I just completed my first ever read-a-thon. I was very excited throughout the event and really spent the first few hours online instead of reading. I had planned to read 6 books in 12 hours, but I managed to spend only 8 1/2 hours spaced throughout the day. Here's my response to their Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon end of event survey.
- Which hour was most daunting for you?It was already 11 pm barely six hours into the read-a-thon time for me. However, I was completely able to read at a stretch only then. Around 1 pm, I had barely 45 mins of the book remaining to go. I was feeling very sleepy and thought I would continue the book in the morning. But I pulled through and manged to read the last half hour or so of the book standing to avoid falling asleep. =)
- Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?I would suggest picking books from your favourite genre. It would be best to keep aside a well-reviewed book on your TBR list for when you're less energetic. I think I should have spent better time planning my books, but I just randomly selected unread books I had lying around at home at the 11th hour.
- Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next season?This was my first time participating and I was not sure how exactly to respond to the mini challenges. At first, I left my response in the original blog comment. Then I didn't know I had to link my blog/twitter where I was active.
- What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?I thought the hosts and organizers did a splendid job. I cannot compare to the previous ones as I didn't participate earlier.
- How many books did you read?I managed to read 2 and 1/2 books in 8 and 1/2 hours. One was a graphic novel and I was already 67 pages into my first book, but in all I read 381 pages.
- What were the names of the books you read?The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Nancy Drew #9: Ghost in the Machinery (Girl Detective, Graphic) by Stefan Petrucha
Something Fresh by P.G. Wodehouse - Which book did you enjoy most?I enjoyed Ladies' Detective for its theme of life as a woman in Africa and the small mysteries. However, I'm really enjoying the humour in Something Fresh. It's definitely a book I will read more than once. I still have 50% left to complete it.
- Which did you enjoy least?I did not enjoy the Nancy Drew graphic novel. I thought the plot was not much developed. I think its marketed towards the pre-teen group, but I think the plot is insufficient for that age group as well.
- How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?Very likely! I'm already looking ahead to the October read-a-thon. Horror and mystery is my favourite genre. I will plan and buy some of the books I've been wanting to read for long and will save them till October if possible. I loved responding to tweets and checking out other readers' posts so I might sign up for a cheerleader as well.
I cannot wait for the next read-a-thon. I don't know if the date is fixed yet, but I can surely put in more time to read and will definitely sign up. I would love to have a more immersive experience next time and to read for longer stretches, maybe even the whole 24 hours! My weekend was definitely well spent.