Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon Wrap Up

I think I did well for my first time!

I decided to keep a log of each hour so I could share with you.

Hour 1 - 6:00 AM

Instagram Prompt: Stack

Read: Leia, Princess of Alderaan - 52 pages

Hour 2 - 7:00 AM

Instagram Prompt: Pet + Book

Read: Leia, Princess of Alderaan - 31 pages

7:36 AM - Nap, I was up til 1:00 AM. It wasn't smart for the read-a-thon.

Hour 3 - 8:00 AM

Still napping

Hour 4 - 9:00 AM

Instagram Prompt: Short Fiction

Read: Leia, Princess of Alderaan - 71 pages

Hour 5 - 10:00 AM

Instagram Prompt: Fancy

I showered then started a new book.

Read: Bull - 114 pages

Hour 6 - 11:00 AM

Instagram Prompt: Plain

Read Bull - 67 pages and Rogue One - 10 pages

Hour 7 - 12:00 PM

Instagram Prompt: The Great Outdoors

Read: The Book of Mormon Made Easier - 24 pages

Hour 8 - 1:00 PM
Instagram Prompt: Comics, Comics, Comics

Rogue One - 22 pages
1:30 PM - Lunch

Hour 9 - 2:00 PM
Instagram Prompt: Reading Spot

Hour 10 - 3:00 PM
Instagram Prompt: Reading Buddies

Read: Ivy and Bean: Doomed to Dance - 40 pages and Rogue One - 18 pages

Hour 11 - 4:00 PM
I took a nap

Hour 12 - 5:00 PM
Instagram Prompt: Midpoint Update

Read: Deep Dark Fears - 144 pages and Rogue One 15 pages

Hour 13 - 6:00 PM
Instagram Prompt: Poetic

Read: Rogue One - 26 pages

Hour 14 - 7:00 PM
Read: The Creeps - 144 pages and Rump - 29 pages

Hour 15 - 8:00 PM
Instagram Prompt: Diverse Reads

Read: Rump - 60 pages

Hour 16 - 9:00 PM

Instagram Prompt - Flowery

Read: Rump - 63 pages

Hour 17 - 10:00 PM
Instagram Prompt - Classic

Read: Rump - 59 pages

Hour 18 - 11:00 PM
Instagram Prompt: Bookish Swag

I took a shower
Read: Rump - 48 pages

Hour 19 - 12:00 AM
I went to bed.

Overall:
Books Finished:  6
Pages Read:  1,037

I had a lot of fun, and I'm excited to participate again in October!!
Some day I'll make it all 24 hours.

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon

Tomorrow is my first time participating in Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon. I'm a bit nervous and a lot excited! I don't have many snacks. I hope my hubby will make runs for me if I need it. I have a book stack all planned out, but I am still tweaking a few books.

My plan is to read short books, graphic novels, books in verse, and a couple regular books. I'm hoping that momentum will keep me motivated and reading.

If you have any other advice, please share!

Good luck everyone!

A Man Called Ove

Goodreads Synopsis:    A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.

Meet Ove. He's a curmudgeon, the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell, but must Ove be bitter just because he doesn't walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove's mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents' association to their very foundations.

My Thoughts:

-    This book surprised me in the best way. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. 

-    Ove is the most endearing grumpy old man I've ever seen. I couldn't help loving him. I love how fiercely loyal Ove is and how adamantly he will defend what he is loyal to.

-    I laughed out loud so many times throughout the book. There are hilarious moments, situations, and lines. 

-    There is a lot of language throughout the story, just FYI.

-    I feel like Ove was a lot older than 59. He should at least be in his 70s.

-    This was a fun and heart warming story. I highly recommend it. 

The Trumpeter of Krakow

From Goodreads:    Set in 15th century Poland, The Trumpeter of Krakow is the story of a young boy’s admiration for the bravery of a long-dead youth and how this encourages him to remain loyal to his country, in the face of great danger.

Forced to abandon their farm to the invading Tartars, Joseph Charnetski and his parents flee to Krakow with the only thing that they managed to salvage—a priceless family heirloom called the Great Tarnov Crystal. Reputed to have strange magical powers that will guarantee victory to anyone who possesses it, the Crystal must be delivered to the king before it falls into the wrong hands. Only the inspiring example of the young trumpeter to Krakow, who met his death when he alerted the city to an invasion by the Tartars, gives Joseph the courage he needs to complete his mission.

