Read-a-thon Progress For Day 2

I started on The Persian Boy tonight. I accumulated 46 minutes on it. My total reading time for today was 1 hour and 24 minutes. So far, that leaves me with a grand total of 2 hours and 27 minutes.  That leaves me with 21 hours and 13 minutes to go.

Finished The Pursuit of Marriage

I finished The Pursuit of Marriage this afternoon. It took me 58 minutes.  I don't know where I'll be releasing it yet, but it'll probably be released sometime within the next week, time and weather permitting.

The next book I plan on reading is The Persian Boy by Mary Renault.

Reading Time Total For Day 1 Of Read-a-thon

Yesterday was Day 1 of the read-a-thon that I'm involved in. I managed to accumulate 1 hour and 3 minutes of reading. The basic goal of the challenge is 24 hours, so I basically have 22 hours and 57 minutes to go.

I have less than 100 pages of The Pursuit of Marriage to go, so I'll probably just finish that today. It may be the only reading I end up doing today as I have yet another project to catch up on.

Watch for more updates on my progress for the read-a-thon.

Today's The Day

Starting today, I will be involved in a read-a-thon where I try to devote a total of 24 hours in seven days to reading.  I will be recording my progress on this blog for each day on that night or the next morning.

The book I will start with for the read-a-thon will be whatever's left of The Pursuit of Marriage. If I end up finishing it before the week is up, I will move on to the next book, etc.

J.D. Salinger RIP

I just found out that J.D. Salinger, author of The Catcher in the Rye (which I read in college) and Nine Stories (which I had on my reading list for a while) is now dead. The article regarding his death can be found here.  It does mention Nine Stories. (And to think I read that and mentioned it on my blog not too long ago.)

Progress on Current Read, and Other Things

I'm up to chapter 9 in The Pursuit of Marriage.  As it turns out, Lord Berkely wants Cassandra, and Cassandra wants him, although she would not admit to it.

I've recently joined something called "Book Blogs." I'll post the link to it at another time.

I also noticed that I have yet another follower. (Yay!)

Did A Little Shopping

Less than an hour ago, I went to a thrift store called Doggie Bag, which is affiliated with the regional branch of the Humane Society.  I bought eight books there for a quarter each.  They are as follows:

Rogue's Reward by Jean R. Ewing
Mystery Bride by B.J. Daniels
An Ocean Apart by Robin Pilcher
Rich Man's Fake Fiancee by Catherine Man
Cardinal Rules by Barbara Delinsky
I've Got You Babe by Karen Kendall
Glory, Glory by Linda Lael Miller
A Bride by Christmas by Heather Graham, et. al.

I will be adding these to my reading list and registering them with Bookcrossing shortly.

Reading On A Sunday Afternoon

I got in some more reading today. I'm up to chapter 6 in The Pursuit of Marriage.  Cassie and Reggie, the two main characters have made a pact to find mates for each other. I remember when my mom had met my now stepdad, she was trying to find someone for him, but he fell for her.  Funny how that kind of stuff works out.

Finally Got Some Reading In

After a couple of days of not reading, I finally got some in today.  I'm partway into chapter two of The Pursuit of Marriage.  I've had other things going on. Tuesday through Thursday, I was in and out picking up, dropping off, and checking on job applications. (Still no interviews as of yet.) Yesterday, I took some newspapers that I had accumulated in my bedroom over to a recycling bin at the local college campus. I did the same thing with some plastic bottles near the kitchen trash can at home and some cans an bottles that I found on the ground on the way to campus.

This morning, while waiting for a guest to show up. (It was someone coming to help my stepdad with something.) Maybe I'll get some more done tonight.

Missed A Day Of Reading

I did not read at all yesterday, at least not for RAB-PIA.  I was in and out yesterday to turn in a couple of job applications and for some reason got caught up in other things in the evening. I went in this morning to check on my application to the local Walgreens (which I live within walking distance of). However, the person who was in charge of that stuff wasn't available. That's okay. Barring anything unforseen, I can always go in next week.  When/if I do get a job, I don't know what it'll do to my "reading time," but I will be sure to keep it on the schedule for when I'm off duty.

The read-a-thon that I mentioned in a previous post is a week from tomorrow.

Progress on Current Read

As you can tell from the sidebar, my current read is The Pursuit of Marriage by Victoria Alexander. I got through the prologue and part of chapter one last night. It takes place in the 1820s when getting married was considered a big thing. There's talk of how the main character, Cassie Effington is so caught up in her interior design business that it's getting in the way of her finding a husband.  She also has allegedly high standards.

That's all I have to say for now.

Back From A Release

I released my copy of Meadowlark today. I was going to release it at the local Memorial Auditorium, but it was locked when I got there. So, I settled for a park near my house.  At least the weather isn't as bad as it was on my last release. There are still traces of snow, but it's nowhere near what it was like last week.

