Contemporaryathon Round 6 [TBR]

I decided to join in on the Contemporaryathon hosted by Chelsea, Julie, and Natasha. It runs February 10 to 16. It's a love letter of sorts to the contemporary genre :) More info here [Chelsea's announcement video]

There are 7 challenges and you can hit as many books as you can with a book, so I'm going to try to read maybe 2 books, if I can. I'm working on my masters degree and that means reading is not going to be my priority.

The challenges are:

1. Green on the cover
2. New to you author
3. Diverse
4. Backlist
5. Dark/Hard hitting
6. Illustrated cover
7. Beloved by a member of the book community

Books that are on my tentative TBR are:

1. Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy - green, backlist, dark, illustrated (4)
2. Lab Partners by Mora Montgomery - green, new author, diverse, illustrated (4)
3. Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzalez - green, new author, diverse, backlist, illustrated (5)
4. She Myself and I - Emma Young - new author, diverse, backlist, dark, illustrated (5)
5. Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews - green, new author, backlist, illustrated (4)
6. Tilt by Ellen Hopkins - green,  new author, backlist, dark (4)
7. Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles - green, new author, diverse, backlist, dark (5)

Every one of them hits at least 4 challenges. Ideally, I would like to read a Netgalley book and Tyler Johnson. I have Side Effects in hardcover, the yellow books from Netgalley, and the green books on Kindle. The only challenge that I'm not sure on is beloved by a member of the book community because I don't think I've heard any book people talk about any of these books. If you are a fan or if you know someone who is, please let me know :)

RIP Readathon [TBR]

I'm going a little easy because it's fall break and I have a busy week ahead of me. I chose to read one book that is already on my October TBR and it will count for two challenges. I also chose a book I'm nearly halfway through for Creature Feature and going with a middle grade for Cozy Read.

1. Book with Black on the Cover: Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
2. Book with Keyword in Title: Dark, Shadow, Moon, Spell: Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
3. Cozy Read: Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
4. Creature Feature: ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas
5. Group Read: A Discovery of Witches - but I have read it already and don't feel like rereading :) So I'm sitting that one out.

Updated on 10/16: As expected, the week was busy and I didn't read a ton. I got 8% through Shadow of the Fox and I also finished the last 2/3 of Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House on audiobook from my library (it wasn't on my list but that can count for Creature Feature, right?! lol)

Total books finished: 0

Total pages read: 33

#AYearAThon [October TBR]

Each first full week of the month, a #AYearAThon readathon is held and there are themes and challenges for each month. In the month of October, the theme is THRILLERS with the challenge of reading books with 400+ pages. It runs from October 1 to 7.

Final Girls // True Fiction // It Ends With Her

Updated on 10/16: I knew I wouldn't read a lot, so I'm happy with what progress I made with Final Girls. I ended up getting 20% through it.

Total books finished: 0

Total pages read: 70

#AYearAThon [September TBR]

Each first full week of the month, a #AYearAThon readathon is held and there are themes and challenges for each month. In the month of September, the theme is #OWNVOICES with the challenge of reading short stories. It runs from September 3 to 9.

The Sword of Summer (Displaced/Homeless MC) // Not Otherwise Specified (Black MC)

Updated on 9/20: Late to update but I didn't end up picking up either of these books to read :/

Total books finished: 0

Total pages read: 0

TBR Throwdown Readathon [TBR]

I'm participating in the TBR Throwdown and since I'm working on my NEWTs this month, I'm unsure how much I will get to this week for these particular challenges, but we'll see! :)

1. Been on your shelf the longest: Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead
2. Smallest book on your shelf: The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin
3. Most colorful cover: Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi
4. Has Orange on the cover: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead
5. Most anticipated read: Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend

Updated on 8/13: I am starting out with The Fiery Heart because I'm already in the middle of reading it. Once I finish it, I'll either do Silver Shadows or Furthermore. I do need to read Silver Shadows before I can read Nevermoor via the NEWTs rules :) So starting point for Fiery Heart is 214 pages.
Updated on 8/15: I finished The Fiery Heart and I'm working on Silver Shadows and Furthermore next.
Updated on 8/19: Silver Shadows is done!
Updated on 8/19: And I read Soul Surfer (rather listened to it) which doesn't really count for any of the challenges. But it was a really short book, so maybe that?

