We’re getting close to the halfway point, and hopefully by now you’ve found your rhythm, you know how much you’ve read and how much you still have left to read if you’re shooting for a full 24 hours of reading. If you’re planning on taking advantage of the quiet (if it’s late for you too), what are your late night evening rituals during the summer? Winter is easy: cozy blanket, slippers, warm drink. But summer evening rituals are tougher. Do you sit outside and listen to the crickets if you’re in the country? Do you find a porch to hang out on? How about a walk around the neighborhood with an audiobook to enjoy the late summer sunset?

Maybe some prizes will be a good way to keep you up for a little longer?

Adrienne Teague (@okcruegirl on Twitter)

Devan (@devan_chavez on Instagram)

Anne-Marie (@my_bookish_addiction on Instagram)

Charlene Prasad (@mybookbehaviour on Twitter)

Melissa (@meldaunt on Instagram)

Julie at Smiling Shelves

Sapna Sricharan (ijustliketoread.wordpress.com)

Nicole Shepard (@nicolani21 on Instagram

And don’t forget you have another three hours to enter both the Hour 18 Diverse Books challenge and the Hour Zero Intro Survey challenge.

We’re close to halfway on the official clock and I’ve been absolutely heart eyes emoji about the online #24in48 community today. Between Instagram, Litsy, Twitter, Facebook, and Booktube, you guys are really making this weekend a team sport. I love how inclusive and supportive everyone is and I am here for it. Keep going, guys, you’re doing great!

One of the best ways that the online readathon community works is by exposing your fellow 24in48-ers to books that they may not otherwise have heard of or thought they’d be interested in. Personally, I recommend using readathon to check out diverse titles and authors. We Need Diverse Books in particular is an organization that advocates for changes in the children’s publishing industry in order to promote and encourage greater diversity of authors, characters, and subject matter. Diverse books normalize, empower, and make visible people who otherwise feel invisible or forgotten. 

If you’re not familiar with it, #ownvoices describes books written by authors that identify with the same marginalized group as the protagonists that they’re writing. This could include authors that identify as and are writing characters that are POCs, disabled, LGBTQ+, non-cisgender, etc.

The intention is two-fold: 1) reading #ownvoices books sends a message to the publishing community (which is traditionally, white, able-bodied, straight, and cisgender) that these books have audiences and encourage them to publish more of them, and 2) reading about characters from marginalized groups expands your own awareness of diversity and empathy, something I think we can all benefit from.

So for this hour’s challenge, I want you to recommend books by diverse/#ownvoices authors. Either leave a comment with your recommendations or take a photo of some of your favorite diverse books and drop the link/image in the comments. Give your fellow readers some suggestions for diverse books, and think about adding #ownvoices books to your TBR stack for the rest of the ‘thon.

Here’s a stack of our favorite diverse titles that would be perfect for readathoning:

You have until Hour 24 to enter this diversity challenge. And now to announce prize winners for the Hour 12 roadtrip challenge.

Veronica Éles (@vveronica96 on Twitter)

Jess (b-ookaddict.tumblr.com)

Austin R. (@aerobins13 on Litsy)

Stephanie (@realbooks4ever on Litsy)

Karina (@karina.reads on Litsy)

Julie (@den_siste_heksa on Instagram)

Michelle Sorensen (@hikingnugg on Twitter)

Allison Ivy (@msallisonivy on Twitter)

Michelle B. (@coffeecatsbooks on Litsy)

Britain Callen (@callemarie @ Litsy)

Head over to the Prize page and pick your poison in the form. And don’t forget you have six hours left to enter the Intro Challenge from Hour Zero.

Are you a readathon pre-planner? Do you set aside a stack of books and plan out your weekend ‘thon schedule, down to the meals and snacks you’re planning on eating? Or do you fly by the seat of your pants? No matter what kind of readathon-er you are, sometimes things just aren’t working. Your favorite reading chair is suddenly uncomfortable. Or you keep picking up books that aren’t grabbing you. Or you’re distracted by social media or your family or your cat who has suddenly become very needy.

Whatever kind of ‘thon you’ve planned, inevitably you’ll hit a point where the gears stop moving. And when that happens, don’t be afraid to shake things up. Switch locations, switch books, switch formats (seriously, trying an ebook or an audiobook when you’ve been doing only print can work wonders). Even if you have to get out of your house for a quick walk around the block to reset yourself, do it. Or if you’re lucky enough to have a hammock (and good weather), take a book out and spend an hour in nature.

