October 12th, 2012 
Vicky 
I can’t believe it’s that time of the year again – it’s October, which means that Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon is finally back! What is Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon? For 24 hours, we read books, post to our blogs about our reading, and visit other readers’ blogs. We also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day and chat to fellow readers on Twitter. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to make a dent in our TBR pile, have fun and make friends at the same time.
This is actually about the second or third time I’ve signed up for this read-a-thon but due to university assignments, I’ve never been able to participate for more than a few hours before. BUT! The great news is, I have a week off uni next week so this year’s event just couldn’t be better timed. I will finally be able to join the fun and stay from start to finish, which I’m really excited about!
I’ve been reading an awful lot of dramas and classics for my classes in the past few weeks so this weekend will be a great opportunity for me to relax a little bit. I’ll curl up in bed with a steaming mug of tea, lots of snacks and I’ll be reading one of my own books for a change. I’ve about 7 review books I need to read in the next few weeks but I decided to go with a relatively short (well…362 pages) and easy read this time. I know long books are a big no-no for read-a-thons so this one should be just perfect.
The book I’ll be reading this weekend is Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Abby Clements, which is out on Oct 25th. As you can see I already have some biscuits, popcorn and tea ready for tomorrow’s event, so all I need is a warm blanket and I’m ready to go.
I’ll try to read as much as I can but as always, I’ll post regular updates on my Twitter page @bookswithacuppa and will be chatting to you all. 
One of the things I like the most about read-a-thons is the fact that there are so many participants from so many different countries. I’ve met some fantastic people during similar bookish events and I hope I’ll make some new friends tomorrow. Anyway, if you’re on Twitter feel free to say hi – I’d love to meet you! Also, I’ll be updating this post with mini-challenges and some general updates along the way.
Are you participating? What are you planning on reading? (If you haven’t signed up for the read-a-thon yet, you can do so by clicking here.)
Updates
- What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
Debrecen, Hungary - Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
My only goal is to finish Meet Me Under the Mistletoe which I’m really looking forward to. - Which snack are you most looking forward to?
I just had some pizza for lunch and I’ve an enormous pile of sweets which I absolutely love. So yeah, sweets – and tea! - Tell us a little something about yourself!
My name is Vicky and I blog about (mostly) crime, women’s and contemporary fiction. I drink way too much tea and I love black cats and nail varnishes. - If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
Well, I’ve never managed to participate for more than just a few hours previously so this time round I’m determined to stay for the entire 24 hours. I didn’t get much reading done either so I’ll do my best to actually finish this book before the readathon ends.
Oh yay, here comes my favourite part of the read-a-thon: SNACKS! As some of you might know, I’m a bit obsessed with snacks and I’m always eating while reading a book. Since the read-a-thon started at 2 p.m and I didn’t want to start reading on an empty stomach, I decided to order a pizza for lunch. It’s enormous, though, and there’s still a few slices left so I’ve plenty of food left for dinner. 
I also have a huge pile of sweets, chocolate biscuits, fruits, popcorn, chocolate and of course tea. Yum!
Wow, I can’t believe we’re on hour 8 already! How did this happen? And I’ve spent more than 3 hours on Twitter already. GASP! But it’s been so nice to talk to all of you, check out your snacks and reading buddies.
I’m doing pretty good reading-wise: I’m almost halfway through my book and I’m really enjoying it so far. I’ll try to switch my laptop off and keep away from Twitter in the next 2 hours and get some reading done. How’s everyone else doing?
1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired?
No, and yes! I actually had a cup of tea (black, with milk) about an hour ago so the caffeine is keeping me awake, but my eyes are getting pretty tired. I tried taking a nap but I couldn’t sleep. Oh well.
2) What have you finished reading?
Nothing! Shame on me. I’m still reading my first book but I only have a hundred pages left. I.e. I should be done in about 2 hours.
3) What is your favorite read so far?
I’ve only read this book so… yeah. I’ve really enjoyed it so far, though.
4) What about your favorite snacks?
Blackcurrant sweets! Plus, I ate that enormous pizza as well (see the photo above) so I’m quite full.
5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love!
I haven’t had much time for blog-hopping yet but I’ve met some really awesome and fun people on Twitter! So, a massive thanks goes to Nea Barabea and Samantha Nicola (aka fellow catladies of the #readathon) for the Twitter chats and to Lucy Knight for cheering me on from faraway New Zealand!
This challenge is hosted by Carina from Reading Through Life – and our goal is to “choose one of the books you’ve read during the read-a-thon, and cast the movie! Who do you think should play the main character(s)? Who might be an interesting director? Character actor for a bit part? Do a quick Google Image search and show us your choices. Feel free to give us a bit of background about the character or the reasoning for your choice, or don’t … you decide.”