Total books finished: 3

Total pages read: 586 + 3 hr 52 min

Magical Readathon: N.E.W.T.s 2018 [TBR]

I sat for my OWLs in the month of July in preparation for the NEWTs in the month of August. I am ready for more Magical Readathon fun (hosted by G of The Book Roast).

For those who aren't completely obsessed with Harry Potter, OWLs stands for Ordinary Wizarding Levels that are taken in the fifth year. You take these for each subject you study and wish to continue studying in school in preparation for NEWTs.

NEWTs stands for Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests. You take the tests you need for the career you wish to have when school is done. For NEWTs, there are three grades you can earn: acceptable, exceeds expectation, or outstanding. Some wizarding jobs, you only need an A, others you need an E or O. Different jobs require different NEWTs to be taken.

I have chosen the job of banker at Gringotts (the wizard bank) because it is closest to the accounting degree I'm also starting in August. To get the job of Gringotts banker, you must earn an E in Arithmancy, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Transfiguration. Meaning I have to finish 8 books in August. The last few months I have been averaging 7 books each month, so I think I can do it!

I was able to complete Astronomy, D.A.D.A., and Muggle Studies so far in the month (still 2 more weeks to go). I am trying to Hermione it, but for the NEWTs, I'm only going for what I need to do to become a Gringotts banker. If by some miracle I finish the 8 books for my wizarding job, I will be attempting some NEWTs for the other OWLs I passed.

Enough talking and let's get into my books for the readathon:

1. Arithmancy
   
   • A: At least 300 pages: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead
   • E: Ends on an even #: My Fairy Godmother is a Drag Queen by David Clawson
2. Charms
   
   • A: Has magic in it: Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi
   • E: A cover that charmed you: The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol
3. D.A.D.A.
   
   • A: Last in a series: The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead
   • E: Foiled book: Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
4. Transfiguration
   
   • A: Grey cover: Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead
   • E: New to you author: Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend // Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

Updated on 8/13: I didn't anticipate how quickly I would finish My Fairy Godmother is a Drag Queen, so I ended up finishing it before The Fiery Heart. But I am halfway through it and I will not be starting anymore E books at the same times as the A books so that doesn't happen again.
Updated on 8/15: Okay, I have officially passed Arithmancy with an E! I'm working on my A in Furthermore and Transfiguration now.
Updated on 8/19: Finished Silver Shadows today, so I now have my A in Transfiguration. 3 books down, 5 to go with 12 more days left in the month :S
Updated on 8/19: Just listened to Soul Surfer and I'm changing my Transfiguration "E" book to it. So now I also have an E in Transfiguration. I have 4 books to go.
Updated on 9/20: I ended up getting A's in Arithmancy, DADA, and Transfiguration. As well as E's in Arithmancy and Transfiguration. But I needed three more books to be able to pass my NEWTs, but college took over. :)

Total books finished: 5
 Total pages read: 1422 + 3 hr 52 min

If you are taking your NEWTs in August, what are you reading?

Summer Biannual Bibliothon [TBR]

It's that time once again! I have a game plan for the 2018 Summer Biannual Bibliothon (while I'm also attempting to do my OWLs in prep for NEWTs in August haha). It runs from July 14th to the 20th and the live show is on the 21st. Below are the reading challenges and my chosen books:

1. GROUP BOOK: The Wicked Deep by Shea Earnshaw
2. CHOOSE FROM SOMEONE ELSE'S TBR: History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera [from KarenKhronicles' TBR]
   
3. TRY A CHAPTER OF THREE, PICK ONE: Paper Princess by Erin Watts, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews, and By Your Side by Kasie West
   
4. SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN ON YOUR TBR FOR OVER 1 YEAR: Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
5. READ A PREDICTED 5 STAR READ: Doubled up with Magnus Chase.
   