How do you change it up when your readathon mojo is broken? Do you have an alternate plan when you’re feeling off?

Do readathon prizes help? Oh good, cause I’ve got some more!

Callahan Davenport (@thirdculturekid15 on Instagram)

Andrea Eastman (@leprechaun416 on Instagram)

Emily Blaeser (@emilydblaeser on Twitter)

Alyssa (@apchaney on Twitter)

Laura Mezirka (lauramezirka.blog)

Danielle Murray (@tsukasa1025 on Instagram)

Catherine Gousetis (@c.gousetis on Instagram)

Zoeya (@zoebookobsessed on Twitter)

Don’t forget to enter the Hour 12 Roadtrip challenge and you’ve got until Hour 24 to complete the Intro Survey too! You’ve got another three hours.

Summer is roadtrip season, and just like for readathon, audiobooks are the perfect companion. In fact several readathon-ers are participating in this weekend’s ‘thon almost entirely in the car. I love a good roadtrip and whether you’re doing it solo or with one person or a whole carload, the opportunities for some good bookish shenanigans are multitude. Which books will you listen to? Which bookstores or literary sights will you see? How many fights over which Hogwarts house is better will you have?

So for our next challenge, in the comments, tell me either: 1) which three audiobooks you’d recommend for a roadtrip and why, OR 2) if you could take a roadtrip to any three bookish locations, what would they be? And because, books are magic, your destinations don’t obviously have to make sense within the confines of space and time. Want to roadtrip with Jamie to Lallybroch (from Outlander), the city of Sky (from The Inheritance Trilogy), and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types (from Lumberjanes)? Go for it.

We’ll be announcing winners for this challenge at Hour 18 in six hours. And now for the winners of the Hour Six Shelfie challenge:

Jennifer S. (@robothugs on Litsy)

Ilse Matus (@matusilse on Twitter)

Kavita R. (@kavitathereader on Instagram)

Jenna Morrison Campbell (@sheridan4369 on Twitter)

Steph Auteri (@stephauteri on Twitter)

Sarah VInka (@sarahbussing on Instagram)

Gemma (@bookworm54 on Litsy)

Casey Rose (@caseyrosereads on Instagram)

Laura Brauman (@lauralovebooks1 on Litsy)

Katie H. (@skateanddonate on Twitter)

Winners, go hit up the prize page now! See you fine readers back here in three hours for more prizes.

The most epic of #readathongoals is when you can not only spend the weekend free of responsibilities just to read, but when you also have a serious support crew that will do things like make you breakfast or bring you a mug of tea just the way you like it. During readathon weekend (especially Day One), I’m a big fan of a good breakfast a little later in the morning once I’ve been up and reading for a few hours, something that will last me until a late lunch at least. For me, that’s an everything bagel with schmear, lox, and all the fixings. (NOM).

So tell me, what are you digging into this morning? And more importantly, have you convinced someone to make it for you?

I’m not at all sorry for that gif, right there.

I suppose if you can’t have pancakes, free books are a good consolation prize. So here’s some more prize winners:

Melissa (on Instagram @agalaxyofbooks)
Anouchka (on Twitter @xAnouchka)
Rachel Hearn (on Instagram @rachelmhearn)
Andi @ Estella’s Revenge
Amanda Meter (on Instagram @amandameter)
Erin Mendoza (on Litsy @SheReads3)
Delmy (on Instagram @_the_browneyed_girl_)
Lerato (on Instagram @clockworkreader)

But really, let’s all hope for some pancakes today too. You can also still enter the Hour Six Shelfie challenge too!

 

If you’re following the official time clock it is 6am, which means you’re either still asleep (hashtagreadathonforpeoplewholiketosleep) or you’re getting an early start on your reading goals for the weekend. Are you caffeinated yet? We’re still in early hours of the readathon, so don’t forget to pace yourself and, most importantly, knock out an easy book first so you feel productive and not discouraged for the rest of the weekend.

I’m starting the day with our first challenge of the weekend, and it’s an easy one: show me your shelfie! Technically a shelfie is supposed to be a selfie in front of your bookshelves, but if you want to play fast and loose with the definition, a picture of your shelves will do ;). Snap a picture of yourself in front of your bookshelf (or shelves) and post it online. Leave a comment with a link to that photo (follow these tips for more specific instructions on how to do that) and we’ll draw a winner at Hour 12.

