**Summer Reading Challenge** - 1/12/12 - 28/2/13

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Dhitri! It's wonderful to have you able to join in again:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jackie wrote: "How does on add an image or a link to the book to one's post please?"

Jackie, in this comment box, at the top RHS you will see 'add book/author'..click on that and type in your book title or ISBN. Then click search, choose the correct book when it comes up...down the bottom, is 'link & cover'...choose which one you want, then click 'add' and it will appear in this box. You can click on (preview) (pale grey next to POST box to check it's as you want first)...and it's done:)

[Sally906]

Have decided on my 'New Release' it is The Skeleton Key by Tara Moss due for release in December 1st

is the 3rd in the series and i have been hanging out for it - have it on pre-order!!!!

[Paperback Princess]

This is only a tentative shortlist, I'll be choosing one book from each category, but here's my shortlist nonetheless LOL

1. Australian



2. TBR - TBA way too many will pick one soon.

3. Food


4. Summer


5. Australia Day
Thanks Devina for this one, otherwise I'd have been stuck, I had this on my TBR but didn't think it was Australia-Day related LOL


6. Mardi-Gra


7. Christmas


8. New Release


9. Lit Map - TBA can't decide on an Author :(

10. Valentine's Day


11. Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror TBR

Choosing Horror for this component



12. Re-Read or Non-Fiction

Re-Reads



Non-Fiction



I hope this somehow helps those stuck in certain categories. Pls let me know what y'all think of my list.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list PP....I wonder if you'll get all of them read;P

[Kim Marie]

Looking forward to some great Summer reading. Thanks Brenda!

1. CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA (AUSSIE AUTHOR):

Preloved by Shirley Marr
....Finished 4 STARS


2. LIGHTEN THE LOAD (TBR LIST):

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
....Finished 4 STARS


3. FOOD (SUMMER):

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
....Finished 3.5 STARS


4. WORDS (TITLE) RELATED TO SUMMER:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
....Finished 4 STARS


5. AUSTRALIA DAY:

Four Fires in honour of Bryce Courtenay (R.I.P.)



6. SYDNEY GAY & LESBIAN MARDI GRAS:

Oscar Wilde and the Ring of Death by Gyles Brandreth
....Finished 3 STARS


7. CHRISTMAS CAROLS: SEE BELOW


8. NEW RELEASE: TBA


9. LITERATURE MAP:

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie from Brent Weeks
....4.5 STARS


10. ROMANCE:

Puppy Love by Frauke Scheunemann
....Finished 3.5 STARS


11. FANTASY (TBR LIST):

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

#7. Since my original choice was unavailable I've read The Spy Who Came for Christmas by David Morrell ....Finished 3.5 STARS

12: RE-READ:

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

[[deleted user]]

Kim Marie wrote: "Looking forward to some great Summer reading. Thanks Brenda!

1. CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA (AUSSIE AUTHOR):

Preloved by Shirley Marr



2. LIGHTEN THE LOAD (TBR LIST):

T..."
Have to let me know you you like

The Blade Itself

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kim Marie wrote: "Looking forward to some great Summer reading. Thanks Brenda!

1. CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA (AUSSIE AUTHOR):

Preloved by Shirley Marr



2. LIGHTEN THE LOAD (TBR LIST):

T..."

Great list Kim:) I'm sure you'll absolutely adore

[Lesley]

I think I might substitute my #2 TBR for The Potato Factory which I have on my bookshelf.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lesley wrote: "I think I might substitute my #2 TBR for The Potato Factory which I have on my bookshelf."

Great choice Lesley...it's the beginning of the trilogy, with Tommo and Hawk then Solomon's Song following. I loved them:)

[Lesley]

I didn't know that Brenda. I think my local (100kms away)St Vinnies has quite a few of his books, and both of those titles from memory, so I should take a look. Thanks Brenda.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lesley wrote: "I didn't know that Brenda. I think my local (100kms away)St Vinnies has quite a few of his books, and both of those titles from memory, so I should take a look. Thanks Brenda."

