A Tale of Two Library Staff Members

This has been my first holiday season as a librarian and this past week has been very enlightening. Many staff members are on vacation enjoying time with family and friends. In my library system we have library staff who "float", or work "on-call" at different locations, to fill in for people who are sick or vacationing. This holiday season was my opportunity to meet, and get to know several of these staff members for the first time.

The Setting - 3 regular staff members out and 1 on vacation which left the library with 2 regular staff members and the on-call staff member. The library doesn't open for 3 HOURS and I am prepping for a Mock Printz Event.

The Tale Part One
On-call comes in and is greeted by the other staff member and myself.
She is shown the break room, bathroom, and told to walk around the library and see where everything is located. She sits down in a chair and proceeds to ask about/comment on the following in a negative manner:
The small break room
Sharing the bathroom with the public
My preparation time in the schedule

When asked to remove the books from the book drop she becomes very angry. "I've never been to this library before and I don't know how to do book drop. I am not a shelver." (Whoa! We all do book drop.)
I show her where the book drop is located and tell her all she needs to do is remove the materials and place them on carts. At this point I return to my prep work in the back of the library and almost immediately hear yelling from up front.
"I don't like bending down! Why isn't SHE out here working?" I return to the front and ask my other coworker if everything is okay. The rest of the day with this particular visiting staff member remains tense and hostile.

The Tale Part Two
On-call comes in and is greeted by the other staff member and myself.
She is shown the break room, bathroom, and told to walk around the library and see where everything is located. She walks around, asks a few questions about the collection and the patrons then proceeds to file the holds without being asked. We work amiably the remainder of the day. She asks for help when needed AND shares tips and tricks she has learned from working at all of the other branches. She is polite to the patrons and very helpful. We have a good day and at closing tells me that she likes to do something nice for someone at least once a week. She then offers me a ride home and I accept.
I aspire to be like this woman. Professional. Helpful. Polite. Kind. Willing to learn.

I try to avoid librarian titles because there seems to be some sort of  caste-like system among some librarians where certain librarians are more important or better than others. (I have not yet learned how to navigate that system. I am not sure I want to learn. ) However, I do identify as a Reference Librarian (My MLIS is in reference and user services) I also identify as a Children and Youth Services Librarian because I primarily work with that demographic. More important to me than either of these titles are the titles of Feel Good Librarian and Social Justice Librarian. I've read both of these blogs over the years and they have helped shaped my vision of  who I want to be as a librarian. I want to thank my phenomenal former supervisor, wonderful on-call library staff members, and all of the other librarians in the world who work hard to make me proud to be a member of this profession.  I pray to be the kind of librarian who will make you proud to have me as a colleague.

Also, thanks again to #nerdlution for inspiring me to blog again.

What a Difference a Day Makes

What a week!This week has been one of the most challenging weeks for me as a person, a Friend, and a librarian. I love my library and I love the community that I serve. However, some days I consider working at a different library and for a different community. 

There was a shooting (the second in three months) steps outside the library. The "incident" left me feeling dejected to put it mildly. When I got home I soaked in the tub for hours and climbed into bed. I assured everyone that I was fine and cried through the night and into the next morning. I was tired, hurt, unbelievably sad, and a little frightened (for myself and for the people in the community). I was also determined to go to work, and serve that community.

The day after the shooting was also my day to do community outreach, visit children, and share books. I am so glad that I went to work! I am so glad that I didn't completely cave in to my feelings. The days following the shooting have been the most rewarding in my career to date. Below are pictures of some of the children I read to each week. After the weekly read aloud I was invited to a dress rehearsal for the holiday program.