6. OWN VOICES (DIFFERENT THAN YOU): Doubled up with History.
   
7. READ THE LAST BOOK YOU BOUGHT: Doubled up with Wicked.

I decided to not participate in the blog challenges this time around and as always, not doing video or insta challenges either. :)

Updated on 7/14: I went ahead and did #3 where I tried a chapter of three books. I think I'm going to read By Your Side...although literally all three were good so I'll have to read the other two ASAP. I'm hoping to pick up The Wicked Deep sometime today too :)
Updated on 7/16: I finished By Your Side. I'm working on my buddy read of Truthwitch a little and then I'm going to start The Wicked Deep.
Updated on 7/17: Feeling good - The Wicked Deep was okay but it is done. I think I'm going to start History next and then Magnus tomorrow and read both until Friday :)
Updated on 7/19: Third book in THREE DAYS. I am killing it. Finished History last night and now I'm starting Magnus today. I think I'll be able to finish it in two days for sure. I've completed 5 of the reading challenges. This is definitely going to be my most successful readathon in a long time!
Updated on 7/21: To prevent a slump, I took it easy on my last two days. I did start Magnus, but didn't get very far in. All-in-all really excited how this readathon turned out!

Total books finished: 3

Total pages read: 352 + 308 + 320 + 41 = 1021

#AYearAThon [July TBR]

Each first full week of the month, a #AYearAThon readathon is held and there are themes and challenges for each month. In the month of July, the theme is TBR CATCH-UP with the challenge of reading a trilogy. It runs from July 2 to 8.

I have an open-ended TBR where I would like to finish any of the following (trilogies are noted with an asterisk):

The Cruel Prince* // A Court of Thorns and Roses // Heart of Iron // Nevernight*

Unwind // Ace of Shades* // Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Updated on 7/5: I read a Netgalley book, The Delphi Effect, and also finished Unwind so far this week. I think I'm going to pick Heart of Iron up next...or Harry Potter and the Chamber of the Secrets.

Total books finished: 2

Total pages read: 379 + 335 = 741

#AYearAThon [June TBR] + Relaxathon [TBR]

Each first full week of the month, a #AYearAThon readathon is held and there are themes and challenges for each month. In the month of June, the theme is CATCH UP/FINISH A SERIES with the challenge of reading a duology. It runs from June 4 to 10.

I am also participating in the Creating & Co readathon called the Relaxathon. It has a group book and four other challenges. Since I participating in two readathons at the same time, I tried to find at least one book that would go for both themes. So let's talk about the books I'm reading (and I will list the Relaxathon challenges).

1. Group book: Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
2. Pool/Beach Read: Love, Life, and the List by Kasie West
3. Something dealing with water: Daughter of the Siren Queen by Trisha Levenseller (will also count towards the theme and challenge of #AYearathon)
4. Something less than 200 pages: Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
5. Related to travel: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken 

Updated on 6/8: Surprisingly enough, I have already finished one book, Starry Eyes. A whopping 432 page book. It actually can count for 4 of the 5 challenges. So I'm relaxing a little and starting on my under 200 page book today :)
Updated on 6/11: I didn't end up reading a ton during the weekend but I'm happy with what I accomplished this week - especially with family in town and two appointments!

Total books finished: 1

Total pages read: 432 + 66 = 498

#AYearAThon [May TBR]

Each first full week of the month, a #AYearAThon readathon is held and there are themes and challenges for each month. In the month of May, the theme is REREADS with the challenge of reading graphic novels. It runs from May 7 to 13.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets // Brave

Updated on 5/14: This readathon didn't go too terribly even though we were crazy busy during the week. Cami was diagnosed with strep on Monday and we had school events on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. I read a few pages of Harry Potter, all of Brave, and, although not for the readathon, read some of Imperfect Justice by Jeff Ashton.

Total books finished:1

Total pages read: 7 + 248 + 194 = 449

#AYearAThon [April TBR]

Each first full week of the month, a #AYearAThon readathon is held and there are themes and challenges for each month. In the month of April, the theme is BENCHWARMERS with the challenge of reading one word titles. It runs from April 2 to 8.