But first, how about a few more random prize winners?

CoCo (on Litsy @cocomass)
Erin (on Instagram @E_calderman)
Jennifer Fontana (on Twitter @JennJenn1227)
Pia Lihme Petersen (on Instagram @pialihme)
Chelle Rydzanich (on Litsy @MaleficentBookDragon)
Jessica Schnebelt (@onlaughterandliteracy)
Alyssa Twitter  (@LiteratiGeek)
Victoria Rodgers (on Instagram @mrstorikim)

If your name is listed above, go pick out your top three prize choices on the Prize page.

We’re trying something a little different this round of 24in48. Until now, this show has been almost entirely run by me (Rachel). I blame my inability to delegate. But now that I’m working overseas and my work schedule isn’t conducive to staying on the official time clock, I’ve brought in reinforcements. Kristen and Kerry will be managing the posts, giveaway winners, and social media during the day, and I’ll be helming the ship for all of you non-US readers. So it’s the middle of the day for me on Saturday, and I’m excited to be reading with you, no matter where you are in the world or what time it is. (I may even get some reading done this time!)

We’re a cool three hours in, and some of you are probably sleeping, some are reading, and some are half-reading, half-sleeping, head nodding.

As your host, I’m excited to start the readathon by giving away some prizes! We’ve got a ton of great stuff to choose from, so if you win a prize at any time during the weekend, make sure you go to the Prize page and fill out the form to get your first choice. There are galleys and finished copies from publishers, both small and large, as well as lots of bookish goodies to choose from. Please don’t forget that if you are based in the US, you should NOT pick a prize from the International Only section.

Julia (on Twitter @kwatschmitsauce)
Jennifer Crawford (on Litsy @LibrarianJen)
Amanda (on Litsy/Twitter @alwz)
Amy Henson (on Litsy @TamarackTrail)
Kelly Krotz (on Litsy @KellyK)
CJ Wolfe (on Litsy @CoverToCoverGirl)
Laura Cerone (@Sweettartlaura)
Amy Massengill (@mom2bugnbee)

Back to it (reading or sleeping, whichever!)

 

Wheeee! It’s time!! Let’s do this thing!

Welcome to the July 2017 edition of #24in48! Right now, it’s midnight ET on the official readathon clock, but we’re kicking things off with a bang. If you’re just now discovering the ‘thon or have been unsure of your weekend plans, you can still sign up and do so throughout the weekend.

A few notes as we get started:

• Lots of helpful information on tracking your time and other tips for readathon success can be found here. You’ll want those tips, I promise.
• Speaking of tracking, if you’re planning on reading a full 24 hours (or even just trying to get close), make sure you track your time. You can do this a number of ways but the preferred method is with a stopwatch on your phone or computer or the Bookout app for iOS devices. If you finish 24 hours of reading, you’ll be eligible to win one of four prize packs, including one just for non-US participants.
• There is ZERO pressure to read for a full 24 hours. Seriously, guys. This is the fifth year I’ve been doing this thing, and I say every time, this is supposed to be fun and low pressure. The goal is to set aside some serious time to read with other like-minded readers.
• Take a break, get some sleep, eat well. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Make sure that your sign-up entry is correct (including email and social media/blog URL). If you’re not active on that social platform during the ‘thon, you won’t be able to win any of the amazing prizes we’re giving away. By URL I mean, don’t just type “Twitter” or “Facebook.” I need to be able to find you, so list your username or the URL of your feed (i.e. http://twitter.com/24in48readathon). If you need to update your entry, you can do so by going through the link you received in your confirmation email. If you didn’t get an email and need to update your entry, email me ASAP at 24in48readathonofficial@gmail.com.
• If your name is announced as either a door prize winner or a challenge winner, go over to the Prize page and fill out the form. If you don’t check in there, you’ll miss your shot to win.
• Follow the conversation (which honestly is my favorite part of the ‘thon) on social media. I’ll be posting from @24in48readathon on Twitter, on the official Facebook page, and @24in48 on Instagram and Litsy. You can – and should – use the official hashtag #24in48 everywhere as well.
• We’ll be posting here every three hours with challenges and door prize giveaways, so check in early and often.