So, here we go. I only read one book, which is Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Abby Clements. As for the director, P.J. Hogan would be great I think – he directed the Confessions of a Shopaholic movie (aka the film adaptation of Sophie Kinsella’s book) as well, which is sort of the same genre as this book. There are a lot of characters in the book but the main protagonists are Laurie, Rachel and Jay. So my pick would be:
Laurie: Camilla Belle. Laurie works in fashion, never has a hair out of place – and has a dark bob just like Camilla. I think she’d be perfect.
Jay: Ryan Reynolds. Jay is Laurie’s musician (and kinda hot) neighbour. Well, enough said.
Rachel: Kate Hudson. Rachel is Laurie’s old high school friend with messy blond hair. This photo of Kate Hudson reminded me of her so based on looks alone, I think she’d be great.
1) Which hour was the most daunting for you?
3 or 4 a.m onwards was pretty tough. I had a mug of black tea after midnight to keep me awake and I felt pretty good (and wide awake) right until half past 3. And that’s when I had to take a nap. 
2) Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Try to pick relatively short and easy books. This is not the time to read War and Peace – chick lit, contemporary fiction or novellas work perfectly well, though!
3) Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
Hmmm, I can’t think of any. I love the way you guys organized everything!
4) What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Everything! I love the challenges and the social aspect of the read-a-thon and even if I could, I wouldn’t change a thing. You all did a fantastic job!
5) How many books did you read?
Only one. It’s 360 pages long, though, and I’ve only spent 9 hours reading (where’d the other 15 hours go?!?!?!) so I’m quite happy with the result.
6) What were the names of the books you read?
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Abby Clements
7) How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
I’ll definitely sign up! Well, it depends on my uni schedule but if it doesn’t get in the way then I’ll be here. And I’ll sign up as a reader, I think.
Well, that’s it guys. Dewey’s read-a-thon has officially come to an end. Thank you so much to everyone for the wonderful Twitter chats and to the organizers for putting all this together – it was great fun and I had a fantastic time! See you all in April!
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I had to turn down a lift home from my boss today because I was on a mission to get readathon snacks! I do think it’s best to go for short or easy books, no one’s brain can think too hard for that long!
Ellie recently posted..A Walk in the Park
Haha, talk about dedication! I’ll need to go out tomorrow morning and get some sweets or chocolate too.
I agree! I was thinking about reading crime but I realized I’m better off with something easier. What are you going to read?
One day I’ll have to do this. One day…
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe has such a pretty cover! Your picture looks so cozy. I plan on participating during the event tomorrow too so I’ll be sure to say hi on Twitter. Happy reading!
Vasilly recently posted..Tips to having a great read-a-thon
I am so crazy excited for the readathon! This will be my very first time
Nice to “meet” you and I’ll see you around tomorrow!! Great luck!
Jennifer recently posted..Readathon Preparation!
Ah, you’ll love it!
Good luck and see you on Twitter!
Blankets, snacks and tea sounds perfect. I stopped this evening to make an impulse purchase of Christmas pudding. I don’t normally have a sweet tooth but oh, I just found myself craving a bit of slightly-out-of-season junk food for the readathon.
Alex in Leeds recently posted..Review: The Green Road Into The Trees by Hugh Thomson
Thanks Alex!
Yes, I went out to buy some sweets as well – although I’ll need to have lunch before the read-a-thon kicks off. When I was participating in the previous one, all I ate was junk food and it was a very bad idea…. 
Glad that you’ll have this weekend off, so you can participate. This will be my first time, and I’m really looking forward to it.
jen @ thebookienook recently posted..Read-a-thon Book Pile Reveal!
I hope you’ll have a fantastic time during your very first read-a-thon! x
Your picture makes me wish I had picked up some popcorn for the Read-a-thon. I hope that you have a great day!
Thanks Irish – and you too!
This is the first time that I won’t be able to participate for the entire 24 hours. I’m still excited to do whatever I can. I’ll be checking in on twitter as well.
And this will be the first time when I’ll be participating for the entire 24 hours
I’ve never been able to do more than a few hours (just like you now) – but I’m glad you’re joining us, even if it’s just for a short while. Have fun!
Oh I didn’t know about this! Maybe I’ll hop in later, maybe not. Have to go to a job interview today so good luck!
Hannah @ Once Upon A Time recently posted..Michele Gorman’s Christmas Announcement
Good luck!!!!! (But do join us if you have some time later on – it’d be fun
)
Honestly, i don’t think i can ever be committed to participate in a read-a-thon
But good luck, and i hope uni doesn’t get in the way this time!!
- Farah @ MajiBookshelf
It won’t!