This Is The Day That The Lord Has Made

This book was recommended to me by a dear Friend. After the shooting this week, I found myself reading and rereading the same passage repeatedly from the December 12th entry. " I AM TAKING CARE OF YOU. Feel the warmth and security of being enveloped in My loving Presence. Every detail of your life is under My control. Moreover, everything fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me and are called according to My design and purpose." *

* Romans 8:28 AMP

'Tis The Season... to do my Happy Dance

This week in libraryland I received quite a bit of good news. This is not necessarily holiday related news, but it is the holiday season, sooooo 'tis the season for me to do my happy dance. Since I last posted on the blog I received this email

Dear Regina Renee Ward,

Congratulations! ******* ******** Branch Library has been selected as a library distribution site  for World Book Night that will take place on April 23, 2014. Thank you so much for agreeing to participate!

There was more to the letter, but I was too busy squealing to continue reading. I proceeded to call/email EVERYONE and squeal with delight while doing my happy dance. I sang. I danced. I pleaded with everyone to apply to be a Giver before January 5th AND to choose my library as their pickup location ( They chose my library. They chose my library.) 

Later that same day...

YALSA's 2014 Morris/Nonfiction Reading Challenge Begins Ok, so I love a reading challenge. This announcement totally made a great day phenomenal! Last year, I started the YALSA Hub Challenge late and didn't get to geek out for the allotted amount of time. This year is different; I started day 1 and began geeking out immediately. 10 Books in 7 Weeks? I got this! My plan is to read all five finalists for the Nonfiction Award before starting in on the finalists for the Morris Award.  I am very eager to read one book on this list in particular.

So, that was on Monday. What a great way to start the work week. 

I must say I am pleased to share that my work week also ended in fine fashion. I owe my thanks for a wonderful Friday evening to an 8 year old young man who invited me to his stage debut as the Best Frog EVER! Thank you Sir Leaps-A-Lot.

So, what makes you do your happy dance? Do you leap like a frog?

Heartwarming Thoughts for the Cold Weather Blues

Baby, it's COLD outside! For those of you who don't know me, I do NOT like cold weather. Now, I have been known to complain (well, start complaining, because I complain about the weather from about October-June) when the temperature dips below 70, but this time my complaints are legitimate. This past week the temperature has been between -13 and 10. Just for the record, 10 is not worthy of being named a high temperature for the day, and day, ever.

Ok, so this week's post may not seem very Friendly or very literary, but it will have both literary and Friendly components. We have established that it has been cold, and I do not like cold weather. So, you ask, what have been the highlights of the week that have made you forget about the cold for even the briefest moments of time? I am so glad you asked.

 

I am reading this one very slowly. I am a fast reader, but this one is one to be savored. It is one on which to reflect and ponder and pray. When reading a passage on simplicity, I stop fantasizing about a roaring fireplace and think about how blessed I am to be sleeping indoors with a warm blanket and socks.

 

  

 

I cried and cried when I learned that Nelson Mandela had passed away. I cried even more when I went online and read what some mean-spirited people had to say about his passing. It has become a trite saying, often said in jest, but for me "never read the comments" are words to the wise. However, Nelson Mandela's own words were the words that made a difference to me on Fifth Day (Thursday)  "We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference."  I was at work at the library and a display was quickly put together  including the two books pictured above. Thinking about Nelson Mandela's life and legacy left me feeling warm and hopeful.

 

 



Yesterday was Take Your Child To a Bookstore Day. Yes! It is actually a day. That is simply amazing and it made my day. I posted to Facebook and Twitter. I looked at all of my friends' posts and I smiled.#nerdlution for the win.

 

 

Now it is your turn. What has made you smile and forget the cold for a few brief moments this week?

 



World Book Night Application Process Part 2

First of all, I apologize. I thought I clicked publish on this post weeks ago, but apparently I did not.

As I mentioned in my previous posts, I am making aspects of my experience public this year to encourage others to participate in World Book Night 2014. Last year's experience was positive, and I would like others to take the opportunity to share the gift of reading.

The Book and the Potential Recipients

 

The contenders were as follows:

• Catch - 22; Joseph Heller
• The Dog Stars; Peter Heller
• Pontoon;  Garrison Keillor
• Same Difference;  Derek Kirk Kim
• Bobcat and other Stories; Rebecca Lee
• Tales of the City; Armistead Maupin

 

And the winner is



 

 

 

 

 

I chose this book based on the potential recipients in my community. I had identified the following as potential recipients:

 

Potential Recipients:

• Seniors living in an apartment building on a bus route near the public library where I work.