My Thoughts:

-    Reading books written in the 20s has given me a whole new appreciation for modern editing and writing. 

-    Most of the story is okay, but my mind kept wandering away from the story. Sometimes I would go back and reread what I missed, but most of the time I moved on and just tried to figure out what was happening. 

-    I feel like this could have been a really fun story if the writing was a little different. 

-    I liked the setting a lot. I don't think I've read a book in 15 century Poland.

Check Me Out

Goodreads Synopsis:    Greta loves her job as assistant librarian. She loves her best friend, Will, the high school civics teacher and debate coach. She even loves her mother despite her obvious disappointment that Greta is still single.

Then she meets Mac in the poetry section of the library, and she is smitten. Mac is heart-stoppingly gorgeous and showers her with affection, poetic text messages, and free hot chocolate at the local café where he works. The only problem is that he seems to be a different person in his texts than in his face-to-face conversation.

When the Franklin Library is threatened with closure, Greta leaps into action. She arranges for a "battle of the bands" book jam, hosts a book signing by a famous author, and finally, stages a protest that raises more than a few eyebrows.

Through it all, she slowly realizes that it is Will, not Mac, who she turns to for support and encouragement. Mac has the looks; Will has the heart. How can she choose between them?

Check Me Out is a contemporary romance--with just a hint of Cyrano de Bergerac--that reminds us that it is what's on the inside that matters most.

My Thoughts:

-    When I heard this was a Cyrano type story at a library, I knew I had to read it. Sadly, I was a little disappointed.

-    I didn't like Greta. She was selfish and shallow. It would have been nice if her character had grown a little.

-    I didn't like Will either. I wanted to know why he was helping Mac. What were his motives in helping his cousin win over the girl he loved? It never explains. I don't think it was to get the girl.

-    I wish Dr. Silver had a more prominent role. He was the most interesting character in the whole story, and nothing really happens with him.

-    There were some fun moments, and it was an alright fluff book, but I was hoping for a little more.

Lost Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:    A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

Eight years after the fall of the Old Republic, the Galactic Empire now reigns over the known galaxy. Resistance to the Empire has been all but silenced. Only a few courageous leaders such as Bail Organa of Alderaan still dare to openly oppose Emperor Palpatine.

After years of defiance, the many worlds at the edge of the Outer Rim have surrendered. With each planet’s conquest, the Empire’s might grows stronger.

The latest to fall under the Emperor’s control is the isolated mountain planet Jelucan, whose citizens hope for a more prosperous future even as the Imperial Starfleet gathers overhead…

My Thoughts:

-    This book went by quickly. It was easy to read, and it was really good.

-    I liked seeing famous events from the original trilogy, and I enjoyed seeing them from both the Empire's side and the Rebel's side. It was cool to get both perspectives.

-    I liked both of the main characters, but they could get dramatic at times, and I rolled my eyes at a lot of the romance parts.

-    I can't believe this is my first Claudia Gray book. Her books have been on my TBR list for a long time, but I never got around to them. She does a good Star Wars story, so hopefully I'll like her other stuff.

Of Mice and Magic

Goodreads Synopsis:    Princess Harriet is nobody’s hamster damsel in distress! Book two of this series for Babymouse and Princess in Black fans is filled with even more action and twisted fairy tale fun

Princess Harriet has absolutely no interest in brushing her hair, singing duets with woodland animals, or any other typical princess activities. So when a fairy tells a very bored Harriet about twelve mice princesses who are cursed to dance all night long, she happily accepts the quest and sets off with a poncho of invisibility and her trusty battle quail. But when she arrives at the Mouse Kingdom, she discovers there's more to the curse than meets the eye, and trying to help is dangerous business . . . even for a tough princess like Harriet. 

From the creator of Dragonbreath, comes a laugh-out-loud funny new comic-hybrid series, bursting with girl power and furry fairy tale retellings.

My Thoughts:

-    This was really fun and silly. I loved the different twists on an old fairy tale.

-    I love Harriet's snarky attitude, and I love that she takes charge and get things done. 

