I thrive on challenges with set deadlines. So when my friend Marcie told me she was participating in Dewey’s 24 hour readathon this Saturday, October 21st, I wanted in! I love to read, yet never feel like I have enough time to get to all the books on my shelves, on my nightstand, piled on my office floor (you get the picture.) I have a few family things to attend to this Saturday, but no work obligations. So I am determined to make this readathon work. Here’s my plan of action:
- Do ALL the laundry I typically do on Saturday on Friday and Sunday.
- Take breaks only to eat, exercise, and run the necessary errand
- Get a good night’s sleep on Friday so I am not a drowsy reader
- Get my kids involved in the readathon too
This last bullet point is crucial because if my kids don’t read, I can’t read. I have offered them reward incentives for every 25 pages read during the day on Saturday. I hope this encourages their own love of reading. They are excited about the challenge (and hopefully their excitement lasts!)
While exploring the internet, I discovered that readathons take place all the time. Want to try one yourself? Dewey’s 24 hour readathon takes place twice a year in October and April. Also, Molly’s Book Nook has organized a helpful list of readathons being hosted all year long. Take a look and join me in this fun, productive challenge!
P.S. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I will NOT be reading for a full 24 hours. I would be worthless on Sunday if I did. But Dewey is not strict about this. You can participate and just read as much as you can.
Teri McDowell Ott 
One response to “My First Readathon”
I’m joining in for 7 hours (ish) as that fits with my schedule. Good luck on Saturday, I hope you get to some good books.