Right, today I’m taking part in my first and THE first (hopefully annual!) 24 Hour Read-a-thon. This is being run by the rather amazing Dewey over at the hidden side of a leaf, so click through for all the details on the who, the where, the what and of course, the why (if it isn’t immediately obvious!).
I’m going to shamelessly cog Dewey’s format here: so this will be my Read-a-thon post, which means it will be updated regularly while I’m participating in the event. I’ll post new stuff above old stuff, so people checking back can find it quickly.
If you’ve just stopped by on a bleary Monday morning, then it’ll probably make more sense for you to start at the end of the post, and work your way backwards… Monday’s are confusing enough without trying to figure out what’s been going on chez Sarah since you last checked in.
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19.37 BST / 18.37 GMT:
I’ve just drawn a random name from the participants of this mini-challenge below, and the winner is Eva! She gets a $20 Amazon gift voucher by email. Eva, please email me at sarah at dillonslattery dot com with the address you’d like me to send this to.
Here’s to lots more hours of enjoyable reading in other languages 
‘Til next year, good night and good luck.
13.37 BST / 12.37 GMT:
Good morning/afternoon/evening, busy Readers!! I’ve just had a quick update from Dewey’s page and it looks like several of you are still going strong – WOW! Go get ‘em, not long now, you’re nearly there.
I’d hoped to have a chance to run through the blogroll again and visit everyone, but the morning has passed me by much faster than I expected and it’s time for me to head out. So, by my reckoning, there have been 8 participants in my mini-challenge to date. Here’s the run-down in no particular order, with links to their updates:
NL = native language, RL = reading language
- andreea: NL = Romanian, RL = English, The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
- iliana: NL = English, RL = Spanish, La Lllorona from Leyandas Mexicanas
- bonnie jacobs: NL = English, RL = German, Erstes Buch by Berlitz 1967 (sehr gut, Bonnie!)
- becky: NL = English, RL = French, Alice in Wonderland
- athena: NL =English , RL = French, Cyrano de Bergerac (I know the link to this website is http://www.aquatique.net, but I just can’t get onto it, sorry… – UPDATE: GOT IT!)
- bybee: NL = English, RL = Korean, not sure of book title, but it’s by Willie Collins
- eva: NL = English, RL = Russian, a bit of Pushkin, a bit of Akhmatova, then a couple of Chekhov’s short stories.
- joy renee: NL = English, RL = Spanish, Don Quixote.
Let me know in the comments if I’ve forgotten anyone. I’m out this afternoon and am not sure when I’ll be back – I’m guessing I’ll do the draw around 19.00 BST / 18.00 GMT, with Mr D to witness. Sorry to keep you waiting for a few hours after the event has finished, but look at it this way: you’ll finish the Read-a-thon and have a few hours’ sleep, then wake up with not only a warm fuzzy feeling from completing the Read-a-thon and mini-challenges (and, possibly, severe heart burn from all the coffee consumed over the past 24 hours), but one participant will also have an extra nice surprise waiting for them in the form of a $20 Amazon gift voucher
Well done again to everyone who has participated, and thank you to everyone who has dropped by to leave encouraging messages too. Remember, it’s not too late – you still have until the end of the Read-a-thon to participate!
Happy reading!
23.04 BST / 22.04 GMT:
I’ve just finished working my way through the blogs of all the readers of the Read-a-thon, and feeling suitably ashamed for putting on such a poor show myself in that department. But I’m ready and raring to go for next time! I’m so impressed by the fantastic blogs I’ve come across. I feel like I’ve found some real kindred spirits, and am inspired in many different ways as a result… not only has my reading list grown, but I’ve also got a rake of exciting new plans and projects to mull over! Not bad for an evening of blog hopping. Aside from all that, here’s a summary of what’s struck me over the past couple of hours:
- I need to learn how to touch type. I mean, PROPERLY touch type. My hybrid touch typing/ glancing at the keyboard method is plenty speedy enough in the world of people making a living off the number of words they translate, but if I want to pull my weight in the real world of blogging readaholics, I’ve got to get faster to keep up with the comments, emails and updates!