An interesting question came up on the Bookcrossing Forums today: "Monday January 18th - what are you reading- and where are you in the book + real life?" The thread can be read here.


My current answer is that as of tonight, I'll be reading The Pursuit of Marriage by Victoria Alexander. I have yet to read the actual book, but in there, I have a feeling I will be in England in the nineteenth century. In real life, I'm currently at home, waiting on some laundry. I may or may not go back out later today to buy another used book to add to my list.

Done With Meadowlark

Well, I finally finished Meadowlark. Garrick was ultimately found not guilty. Cameron proposed to Becky, but she turned him down. So, basically, Becky's back with Garrick for good.

I think I'm going to miss this book when I release it for someone else to enjoy.  I haven't decided exactly where I will release it.

The next book that I plan on reading in The Pursuit of Marriage by Victoria Alexander.

Sometime in the next week or so, I may have to find more books to buy if I wish to have something to read for the upcoming read-a-thon.

Only A Few Chapters Left

I'm up to chapter 33 in Meadowlark. Cameron, the father of Becky's child, is back in the picture. He can't get the child's name right for some reason.  Garrick is accused of assualting Cameron and is arrested. Becky goes into the jail a couple of times to see Garrick. The last time she does, Garrick says that he doesn't want her in anymore. Also, Becky has a bad reputation with people in the town.

I'm hoping that Garrick is found not guilty. I don't know what will happen between Becky and Cameron. I'll probably be done with the book either today or tomorrow.

Progress on Current Read

I made it up to chapter 22 in Meadowlark last night.  Becky has revealed that she was seventeen. She also eventually had her baby (named Alaina after Garrick's mother) shortly after the horse, Sophie had her colt.  There are a couple of times when Becky has worn pants (which was especially awkward the first time as back in the 1870s the idea of a female wearing pants for any reason was far from the norm).  Becky eventually gets to a point where she actually was to consummate her marriage with Garrick, but her attempts to seduce him into it fail. (They do eventually consummate it, though.) Where I've last left off, Alaina, Becky, and Garrick all get sick. Garrick is sick enough that he has ended up at a "pest house" (apparently the original term for hospital) .  Here's hoping that he gets better.

Announcements: Book Progress And Upcoming Readathon

Last night, I made up to chapter eight in Meadowlark. Normally I don't go into details about a book that I'm reading since the nature of my project involves basically reading a book like I would a newspaper and then dispensing with it and moving on. However, I think I'll make an exception this time, but it'll just be a few noteworthy things.

The main female character, Becky is expecting a child out of wedlock.  There's no chance of the father of the child returning anytime soon. When she almost drowns, someone by the name of Garrick, whom she eventually marries, rescues her. The nature of the marriage is one of convenience, but that's okay because the story takes place in 1870, when that sort of thing was more understandable. And of course, they do have a few bumps in the road (but what couple doesn't). For instance the only thing that Becky knows how to cook is cornmeal and beans. Garrick is sick of this, so Becky turns to someone to teach her to cook other things; in return she offers to do repair work on clothing. (It kind of reminds me of myself. My own "cooking skills" are kind of limited. Most of what I do know how to cook is convenience-type stuff, soup, scrambled eggs, and spaghetti.) Garrick isn't that great with communicating with her, but he'll probably try to work on that.

By the way, barring unforseen circumstances, two weeks from today, I will be participating in a read-a-thon where the goal is to devote a cumulative 24 hours of reading in one week.  The details can be seen here: http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/6/6648521/16

During that time, I will update reading time as well as how far along I am on the particular book(s) I am on at the time.

Got Through Chapter One In Meadowlark Last Night

Last night, I finished chapter one in Carolyn Lampan's Meadowlark. I have found lately that, when I read, I try to get through whole chapters, or in the case of Nine Stories, whole stories.

I don't know how far I will get tonight, but as usual, I'll be sure to keep you all posted as soon as possible.

Just Got Back From Releasing Books

I just got back from releasing three books on the bottom level of the local Memorial Auditorium. I put A Death in the Family and Nine Stories on different tables and The Grand Finale on the counter in the ladies' room.

There's still snow and slush on the ground though it's not as much as last week. My sneakers and socks got wet so I took those off after I got inside and took off my coat and then changed into some dry socks and my Mary Janes.

I almost never find out about what happens to my books after I release them. I may or may not find out what happens to the ones I released today. But hopefully, they'll find their way to another reader and not the Lost and Found or a trash can.

Finished With The Grand Finale

I finally finished The Grand Finale today. This afternoon, barring anything unforseen, I'll be releasing it, along with the other books on my "To Pass Along" list. (I meant to give updates last night, but I eventually wore out.)  The most likely place will be at the local Memorial Auditorium.

The next book I'll be reading is Meadowlark by Carolyn Lampman.

