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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Some nice reads for you there Kirsten!

[Ben]

1. Aussie Author - Pilgrims by Will Elliott
2. Lighten the Load - The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe
3. Food - Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard
4. Summer - The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi (set in post-global warming 'summer')
5. Australia Day - Eureka: The Unfinished Revolution by Peter FitzSimons
6. Mardi Gras - The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan (protagonist is gay)
7. Christmas - Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey (set at Christmas time)
8. New Release - TBD
9. Literature Map - Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks (search for Alastair Reynolds)
10. Valentines Day - Riding the Rap by Elmore Leonard (romance subplot)
11. TBR Fantasy - The Claw of the Conciliator by Gene Wolfe
12. TBR Non-Fiction - Catch Me If You Can by Frank W. Abagnale

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished the second of this challenge, one of my TBR review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Michael:)

[[deleted user]]

i have finished and started

[Paperback Princess]

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

Brenda this is only a tentative list I'll only be reading one in each category, if I finish before the 31st I'll read another. I wish I read that fast LOL

[Paperback Princess]

My list:-


Australian Author -
Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart


TBR
Blood Storm by Rhiannon Hart


Food
Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin


Summer
Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa


Australia Day
Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park


Mardi-Gra
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky


Christmas
Ex-mas by Kate Brian


New Release
What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang


Lit Map -

Valentine's Day
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson


Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror TBR
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood


Re-Read or Non-Fiction
The Bookaholics' Guide to Book Blogs: the new literary force by Catheryn Kilgarriff


May change this if I need to read something that'll fit in this category for my blog.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Still a good list PP;)

[Amber]

Just finished Nine Days by Aussie author Toni Jordan at 11pm tonight, I had to get through it quickly as it's due back at the library! Probably worth 3.5 stars but I will round it up to ★★★★ :-)

[Paperback Princess]

Brenda wrote:

Yes you choose books that you want to read, corresponding to the #1-12, and list them in here, and read them ove..."

OMG I thought we were to read this only in the month of December LOL

[Lesley]

Paperback Princess wrote: "Brenda wrote:

Yes you choose books that you want to read, corresponding to the #1-12, and list them in here, and read them ove..."

OMG I thought we were to read this only in the month of December..."

That would certainly be a challenge.:)

Last night I finished #6 Mutiny on the Bounty. A great read. 5 stars.

[Amber]

Paperback Princess wrote: "OMG I thought we were to read this only in the month of December..."

You don't have to read them in numbered order either :-) Just thought I'd mention!

[Trina]

adding The Agincourt Bride for my new release.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Paperback Princess wrote: "Brenda wrote:

Yes you choose books that you want to read, corresponding to the #1-12, and list them in here, and read them ove..."

OMG I thought we were to read this only in the month of December..."

HAhaha!!! You WOULD be struggling!! lol

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good on you Michael...bad luck it was no good!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Thank you Brenda. I was determined to finish. :)"

Better than me, I wouldn't have bothered!!

[MarciaB]

Here's my belated review on The Beach House - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[MarciaB]

I finished last night - thoroughly enjoyed it and it's earned 5 stars from me. My book review will follow soon.

[MarciaB]

So, I updated my list today and here it is - as usual, subject to change:

1. Celebrate Australia

- complete and review to follow on 3 January 2013

2. Lighten the Load
-
wonder if I'll get there this time - complete
and review posted
PLUS
-
complete and review posted

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)
- due for release
30 January 2013

9. Literature Map

(Similar to Linda Howard)

10. Valentine's Day
- due for
release 31 December 2012
PLUS
- due for
release 30 January 2013
PLUS
-
complete and review posted

11. Fantasy / Paranormal from TBR


12. Non-Fiction from TBR

[MarciaB]

And, one final post for now - I'm going to start reading tonight!

[MarciaB]

Michael wrote: "Another great review Marcia. :)"

Thanks Michael - as always, your praise is greatly appreciated :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great review Marcia, great list..you're doing well! Glad you enjoyed A Beautiful Place To Die..it was good!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I finished my NR, #8, of which I have an ARC copy, today. ..was brilliant, my review will follow later, as it's not released until 8/1/13, so review in the NY:) Highly recommended!

PS... I love the cover too:)

[[deleted user]]

Thank you Jennie - Daystarz Books for choosing my book, poets don't get chosen very often in reading challenges....(-:

[MarciaB]

Brenda wrote: "Great review Marcia, great list..you're doing well! Glad you enjoyed A Beautiful Place To Die..it was good!!"

Thanks Brenda - there are bound to be more changes as more ARC's come through for review - another 5 on their way!! Of course, trying to fit them all into the Challenge is a bit of a challenge in itself (lol) but I'll get there.

Absolutely loved "A Beautiful Place to Die" and so glad I FINALLY got the chance to read it :) xo

[MarciaB]

Brenda wrote: "I finished my NR, #8, of which I have an ARC copy, today. ..was brilliant, my review will follow later, as it's not released until 8/1/13, so review in the NY:..."

That is a gorgeous cover, isn't it!!

[Jackmeister]

I finished my second book, in the number 6 slot, Mardi Gras category, L.A. Heat, by.P.A. Brown, it wasn't too bad.