- Some people have such a talent for writing that it shines through even when they’re recounting the most mundane of things. There are those who come across so, so witty, I wish I could write like them, and those who come across so warm and friendly, I wish I was there with them.
- I normally tend to stick to certain kinds of blogs. I’ve been missing out. I never realised just how expressive and interesting a personal blog could be.
- Why don’t I read more?! MAKE the time, Sarah. No more excuses
- I love how readers have featured food and drink on their blogs during this event, and in such an inviting way. It really brings home just how powerful a medium blogging can be
Right, that’s it from me for tonight. I’ll check in again in the morning.
20.56 BST / 19.56 GMT:
After a quick bite to eat, I started working through the list of Read-a-thon readers on Dewey‘s blog. Almost 2 hours later and I’m only half way through – some of these blogs are so great I’ve added them to my feedreader for regular perusal. Have a I started reading yet? Er… no, not exactly. (I guess it depends how you define “reading”;) ) Am I bothered? Not at all. This is opening up whole new world of blogging for me, and it’s right up there with the most fun I’ve ever done on a Saturday night with my clothes on.
I’m also thinking I should start a personal blog for insights like this, to spare those poor souls who drop on by for their daily dose of translator-related material
19.01 BST / 18.01 GMT:
The last hour has been totally hectic, a baptism of fire for my first Read-a-thon, but fun too As explained below, my mini-challenge will continue for the rest of the Read-a-thon to encourage as many people as possible to join in, but my posting here won’t be as prolific. I’ll spend a couple more hours checking out everyone else’s blogs and generally enjoying the magic around the event (there’s such a fab “atmosphere” around!) . I’ll read a bit t
oo, but I’ve decided to de-readerify myself – it’s only 7pm on a autumnal Saturday night here in London, but I’m beat… doubt I’ll manage to stay up past 10pm!! Yes, yes, I know, hardly the kind of life one imagines a hip, hop, happening gal like myself to be living, but there you go
Thanks to everyone to who dropped by over the past hour, and I look forward to seeing who else drops by and signs up for the challenge over the coming hours!
18.39 BST / 17.39 GMT:
There are lots of sources of foreign-language books online, but here are a few that look good to me:
* The electronic text collection here has direct links to collections of poetry, electronic journals, ancient and modern literature (along with several annotated translations from/ into English) for a range of Western European languages (including Irish and Catalan, in addition to the “usual suspects” i.e. French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, etc. etc.) This links to a collection from much wider range of languages again… so there’s something here for you no matter how isoteric your language skills If you’ve ever wanted to learn a language or brush up on your rusty Romanian (why not?), now’s your chance – why not start by comparing an English translation with its source?!
* Just in case that’s not enough, there’s a range of additional resources here to start you on your search, from Armenian through Chinese and Islandic to Yiddish.
18.23 BST / 17.23 GMT:
Right, a few tweaks and clarifications to this challenge: (all to help make it more fun!)
* mini-challenge will run from now until the end of the Read-a-thon
* challenge is to find a book and then read it for one hour, anytime during the Read-a-thon.
* draw will take place after the end of Read-a-thon tomorrow (probably around 6pm BST/ 5pm GMT) I’ll post the winner here, and contact them directly for their details of who/where to send the gift voucher.
I think this clears a few thigs up and will also mean that readers joinging late, or taking a break, will still be able to participate int he challenge. Thanks guys!
18.12 BST / 17.12 GMT:
Oh wow, this is fast moving, I can’t believe we’re already over 10 mins into my mini-challenge – thank goodness for tabbed browsing!
Right, here are some ideas if you’re looking for online foreign-language material:
Google book search for French-language books, German-language books and Spanish-language books. Not sure how many more of them there are, but I’m sure you could find some for other languages too by experimenting a bit with the URL. Many of these are in Beta still though, so if you do use them I’d be imnterested to hear how you get on! Any other suggestions, post to the comments and let me know!
