Bout of Books #24 | TBR + Updates

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 24 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Participating in Bout of Books this time around is a very last minute decision. It's the beginning of a new semester, however this is probably the best time to start. The first week is always just introductions and I'm planning on reading anyways so why not join a readathon? (I ponder while knowing this isn't the best idea. 😅)

My goals are pretty simple. The only one I'm worried about is #3.

1. Read at least 2 books. ✅
2. Read every day. ✅
3. Participate in at least 2 challenges. ❌
4. Visit at least 10 blogs participating in the readathon. ❌

I'm giving myself a couple of options this time around. That way if I don't want to continue with a book/DNF it, I can move on easily to the next available book.

I'll be participating in a blog tour for Riverdale: The Day Before on January 18th... if I enjoy the book. I've been worried about it honestly because I haven't liked a lot of my latest reads. However, I like the show, I tend to enjoy mysteries, and it's a short read. I think once I get into it I'll breeze right through it.

I'm currently decluttering for my monthly goal this January. I'm doing so very slowly. I'm currently working on the first part of my goal which is decluttering my closet. So far I'm donating 5 items and 10 books. I've recycled a garbage bag worth of papers. And I've given a few items to my mother and brother. I would like to finish my closet this week and move on to reorganize my drawer as well. It will be nice to see the top of my drawer for once. I think Decluttering at the Speed of Life will motivate me to go a little faster.

I've been excited for Are You Here for What I'm Here For? for a month. However, again my last two reads weren't amazing so I worry about this random book I picked that has dark elements like one of my disappointing reads. I need to get over that and I think this being a bunch of short stories may help.

I feel like I am guaranteed to enjoy The Un-Friendship Bracelet. It's a children's book that has creative characters in it as well as it being another short read. There is an element of the main characters dealing with a conflict in their friendship but I'm sure it'll get resolved. I need a book to end happily so this one should suffice.

Monday, January 7th, 2019

11:59 a.m.

Currently Reading: Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White

Pages Read: 10

Thoughts: I've actually been decluttering today more than reading this book. I'm almost done with my closet. I just need to rearrange the clothes into an order I appreciate - by color and occasion. I say occasion because I plan to put my shirts first and then my dresses afterwards. I might add jackets in there or I might wait until I have to tackle my second closet. Anyways, I can already tell this book is going to motivate me. I'm really hoping to read more tomorrow during lunch so I can get my closet done after work.

Tuesday, January 8th, 2019

Currently Reading: Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White

Pages Read: 4

Total Pages Read: 14

Thoughts: I read a few pages on my break and then proceeded to fall asleep very soon into getting home.

Wednesday, January 9th, 2019

Currently Reading: Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White

Pages Read: 12

Total Pages Read: 26

Thoughts: I read some more on my break and the container method for books/bookshelves actually makes a lot of sense. I'm kind of excited to go through my books now. I'm currently almost done with my closet. I just need to reorganize my clothes. I do have a few things at the bottom of my closet but most of those are donations that I plan to get rid of once the process is all over.

Thursday, January 10th, 2019

Currently Reading: Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White

Pages Read: 101

Total Pages Read: 127

Thoughts: I'm really glad to make headway with my book. As I was reading it today it felt like it was taking forever but it is not like I wanted to ultimately put it down or anything. I was just surprised I was reading so slow. I would get lost in what it was saying and honestly thinking a certain family member is a low key hoarder who gets angry if I want to throw items away. I'm kind of annoyed because I know I won't be able to get rid of certain items until I move out. I am excited that I basically finished with my closet today though. All I have to do is get rid of all the donation items at the bottom and put my shoe rack there. So I'm moving on to my next step which is my drawers. That means finally going through my junk drawers and the top of my drawers as well as folding everything neatly.

Friday, January 11th, 2019

Currently Reading: Riverdale: The Day Before by Micol Ostow

Book Read: Decluttering at the Speed of Life and The Un-Friendship Bracelet

Pages Read: 206

Total Pages Read: 333

Thoughts: I picked up the pace with the decluttering book since there was a lot of repetition. There were some good bits about after losing someone, professional help, and helping friends and partners declutter. I then read The-Unfriendship Bracelet and loved it so much. I wish I had a book like it as a kid. I'm onto the Riverdale book. I'm worried about this one but I also think It'll be good. I'm hoping to beat my goal of reading two books this weekend.

Saturday, January 12th, 2019

Currently Reading: Riverdale: The Day Before by Micol Ostow

Book Read: Decluttering at the Speed of Life and The Un-Friendship Bracelet

Pages Read: 16

Total Pages Read: 349

Thoughts: I'm surprised I don't mind the switching of POV's. It is happening quite frequently but it flows nicely. It's nice to already know the character's voice and how they look when reading this book. It makes everything easier to get into. I worry for Betty though. I wonder if the author is going to do what I want her to do based one something someone said.

Sunday, January 13th, 2019

Currently Reading: Riverdale: The Day Before by Micol Ostow

Book Read: Decluttering at the Speed of Life and The Un-Friendship Bracelet

Pages Read: 39

Total Pages Read: 388

Thoughts: I would have liked to haved finished this book today seeing at it is easy to get into. I spent the day with my brothers though so I can blame them for not finishing the book. Overall, I did well on my goals of reading everyday and reading at least two books. I plan on visiting a bunch of blogs wrap-up posts today but it isn't a goal I worked on during the actual read-a-thon. I want to plan my next read-a-thon better. Anticipation helps me complete more of my goals.

How has your reading been going so far?

What book(s) are you planning to read this week?