Talk about a wild ride! 10-out-of-10, will listen again! This was amazing. The story was sad and heart-wrenching, yet hopeful. This made me cry.

Xiomara is a teenage girl trying to navigate life with so many things pulling her in different directions. It spoke to so many teenagers living similar lives. There are parents who try to live their lives through their children, parents, who think they're doing what is best for their children, but are actually putting them in cages to live the lives they want for them rather than letting their child just live, forcing instead of guiding. It was so sad and it upset me so much as a parent. The ending was hopeful, because the family as a whole sought outside help to deal with their issues, which so many families need to do, but do not. It gave me hope that while things would never be perfect, they could get better.

I am so very glad that I bought the audibook version of this book, because hearing the author's words, in her own voice made it more powerful and profound for me. This was excellent and I look forward to reading/hearing more from the author.

Whew what a rough start to everything!  Bad morning, meh day at work, very bad commute home.  I'm tired and in pain, but I'm pushing forward.  I had a glass of Stella Red and some jerky and a few pringles.  I'm currently drinking a Real Sugar Pepsi.

I finished Born A Crime  and am continuing with my "Tolkien Project" with the Silmarillion audiobook...I've realized that I've messed up the reading order, but I can't make myself care right now, because this is an audiobook, and the other is not and I don't think I can do ereader or paperback at this current moment.  I'll fix it later when I'm in better shape mentally and physically.  I'm really trying to continue with the positivity, but the negative me creeps out with little rants and offhand remarks.  I'm a sarcastic Negative Nelly at heart, but I'm also a W.I.P. and ever evolving--thus the repeated attempts at being positive.

Hubby and I have appoints with the chiropractor for massages and adjustments this morning, so that's another break from reading.  And I know I won't last much longer, but so be it!  I think I may try The Princess Bride later today when I'm "better".  I think I can use the whimsy.

This is like the worst update ever. I hope everyone is having a good readathon.

Closing Survey

1. How would you assess your reading overall? 4 1/2 stars
2. Did you have a stategy, and if so, did you stick to it? My strategy was literally just to enjoy myself and I did.
3. What was your favorite snack? Pringles.
4. Wanna volunteer for our next event? Perhaps. My schedule is unpredictable, but I may be willing to do something. Stay tuned for the recap post!

Mental/Physical Update: I tried, but failed to make it to hour 24. Excuses, excuses, but A girl was just exhausted. I had a good time. I napped a bit at hour 20, then struggled to focus on reading. I got a second wind and got some reading in but it was slow going. Right around hour 22 or 22:30 I wasn't taking in what I was reading and I started doing that long blink, so I tagged out. I still call this readathon a success! I'll get to my wrap-up a bit later. Still a bit sluggish.

Pages Read: 30....ish

Minutes Listened: 0

Books Completed: 0

Mental/Physical Update: Starting to have trouble with concentration now. I was doing well until about 1:30-2.  With having a not-so-great night of sleep, the struggle will be real now. I've finished World War Moo and begun Shattered Hourglass.  I may have to set an alarm and take a 30-60 minute nap. I will try to soldier it out like always, but it's more about quality reading than quantity of reading.

Pages Read: 275

Minutes Listened: unsure

Books Completed: 2