I’ve no classes next week thank GOD! *happy dance* So I’m reading my own books for a change. I don’t know how long I’ll last but it’s worth a try.
Best of luck with the Readathon! I am looking forward to seeing how you get on.
P.S. I love the title of your blog!
Maria @ A bookworm’s life recently posted..Preparing for the Readathon
Thanks Maria!!
<3
Yeeey Vicky!!
I have a weekend off too 
Literally, with noone who will bother me 
HA! 
And I love back cats too <3 <3 Actually I have a cat Muri and she is completely black and she means the world to me <3 <3
Enjoy the readathon sweetie and I hope we'll get to the Hour 24
Have fun!
Hour 1
nea barabea (@neabarabea) recently posted..Read-a-thon is here!
Oh yes!!! I KNOW!!! I KNEW you had a black cat, I just didn’t remember her name. Muri <3
Aw!
It was fun, wasn’t it? I really enjoyed our Twitter chats
I did
It was an amazing event! 
And twitter was on fireee 
LOVED that 
nea barabea (@neabarabea) recently posted..Read-a-thon: Hour 24 – I.Freaking.Did.It!
Your snacks for the readathon look delicious
Have a fun time reading. If you’re interested here is my introductory questionaire: http://butnotascuteaspushkin.tumblr.com/post/33489656268
Good luck
Olivia recently posted..Dewey’s Read-a-thon
Good luck! And I like your snack choices!
Thanks Nina!
Good afternoon, Vicky
and Happy readathon! Where I am,the day just started and I’m eager to begin reading my book. But first, coffee and a doughnut.
Have a wonderful day reading! Enjoy it as much as the book does
( for being your special favorite today)!
Hugs,
Adina
Thanks Adina! How’d the readathon go for you? Did you finish your book?
Yay for the read-a-thon, looking at that pizza makes me hungry! *stomach growls in agreement*
Happy reading, I am participating too but with a long work day, reading will take a backseat. *sigh*
Pragya recently posted..Curfewed Night by Basharat Peer
Oooh, how’d it go?
Did you manage to read your book?
Sadly, I was unable to finish my book. Yay for you did it. I also got a bit confused about the start and stop timing. But I had fun. Hopefully next time I will have an off. Ooh, Ryan Reynolds, I really like him. Just watched Green Lantern.
Pragya recently posted..Jellicle Girl by Stevie Mikayne
Oooh, your snacks look delicious! And your book kind of matches your blog in a way!
(And I love your blog design BTW–so cute!)
Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day, and good luck with the rest of the readathon!
Andrea @ The Overstuffed Bookcase recently posted..Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-Thon: Hours 5-8
I know!!!
They’re both kinda wintery and sparkly. I love this cover!
Hi Vicky!
Still awake? Still reading? Make some coffee and get back in the game for hour 19! ;O)
Happy reading!
Chris (Team Tootsie Rolls)
Chris recently posted..Greenhorn getting suited up for hour 19
Thanks Chris!
I had to take a nap this morning but a hot shower and some tea helped an awful lot!
Hi! How are you? Recovered from (/because of) your nap?
Don’t forget to tea/coffee/cocoa up! Just a few more hours!
Samantha (@CyV) recently posted..Midway Survey!
Yep! I’m feeling a tiny bit better
I finished my book this morning so I went to bed straight after that. Boo!
How did you get on?
Duuuude, you did awesome! One day, one book, MANY snacks – just the way life should be…
Congratulations, and enjoy the rest of your Sunday! (And roll on the winter, so I can start pulling some reading all-nighters of my own!)
Ellie recently posted..Mixing It Up Challenge Update #2
Your pizza looks so good!
And good job on finishing your book. It looks so good and makes me want Christmas to come!
Jane
This was nice to read
Great job on finishing your book and I might take a look at it. This could be fun to do!
Mel@thedailyprophecy recently posted..Short review 14. Carolyn MacCullough – Once a witch.
Wow, I’ve never done a readathon before but after hearing about your experience, I definitely will have to look into it. I love that it’s not just about reading (though that in itself is awesome) but it’s about connecting with other readers and bloggers. The support aspect is amazing as are the mini-challenges. Great job!
Aww I’m sad I missed this one, but I LOVED reading all about your readathon. Funnily enough I got Meet Me Under the Mistletoe for review today so I’m happy to see you’ve read it and I look forward to your review!
P.S Your snacks look so yummy!
Jess Hearts Books recently posted..My Latest Obsession…
[...] stood out for me were – hosting the Review Copy Cleanup (twice!) with Celine – and taking part in Dewey’s readathon. If I had to pick one bookish event, I think this would be my favourite one. I had a lot of fun and [...]