Remember, the challenge is to read a book in a language that is not your native tongue for [this hour (that includes time to hunt down the material, so don't worry if you're not actually reading for the full hour...) - UPDATE: CHALLENGE NOW TO RUN THROUGHOUT THE READ-A-THON! FIND YOUR MATERIAL AND THEN READ FOR A FULL HOUR, PRIZE DRAW WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE END OF THE READ-A-THON]
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18.00 BST/ 17.00 GMT:
… AHA!! Fooled you all, I wasn’t about to start reading at all, I was preparing to announce…
My mini-challenge!
If you would like to participate, stop reading whatever you’re reading at the moment, and start reading a book in another language… Don’t read another language? Well then, be a bit inventive… maybe read a translation? (am open to creative suggestions on this criteria!)
If you are participating, let me know by leaving a comment with your native language, the language of the book you are reading, and the name of the book. I will draw one name from among those who participate at the end of the hour, and send a $20 Amazon voucher their way.
For those of you who may not have suitable books at home, check back in a few minutes and I’ll post a list of online books that might help meet the criteria.
Cheerleaders, can I ask for your help on this one? Please let the Readers you visit know that this mini-challenge is taking place, should they wish to take a break. As Dewey has suggested before, most Readers will probably visit their own comments first so letting them know there will, I think, increase participation. Meanwhile, I’ll circulate around other people’s blogs and see how they’re doing.
Have fun everyone!
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17.46 BST/ 16.46 GMT: OK, it’s almost 3 hours into the event, and I’ve read a grand total of…. [drumroll, please!] 0 words!!! Yes, I know, I know, and I started off so well!! An early morning trip to the library saw me haul a load of books up the High Road, just in time for me to dash out for my early afternoon meeting… which duly ran over! So I’m not long home, but I’m here now and about to get started… wish me luck!
(And a big THANK YOU to all the cheerleaders who’ve already been by with words of encouragement – I could see them coming through on my blackberry while I was out, making me all the more eager to get home!)
More soon…
About the author
Sarah Dillon is a qualified, accredited and experienced professional translator originally from Co. Clare in Ireland. She specialises in producing English-language texts that don't "sound" like translations, ensuring her clients' message has the desired impact in their overseas market. She is based in Brisbane, Australia and works with corporate clients, small businesses, agencies and nonprofit organisations all over the world. In her spare time, Sarah is also Marketing Director of eCPD Webinars.
Sarah Dillon has written 252 posts for There's Something About Translation.
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I’ve been reading a book in another language than my native one for the whole read-a-thon, does it count?
I’ve been reading a book in another language than my native one for the whole read-a-thon, does it count?
Sarah, do you have a time this mini-challenge closes and you’ll do the drawing? Do you want it to last just for this hour, or can later readers taking a break come upon this and give it a try then? Also, how long do you want them to read in the other language to qualify?
Sarah, do you have a time this mini-challenge closes and you’ll do the drawing? Do you want it to last just for this hour, or can later readers taking a break come upon this and give it a try then? Also, how long do you want them to read in the other language to qualify?
Well, I forgot to fill in the details.
My native language is Romanian and I’m reading a book in English – The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
Well, I forgot to fill in the details.
My native language is Romanian and I’m reading a book in English – The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
Ooh what a great mini-challenge. I mainly read books in English but I am fluent in Spanish and have a lot of spanish-language books. Being that it’s close to Halloween my pick is a slim book of Mexican folk tales (Leyendas Mexicanas).
Ooh what a great mini-challenge. I mainly read books in English but I am fluent in Spanish and have a lot of spanish-language books. Being that it’s close to Halloween my pick is a slim book of Mexican folk tales (Leyendas Mexicanas).
