Sunday, May 13, 2012

Bout of Books 4.0 Goals & Updates



It 's time for Bout of Books 4.0 readathon hosted by Amanda from May 14 – 20.

My Goals:

As per usual, I will try to do my average amount of reading and read at least an a hour day or 50-100 pages a day. Although, I hope I'll manage to read more than that. Nevertheless, 500 pages is my minimum goal for the week.
I will try to visit other participant a little and maybe participate in a challenge or two, depending on how much time I have.

The books to choose from:

Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E. L. James  - I have already started this one (on p. 262), so I'll  finish it and then continue with one or more of the following:

I, Lucifer by Glen Duncan
My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares
A Trick of the Dark by B. R. Collins
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Second Glance by Jodi Picoult
The Collector by John Fowles

UPDATES (The format is adapted from Amanda's.) I’ll also update on Twitter @StrangeNewWords, and you can find me on Goodreads:

May 14:


The books I’ve been reading today (and the number of pages): Fifty Shades Freed (182)
Number of pages I’ve read today: 182
Total number of pages I’ve read: 182
Today #insixwords: I am happy with my progress.

May 15:


The books I’ve been reading today (and the number of pages): Fifty Shades Freed (116)
Number of pages I’ve read today: 116
Total number of pages I’ve read: 298
Today #insixwords: I was hoping to read more.

May 16:


The books I’ve been reading today (and the number of pages): Fifty Shades Freed (19), I, Lucifer (27)
Number of pages I’ve read today: 46
Total number of pages I’ve read: 344
Today #insixwords: Too many distractions and time online.

May 17
:

The books I’ve been reading today (and the number of pages): I, Lucifer (23)
Number of pages I’ve read today: 23
Total number of pages I’ve read: 367
Today #insixwords: Today has just flown by me.

May 18
:

The books I’ve been reading today (and the number of pages): I, Lucifer (50)
Number of pages I’ve read today: 50
Total number of pages I’ve read: 417
Today #insixwords: Morning reading was a good idea.

May 19
:

The books I’ve been reading today (and the number of pages): /
Number of pages I’ve read today: 0
Total number of pages I’ve read: 417
Today #insixwords: Total reading disaster – wasn't at home.

May 20
:

The books I’ve been reading today (and the number of pages): I, Lucifer (162)
Number of pages I’ve read today: 162
Total number of pages I’ve read: 579
Today #insixwords: Cheering helped me reach my goals.

WRAP-UP:


Books read: 1 and 2/3: I, Lucifer and Fifty Shades Freed (click the link to see my reviews of the books)
Pages read: 579

Bout of Books is always a great motivation to do some reading. I set a low goal, but I was secretly hoping to get perhaps twice as much reading done. However, something happened on Tuesday which ruined my reading plans for the week. Still, I have managed not only to reach but even surpass my initial goal – extra cheering by my fellow Bout of Books participants on Sunday helped a lot. So, thanks!

I didn't make it one of my goals, but I did want to participate in one or two Twitter chats, but then things got in the way. I could actually make the Sunday one, but the I started reading and forgot about it – I wasn't happy with myself. I made a mental note for the next Bout of Books to make a Twitter chat participation a goal and pay more attention to the schedule.

I participated in a few (I think three) mini-challenges. Those were all fun, I enjoyed them all, especially the Books and Shoes mini-challenge.

All in all, Bout of Books 4.0 was a fun experience, I caught up on some reading, I definitely read more than I would have otherwise, so that was great. I need to improve my socializing, though, on the next Bout of Books. And, by the way, I cannot wait for the next one!

Thanks to the organisers and mini-challenges hosts for your hard work and for making this such a great experience!

18 comments:

  1. I haven't heard of most of your picks (Dracula Fifty Shades freed are the exceptions- although I have not read them). I will have to look in to them. Enjoy!

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  2. Good luck and have fun! Love your list of books. ;)

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  3. Good luck this week! I hope you're able to surpass your 500 page goal!

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  4. You have some very interesting books in your pile! :) Have fun and good luck with your goals!

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  5. I hope you enjoy My Name is Memory! Good luck this week!! :-)

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  6. Thanks for stopping by Once Upon A Book! Good luck with your reading this week!

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  7. You have a great list there! I loved My Name is Memory and Dracula, of course. I hope you enjoy reading this week and surpass your goal, perhaps? Happy Reading!

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  8. Woohoo for surpassing the goals!

    http://wp.me/p21FJY-UD

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  9. I think we need to switch; I need to do LESS Twitter-stalking and MORE reading! Life very much got in the way of my reading too - it was a fairly busy week at work and I was there six days out of the seven - but it at was at least a good reminder to keep returning to my book in idle moments instead of doing something else! Roll on the next read-a-thon... :)

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    1. Hehe. :) We can try switching next time! Can't wait!

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  10. I've noticed I rudely didn't respond to any of the earlier comments. I apologise. Thanks for all the good luck wishes and cheering on, everyone! You definitely made me read more, so thanks!

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  11. Well done on reaching your 500 word goal at least - we can't help unexpected things that keep us from reading!

    -Angelya
    http://www.oakenbookcase.com/2012/05/21/bout-books-wrap/

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  12. As long as you had fun, that's all that matters! Congrats on reaching you 500 pages goal! I wish I participated in the twitter chats too!

    Bout of Books Wrap-up
    Ning @ Reading by Kindle Fire

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  13. I did the same thing and started reading and forgot about the chat :') oopsies. Hopefully next time.

    Here is my progress post.
    Lauren at Northern Plunder

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  14. Seems like something always road blocks me later in the week. Oh well. Glad the other participants offered encouragement. Great community.

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  15. Thanks for stopping by, everybody! You make a great community, which is why this experience is so awesome!

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Don't hesitate to drop me a few strange new words! I'd love to hear what you think!