• Adults at the Recreational Center across the street from the library where I work.

• People who use a drop-in center in my neighborhood for women, children and transgender individuals who are experiencing homelessness and poverty.

A coworker who has not participated in World Book Night expressed interest in sharing books with the Seniors in our community. Dog Stars and Pontoon were my selections for those recipients.

Bobcat and Other Short Stories along with Same Difference were meant for the patrons of the recreation center because both titles could easily be read in short bursts of attention. However, when I visited the recreation center, most people had brought their own reading material or were "plugged in."

With four titles eliminated, I was down to Catch-22 and Tales of the City. I selected Tales of the City because I thought it would have more wide-spread appeal to the women, teens, and transgender individuals who would most likely receive the book.

With my personal selection process completed, I was ready to complete my application.

The Application

 

You must be 16 years of age or older. The application asks for standard information including your name, address, email address, and phone number. You select three books from the list and indicate whether or not you have read your first choice, complete the questions below, and voila application complete.

 

 

Where do you intend to give out the books?

 

To whom do you intend to give the books?

 

Why do you want to participate in World Book Night?

 

 

Now is when you wait to find out if you have been selected to be a book giver. Givers are notified in February 2014. You can also sign up to receive the newsletter and follow @wbnamerica on Twitter. You can follow me, too @FriendRsquared



 

World Book Night - Application Process Part 1

In order to encourage everyone to apply to be a book giver, I have decided to make aspects of my experience public. So, first for my selection process. Choosing the book and the recipients is similar to a chicken and the egg scenario. For the purpose of clarity, I will start with the books and then decide on my community members who are potential recipients.

The Books

• A book I have never read (I will read all books before I complete my application)
  
  
• A book that piques my interest
  
  
• A book that has appeal factors for potential recipients in my community.

These are the contenders: 

         





           

          



Potential Recipients in my Community

• Seniors living in an apartment building on a bus route near the public library where I work.

• Adults at the Recreational Center across the street from the library where I work.

• People who use the drop-in center in my neighborhood for women, children and transgender individuals who are experiencing homelessness and poverty.

World Book Night 2014 - Be a Book Giver

Thank you so much for supporting me throughout Dewey's 24-Hour Read-A-Thon. I read almost 800 pages, which means I will be donating $80 to World Book Night US .

On the World Book Night website you can read more about the history of World Book Night. This post is to encourage everyone  to consider applying to be a book giver. Below I will just outline the highlights for GIVERS.

When: Books are distributed on April 23, 2014 UNESCO's International Day of the Book and Shakespeare's birthday. Applications are available today - January 5, 2014. Please pay special attention to the guidelines on the website. In the application you will also be asked three questions. Please think about your answers before applying.

1. Where do you intend to give out the books?
2. To whom do you intend to give the books?
3. Why do you want to participate in World Book Night?

Brevity is NOT a plus in your answers: please be passionate and detailed. It helps. Up to 100 words. Thank you!

What: Give away 20 books of a single title (35 titles from which to choose)

Who: 25,000 volunteers distribute half a million books to those who don't regularly read, Encouraging reading in the teen and adult population, especially those who may not have access to printed books for reasons of means or geography.

The goal of World Book Night is to seek out adult readers wherever they are, in towns and cities, in public settings or in places from nursing homes to food pantries, low-income schools to mass transit.

Dewey Read-A-Thon Final Update

End of Event Meme

 

Which hour was most daunting for you? Hours 19 - 24 were difficult. Hour 23 was the worst! I am glad I had an audiobook, so I could walk around while listening to my final read.  

 

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Ajax Penumbra 1969 the prequel to Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore; You Know What You Have To Do by Bonnie Shimko is a suspenseful YA read. 

Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-A-Thon next year? It was a great event. I have no suggestions for improvement.

 

What do you think worked really well in this years read-a-thon? The Cheerleaders were awesome this year and my inaugural read-a-thon book party was a success.