Wow, 100kms away is LOCAL?? lol Good luck with finding the others Lesley:)

[Kim Marie]

Melanie, I'm trying not to make my expectations too high but Joe Abercrombie has been recommended by more than one friend.

Brenda, I couldn't resist that beautiful cover :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kim Marie wrote: "Brenda, I couldn't resist that beautiful cover :)"

That's the ONLY book (in my memory) that I have ever bought for the cover alone!!

[Kim Marie]

Michael, my brother suggested I read that one and I trust his recommendations but I'll let you know how I go with it :)

[Nicola]

Alright, think I've made all my choices -= although as usual they are subject to change!

1. Aussie author
Unnatural Habits / Kerry Greenwood
2. Lighten the Load - chose a TBR book and then some I am half way through
The Light Behind The Window / Lucinda Riley
The Two Forgers: A Biography Of Harry Buxton Forman & Thomas James Wise / John F.R. Collins
The Middle Sea / John Julius Norwich
The Woman Who Changed Her Brain: And Other Inspiring Stories of Pioneering Brain Transformation / Barbara Arrowsmith-Young
3. Food
Sad Desk Salad / Jessica Grose
4. Book with Summer word or theme
Anne of Summer Ho / Clare Rossiter
5. Australia Day theme
For the Term of His Natural Life / Marcus Clarke
6. GLBT author
Seriously...I'm Kidding / Ellen DeGeneres
7. Christmas Carols
Why Does Santa Wear Red? / Meera Lester
Why Was the Partridge in the Pear Tree?: The History of Christmas Carols / Reverend Mark Lawson-Jones
8. New Release - I'm stretching the date by 6 days – published on the 24th November 2012!
The Black Box / Michael Connelly
9. Literature Map
I entered Wilkie Collins and chose Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Vixen / Mary Elizabeth Braddon
10. Romance
Outlander / Diana Gabaldon
11. Sci Fan from TBR list
A Crown Imperiled / Raymond E. Feist
12. Reread my favourite book
The Gods Themselves / Isaac Asimov

[Melissa]

My tentative list.

1. Aussie Author, Fetish by Tara Moss
2. TBR,
3. Food, Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta
4. Summer in the name, Summer In Salem by Brina Courtney
5. Australia Day, TBA
6. Mardi Gras, The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays by Oscar Wilde
7. Christmas, I always read my kids 'Twas the night before Christmas' and 'The twelve days of Christmas'
8. New Release, TBA
9. Literature Map, still undecided on this one.
10. Valentines Day, THE MARA SONG by M.O. Kenyan
11. Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror, Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick
12. Re read, Smoky Joe's Cafe by Bryce CourtenayBloodlines

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists Nicola and Melissa:)

[KJ]

Wow! This challenge definitely had me thinking..... My list is as follows:

1. Aussie Author: My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin

2. TBR: The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

3. Summery Food: The Belly of Paris by Émile Zola


4.Set in Summer: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

5. Australia Day: TBA

6. Mardi Gras: Tansie by Erika Kimpton

7. Christmas: TBA

8. New Release: TBA

9. Literature Map: Entered Michael Cunningham got Kazuo Ishiguro so my book will be The Remains of the Day

10.Valentines Day: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

11. Fantasy etc TBR: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

12. Non-Fiction TBR: Get Well Soon! My (un)Brilliant Career As A Nurse by Kristy Chambers

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great choices there Kaylene:)

[Kathy]

Oh the indecision, I think I finally have it. Something about me, I have an unhealthy addiction to high heels (not that I need it as I am 5ft11) but like a great pair of high heels, there can always be another fantastic pair to be found that might look even more fabulous.

