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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Melanie wrote: "I started and finished my first book today ... so friggin amazing!"

Wow Melanie! Good on you:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "I started Niceville today and so far with the little i have read am finding it very interesting."

I'll wait for your review Michael...I haven't heard of this author before, but the blurb reads that it could be really good. Some mixed reviews though...hope you enjoy it:)

[Lesley]

I started When She Woke today. It's not something I would normally read but good so far.

[Jackmeister]

Here is my final list, I have now named my missing 2 books, numbers 5 & 7;
1 - -Aussie Author
2 - - To be read
3 - - Food
4 - - Summer
5 - - Australia Day - RIP Bryce Courtenay
6 - - Gay character/author
7 - - Christmas
8 - - New release
9 - - Literature map - typed in Robert Crais got Stephen J Cannell
10 - - Valentines Day
11 - - Fantasy/Horror
12 - - Re-read

[Melissa]

Brenda wrote: "How many of you have started this challenge already?"

I finished yesterday afternoon and started last night. I will be heading to NZ for a driving holiday in a week so started a few days early to make up for time i'll lose while away.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Jackie!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Melissa wrote: "Brenda wrote: "How many of you have started this challenge already?"

I finished yesterday afternoon and started last night. I will b..."

Have a wonderful holiday Melissa.. wow that will be great:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my first for this challenge...As Darkness Falls by Bronwyn Parry. It is held in the summer months in Australia, so covering our #4, relating to summer.

My review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "I have finished my first for this challenge...As Darkness Falls by Bronwyn Parry. It is held in the summer months in Australia, so covering our #4, relating to..."

Just out of curiosity, Brenda, how many books a day do you read exactly???!!!! I'm hoping to start the challenge soon. Just need to finish off a couple of left overs from November. Can't wait to get started.This is my first official challenge!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I have finished my first for this challenge...As Darkness Falls by Bronwyn Parry. It is held in the summer months in Australia, so covering our ..."

Haha!!! Elaine, sometimes it only takes one day, others 2 and sometimes more. It depends what I'm doing as well as reading;)

You'll enjoy the challenge, have fun once you start:)

[MarciaB]

Brenda wrote: "I have finished my first for this challenge...As Darkness Falls by Bronwyn Parry. It is held in the summer months in Australia, so covering our #4, relating to..."

Well done Brenda - that's awesome. I'm not even half-way through my first one yet, but I might add that I'm thoroughly enjoying it :)

[Nicola]

I'm already 5 hours into Outlander / Diana Gabaldon. Been a bonus of some sort that my TV has broken, so I'm working on my computer and listening to a book that's 33 hours long!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marcia wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I have finished my first for this challenge...As Darkness Falls by Bronwyn Parry. It is held in the summer months in Australia, so covering our ..."

Thanks Marcia:) Glad you're enjoying yours!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Nicola wrote: "I'm already 5 hours into Outlander / Diana Gabaldon. Been a bonus of some sort that my TV has broken, so I'm working on my computer and listening to a book that's 3 hours long!"

Good on you Nicola:)

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I have finished my first for this challenge...As Darkness Falls by Bronwyn Parry. It is held in the summer months in Australia, s..."

Either way you're still a pretty fast reader. I'm in awe!! Thanks Brenda, I'm sure I will enjoy this challenge. Really looking forward to it.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I have finished my first for this challenge...As Darkness Falls by Bronwyn Parry. It is held in the summer months ..."

Thanks Elaine..yes I am a fast reader..always have been:)

[Melissa]

My reviews so far:

1. Celebrate Australia http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
4. Summer http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
10. Valentines Day http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Melissa:)

[Melissa]

Thanks Brenda

[[deleted user]]

I just finished my TBR choice - Trust Your Eyes and my thoughts about it are here

[[deleted user]]

Also read my Literature Map choice The Night Bookmobile and my thoughts here

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're doing well Jen:)

[Cindy]

Just read the challenge to my 14 year old daughter and she was very enthusiastic, looks like a might have a reading partner..

We have a list, it has taken a lot of consideration but she is happy with the end result and reading out of her comfort zone for some... I have a reading partner, yeah.

1. Aussie by Melina Marchetta

2. TBR by L. King Perez

3. Food by Laura Esquivel

4. Summer by Judy Blume

5. Australia Day by Ruth Park

6. Mardi Gras by Stephen Chbosky

7. Christmas A perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber

8. New release by Jennifer Rush

9. Literature Map Judy Blume and picked by Lois Lowry

10. Valentines Day Colonization - a new release by Aubrie Dionne

11. Fantasy by Ally Condie

12. Non Fiction by Michael Schofield

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Cindy:) Both of you enjoy:)

[[deleted user]]

i am starting with The Chemistry of Tears

[Bronwyn]

I will give this challenge a go. I was disappointed that I did not quite finish the last challenge, it's the first one that Ihave been able to complete.

I can't find the spring challenge so I can update my reading for it. Is it still accessable or has it disappeared completly.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bronwyn wrote: "I will give this challenge a go. I was disappointed that I did not quite finish the last challenge, it's the first one that Ihave been able to complete.