 

How many books did you read? I finished 4 books and started a 5th.

 

What were the names of the books you read?

• You Know What You Have To Do by Bonnie Shimko
• Ajax Penumbra 1969 by Robin Sloan
• The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
• Life Is So Good by George Dawson
• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Performed by Jeff Woodman

Which book did you enjoy most? I enjoyed all of my reads this read-a-thon, but if I had to choose one it would be Ajax Penumbra 1969

 

Which book did you  enjoy least? I enjoyed all of my reads this read-a-thon, but if I had to choose one that I liked least it would be You Know What You Have To Do. Horror is not my genre and THAT ENDING. THAT. ENDING.

 

If you were a Cheerleader,  do you have any advice for next year's Cheerleaders? I was not a Cheerleader, but I must say TEAM OTTER ROCKS!

 

How likely are you to participate in a Read-a-thon again? I am VERY likely to participate in a Read-a-thon again. What role would you be likely to take next time? I would like to be a Reader again. I would also consider hosting a mini-challenge.

 



Dewey Read-A-Thon Hour 22 Update

Currently Reading: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Performed by Jeff Woodman

Total Pages Read: 786

Books Read: 4

*Hour 22 and I won a prize :) Woohoo!

Dewey Read-A-Thon Hour 18 Update

 

Currently Reading: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Performed by Jeff Woodman

Total Pages Read: 728

Books Read: 4

Dewey's Read-A-Thon Hour 15.5 Update

Currently Reading: Life is So Good by George Dawson

Total Pages Read 546

Books Read: 3

Dewey Read-A-Thon Hour 12 Update

Mid-Event Survey

 

1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Eyes Tired?

 

I am very tired, but I am now with friends at a read-a-thon party so I have my second wind.

 

 

2) What have you finished reading?

 

I have finished reading three books so far:

 

• You Know What You Have to Do by Bonnie Shimko

 

• Ajax Penumbra 1969 by Robin Sloan

 

• The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

 

 

3) What is your favorite read so far?

My favorite read so far is Ajax Penumbra 1969, prequel to Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

 

4) What about your favorite snacks?

I have discovered a new affection for edamame hummus.

 

5) Have you found any new blogs through the read-a-thon? If so, give them some love.

 

I have been so busy reading that I haven't gone blog hopping YET, but I know when I get tired that I will hit the blogs for some inspiration and some mini-challenges.

 



Dewey Read-A-Thon Hour 10 Update

Currently Reading: The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
Total Pages Read: 317
Books Read: 2

Dewey's Read-A-Thon Hour 8.5 Update



Currently Reading: Ajax Penumbra 1969 by Robin Sloan
Total Pages Read: 230
Books Read: 1

Dewey's Read-A-Thon Hour 3 Update

Currently Reading: You Know What You Have To Do by Bonnie Shimko

Total Pages Read: 64

Books Read: 0

Dewey's Read- A - Thon Hour 1 Update

Introductory Meme

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
Denver, CO, USA
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? Life is So Good by George Dawson

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
The food being prepared by my awesome friends who agreed to read for part of the day with me.

4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I am a former classroom teacher and am now a public librarian. I read for business and for pleasure. I have an affinity for children's literature, mysteries and African-American authors.

 5) 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?  This is my third read-a-thon, but today will be my first time I read with friends.  We are getting together for part of the day to read together. I think I am going to like this party twist aspect of the read-a-thon.

Update



 

Currently Reading: You Know What You Have to Do by  Bonnie Shimko

 

Pages Read: 20

 

Books Read: 0

 

Dewey's Read-A-Thon Preparations

It is October and that has come to mean one thing and one thing only. That's right! It is time for Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon. One entire day, 24 hours, dedicated to reading. Saturday, October 12, 2013. Nothing gets me blogging like Dewey's Read-a-thon. This is my third read-a-thon and I am starting to get the hang of things. I now have clear goals and a plan of action. It is not a detailed plan of action, but at least I have the outline of a strategy.

