezus out of me and gave me nightmares. I am desperate for the next book!

Bout of Book Totals:

Books Finished: 6
Pages Read: 1560
Minutes Listened: 438 (that’s 7.3 hours spent driving and walking the dog!)
Challenges: 2

Current Audio:

I am almost to the half way mark in The Magicians, but I still can’t say how I feel about it. I am definitely interested in finding out where the author is going with things!

Currently Reading:

On a whim, I shoved aside the book I was planning to start today (As Dead As it Gets by Katie Alender…soon, I promise) and started The Rules by Stacey Kade. I am slowly enjoying Ozma of Oz by Eric Shanower. I love this graphic adaptation so much!

Current e-book:

From NetGalley I have For the Good of Mankind? by Vicki Wittenstein. It is a short but grizzly nonfiction book about human medical experimentation. Once I finish I will start Far Far Away by Tom McNeal.

On Deck: ????

I am looking forward to good reading week! What about you?

Happy Reading!

˜Megan

Mondays With Megan-Bout of Books Day 1 and What Are You Reading

˜photo by Giant Gingko

Dear Mother Nature,

It is cruel to give us spring than snatch it away! But, since there is just no reasoning with you, I will take advantage of the chilly weather and snuggle up under my blanket (I stubbornly refuse to turn the heat back on) and read!

Love,

Megan

Let’s get started with all the Monday updates. First a check in with Book Journey and Teach Mentor Texts with a It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? report.

Finished:

I killed it last week (and yet, I am still 4 books behind on my goal….grr)! I love Lenore by Dirge Roman and Swirlies was my favorite in the collection! The Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfor is the first in a new middle grade series. It was a cute set-up and I will probably look for the next one, but it didn’t wow me. Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer was a book club reread. Still freaks me out. Dare You To by Katie McGarry was my favorite read of the week. I loved the good boy-bad girl twist. The Night She Disappeared by April Henry was a fast read and I have to admit, I felt a little weird reading it in light of the recent events here in Cleveland with the missing women, but I did enjoy it. Finally, I wrapped up listening to Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. Amazing.

Currently Reading:

I have an e-galley of 45 Pounds (More or Less) by K.A. Barson that I am just getting into. After this weekend’s Ohioana Book Festival I picked up One Moment by Kristina McBride and got sucked right in. I have no doubt I will finish tonight. I am also still plugging away at My One Square Inch of Alaska by Sharon Short (another Ohio author!). I decided to give it my full attention this week.

Currently Audio:

I am trying to address some of the items that have been languishing on my TBR list. To that end, I am going to start listening to The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I currently have Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by Fiona Carnarvon on Playaway. Honestly, it’s nothing spectacular, but it is enjoyable.

On Deck:

I have big plans for the week as I participate in Bout of Books 7.0. To see what’s on deck this week check out my goals post.

Happy Reading!

˜Megan

Bout of Books 7.0 Goals and Progress

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms and mom-like people out there! Just a quick post to get my Bout of Books 7.0 goals out there. The lovely hosts make everything so easy, including providing this handy template.

Time Devoted to Reading

This will vary based on my work schedule. I will read everyday and listen to audio books while in the car and walking the dog.

My Goals

• Get myself back on pace with my Goodreads goal. I am currently 3 books behind.
• Finish some books that I started ages ago.
• Visit and comment on new blogs.

Books to Read

• Graphic Novels
  1. The Walking Dead vol. 17 by Robert Kirkman
  2. Cardboard by Doug TenNapel
  3. Fruits Basket vol. 2 by Natsuki Takaya
  4. American Vampire vol. 4 by Scott Snyder
  5. Ozma of Oz by Eric Shanower

  Books

  1. My One Square Inch of Alaska by Sharon Short (already started)
  2. As Dead as it Gets by Katie Alender
  3. Game by Barry Lyga
  4. One Moment by Kristina McBride (already started)

  E-Books

  1. 45 Pounds by K.A. Barson
  2. For the Good of Mankind? by Vicki O. Wittenstein