Everless // Nevernight // Unwind

Updated on 4/11: Ugh. Another rough week that fell on #AYearAThon. On Monday, both boys threw up. On Monday evening, Cami started feeling sick. By Tuesday afternoon, I was scared she had the flu. I took her into the dr and it turned out it was strep throat. Then on Sunday, Nick broke his foot. It's been a messy week for my family and it wasn't anything to do with me for once! Anyways, I started Nevernight and Unwind. I'm 8 pages into Nevernight and 100 pages into Unwind. I also picked up Heart of Iron for the Owlcrate Book Club and got 118 pages into it. I DID read...just not really what I was supposed to. I did do better than last month's readathon where I only read 47 pages. This time I read 108 of the books for the readathon (plus 118 of another book, for a total of 226 pages).

Total books finished: 0

Total pages read: 108

#AYearAThon [March TBR]

Each first full week of the month, a #AYearAThon readathon is held and there are themes and challenges for each month. In the month of March, the theme is RETELLINGS with the challenge of reading marathoning series. It runs from March 5-11.

I have chosen two books and both are part of a series. One I've already started, but wouldn't mind finishing. The other is a very popular series that I wouldn't mind marathoning if it's good.

Scarlet // A Court of Thorn and Roses

Updated on 3/12: This past week has definitely not been easy going. I'm still trying to recover from my ablation. Tuesday marked 1 week and I went into the ER with a severe sore throat, runny nose, and chest tightness just to find out that I had the flu and a pulmonary embolism. So I have been anxious and unable to concentrate on reading. I started ACOTAR and sat at 1% until Friday. I think I actually read the most on Sunday. I'm not mad about it. This #AYearAThon just fell on a bad week...or rather a bad week fell on this readathon week. I am not participating in any other readathons this month, so I can concentrate on finishing my TBR and there is little stress if  I don't :)

Total books finished: 0

Total pages read: 47

 

The Enchant-a-thon [TBR]

I am so excited to be participating in another Creating & Co readathon that basically bridges my two loves of the planner world and the book world. There are 5 reading challenges plus photo challenges. I have selected three books because you can double up. Two of these I own in physical form and I need to look at my Kindle library because I don't remember if I have the other in ebook form. May need to buy it :)

1.  A Royal Character: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
2.  A Retelling: A Study of Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
3.  Happily Ever After: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
4.  Contains Magic: Talon by Julie Kagawa
5.  Matches the Kit: Talon by Julie Kagawa

Updated on 3/1: I started the readathon with A Study in Charlotte and Girls Made of Snow and Glass. I ended up DNFing A Study in Charlotte but read all of Girls Made of Snow and Glass. Technically speaking, it does count for all of the challenges, but I only counted it for the first 4. I gave it 4 stars and found it to be pretty enjoyable. I do wish that I had gotten around to reading Talon, but I was toeing the slump line and I really didn't want to push myself into one.

Total books finished: 1

Total pages read: 58 + 384 = 442

Contemporary-A-Thon [TBR]

This is round 2 of the Contemporary-A-Thon hosted by Chelsea, Julie, and Natasha. You can find an  Announcement + Challenges video on each channel, but I linked Chelsea's. There are 7 challenges and no group book for this round, but I am attempting three.

My plan is to read...

The Serpent King // Fangirl // The Hating Game 

Updated on 2/14: I have finished The Hating Game. I got kinda stuck on Fangirl and when THG arrived, I knew I wanted to pick it up immediately. I loved it. I stayed up until 2 am and forced myself to put the book down in the middle of a chapter because I knew I would not get any sleep and as a mom of three with health issues that can be affected by lack of sleep, I HAD TO SLEEP. I finished it first thing this morning though. I read a little of The Serpent King, but will be reading Fangirl for most of the rest of today, except for in bed, cause I have Serpent on my Kindle.
Updated on 2/19: The readathon is over and I am unsure of how I feel about Fangirl. I DNF'd The Serpent King. It was not for me. I feel a slump coming on, so I am trying to chill and not force myself to read anything that makes me feel meh.

Total books finished: 1

Total pages read: 80 + 66 + 384 = 465