Let’s start off with an intro survey so we can all get to know each other. Post your answers (or a link to your answers) in a comment below:

1. Where in the world are you reading from this weekend?
2. Have you done the 24in48 readathon before?
3. Where did you hear about the readathon, if it is your first?
4. What book are you most excited about reading this weekend?
5. Tell us something about yourself.
6. Remind us where to find you online this weekend.

Four people who complete the survey will win their choice of prize. You have until the midway point, Hour 24 at midnight ET tonight, to enter.

Happy reading, ‘thoners!

Can you believe we’re just a few days away from the start of #24in48? (Let’s not even talk about the fact that this is our fifth year doing this whole shebang.) During the last round, we gave away some prize packs to a few lucky readers who managed to finish a full 24 hours of reading and you guys really liked it! So we’re doing it again, thanks to some fantastic prize sponsors. We’ve got four prize packs to give away this time, three for US-based readers and one for international participants.

First of all thanks to our prize sponsors for these amazing donations.

In order to be eligible for one of these prize packs, you must:

1. Sign up officially using your name, a valid email, and a URL/username for the platforms you’ll be updating during the ‘thon. (If you need to edit your response to include an actual link or username, you can do so by following the confirmation link you received when you signed up.)
2. Be active on those platforms during the readathon.
3. Use some method of tracking your time. This can include your phone’s stopwatch function or a digital stopwatch (preferred) or a written time tracker, but your 24 hours must be clearly recorded. (If you need a digital stopwatch, Google “stopwatch.”) *Pro-tip: take a screenshot of your stopwatch every time you pause it, just in case you accidentally reset it instead of restarting it.*
4. In the post that goes up at the end of the readathon, you’ll be able to submit your info and proof of 24 hours of reading. You’ll also be asked to note whether you’re US-based or international.
5. You’ll have until midnight ET on July 25th to submit this proof, after which the form will be closed.

Obviously, your proof is on the honor system and, while I’m thrilled to be able to offer these prize packages, please don’t abuse it.

Okay! Now for the fun part:

Prize Pack #1

1. $100 Gift Card to the Book Riot Store (which includes Out of Print’s gear), courtesy of Book Riot
2. The below Virginia Woolf Art Print, courtesy of Obvious State

Prize Pack #2

1. $50 Gift Card to Litographs.com
2. The below Herman Melville Art Print, courtesy of Obvious State
3. A Graywolf Press tote bag

Prize Pack #3

1. A brand new Kindle Fire 7
2. $25 Gift Card to Amazon.com
3. Your choice of Book Riot tote bag, courtesy of Book Riot

Prize Pack #4 (For International Winners only)

1. $50 worth of books from BookDepository.com
2. Your choice of mug (up to EUR 15) from The Literary Gift Company
3. Your choice of tote (up to EUR 15) from The Literary Gift Company

Questions? Leave a comment or send an email to 24in48readathonofficial@gmail.com!

Happy summer, fellow readathon-ers!

I hope that everyone’s warm- (or cold, for you Aussies) weather reading is in full swing and you’ve been plowing through your summer reading lists or beach stacks. Or if you’ve had a bit of a slump because you’re doing ALL THE THINGS, I have the answer.

Our next #24in48 is back! Join us on July 22 & 23rd for a weekend full of reading. It promises to be another great one. (You’ll be happy to know I’ll not be steering the good ship 24in48 alone this round. I recently relocated for a job in another country and finally decided to call in reinforcements. So cheers to Kristen and Kerry who will be manning most of the social media during readathon weekend.)

If you’re new to 24in48, this is the basic gist: beginning at 12:01am on Saturday morning and running through 11:59pm on Sunday night, participants read for 24 hours out of that 48-hour period. You can split that up however you’d like: 20 hours on Saturday, four hours on Sunday; 12 hours each day; six four-hour sessions with four hour breaks in between, whatever you’d like.

And that’s it. The format never changes but it’s always an adventure.

Have more questions? There’s an FAQ page for that. Also, in response to some feedback, a more detailed “how to participate” post is coming soon.

Ready to join? Fill out the form below and feel free to list any and all of the places you’ll be hanging out online during the ‘thon. Check out who else is participating. If your entry doesn’t immediately pop in to the spreadsheet, give it a few minutes to populate.

And you can follow the readathon in all the normal places. We’re on Twitter, Instagram, and Litsy (@24in48) and you can use the official hashtag #24in48 everywhere to keep up with your fellow readathon-ers.