  Audio

  1. The Magician by Lev Grossman
  2. Lady Almina and Real Downton Abbey by Fiona Carnarvon.

Updates

Monday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 299
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 70 minutes
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
Books:

• One Moment by Kristina McBride (127)
• 45 Pounds by K.A. Barson (40)
• The Magicians by Lev Grossman (25 min)
• Lady Almina (45 min)
• The Walking Dead vol. 17: Something to Fear (132)

Tuesday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 372
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 70 minutes
Total number of books I’ve read: 3
Books:

• If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch (36-that was enough to give it up)
• The Magicians Lev Grossman (27 min)
• My One Square Inch of Alaska by Sharon Short (7)
• Lady Almina (43 min)
• Game by Barry Lyga (40)
• 45 Pounds by K.A. Barson (45)
• Cardboard by Doug TenNapel (284)

Wednesday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 209
Number of minutes I’ve listened today: 50 minutes
Total number of books I’ve read: 3
Books:

• The Magicians by Lev Grossman (50 min)
• 45 Pounds by K.A. Barson (117)
• Game by Barry Lyga (85)
• My One Square Inch (7)

Thursday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 131
Number of minutes I’ve listened today:  93 minutes
Total number of books I’ve read: 4
Books:

• The Magicians by Lev Grossman ( 25 min)
• 45 Pounds by K.A. Barson (64)
• Game by Barry Lyga (67)
• Lady Almina (30 min)

Challenge: Title Acrostics, hosted by Harley Bear Book Blog

S carlet,

C inder,

A nd the Big Bad Wolf

R esist

L evana’s

E vil

T ricks

Friday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 119
Number of minutes I’ve listened today:  45 minutes
Total number of books I’ve read: 4
Books:

• The Magicians by Lev Grossman (45 min)
• Game by Barry Lyga (91)
• For the Good of Mankind? (28)

Saturday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 133
Number of minutes I’ve listened today:  80 minutes
Total number of books I’ve read: 4
Books:

• The Magicians by Lev Grossman (80 min)
• Game by Barry Lyga (133 )

Sunday
Number of pages I’ve read today: 297
Number of minutes I’ve listened today:  30 minutes
Total number of books I’ve read: 6
Books:

• The Magicians by Lev Grossman (30 min)
• Game by Barry Lyga (89 )
• American Vampire vol. 4 by Scott Snyder (208)

˜Megan

Mondays with Megan: Bout of Books Readathon 2013

Happy Monday! Did you enjoy the beautiful weekend? Did you get a free comic book on Free Comic Book Day? I gave out almost 200 free comics this weekend! My Monday offerings are pretty slim this week compared to last week’s post-readathon boon. Luckily I have found another readathon to join! It is almost time for Bout of Books 7.o!

“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 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th 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 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team”

I am signing up today! Now I need to think about my goals…In the meantime, it’s time to join Book Journey and Teach Mentor Text for another round of It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Finished:

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. It slowly crept up on me and by the end I was so invested in the characters that I was sad to be finished. The Nightmare Affair is a really fun debut novel by local (Ohio) author, Mindee Arnett. I am a sucker for a boarding school story and this one has a great mystery and paranormal elements as well. Total win. Finally, I read Boys of Steel: the Creators of Superman by Marc Tyler Nobleman. Yes, it’s a picture book, but it was lovely and the information in the afterward was very enlightening. I definitely recommend it.

Current Audio:

I am so hooked on this one!

Currently Reading:

I am almost finished with both of these. Dare You To is great and Life As We Knew It is a reread for book club. I also started a new middle grade book, The Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors. I am pretty sure it’s going to be fun. I have to confess I have abandoned a few books along the way, but I plan to go back to them.

On Deck:

I have been all over the place with my reading, so I am not really sure what will come next, except for this one! I can’t wait to dig into Game, the sequel to I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga!

Happy Reading!

˜Megan