-    Gnome and I both had fun with this book, but Gnome wanted to read the rest of the series by herself. I won't continue the series on my own. 

Previous Book

ACID

Goodreads Synopsis:    The year is 2113. In Jenna Strong's world, ACID—the most brutal controlling police force in history—rule supreme. No throwaway comment or whispered dissent goes unnoticed—or unpunished. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a horrendous crime she struggles to remember. But Jenna's violent prison time has taught her how to survive by any means necessary. 

When a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed, and skill to stay one step ahead of ACID, and try to uncover the truth about what really happened on that terrible night two years ago. They have taken her life, her freedom, and her true memories away from her. How can she reclaim anything when she doesn't know who to trust?

Strong, gritty writing, irresistible psychological suspense, and action consume the novel as Jenna struggles to survive against the all-controlling ACID. Seriously sinister stuff.

My Thoughts:

-    This book was enjoyable. I don't have a lot to say about it. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. It was just good.

-    I haven't read a dystopian for a long time, and it was fun to read one.

-    I appreciate that this book is a stand alone. I like that the whole story is in one book. It helped the flow the book a lot. 

-    I wish the guy did more. I forgot his name, but Jenna's love interest was useless. He didn't do anything but exist. I wish he had a bigger role than dude is distress.

Smoky the Cowhorse

From Goodreads:    "Smoky, the Cowhorse" is the story of a horse - from his first hours on the prairie sod to his final years out to pasture. The reader follows the story, from range to ranch to rodeo, through Smoky's eyes. Winner of the 1927 Newberry Medal for children's literature.














My Thoughts:

-    This is the first Newbery Award Winner that I've read this year that I really feel deserved the award.

-    I loved this book. I got SO attached to Smoky. 

-    Smoky had an incredible journey. There were so many ups and downs, and I kept hoping that Clint and Smoky would be reunited. 

-    I admit it, I cried. . . a lot. I finished this on a Saturday morning, and I couldn't stop crying. I cried all through breakfast, and morning chores. My daughter thought I was crazy. My husband just laughed at me. 

-    I don't think this book is for everyone, but it touched my animal loving heart. 

Endless

Goodreads Synopsis:    An unthinkable betrayal threatens everyone Rory loves in the third installment of our dark, thrilling Shadowlands series from New York Times best-selling author Kate Brian.

Rory Miller didn't just fall in love with Tristan Parrish. She fell in love with the idea of forever. He was the one who told her the truth about her existence in Juniper Landing: that her mortal life is over, and she will now spend eternity on the island, helping others in limbo move on.

But like Juniper Landing, a bright island with dark secrets, Tristan is too good to be true. The mysterious, heartbreakingly beautiful boy Rory thought she knew is responsible for unthinkable evil-sending good souls to the Shadowlands in order to get himself a second chance at life on Earth. He has already claimed Rory's friend Aaron and her own father, but when SPOILER Tristan sends her sister, Darcy, to the Shadowlands, too, Rory decides to take matters into her own hands. She will do anything to save her family, even if it means going to hell and back.

My Thoughts:

-    The ending wrapped everything up nicely, but it wasn't the ending I was hoping for.

-    I really wanted Rory to go to the Shadowlands and save her family, but no.

-    I wish they hadn't gotten rid of the serial killer so fast. The series isn't the same without him. There is still mystery and everything, but the suspense wasn't there.

-    I still don't care for any of the characters, and I don't really trust them.

-    The love triangle was awful!

-    I'm glad I read this series, but I probably wouldn't read it again.

Previous Book

 

Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter

From Goodreads:    The adventures of Ivy and Bean continue in the latest installment from series creators Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall. In Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter, the two girls hatch a plan to prove that Bean's big sister is the world's worst babysitter. Of course plans go awry, but fun ensues!












My Thoughts:

-    This was fun. I'm glad these books have grown on me. 

-    My inner child would love to be friends with Ivy and Bean. Turning a giant pile of dirt into a volcano sounds like so much fun. Exploring an attic and making a secret lair also sounds awesome.

-    My adult/parent side thinks that Bean is a pain. What is she thinking half the time? Ivy seems like a good kid most of the time, but Bean would be a hard kid.

