The Readathon concept isn’t entirely new to me. It’s what I call “therapy time,” or “Saturday” (ha).
This is to say, submersing myself into a long uninterrupted reading stretch is how I relax, unwind, de-stress, refresh. Books are my personal decompression chambers. However, what I’ve not done before is participate in a Readathon as a social activity.
I have no idea why. But that omission is about to be corrected: I signed up to participate in the Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon on Saturday. As I live on the East Coast, my starting time is an eminently reasonable 8 a.m. Not that I have a problem sacrificing sleep to read.
Before it has even begun, I’m so inspired by the generous, welcoming, and enthusiastic community of readers I’ve connected with on social media. It’s beautiful to see and be part of a group of people joining together to experience and celebrate a shared love. The rallying point is our consensus that reading books is awesome, whatever books those may be. I have seen genres of all kinds represented in the TBR photos shared on social media.
The more I engage with this group and the closer Saturday gets, the more excited I feel. I’ve been preparing by combing through my Nook library. This is because I’m also doing #ReadMyOwnDamnBooks this year, and my focus has been on my overwhelming e-library.
I don’t usually know exactly what I want to read until the day arrives, but these are the books I’m prioritizing:
Books to finish
One suggestion I’ve heard is to begin the day by finishing a book you’ve already started. I have two that have been languishing on my “currently reading” list, for a few months. My only concern is that both of these are slow reads that inspired me to stop, think, and write. I’m reserving judgment on whether these will be the right Readathon choices.
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
The Genius of Dickens by Michael Slater
Children’s/YA
This is one of my favorite “relax and de-stress” genres. The first two on the list are the only paper books on my Readathon TBR. My friend Jessica recommended them (and let me borrow her copies). Her recommendations have been wins every time, so.
El Deafo by Cece Bell
Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Rapunzel by Brothers Grimm
Long Division by Kiese Laymon
Mystery/Thriller
This genre felt like a Readathon no-brainer. Who wants to put down a good thriller? I have LOADS of these in my Nook library. Which is to say, this list was initially much, MUCH longer. I’ve narrowed it down to my top three picks. My first pick from this list will likely be The Girl on the Train since the movie is coming out soon. I might save it for later in the day when I’m feeling tired. From what I’ve heard, the plot will freak me out so much that I won’t be able to sleep. Readathon win!
Hamish Macbeth series by M. C. Beaton
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Other Fiction
Again, this list began with about ten books on it. I’ve narrowed it down to three since the Readathon is 24 hours, not 240 hours. I’ve prioritized these three based on recommendations from friends.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi
Nonfiction/Memoir
Yeah, this list ALSO had to be narrowed down considerably. I’m thinking of these as my back-up books.
All Roads Lead to Austen by Amy Smith
The World Between Two Covers by Ann Morgan
So that’s my list (subject to change)! Any suggestions or recommendations from seasoned Readathoners?
Hey there, Sally!
I’m glad you’re joining Dewey’s Readathon as because of that I’ve found your blog! I don’t mean to kiss butt, but I’ve been reading back a few posts and you’re such an inspiring and clever blogger.
With regards to your tbr, to be fair, I’ve only read The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and I didn’t really love it. But it’s certainly a great pick for a readathon, as it’s quick paced and short.
Wishing you the best of luck for this Saturday 🙂
Thank you, Suzan! I’m so looking forward to it. I’ve decided to focus on enjoying the experience, no matter how many books/pages I read. 🙂 Good luck to you as well (assuming you’re participating)!
Thank you, also, for your very kind words. That is lovely to hear!
Welcome to the Readathon fun!
I agree so much about books and a relaxing reading time being time to de-stress and decompress. I might borrow your lovely turn of phrase about books as “decompression chambers.”
I admire the discipline it takes to tackle reading your own damn books, and keeping your TBR pile for the day within reason, acknowledging that it’s 24, not 240 hours.
I’ve done a couple of Readathons in the past (never the full 24 hours though)…. and I find that whims drive my reading so much that I’ve got 3 books in reserve for every one I plan to read. Just in case one doesn’t grab me.
Have a great time reading and snacking and being social, and welcome to the insane slumber party!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I have to say, I’m so excited for this. Everyone has been so welcoming and enthusiastic – it’s awesome! I tend to read by my whims as well, so I’m prepared to maybe change things up in the moment. Hope you have a great day of reading! 🙂
The Girl on the Train is perfect for a one-sitting read. I couldn’t put it down!
I’m also planning on finishing up a few of my current reads in the morning. Hopefully it’ll inspire me to keep on going!
Happy reading 🙂
Thank you, Julia, and happy reading to you! I’m planning to start with one of my current reads and see what happens. It’ll feel so good to finally get them off my “currently reading” list!