 

Last read-a-thon I planned my reading location well, which made for a comfortable and relaxing 24 hours. I had plenty of quiet space, supplemental reading materials, great light, internet access, and comfortable chairs. This read-a-thon I have planned the social aspects of the read-a-thon, and I believe it will make for a fun and lively 24 hours.

 

To make this experience more social, I told EVERYBODY about the read-a-thon and asked them to participate. None of my friends could participate for the entire read-a-thon, but a couple of them volunteered to be cheerleaders #RahRahReadathon! The best thing is that several of my friends and I are getting together for a read-a-thon party. They are cooking the food and I am bringing the books and snacks. We are all going to sprawl out and READ READ READ!!!

 

 

 

Goals

• Read all of the Silver Bell Award Winners
• Read at least one book out of my comfort zone (which means romance and/or horror)
• HAVE FUN!!!

Snacks

• cheese
• crackers
• turkey jerky

Book Gifts for Guests 



Reader 1- Male;  Mid-Late 50's;  Former bookseller

 

 

Reader 2 - Female; 12 years old, Student

School for Science and Technology

 

 

Reader 3 - Female; Mid 40's; Writer

Reader 4 - Female; Mid 40's; Social Activist

 

 

Reader 5-Female; 16 years old; Student School for the Arts

 





Reader 6 - Male; 7 years old; Student; Series fan



Reader 7 - Female; Mid 40's; Runner



Truth in Fiction - Akata Witch by nnedi Okorafor

We embrace those things that make us unique or odd. For only in these things can we locate and then develop our most individual abilities.  Even you, free agent, have an ability given to you by the omnipotent, distracted Supreme Creator. p. 99

"When things get bad, they don't stop until you stop the badness --- or die." Anatov p. 242

"You shouldn't be forced to treat anything well," Sasha said, giving Orlu an annoyed look. "It should be your choice." p. 295 Sasha

"Not all things are a choice," Orlu said. "Some things should come naturally." p. 295

Truth in Fiction - Golden Boy by Tara Sullivan

"None of them are evil people, but when evil things happened, they looked away and let them happen. I put them in the statue because that's Evil, too." Kweli, p. 237


Habo: "They were saying awful things. Why didn't you get angry?" p. 243

Kweli: "Why choose to be angry? It won't change them, and then I'm angry, which is no fun for me." p. 243

"There are people who aren't ready yet to see your worth, whole cities of them, whole countries of them, perhaps, but someday they will... The most important person to see it is you." Kweli speaking to Habo, p. 289

Truth in Fiction - Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan

 

 

Every person has lots of ingredients to make them into what is always a one-of-a-kind creation. p. 18

 

 

Connectedness.

One thing leads to another.

Often in unexpected ways. p. 307

 

 

 

When you care about other people, it takes the spotlight off your own drama. p. 355

Truth in Fiction - This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

 

 

No matter how long it's been or how far you've drifted, no matter how unknowable you might be, there were at least two people in the world whose job it was to see you, to find you, to recognize you and reel you back in. No matter what. p. 342

Truth in Fiction - P.S. Be Eleven Rita Williams Garcia

 

 

Don't concern yourself with old things. Concern yourself with finding your own thing. But don't rush. Listen to Billie sing, "God bless the child who has her own." Enjoy the time it takes to find your own. Study hard.

Your Mother,

Cecile

P.S. Be eleven

 

 

 

I was eleven. How could you become what you already were? p. 59

 

 

My name is growing up with me. As I am defined, then my name is defined and shaped around me like clothing. Cecile, p 108

 

It is a bad thing to bite into hard fruit with little teeth. You will say bad things about the fruit when the problem is your teeth. I want you to read this book. I want you to know THINGS FALL APART. Fourteen is a good age to find Chinua Achebe

Cecile to Delphine Re: Reading Chinua Achebe at 11

 

 

The only think I knew for sure was that Pa didn't want his own brother in the house. I knew that Uncle Darnell wasn't himself, but was that a reason to stop loving him? Was it all right to stop loving someone you're supposed to always love. p. 188

 

 

I know you'll read this now, but wait two years. Fourteen is a good age to read this book and sixteen is even better.