@andreea: that sounds like it counts to me, well done
@iliana: sounds great too! glad you like the challenge
@Dewey: good questions… er, I was going to have the minichallenge just run for the hour and do the drawing at the end of the hour, but I hadn’t thought about readers taking a break… OK, I’m going to say: mini-challenge runs from now until the end of the Read-a-thon, challenge is to find a book and then read it for an hour, anytime during the Read-a-thon. Draw will take place after end of Read-a-thon tomorrow (probably around 6pm BST/ 5pm GMT) WIll post to my blog to update people, thanks for the prompts!
@andreea: that sounds like it counts to me, well done
@iliana: sounds great too! glad you like the challenge
@Dewey: good questions… er, I was going to have the minichallenge just run for the hour and do the drawing at the end of the hour, but I hadn’t thought about readers taking a break… OK, I’m going to say: mini-challenge runs from now until the end of the Read-a-thon, challenge is to find a book and then read it for an hour, anytime during the Read-a-thon. Draw will take place after end of Read-a-thon tomorrow (probably around 6pm BST/ 5pm GMT) WIll post to my blog to update people, thanks for the prompts!
Thanks!
Thanks!
I have a few questions. You mentioned that we could *maybe* read a translation of a book that had been written in a different language (not our native language). If that counts, then I’m game. I have quite a few of those handy!!!
Also is this a mini-challenge that is open just for one hour or is it any hour of this challenge day?
Thank you!
I have a few questions. You mentioned that we could *maybe* read a translation of a book that had been written in a different language (not our native language). If that counts, then I’m game. I have quite a few of those handy!!!
Also is this a mini-challenge that is open just for one hour or is it any hour of this challenge day?
Thank you!
@ Becky: yes, reading a translation counts, but only if you can’t read another language (that I’ll have to take your word on
) I think if you do read another language, no matter how rustily, there’s enough material online to have fun deciphering something for an hour (there are also plenty of online dictionaries!)
And I hope my update above has answered your (very good!) question about the length of the challenge. Have fun! S
@ Becky: yes, reading a translation counts, but only if you can’t read another language (that I’ll have to take your word on
) I think if you do read another language, no matter how rustily, there’s enough material online to have fun deciphering something for an hour (there are also plenty of online dictionaries!)
And I hope my update above has answered your (very good!) question about the length of the challenge. Have fun! S
What a great idea for a challenge! I will be curious to see what everyone reads for it.
What a great idea for a challenge! I will be curious to see what everyone reads for it.
I’m reading Erstes Buch by Berlitz, 1967, in German. My native language is English, and my German is limited to two years of college German. I’m reading very slowly, but getting most of what I’m reading … I think.
I’m reading Erstes Buch by Berlitz, 1967, in German. My native language is English, and my German is limited to two years of college German. I’m reading very slowly, but getting most of what I’m reading … I think.
@literary feline: glad to hear you like the sound of the challenge! It’s proving to be really interesting, and I’m well impressed at the linguistic skills of the Readers.
@ bonnie jacobs: well done for challenging yourself, that sounds great and I look forward to reading more about how you get on!
@literary feline: glad to hear you like the sound of the challenge! It’s proving to be really interesting, and I’m well impressed at the linguistic skills of the Readers.
@ bonnie jacobs: well done for challenging yourself, that sounds great and I look forward to reading more about how you get on!
Das ist ein Buch! Guten tag.
Good luck with your reading & the challenge!
Cheerleader Chris
Das ist ein Buch! Guten tag.
Good luck with your reading & the challenge!
Cheerleader Chris
Hi Sarah, thanks for visiting. I’m afraid I have always been useless at foreign languages so can’t quite rise to your challenge. I dimly remember reading a Camus in French once but it was like looking at the world through heavily frosted glass for me. I wish I could – it must be wonderful to hear another language in your head.