1. Australian Author - What Kate Did Next by Lisa Heidke


2. TBR - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green


3. Food - Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara


4. Summer related title - Last Summer – by Kylie Ladd


5. Australia Day - The Secret River by Kate Grenville


6. Gay Character/Author - Shine by Lauren Myracle


7. Christmas Carol - Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans


8. New Release - The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro


9. Literature Map(Barbara Erskine) - I Sent a Letter to My Love -by Bernice Rubens


10. Romance - The Next Always: (The Inn at Boonsboro Trilogy Volume 1) – Nora Roberts


11. Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror - Pleasure Unbound (Demonica #1) by Larissa Ione


12. Re-read an old book - The Help – by Kathryn Stockett

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathy wrote: "Oh the indecision, I think I finally have it. Something about me, I have an unhealthy addiction to high heels (not that I need it as I am 5ft11) but like a great pair of high heels, there can alwa..."

Kathy, do you think you could link all your books please, so we can all click on them to see what you've chosen? Thanks:)

If you don't know how, just click on 'add book/author' in the post box, type in the book title, hit search, and when the correct book shows, just click 'add'. If you want the link or the cover, you can choose down the bottom of the drop down box...for the author, you just change over from book to author, all in the 'add book/author' box!

Many thanks:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathy wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Oh the indecision, I think I finally have it. Something about me, I have an unhealthy addiction to high heels (not that I need it as I am 5ft11) but like a great pair of high heels, ..."

Thanks Kathy...the only thing I would suggest is to number them, as you did in your first post, but with the link beside the number. So if you go to post #131, click edit in the bottom RH corner, then you can number them, and separate each one, so they are on a new line:) Once you have done that, click post again (I think it says edit post) and it'll go to the way you want. Have a look at some of the previous posts by other members, and that'll give you a bit of an idea:) You're doing well:)

[Melissa]

My 7 yr old daughter has also put her hand up for this one. Her list so far:
1. Hattie And The Fox by Mem Fox
2. Anastasia (Disney version)
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
4. Heather The Violet Fairy by Daisy Meadows
5. TBA
6. TBA
7. Stella The Star Fairy by Daisy Meadows
8. TBA
9. TBA
10. Sleeping Beauty Disney version
11. TBA
12. I'm not your friend (Ashleigh thinks this a Mem Fox book but I think it may be Sam McBratney, will need to check)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Melissa wrote: "My 7 yr old daughter has also put her hand up for this one. Her list so far:
1. Hattie And The Fox by Mem Fox
2. Anastasia (Disney version)
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
4. Heather T..."

Oh that's so nice Melissa! Wish her best of luck for me, won't you:)

[Kathy]

Brenda wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Oh the indecision, I think I finally have it. Something about me, I have an unhealthy addiction to high heels (not that I need it as I am 5ft11) but like a great pair o..."

All fixed, thanks for your advice.

[Melissa]

Brenda wrote: "Melissa wrote: "My 7 yr old daughter has also put her hand up for this one. Her list so far:
1. Hattie And The Fox by Mem Fox
2. Anastasia (Disney version)
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Ca..."

I will Brenda, she's very excited. We are heading to the library to fill in the TBA.

[Catherine]

1. A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz

2. Geist by Philippa Ballantine

3. The Mango Season by Amulya Malladi

4. Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

5. Australia Day *TBA*

6. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

7. The Greatest Gift... ; Matchless...

8. New Release *A Memory of Light (Wheel of Time, #14; A Memory of Light, #3) by Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson

9. A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

10. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

11. Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb

12. Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time, #13; A Memory of Light, #2) by Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks like a great list Cath...could you link them for us please? Thanks:)

[KJ]

Brenda wrote: "Great choices there Kaylene:)"

Thanks Brenda! :)

[Kim Marie]

Yay...another Hobb reader!

[Catherine]

Brenda wrote: "Looks like a great list Cath...could you link them for us please? Thanks:)"

Thanks Brenda, I will do. =)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Melissa wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Melissa wrote: "My 7 yr old daughter has also put her hand up for this one. Her list so far:
1. Hattie And The Fox by Mem Fox
2. Anastasia (Disney version)
3. The Very Hungry Caterpi..."