-    All of me thinks Nancy is jerk though. I'm glad Bean stands up to her.

-    Gnome really liked this one.

Previous Books

  

Harriet the Invincible

From Goodreads:    Sleeping Beauty gets a feisty, furry twist in this hilarious new comic series from the creator of Dragonbreath

Harriet Hamsterbone is not your typical princess. She may be quite stunning in the rodent realm (you'll have to trust her on this one), but she is not so great at trailing around the palace looking ethereal or sighing a lot. She finds the royal life rather . . . dull. One day, though, Harriet's parents tell her of the curse that a rat placed on her at birth, dooming her to prick her finger on a hamster wheel when she's twelve and fall into a deep sleep. For Harriet, this is most wonderful news: It means she's invincible until she's twelve! After all, no good curse goes to waste. And so begins a grand life of adventure with her trusty riding quail, Mumfrey...until her twelfth birthday arrives and the curse manifests in a most unexpected way.

Perfect for fans of Babymouse and Chris Colfer's Land of Stories, this laugh-out-loud new comic hybrid series will turn everything you thought you knew about princesses on its head.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a fun and refreshing twist on an old fairy tale. Gnome and I both really enjoyed this one.

-    The book is unique. Some pages have illustrations and dialogue like a graphic novel, but most pages just have text like a regular novel. It was cool that they mixed the two. 

-    I like that Harriet just does whatever, and I love that she uses her curse to her advantage. 

-    I liked that this had a lot of twists on the Sleeping Beauty. I wasn't sure what was going to happen next.

-    There were a lot of funny moments. Gnome and I laughed throughout the book.

-    My only complaint is that the book is a little long. I think they could have shortened it a bit.

Don't Blink

From Goodreads:    This interactive book may seem to be on your side, reluctant sleeper -- but it's truly a bedtime book in disguise!

Here's how it works: if you can avoid getting to the end of this book, you can avoid bedtime, simple as that. (It's a pretty sweet deal, actually.) But each time you blink, you have to turn a page. Those are just the rules. So whatever you do, DON'T BLINK!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts:

-    I love interactive books. They are really fun. 

-    This book had me and my daughter laughing the whole way through. It was hilarious watching my daughter trying not to blink. 

-    The little owl is SO endearing! He is the only character in the book, but he is so cute!

-    I think a lot of kids and parents will really like this one.

-    The copy I received wasn't bound, so it was a little tricky to turn pages and stuff. It is also doomed to be scattered around by my toddler. They couldn't have put a couple staples in it before it shipped?

Hereafter

Goodreads Synopsis:    Rory Miller thought her life was over when a serial killer set his sights on her and forced her into witness protection. But a fresh start on Juniper Landing Island was exactly what she and her family needed. For the first time in years she and her sister hang out at the beach, gossip about boys, and party together. She's also made friends with a local clique--including a magnetic and mysterious boy named Tristan. 

But Rory's world is about to change again. Picturesque Juniper Landing isn't what it seems. The truth about the swirling fog that rolls in each morning, the bridge that leads to nowhere, and those beautiful locals who seem to watch Rory's every move is more terrifying than being hunted by Steven Nell. And all Rory ever wanted was the truth. Even if it means learning that she can never go home again. From the best-selling author of the Private and Privilege series comes the second novel in a heart-stopping trilogy about a girl who must pick up the pieces after the only life she's ever known ends. 

My Thoughts:

-    This wasn't as good as the first one, but I still liked it.

-    Without the impending danger for a serial killer, the book wasn't as suspenseful. There was still some mystery, but it didn't have the same thrill and intrigue.

-    I'm glad there were several questions answers, but there are still questions, lots of questions. 

-    I'm still not a big fan of any of the characters, especially Darcy and Tristan.

Previous Book

Shadowlands

Goodreads Synopsis:    Rory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now that the infamous Steven Nell is on the loose, Rory must enter the witness protection program. Entering the program alongside her, is her father and sister Darcy. The trio starts a new life and a new beginning leaving their friends and family behind without a goodbye. 

Starting over in a new town with only each other is unimaginable for Rory and Darcy. They were inseparable as children but now they can barely stand each other. As the sisters settle in to Juniper Landing, a picturesque vacation island, it seems like their new home may be just the fresh start they need. They fall in with a group of beautiful, carefree teens and spend their days surfing, partying on the beach, and hiking into endless sunsets. Just as they’re starting to feel safe again, one of their new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again?

