Free for All Friday, October 21

I know many of you set reading goals at the beginning of the year and, if you're anything like me, you're behind with your reading.  While I've managed to stay current with my goal of reading 100 books this year, I'm woefully behind on the number of books I'd like to read for the Colorful Chick Lit Challenge.  I'll be spending 24 hours, beginning at 7 a.m. CST Saturday, reading to catch up.  Sponsored by the good people over at Dewey's Read-a-Thon twice a year, I try to participate at least once a year and always enjoy the visits from other readers to the blog.  Stop by Saturday and Sunday for updates here and over on my tumblr.  Details are below.

What is the 24 Hour Read-a-thon?
It’s sort of a reading challenge, only everyone participates at the same time. For 24 hours, we read books, post in our blogs about our reading, and visit other readers’ blogs. We also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day and win prizes.

Do I have to stay up the whole 24 hours?
No, although it’s more fun if if you do. Cheerleaders only need to commit to at least one hour, and Readers can either choose to stay up the entire time or take breaks as they need to. There are some prizes that you’ll only be eligible for if you participate all 24 hours.

Do e-books count?
Well, sure! Also audio books, reading to the kids, etc

Where can I sign up? 
You can sign up to be a Reader in the read-a-thon here and can sign up to be a volunteer here.

An overwhelming number of people that read this blog and follow me on Twitter are women.  I've had discussions with a few of you about whether or not men read and, if they do, their reading habits.  Though the handful of male readers rarely chime in, you'll be hearing from them soon as I launch my "Real Men Read" series.  If you've wondered where the men that read are and what they're reading, you'll have a chance to find out as I feature their thoughts about and comments on books once a month.

That's all for now.  Anyone joining me for the read-a-thon?