Did you manage to get all the books she needed to fill the gaps Melissa?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Cath wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Looks like a great list Cath...could you link them for us please? Thanks:)"

Thanks Brenda, I will do. =)"

Brilliant, thanks Cath! Some great books there:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That looks good Michael:)

[Melissa]

Brenda wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Melissa wrote: "My 7 yr old daughter has also put her hand up for this one. Her list so far:
1. Hattie And The Fox by Mem Fox
2. Anastasia (Disney version)
3. The Ver..."

We haven't been to the library yet, but she does want to read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for her paranormal. We have a heap of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl books at home she hasn't even looked through yet. I'm sure the list will be filled in no time. Will repost when it's done.

[MarciaB]

Finally!!! So, here are my choices - as usual, subject to change:

1. Celebrate Australia


2. Lighten the Load
-
wonder if I'll get there this time!

3. Food


4. Word relating to Summer


5. Australia Day


6. Sydney Gay & Lesbian (GLBT) - Gay character

OR
- not sure
which one yet

7. Christmas (incl Carols)


8. New Release (Dec - Feb)


9. Literature Map

(Similar to Linda Howard)

10. Valentine's Day


11. Fantasy / Paranormal from TBR


12. Non-Fiction from TBR


Thank you Brenda - can't wait to get stuck into these. Good luck everyone :)

[Mish]

Wonderful choices Marcia & Michael.

[MarciaB]

Mish wrote: "Wonderful choices Marcia & Michael."

Thanks Mish :)

[Trina]

Ok here goes my actual list:

1. Aussie author: Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

2. TBR: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 5/5

3. Food: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

4. Summer book: The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson 5/5

5. Australia Day: While I Live by John Marsden

6. LGBT*: Queer by William Burroughs 5/5

7. Christmas: hoping to get a copy of Let It Snow 5/5

8. New release: The Agincourt Bride by Joanna Hickson

9. Literature map: searched John Green, got Jay Asher and so I'll be reading Thirteen Reasons Why 5/5

10. Valentine's day: Atonement by Ian McEwant

11. Fantasy/paranormal/horror: The Waste Lands by Stephen King 5/5

12. Reread or non-fiction: one by Michio Kaku but I've forgotten which I ordered.

[Kelly]

1. Celebrate Australia Jessica
2. Lighten the Load The Phantom of the Opera
3. Food The Grapes of Wrath
4. Summer in Title Heat Wave
5. Australia Day On the Jellicoe Road
6. Gay Character or AuthorUnbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain
7. Christmas Skipping Christmas
8. New Release TBA
9. Literature Map typed in Stephen King got Anne Rice chose
The Vampire Lestat
10. Valentine's Day The Notebook
11. Fantasy, Paranormal or horror Satan's Church: The Third Secret
12. Re-read or Non - Fiction
Lucky Man: A Memoir

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Here is my tentitve list with a number of ommisions.

1: Celebrate Australia by Elliot Perlman

2: Lighten the load by Hele..."

Hey Michael, I just found a New Release for you!!! :):)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Wow great lists here....Marcia, Trina and Kelly! Fabulous:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

How many of you have started this challenge already?

[Nicola]

Already on Chapter 4 of my first book (audio, so easy to listen to while housework is being done!)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Hahah!! Does that mean you're excited Michael...lol

[MarciaB]

I'm about to hop into my bed and start my first book which is going to be

Happy reading everyone :)

[[deleted user]]

I started and finished my first book today ... so friggin amazing!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha!! Oh Michael...we will fight for that one between us, I think!! Apparently it's a stand-alone!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marcia wrote: "I'm about to hop into my bed and start my first book which is going to be

Happy reading everyone :)"

Enjoy Marcia:)