Progress On The Grand Finale...And What I Found

I managed to get through the first three chapters of The Grand Finale by Janet Evanovich.

Earlier this afternoon, while reading the book I found the original receipt for it, which dates back to June 10 of this past year at 2:25 PM. The book was bought at the Phoenix International Airport in the Phoenix by the same name. More specifically, it was bought from a store called "The Paradies Shops."  The original price for the book was 7.99, but there $4.00 was knocked off of that price (omething about a "read & return disc). The total cost of the book after tax was $4.32, which was paid by a Mastercard.

I never thought I would ever find out so much about a book that I bought at a flea market on a road trip for (I think) a dollar or two.

What interesting things have you found in a used book?

Finally Done With Nine Stories

I'm finally done with J.D. Salinger's Nine Stories. It is now being moved to the "To Pass Along" list. (When I will be letting it go depends on when the weather warms/clears up for me to do that.)  The next book I will be reading is The Grand Finale by Janet Evanovich.

Progress on Current Read

I'm still on Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger. I'm on the second to last story, "De Daumier-Smith's Blue Period." I hope to be finished with the book sometime tomorrow.

Finally Started On Nine Stories and Finally Have A Follower

Today, I started on J.D. Salinger's Nine Stories.  I saw most of the movie Groundhog Day on TV today. As usually I read during most of the commericals. I had managed to read the first story, "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" (and unfortunately, in my hometown, today is far too cold for bananafish) and part of the second story, "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut." I finished the latter after the movie was over.

I hadn't planned on doing this, but at this time, I'd like to give a shout-out to my first "follower" and fellow Bookcrosser, Mozette. Mozette, if you're reading this, I hope you enjoy the blog, and I'd love to hear what you think about it.

Second Anniversary of My First BookCrossing Publication

The first time I had anything published with Bookcrossing was two years ago. It was especially lucky for me as it was the first thing I had ever written for them. Here's the link to the article:

http://www.bookcrossing.com/articles/2844/My-First-Caught-Release

Generally, when Bookcrossing approves and publishes an article, they'll let the author know via email. I didn't find out about the publication until maybe a week later, partly because I was behind on my email as it was and partly because I was too stressed out over my mom's then Himalayan cat Mo who, due to what turned out to be complications to his liver, was in the hospital at the time to even mess with email or Bookcrossing.

(It'll be two years ago tomorrow that, due to what little chance he would have had of a proper recovery, Mom ended up making the difficult decision to have him put to sleep. He would've been six the following summer. May he rest in peace.)

Bookcrossing Article Published

I found out today that an article I wrote for bookcrossing has been published today. I had actually written it prior to starting this blog. It also mentions a copy of The Crucible that I had bought from the same bookstore that I had bought A Death in the Family (which I can't wait to release once the weather clears enough for me to do that), read, and eventually released. Here's the link:

http://www.bookcrossing.com/articles/3281

List Is Now On Sidebar

I had originally planned on always putting updates to my list in posts, but I decided it would be easier to simply put it on the sidebar and just edit it when necessary rather than having to write out the list every single time.

Finally Finished A Death in the Family

This afternoon, VH1 was playing both Grease movies, the second one followed by the first. Of course, I read during the commercial breaks and finished A Death in the Family. It is now offically in the "To Pass Along" category. However, when I "pass it along" will depend on the weather. The next book I plan on reading is Nine Stories by JD Salinger.

More Commercial Break Reading

Tonight, I managed to catch part of the movie Grease. One of the times that it went to a commercial was right after the part where a couple of guys mooned the camera. (Does anyone remember that part?) Of course, I got some reading done during the commercial breaks.

I also got some reading in during the commercial breaks of South Park on Comedy Central, King of the Hill on Cartoon Network, and back on Comedy Central, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report.

I've finished Part II today and am now at the final "part" which is Part III. I'm up to chapter 16.

Changed My Name

Don't ask me why, but tonight as I was surfing the net, there turned out to be ANOTHER "Tiger Mouse". So now, I'm changing my name to "Moderate Mouse."

Got Three Chapters in Today

Earlier this afternoon I got chapter nine in A Death in the Family read.

Tonight, I caught the newest episode of Teen Mom on MTV. Once again, during the commercial breaks, I got some reading in. I managed to get through all of chapter ten and part of chapter eleven, so I finished chapter eleven after Teen Mom was over. I'm now up to chapter twelve. Yep, I have more than half of the chapters read.

Reading During Commercial Breaks

So, tonight, I watched the finale I Want to Work for Diddy 2 on VH1. (In case there's anyone here who normally watches the show but was unable to catch tonight's episode, Ebony was the winner.) During the commercial breaks, I'd pick up my current read, A Death in the Family, and read it until the show came back on. I had started at the beginning of chapter eight tonight.