Cecile to Delphine Re: Reading Chinua Achebe

 

 

"Delphine, you need to also know you're a lady. It's always a lady's choice and never the other way around."

Pa to Delphine before the sixth grade dance

 



Truth in Fiction - Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

 

There are no mistakes, I realize - just detours whose significance only become clear when you see the whole picture at once. p. 217

People are like cities: We all have alleys and gardens and secret rooftops and places where daisies sprout between the sidewalk cracks, but most of the time all we let each other see is the postcard glimpse of  a floodlit statue or a skyline. Love lets you find those hidden places in another person, even the ones they didn't know were there, even the ones they wouldn't have thought to call beautiful themselves.

I am the Librarian of Life Experiences. I am the Curator of Truth. p. 295

Truth in Fiction - The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called.

After the first touch, touching becomes too easy.

I don't know what to say, so I don't say anything.  Too many people say something when they really have nothing to say.

One, even the smallest, weakest, most insignificant one, matters.

Truth in Fiction - Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge

What you are doing right now,

this moment, THIS STEP,

is the most important thing

in your life.

Bad experiences are like bad drawings. They stay in our sketchbooks. They stay a part of us. You can't erase your past or who you are. You have to deal with it, I suppose.

Truth in Fiction - Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

It seemed like life was a sort of narrowing tunnel. Right when you were born, the tunnel was huge. You could be anything. Then, like, the absolute second after you were born, the tunnel narrowed down to about half that size... Then you started to grow up and everything you did closed the tunnel in some more. -  June p. 254

Maybe you had to be dying to finally get to do what you wanted... Then I had this thought: What if it was enough to realize that you would die someday, that none of this would go on forever? Would that be enough?  June - p. 255

I knew the way lost hopes could be dangerous, how they could turn a person into someone they never thought they'd be. - June p.322

*I needed to know that my mother understood that her hand was in this too. That all the jealousy and envy and shame we carried was our own kind of sickness. As much a disease as Toby and Finn's AIDS. - June p. 349

* emphasis mine

Truth in Fiction - A Flight of Angels by Rebecca Guay

The Rabbi was concerned for he knew that foolishness and fear are like tinder and matches, and wickedness the flame they produce.

Truth in Fiction - Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller by Joseph Lambert

Still, I suppose a hunger improperly satisfied is better than starving. - Teacher to Annie

You are often solitary, and sometimes lonely, I know. But you did not create yourself. No one does. - Dr. Anagnos to Annie

Screen Free Week

Tomorrow, April 29, 2013 marks the beginning of screen-free week. This week I will only be checking my work e-mail. What does screen-free week mean for me?

• No text messaging. Please call if you'd like to talk. 
• No Twitter (This will be the hardest sacrifice for me)
• No blog reading. No blog posting.
• No Hulu (no tv shows/no movies)
• No personal e-mail 
• Yes to phone calls
• Yes to letter writing
• Yes to reading

Dewey Read-a-Thon End of Event Meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
I was getting tired and quite cranky at hour 18. By hour 20 I didn't just hit the wall, I crashed into it full force. I think I ended up reading 2 pages an hour for about 3 hours before I perked up again at hour 23


2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?Gillian Flynn novels are high interest page turners. I would also suggest Caldecott, Newbery, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Award winning books for those hard hours.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
No suggestions from this newbie. The read-a-thon was great!

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
I enjoyed the mini-challenges hours 1-12. After hour 12 I was too lazy focused on reading to participate. 

5. How many books did you read?
I read four books

6. What were the names of the books you read?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid #6 Cabin Fever by Jeff kinney

Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo

7. Which book did you enjoy most?
Although the subject matter was very difficult for me to read, I enjoyed Never Fall Down the most.

8. Which did you enjoy least?
I enjoyed Love and Other Perishable Items the least. I am really not into angsty, "unreciprocated love stories.

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
I was not a cheerleader, but they rocked! Cheerleaders have skills I do not possess.