I can't find the spring challenge so I can..."

It's now in the archives section Bronwyn... http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/9...

Don't worry that you didn't finish...as long as you enjoyed what you did read Bronwyn:)

[[deleted user]]

Finished my second book Dash & Lily's Book of Dares super cute

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Melanie wrote: "Finished my second book Dash & Lily's Book of Dares super cute"

Well done:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Cath wrote: "Finished reading The Greatest Gift and A Midsummer night's dream."

The Greatest Gift
A Midsummer Night's Dream

[Catherine]

Brenda wrote: "How many of you have started this challenge already?"

I have started this challenge Brenda. I have finished The Greatest Gift: The Original Story That Inspired the Christmas Classic It's a Wonderful Life and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Happy reading!

[Trina]

Just finished my first book for this challenge, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, which was my lit map pick. I rated it 5 stars, and wrote a review that is less of a review and more of my reaction and it can be found here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... if anybody is interested.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trina wrote: "Just finished my first book for this challenge, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, which was my lit map pick. I rated it 5 stars, and wrote a review that is less of a review and more of my reaction..."

Great review Trina...also sounds like a very profound book.

[KJ]

I'm going to change my #1 choice to Mazin Graceby Dylan Coleman and my #12 to Stories I Only Tell My Friendsby Rob Lowe .

Happy Reading Everyone!

[Lesley]

Recently finished my #11 When She Woke 2 stars; it was just OK.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Im struggling with my first book of the challenge Niceville The first book in ages im not sure i will finish."

That's definitely unusual for you Michael! You don't need to continue if you don't like it....too many other good books out there;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Im sticking at it for now. Seems to be getting a tad more interesting. :)"

That's good to hear:)

[Amber]

1. Aussie author - Nine Days by Toni Jordan
2. TBR - Buddhaland Brooklyn by Richard C. Morais
3. Summer food - Peaches for Monsieur le Curé by Joanne Harris
4. Summer title/set in summer - At the Beach by Roland Harvey
5. Australia Day - The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay
6. LGBT author or character - Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
7. Christmas carols - I'll be reading plenty of these, including Six White Boomers by Rolf Harris and The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
8. Summer new release - Wool Omnibus by Hugh Howey (released in Aus this month)
9. Literature map - The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
10. Valentine's Day - Hannah and Emil by Belinda Castles
11. TBR fantasy, paranormal or horror - Coraline by Neil Gaiman
12. Non-fiction TBR - The First Year: Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by M.E.A. McNeil

Phew! That took a while to put together :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Fantastic list Amber! Yes, it does take awhile, doesn't it!! You will love The Thorn Birds I'm sure, I haven't read it in many years, but it left an impression on me...

[MarciaB]

So I finished my first book for this challenge today - what a book, I absolutely loved it and it's earned 5 stars from me. The next one I'm reading is going to be - woohoo Brenda, I finally got there :)

[[deleted user]]

Great going Marcia. I've made a detour from my challenge reading to read another Jojo Moyes - I'm addicted! Hmmm hang on I've found a way to include it in the challenge by swapping out my Valentines Day selection! Yay The Ship of Brides

[Amber]

Finished my TBR book this morning :) Buddhaland Brooklyn: A Novel by Richard C. Morais ★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marcia wrote: "So I finished my first book for this challenge today - what a book, I absolutely loved it and it's earned 5 stars from me. The next one I'm reading is going to..."

I'm sure you'll enjoy it Marcia:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jennie - Daystarz Books wrote: "Great going Marcia. I've made a detour from my challenge reading to read another Jojo Moyes - I'm addicted! Hmmm hang on I've found a way to include it in the challenge by swapping out my Valentin..."

That's the way Jen:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Finished my TBR book this morning :) Buddhaland Brooklyn: A Novel by Richard C. Morais ★★★"

Well done!!

[Davina]

I've finished two of my books. Sea Change by Aimee Friedman but it was under this name Ocean of Secrets. And I've also finished The Spider Goddess.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Davina:)

[Jackmeister]

I have finished my first challenge book, Laguna Heat , 1 down 11 to go!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jackmeister wrote: "I have finished my first challenge book, Laguna Heat, 1 down 11 to go!"

Well done Jackie:)

[Kirsten]

OK, I finally got around to starting this challenge! I wanted to finish off the last two books in the Spring Challenge first, even though I didn't get to them until the challenge was over. (Too many book club books!)

I've knocked off my TBR book, which, admittedly, didn't take me long as it was a graphic novel. Looking forward to reading The Hobbit again next!

1. Celebrate Australia (Aussie Author) - Tales from Outer Suburbia

2. Lighten the Load! (TBR) - Fray

3. Food! - An Edible History of Humanity

4. Summer - The Summer Tree

5. Australia Day - Seven Little Australians

6. GLBT Author - The Picture of Dorian Gray

7. Christmas - A Christmas Carol

8. New Release - Scent of Magic

9. Literature Map - Queen of Sorcery

10. Valentine's Day - Last Dragon Standing

11. Fantasy TBR - Touch of Power

12. Re-read - The Hobbit