Hi Sarah, thanks for visiting. I’m afraid I have always been useless at foreign languages so can’t quite rise to your challenge. I dimly remember reading a Camus in French once but it was like looking at the world through heavily frosted glass for me. I wish I could – it must be wonderful to hear another language in your head.
rI am going to *try* to read parts of Alice in Wonderland translated into French. Note the word try.
rI am going to *try* to read parts of Alice in Wonderland translated into French. Note the word try.
although i picked up Pride and Prejudice in Spanish from the library just yesterday for my daughter, i’m not sure i’m up to trying to “read” it with my very rudimentary Spanish skills … great challenge though!
thanks for stopping by!
although i picked up Pride and Prejudice in Spanish from the library just yesterday for my daughter, i’m not sure i’m up to trying to “read” it with my very rudimentary Spanish skills … great challenge though!
thanks for stopping by!
wanted to say thanx for stopping by and sprinkling a bit of cheer.
I’m going to keep this challenge in mind for a break later on. I had two years of high-school Spanish and two years of college Russian. I never reached proficiency in either. I’m sure i’m too rusty on the Cryllic alphabet but i’m think I can stumble around Spanish for an hour, what with all the Latinate cognates in my English vocabulary. Number and tense and other grammar niceties might be an issue but it would be interesting to see how many verbs and nouns will pop out for me.
Meanwhile, I’m anxious to get back to The Historian for awhile. Which, by the way, is making me itch after the kind of classical higher education its characters had that made it possible for them to read ancient manuscripts in half a dozen languages.
wanted to say thanx for stopping by and sprinkling a bit of cheer.
I’m going to keep this challenge in mind for a break later on. I had two years of high-school Spanish and two years of college Russian. I never reached proficiency in either. I’m sure i’m too rusty on the Cryllic alphabet but i’m think I can stumble around Spanish for an hour, what with all the Latinate cognates in my English vocabulary. Number and tense and other grammar niceties might be an issue but it would be interesting to see how many verbs and nouns will pop out for me.
Meanwhile, I’m anxious to get back to The Historian for awhile. Which, by the way, is making me itch after the kind of classical higher education its characters had that made it possible for them to read ancient manuscripts in half a dozen languages.
http://blbooks.blogspot.com/2007/10/sarahs-mini-challenge-read-book.html
http://blbooks.blogspot.com/2007/10/sarahs-mini-challenge-read-book.html
I have also been discovering quite a few new blogs. What a great side treat! Good luck with your reading, and in my opinion, blog reading totally counts!
I have a special treat on my blog for read-a-thon readers, come on by!
Cheerleader Alisia
I have also been discovering quite a few new blogs. What a great side treat! Good luck with your reading, and in my opinion, blog reading totally counts!
I have a special treat on my blog for read-a-thon readers, come on by!
Cheerleader Alisia
Just popping in to wave some pompoms and go rah rah for the 24 hour readathon!!!
Just popping in to wave some pompoms and go rah rah for the 24 hour readathon!!!
So my native English and I decided to read some French with Cyrano de Bergerac.
So my native English and I decided to read some French with Cyrano de Bergerac.
Hello Sarah, thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.
Good luck to you and everyone else participating in the read-a-thon! Happy Reading!
Hello Sarah, thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.
Good luck to you and everyone else participating in the read-a-thon! Happy Reading!
I was late for the foreign language challenge, but I found a side-by-side translation Korean/English of a book by Wilkie Collins. At this hour, Korean looks like hieroglyphics, but I could make out a word or two.
I was late for the foreign language challenge, but I found a side-by-side translation Korean/English of a book by Wilkie Collins. At this hour, Korean looks like hieroglyphics, but I could make out a word or two.
I love blog hopping! I think I’ll be starting your mini-challenge at 9.
I love blog hopping! I think I’ll be starting your mini-challenge at 9.
I’m so thrilled that you found some kindred spirits and that you’re determined to read more that who cares if you’ve read much! You did cheerleading, and no one was expecting you to both, really.
Since most of the participants are my blog friends, I’m DYING of curiosity about which ones you’ve found witty or warm! Of course I think they’re all wonderful!
I’m so thrilled that you found some kindred spirits and that you’re determined to read more that who cares if you’ve read much! You did cheerleading, and no one was expecting you to both, really.
Since most of the participants are my blog friends, I’m DYING of curiosity about which ones you’ve found witty or warm! Of course I think they’re all wonderful!
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