Kinna

The Eve of Dewey’s Read-a-Thon

Tomorrow is Dewey’s Read-a-thon.

It is a 24-hour reading, snacking, cheering, fighting-off-sleep, eyes-burning, utterly crazy, unbelievably fun event that is held twice a year in the book blogosphere.  The idea is to read for 24 hours straight, with lots of breaks.  It was started by a remarkable woman called Dewey whom I never met; she died before I started blogging.  This wonderful event is one of her gifts to book bloggers and readers everywhere. So far, 403 readers and 63 cheerleaders will take part in tomorrow’s read-athon.

The official start time is 1pm GMT (for those in my time zone), but I will probably start reading about 3 hours earlier.  This is the third time that I’m participating; I’ve been a reader twice and a cheerleader once.  I’m cheerleading again this year. I’m on Team Lucky Charms and will be encouraging fellow readers (with M-P names) during hours 12-14 and then again at hour 18.

I’m in a bit of a reading slump so I’m hoping that the read-a-thon will get me over it.  I’m yet to select that books that I will read.  For now, I’m thinking about several novellas and a novel or two for my upcoming Ghanaian Literature Week. I’m hoping that I will be able to read for at least 18 hours.  I do have a rambunctious five-year-old in the house.  And although he has a play date scheduled, things are still subject to change.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Consider joining the read-a-thon if you have not made any plans for the weekend.  We are allowed to read for all or part of the 24 hours. Some of us will sleep, wake up and continue reading while others will fight off sleep and read for the full 24 hours.

If you are  on Twitter and are inclined to follow our progress and cheers us on, the hashtag is #readathon.  The hashtag for my cheerleading team is #cheerlucky.

If you’re participating:

  1. Please remember to turn of word verification on your blog
  2. Take frequent breaks
  3. Have your snacks ready before you start reading
  4. I find drinking lots of fluids helps.
  5. Start with a small book.  Finishing the first book is such a boost and encourages one to continue reading.
  6. Try and participate in the mini-challenges.  There are lots of prizes to be won.
  7. Pace yourself
  8. Drop a book if you are not enjoying it
  9. Remember to have fun.  It’s not a competition.

I will post updates every three hours.

Are you taking part in the read-a-thon?  What will you read?   

25 comments

  2. I am joining. Am I late? This is my first time, but Kinna, how on earth am I to participate when I have to be in the office? Meetings and meetings, but hei, I’ll give it a try. I’ve read the Beggars Strike. Full of humour but tells a story. I am starting this Read-a-Thon with Chimamanda’s Half of the Yellow Sun. Wish me Luck!

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  3. I sadly didn’t remember about the readathon until you posted this and I saw it in my inbox, and instead of readathoning I had to unpack, do laundry, clean, and attend a panel I’d already committed to. Next time hopefully I can make it!

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    • Thank you. You know, there are several ways to participate if you are not able to read for it. See you on the read-a-thon next year :).

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  6. I’m another first-timer, and I’m really excited! I posted my list of titles, and then realized that it’s like 95% nonfiction, so I might be reworking my planned reading list a little bit. Any advice for a newbie?

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    • Thanks for coming by:). I think it’s important for a newbie to be flexible and easy. Don’t get caught up in the number of pages read or books completed thing. If you visit other blogs or tweet during the event, you will invariably notice that some folks are finishing lots of books and talking about what they’ve accomplished. The read-a-thon is not a competition. It’s a reading event but also it’s a community event. Take frequent breaks, visit other blogs or tweet other readers if that is easier. Do take part in the mini-challenges. I follow the read-athon’s posts in my Google Reader so I can keep up with the challenges and events. If you cannot stay up for the full 24 hours, that’s very okay. Lots of readers will call it a day once the 20 hour mark passes. Take a nap if you are tired. Reading is the thing but it does not have to be in a linear fashion. Most of all, be sure to have fun. I really recommend an easy short book to start with or starting with a book that you are already reading. Good luck.

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    • Thanks for coming by my blog and leaving a comment. Slumps are so bad, so bad. Keeping my fingers crossed and really hoping we succeed. Good luck and have fun.

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  10. Good luck! I’m participating for the first time this year and I’m really looking forward to it. I have all of my cooking done so I should be good to go tomorrow!

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    • I enjoyed my first time. Sounds corny doesn’t it? It’s essential to have the food prepared before hand so you are on the right track. I will pop by your blog to cheer you on. Remember to take frequent breaks. Have fun!

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  11. How absolutely FANTASTIC!!! Wish I could take part but I have to teach an all day workshop. Will definitely check your updates when I get in. Good luck and have fun!!!

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    • Genie! Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving a comment. The event is held twice a year, in April and October. So there will be plenty of other occasions for you to participate. Good luck on the workshop. It will be nice if you manged to come by and cheer me on :).

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  12. Yes, I’m participating! This will be my 2nd read-a-thon. I’m letting my book selections be flexible, but most likely I will be reading the first book in Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden series and Dracula. I don’t think I’ll make the whole 24 hours, but I’ll try for as much as possible. Can’t wait!

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    • Dracula is a good choice for this time of year. I’ve also decided to be flexible. I know that I won’t be able to read for the full 24 hours either. Enjoy your read-a-thon.

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