My Thoughts:

-    This book was highly suspenseful from the get go!

-    I was so scared for Rory the whole time. I wasn't sure what was going to happen to her.

-    I kinda guessed what was going on, but I thought my idea was too far fetched, but I guess not.

-    I didn't like Darcy very much. She was so superficial and selfish. I didn't really care for any of the characters too much.

-    The ending is crazy!

Rebel Rising

Goodreads Synopsis:    When Jyn Erso was five years old, her mother was murdered and her father taken from her to serve the Empire. But despite the loss of her parents she is not completely alone—Saw Gerrera, a man willing to go to any extremes necessary in order to resist Imperial tyranny, takes her in as his own, and gives her not only a home but all the abilities and resources she needs to become a rebel herself.

Jyn dedicates herself to the cause—and the man. But fighting alongside Saw and his people brings with it danger and the question of just how far Jyn is willing to go as one of Saw’s soldiers. When she faces an unthinkable betrayal that shatters her world, Jyn will have to pull the pieces of herself back together and figure out what she truly believes in…and who she can really trust.

My Thoughts:

-    I really like Rogue One, and the characters are so intriguing to me. I want to know more about all of them.

-    I loved learning more about Jyn. Since I read Catalyst, I know her whole life story now. I can't say that for any other Star Wars character.

-    I liked getting to know Saw better. I liked his relationship with Jyn, and it is sad that his ambitions were greater than his love for her. 

-    I liked seeing Jyn learn how to fight, learn how to take care of herself, and become who she is in Rogue One.

-    I liked how there were chapters of her time in prison mixed in with the story. 

-    I kinda want to read the Rogue One novelization now. I wonder if it adds anything to movie.

Splatoon, Vol 1

Goodreads Synopsis:    All your favorite Inklings are about to get embroiled in an all-out Splatoon Turf War!

Four Inklings who can switch between human and squid forms get caught up in a Splatoon Turf War that launches them into all-new adventures based on the hit Nintendo video game series!

The Turf Wars have started in Inkopolis, and the team that inks the most ground will be crowned the winner! Goggles and Team Blue are ranked lower than their competitors. But with some teamwork and a touch of creativity, they might just leave their mark on this tournament!

My Thoughts:

-    This was the biggest piece of garbage! I was so disappointed in so many ways.

-    I couldn't get into the game, but my hubby and Gnome really like it. I always thought the characters were fun, so when I saw they were making a manga, I was really excited. I thought they could take these cool characters and give them a story. 

-    Did I get a story? NO! Why!?!? The whole freaking book is just a bunch of turf wars. Why would I read about a turf war, when I could go play one!?!? LAME!

-    The characters also go into the clothing store, just like the game, and buy gear. . .once.

-    The character names are retarded. There is Goggles because he is wearing goggles. There is is Specs because he has glasses. There is Headphones because. . . you get it. LAME!!

-    Cali and Marie make an appearance, but they don't say their names!!! Not even once!! AND they never say, "Stay fresh!" WHY!?!?

-    The thing that made me the most mad was the main inkling kept getting naked. He is naked several times. I could have lived a happy life without seeing squid penis! Some could argue that the little squid is censoring his male parts, but come on!!! It is a little squid!! Think about it!!!

-    If you are interested in this, just go play the game. It is the same thing, but at least you get to play, and there aren't any naked inklings with little squids.

The Uncanny X-Men, Vol 2

From Goodreads:    Ever-expanding their ranks, the Children of the Atom combat the evils threatening both mutants and humans - like the Juggernaut and Black Tom Cassidy, Magneto, The Imperial Guard. The Starjammers. Weapon Alpha and Warhawk.














My Thoughts:

-    It has been a while since I read Volume 1, so it took me a little bit to figure out what had happened, and who some of the new mutants were. 

-    Even though the series is just more of the same stuff, I still enjoy it. I love seeing the X-Men in action. 

-    The next volume costs about $80!?!? Why? That is crazy. The other volumes don't cost near as much. I hope the price comes down. I'd hate to have to skip a volume.

Previous Volume