Can’t imagine why anyone would be interested in this, but…I’ve had a lot of questions, so here goes!
Here is how the Book Lust Challenge process works (in chronological order):
- The very first thing I do is look in my Excel database to see what things happened in an upcoming month (for example June is National Fishing Month). Based on what I want to “celebrate” I chose 2-3 books & order them from various libraries. As an aside, I always try to order a copy as close to the original publication date as possible AND read them in alphabetical order.
- As soon as the book comes in I edit the information on LibraryThing with the correct ISBN, date received, etc.
- I then “research” the book to see if it has been made into a movie, whether it is the author’s very first or last (or something in between) book. As an aside, first-time authors really intrigue me.
Later, I take a picture of the cover of the book (upload to LibraryThing if they don’t have the version I have). Lately, I’ve been slacking off on this part & posting without pictures. Have to do better on that part!- I start a “review” page on WordPress, usually just putting in the citation, where it was in Book Lust or More Book Lust or Book Lust To Go &
posting a picture (if I have one). Often I will say a few words about how this book came up on the list or something like that. “Reason read.” - Then I clip two sheets of paper to the book: one for tags and one for review notes and quotes I like.
- Read, read, read and read some more!
- I take notes on a few favorite passages while I read…
- When the book is finished I immediately write a few sentences about my reaction to the book – thoughts, feelings just so I don’t lose the essence of the book.
- When I get the time to write the full review I first put it on wordpress then copy only a section of it to LibraryThing (leaving out the personal stuff like favorite quotes, author fact, book trivia, how it related to my life, booklust twist, etc).
- On the LibraryThing site I fill in the tags box (remembering to include the “accomplished” tag) and rate the book.
- The title of the book is moved from “reading” to “done” in the Excel spreadsheet and taken off the “calendar.”
- Penultimate step: underlining the book mentioned in Book Lust or More Book Lust or Book Lust to Go. I also check off author and title in the index. This may sound redundant but I’m only trying to cover my butt because over two dozen titles mention IN either Book Lust I or II or III were NOT listed in the index.
- Last step: making plans for the next month’s list of books and then the process starts all over again.
There you have it. That’s the process from start to finish. Are you sorry you asked? 😀
~*LunaSea*~ 
Are you still doing this? It sort of sounds like what I’ve been doing, but without the blog.
I am doing this…still. It has been an interesting process.
I think it’s funny. I just got it. Luna Sea.
I am getting really slow. You have a fun site and I like the reviews alot.
That’s the beauty of language. It can mean so many different things! Glad you like the site…this is a huge challenge!
You’re so dedicated…I’m impressed! Maybe I should challenge my HS students to something like this…but on a smaller scale haha
Hope you check out my debut novel, THE WAITING ROOM- it’d be amazing to read your thoughts here:)
I’m not sure that “dedicated” might be the right word…obsessed might be the better term. I’d be curious to hear how you challenge your HS students to read more. I would love to check out your debut novel but if you read tomorrow’s blog you’ll see why I can’t. 😦 However, a good friend of mine loves debuts so I’ll suggest The Waiting Room to her. 🙂
My book’s final changes went to the publisher yesterday. It should be available next month. I thought a March release would be fun because the main character has an attraction for blue-eyed Irish magnets..
But… it’s a feel good romance set in North Carolina which became a state on my birthday, Nov 21st in the year 1789. That might make it a good November choice for you. Then again there is an awful lot of ice cream in the first chapter and July is feel good month.
Would you consider reading the first 25 pages, at least?
I do love your reviews.
Hi Jonna, as a rule I don’t buy my books (being a librarian and all I need to support my “industry”), but if I can get my hands on a copy of ?? (what’s the title?) I will not only read 25 pages but probably the whole thing & as always, post a review.
Thank you. It’s not been released yet. The book is titled, Toggle and when it is available I will get it to you. I appreciate your honest review.
Jonna