After all of the commercial breaks were over, I had about a page and a half left. I finished that after the show was over. I'm now at chapter nine.

Normally, people use commercial breaks to get a drink, grab something from another room, etc., but how many can say that they read during said breaks until a show comes back on? (Dare I mention that this is not the first time I have ever done that?)

Progress on Current Read

The book I'm currently reading is A Death in the Family by James Agee. At this time I'm at Part two of three and chapter eight of twenty.

As the weather in my hometown is such that it's best not to go out unless there's a particularly pressing need, I may very well get some reading in today. If I do, I'll let you know.

Current RAB-PIA Reading List

My debut reading list for RAB-PIA is as follows:



Currently Reading:


A Death in the family by James Agee


To Be Read:


Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger


The Grand Finale by Janet Evanovich


Meadowlark by Carolyn Lampman


The Pursuit of Marriage by Victoria Alexander


The Persian Boy by Mary Renault


Tender Savage by Phoebe Conn


The Love Killers by Jackie Collins




Please note that as I have no books waiting to be released, donated, etc., I have not listed the third category, "To Pass Along." This will change when I have finished my current read.

Introduction to RAB-PIA

Hello, and welcome to my blog. I am a college graduate in the process of developing a career in writing, part of which involves reading. This blog is devoted to my latest reading project, Read a Book, Pass it Along, or for short, RAB-PIA.

In the past, books have made their way to my shelf in various ways: at Christmas or on my birthday or from bookstores, garage sales, etc. Sometimes, if someone was looking to thin out their book collection, I'd take some books off of their hands. I didn't always get around to reading a book right away though. There were books that I'd choose to keep for as long as possible after having read them, but then there were some that I'd read once but at some point wished to part with them. I'd maybe donate books in the latter category to somewhere like the Salvation Army at some point, but otherwise, I didn't know what else to do with them. That is, until after I had discovered an online book club called Bookcrossing (where I go by Modmouse), where people would register books that they had read or intended to read (or not) and when they were ready, either send the books to someone else or leave them in a random public place (known as "the wild") for someone else to find and enjoy but I'll go into more detail about that in another post.
After having been affiliated with Bookcrossing for a while, not only did it help make my own bookshelves less crowded, it also motivated me to read books that I had but had yet to get around to reading so that after I had read them, they could be sent off for someone else to enjoy. Eventually, this lead to what I now call RAB-PIA (Read a Book, Pass it along).

RAB-PIA is basically where I read a book from my own bookshelf and then send it somewhere else for someone else to enjoy. In college, I did this with books I had obtained one way or another a long time ago but had yet to get around to reading. I also did not have a formal list of said books at the time. At best, I'd maybe have a handwritten list of books I intended to read and then release at my earliest available opportunity. Now, whenever I can, I buy used books from used bookstores, flea markets, thrift stores, etc., with the intent of keeping them just long enough to read them once and then send them along their way. (The reason I prefer to go with used books for this project is that they are theoretically less expensive than new books, and for some reason, with a new book, I'd feel compelled to justify having gotten it new by keeping it for at least a couple more years.)
For the RAB-PIA project, not only do I have a formal reading list (which I will be updating periodically), I have divided it as follows:
To Be Read: Books I have bought or otherwise obtained and intend to keep only long enough to read them, after which time I will either send to someone else or leave in a random public place (a.k.a. "the wild").
Currently Reading: This will be the book that I will be updating my progress on every day or as often as possible until it is finished. After that time, said book will be moved to the "To Pass Along" category, and whatever is on the top of the "To Be Read" list will be moved here.

To Pass Along (will only be listed when applicable): Basically, I will have finished the book and intend to either send it to someone else or release it "into the wild" at my earliest available opportunity. Ideally, if this category is noted, there will only be one book on it. However, if weather or other unforseeable circumstances prevent me from dispensing with one book before I finish another, there may be multiple books here. Obviously, once I have release, donated, or otherwise dispensed with said books, they will no longer appear on the list at all. I will be sure to note when I have released, donated, etc. any books that are under this category.
Please note that any book that I am borrowing from a library or another person will NOT be on this list as said book would need to return to a specific place upon being finished and/or by a certain date. I also will NOT be listing books that I will be keeping indefinitely for reasons such as (but not necessarily) later reference, sentimental value, or as previously noted, a new book for which I feel obligated to keep for a substantial amount of time to justify having bought it new.
As the inspiration of RAB-PIA has resulted, at least in part, from my time with Bookcrossing, I will likely be posting links to journal entries (another Bookcrossing feature) from anyone who "catches" anything I have released as well as links to any articles I have published on the Bookcrossing website.
Thank you for visiting this blog. I hope you enjoy it. Soon to follow are my current reading list as well as the current progress on my most current read, A Death in the Family by James Agee, which I had bought at a local used bookstore.