It’s that time of year again! When the days start getting warmer and the sun starts staying up later, and everything calls you to spend a full 24 hours of reading! Or maybe that’s just me! But it’s time for the annual April event of Dewey’s 24-hour Readathon!

The Readathon is tomorrow, but there’s still time to sign up if you haven’t already!

I have been participating in this event for the past 3 years and it is by far my favorite readathon. I also participate in the Reverse Readathon that happens in August and the October event. For me, these are the biggest events of the year. Some people might think that’s sad, but this is what is fun for me! I’ve even volunteered at the last 2 events! This time I decided to just focus on reading, though, because I’m having such a tough time finishing books this year.

There are a few things that I do every year to get myself ready for the big event. I plan my snacks and drinks, set my tentative TBR, and I decide what and how I want to track my reading time. I also prep my reading nook(s) and request time off work if needed (though with my current job that’s not necessary). And I make my family aware of the event, so that they know I will be holed up with a book. I don’t usually make it through the entire 24 hours (though I have successfully done this once!), so I usually have a back up plan for sleep times.

So here is the plan this time around:

The Food

I always try to mix in some healthy items along with traditional snacks and treats. And there are some snacks that are kind of a tradition for me. As far as drinks, I do boost my caffeine intake (even though I don’t drink coffee), but also alternate sugary drinks with water so that I don’t get dehydrated. I also make sure to plan for a real lunch and a real dinner, but I keep the meals simple. I am also famous for buying way more than I will actually eat in one day, so I end up with snacks on hand for a few weeks.

Snacks/Meals

Banana
Tater Tots
Apple w/ Caramel Dip
Chex Mix
Salad
Sugar Cookies
Almonds
Twizzlers
Mixed Fruit
Almond MnMs
Pizza
Ice Cream
Pretzels

Drinks

Dr Pepper
Cherry Coke
Strawberry Soda
Strawberry Lemonade
Chocolate Milk
Assorted Flavors of Tea
Water

The Books

Sometimes I put together ambitious TBRs, other times I just wing it and go with whatever books I happen to be currently reading. Whatever I do, I always try to make sure I have a mix of physical, digital and audio books at my disposal. I have found that audio books can be a lifesaver if I have other things I need to get done on readathon day, or just to rest my eyes from so much reading. Switching between my Kindle and a physical book also seems to help with eye strain since the focus point is different.

I’ve kind of picked a mix of books I’m currently reading and some quick reads or novellas for this particular readathon. Having the novellas in the mix gives me something that I know I can finish so that I feel a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes if I don’t finish a book during the readathon, I feel like I haven’t gotten as much out of it.

Physical Books

Remember Me? Blood Magick Eat, Pray, Love Buddhism for Beginners Bridget

Kindle Books

Lucky in Love Forgiven Kind of Hindu Lumberjanes Volume 1 Little & Lion

Audio Books

The Voting Booth I Wish You All the Best A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow Eleventh Grave in Moonlight More Than Maybe

Tracking/Goals

When I put together my reading log for the year, I made sure to include pages for all 3 of the Dewey’s Readathon events. I decided that I would track what book(s) I read each hour and how many pages I read (or % or time, depending on format). I also put in a section where I could put my goals, the challenges I want to participate in, and any take-aways to remember for next time. I will also be posting to Twitter and Instagram throughout the event. And, though I won’t be doing a running post with updates throughout the day, I will be posting an event recap on Monday.

Goals

Read for at least 15 hours (considering my current sleep issues, I don’t even pretend that I can make all 24 this year)
Be awake for both the start and end of the event (5am my time, so it’s a challenge)
Finish at least 2 books (either ones I’m already reading or novellas are fine)
Cheer on other readers on social media
Have fun and get back in the reading groove

Do you participate in Dewey’s 24-hour Readathon? Or other Readathons?

Disclaimer: All covers link to Goodreads, all titles link to Amazon Smile. I am not an affiliate of either site and am receiving no compensation for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.