105 Ways to Give a Book

Almost There: 48 Hour Book Challenge

48 Hour Book ChallengeWow, the 48 Hour Book Challenge really crept up on me. It’s like, this weekend! Here are the guidelines again, with a few minor changes — mostly an allowance for a few graphic novels in your total count. If you haven’t done so already, sign up at the original post.
  1. The set weekend is June 6–8, 2008. Read and blog for any 48-hour period within the Friday-to-Monday-morning window. Start no sooner than 7:00 a.m. on Friday the sixth and end no later than 7:00 a.m. Monday. So, go from 7:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday... or maybe 7:00 a.m. Saturday to 7:00 a.m. Monday works better for you. But the 48 hours do need to be in a row. That said, don't sweat it if you need to have a big gap in the middle to go to a recital, swim team, or work. You just can't stop the clock.

  2. The books should be about fifth-grade level and up. Adult books are fine, especially if any adult book bloggers want to play. If you are generally a picture book blogger, consider this a good time to get caught up on all those wonderful books you’ve been hearing about. In the past I’ve not allowed graphic novels in the interest of making sure that the number of books and page counts mean the same thing to everyone. However, if you’re going for the gold as it were, you can mix in up to three.

  3. It’s your call as to how much you want to put into it. If you want to skip sleep and showers to do this, go for it. If you want to be a bit more laid back, fine. But you have to put something into it or it’s not a challenge.

  4. The length of the reviews are not an issue. You can write a sentence, paragraph, or a full-length review. The time spend reviewing counts in your total time.

  5. For promotion/solidarity purposes, start the challenge with a specific entry on that day. Write a final summary that clearly includes the number of books read, the approximate hours you spent reading/reviewing, and any other comments you want to make on the experience. It needs to be posted no later than noon on Monday, June 9th.

  6. Sign up in the comments at the original post. You’re welcome to post the challenge on your site. On Friday, June 6, I’ll have a starting-line post where you can sign in to say you’re officially starting the challenge.
I’m still looking for donations for prizes for most books read, most hours spent, and most pages read (if it isn’t the same winner as most books read). Last year I also picked out some “door prizes” randomly from the participants. So far I’ve got some signed books, t-shirts from Threadless, blank journals, jewelry, gift cards, and more. If an illustrator would like to contribute an original sketch or picture, I’d be in heaven. If you’d like to contribute to the prizes, shoot me an email at motherreader AT gmail DOT com.

10 comments:

EM said...

I was all set to do it this year, and then I got slammed with two birthday parties, an alumni sing, Youth Sunday preparations, and a husband who said, "Um, no way are you dumping the kids on me all weekend; see above." Maybe next year . . .

Mary Lee said...

We're getting psyched in Columbus -- bloggers from 5-6 local kidlit blogs will be meeting for breakfast and a visit to our independent children's bookstore to launch our read on Saturday!

Little Willow said...

I am so psyched.

Saints and Spinners said...

Some year this will work for me! I've got a big gig this weekend.

I'm glad you host the 48 Hour Book Challenge.

Tricia said...

DRAT! Hubby has a new job and he now works weekends. I just don't think I can carve out any time with a 7-year old nipping at my heels. I'll be with you in spirit, however.

Anonymous said...

I have a kitchen table full of YA books ready for me to crack open come Friday morning! I am so ready!!

I e-mailed you last week about contributing signed books as prizes.

Camille said...

Last year it was Washington DC and this year it is turning out to be a wedding dress weekend. That's ok, I'll tuck it in somehow.

Unknown said...

I posted this on the original post, but I wasn't sure if you'd see it there. Is it too late to sign up to participate? Some of my plans for the weekend got canceled, and I have some time now.

Bethany said...

Is this only a once a year thing? I wanna play, but I'm getting ready to go out of town for teacher workshops and leaving a houseful of kids with my hubby. :(

Will it be next year before you do this again?

Patty said...

Same question is this just once a year?? I stumbled onto your blog and would LOVE to participate, but it's just too nice outside! Do you do this in January or February? This would be a great idea to do with students in my HS!