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
I am very likely to participate in the Read-a-Thon again. I will be a reader until I get it right. After I have mastered Read-a-Thon reading, I would like to come up with a good mini-challenge and try hosting for a few hours.

Dewey Read-a-Thon Mini-Challenges: Hours 13-24

Read-a-Thon: Hour 14 Mini-Challenge "Share a quote"

http://www.neabarabea.com

"This idea, it wrap around me like a warm blanket, it settle my shaking bone, it calm my heart, and I understand. All the time you fighting, you think only of how to survive. All the time you survive, you wonder why you don't die. But now my life can be something different. Now, in America, I don't have to fight. I don't have to survive. I can chose a new thing: to live."
Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick p. 208

Read-a-Thon Hour 16 Mini-Challenge Turn the Page

http://www.reflectionsofabookaholic.com

For this challenge, you must turn to page 32 of the book you are currently reading (or the nearest page with text on it) and find the most entertaining phrase to complete the following sentence:"I would rather read than ________ any day!"

I would rather read than have my History of American Foreign Policy double lecture in the afternoon any day.

From Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo p.32

Read-a-Thon: Hour 17 Mini-Challenge "Six Word Celebration"

http://estellasrevenge.blogspot.com

Your challenge is to creative a six-word celebration of Dewey's Read-a-Thon.

Dewey Read? Books Open 24 Hours

Dewey Read-a-Thon Mini-Challenges: Hours 1-12

 Mini-Challenge Book Appetit

Sheila over at http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/ brought us this challenge

1. Book title and author

Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick. It is a novel based on the true story of a boy soldier's survival under the murderous regime of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.

2. The menu, food, beverage, you can even go as far as background music, decorations…. have fun with this!

Menu

rice (Tens of thousands of people died from starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime, despite the fact that they had been herded into work camps and forced to work digging ditches and growing rice)

fish stew (main character's favorite dish)

ice cream (main character sold ice cream pre-Khmer Rouge)

music " In my town, music is like air, always there."(p.3)

Cambodian love song

French love song

American rock 'n' roll (The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Chubby Checker)

Hour 4 Mini-Challenge

Felicia over at http://www.geekybloggersbookblog.com presented this challenge:

• Take your current read or the one you just finished.
• ReTitle it with something clever
• Post to your blog, twitter, facebook, or goodreads with your snazzy new title!

I am reading Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick. 

It is a novel based on the true story of a boy soldier's survival under the murderous regime of the Khmer Rouge.

I would rename the novel Rules to Live By: How to Survive a Murderous Regime

Hour 5 Mini-Challenge Self Portrait

http://www.estellasociety.com

Hour 8  Mini-Challenge "Book Sentence"

http://www.midnightbookgirl.com/2013/04/readathon-book-sentence-mini-challenge.html

Create a sentence using only book titles.

Cabin Fever? Tell the Wolves I'm Home (A Wish and a Prayer) Love and other perishable items never fall down... Drama!

Take a picture of the books stacked.

Hour 11 Mini-Challenge "Picture It"

http://www.thebookmonsters.com/deweys-readathon-mini-challenge-picture-it/

Hour 12 Mid-Event Survey

1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired?

I am very sleepy and my eyes are tired.

2) What have you finished reading?

Diary of a Wimpy Kid #6 Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick

3) What is your favorite read so far?

Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick. I have the feeling this book will stay with me for a lifetime.

4) What about your favorite snacks?

I didn't plan my snacks very well, but I am glad I have Ritz crackers and Granny Smith apples. I would do just about anything at this point for cinnamon bears or cinnamon jolly ranchers. 

5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love.
This is my second read-a-thon and I am so glad I discovered these mini-challenges. Through the challenges I have discovered:

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

http://www.geekybloggersbookblog.com
http://www.estellasociety.com

http://www.midnightbookgirl.com

http://www.thebookmonsters.com

I will be sure to stop by these blogs in the future (after screen-free week of course) Now it is time for Love and Other Perishable Items