[Elaine]

Just finished my first book in this challenge from my TBR list by William Landay and gave it 4 stars. Brenda I noticed you have it marked as to read, I would highly recommend it.

[MarciaB]

Here's my review on A Beautiful Place To Die - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marcia wrote: "Here's my review on A Beautiful Place To Die - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

A great review Marcia:) Very profound!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my NR, #8, of which I have an ARC copy, today. ..was brilliant, my review will follow later, as it's not released until 8/1/13, so re..."

No problem Michael:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marcia wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Great review Marcia, great list..you're doing well! Glad you enjoyed A Beautiful Place To Die..it was good!!"

Thanks Brenda - there are bound to be more changes as more ARC's come t..."

I've had to slow the ARC's down, as I'm having trouble keeping up O_o!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jackmeister wrote: "I finished my second book, in the number 6 slot, Mardi Gras category, L.A. Heat, by.P.A. Brown, it wasn't too bad."

Well done Jackie:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Just finished my first book in this challenge from my TBR list by William Landay and gave it 4 stars. Brenda I noticed you have it marked as to read, I would hi..."

That's good to know Elaine, thanks:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

1. Celebrate Australia! ...book from Aussie author.... Suspect by Michael Robotham ★★★★★

2. Lighten the load! At least one book from TBR
a. The Time of Women by Elena Chizhova
b. Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby
c. Sisters Of Mercy by Caroline Overington ★★★
d. Body Count by P.D. Martin ★★★★★

3. Food! Book related to summery foods Last Chance Cafe by Liz Byrski

4. Related to SUMMER in the title OR is set during summer... As Darkness Falls by Bronwyn Parry ★★★★★

5. Australia Day ...relating to our special day.... Everything I Knew by Peter Goldsworthy

6. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras ..gay character or author.... The Likeness by Tana French ★★★★★

7. Christmas/Christmas Carols book with carols in the story ... The Christmas Train by David Baldacci ★★★★★

8. New Release - in the months of summer ... The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan 8/1/13 release ★★★★★

The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke 22nd Jan 2013 release.

9. Literature Map .... I put in Lisa Gardner and the closest was Lisa Scottoline so my book is Devil's Corner ★★★★

10. Valentine’s Day ....my interpretation is Ripple by Tui Allen ★★★★

11. TBR fantasy/paranormal/horror... Paper Dolls by Anya Allyn released 13/12/12 ★★★★★

12. Re-read or non-fiction TBR ... my choice TBR ... Anne Frank Remembered: The Story Of The Woman Who Helped To Hide The Frank Family by Miep Gies

[Kathryn]

I hope this works! Looking forward to some of these! Am off to the library tomorrow to stock up... Although books are subject to change if necessary.

1. Celebrate Australia: Nine Days by Toni Jordan Nine Days

2.Lighten the Load: TBA - will see what's available at the library when I get to it!

3.Food: The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara The Bite of the Mango

4.Related to Summer: The Beach House by Jane Green The Beach House

5.Australia Day: The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville The Lieutenant

6.Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides or Fingersmith by Sarah Waters (depending on availability) Middlesex Fingersmith

7.Christmas: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita Paul Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

8.New Release: TBA

9. Literature Map, typed in Jeffrey Archer and got Wilbur Smith so will pick whatever appeals that is available

10. Valentine's Day: Paris in Love by Eloisa James Paris in Love

11.Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (am slightly cheating for this one - I read it about 20 years ago but fantasy, paranormal and horror are really not my books of choice normally!) A Wrinkle in Time

12.Re-read or Non-fiction: TBA - probably a non-fiction, will depend on availability at the time - maybe Band-Aid for a Broken Leg by Damien Brown, Get Well Soon! My (un)Brilliant Career As A Nurse by Kristy Chambers or The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth Band-Aid for a Broken LegGet Well Soon! My (un)Brilliant Career As A NurseThe Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks good Kathryn:) Well done!

[Kathryn]

It's interesting to see what other people have chosen!! Not that I really need any more ideas of books to read!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "It's interesting to see what other people have chosen!! Not that I really need any more ideas of books to read!"

It is..I love to check out other people's lists!

[Kim BookGirl]

1. Cloudstreet
2. Arthur & George
3. Chocolat not a cookbook but for me more interesting
4. The Great Gatsby
5. The Secret River
6. Sing You Home
7. DICKENS CHARLES have a cute little book with his Christmas stories. Read Christmas Carol in the past but not the others
8. The Casual Vacancy
9. Emma
10. Toss up between Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor & Picnic at Hanging Rock ok Picnic is not Romance but is set on Valentine's Day
11. The Graveyard Book
12. HHhH hope this fits - changing to Mrs. Robinson's Disgrace: The Private Diary of a Victorian Lady as it fits the category better, it's a library book and I have read it and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kim wrote: "1. Cloudstreet
2. Arthur & George
3. Chocolat not a cookbook but for me more interesting
4. The Great Gatsby
5. The Secret River
6. Sing You Home
7. DICKENS CHARLES have a cute little book with his..."

Great list Kim! Chocolat is fine, it doesn't have to be a cook book:) Your #12 is fiction, so probably doesn't fit, technically, but it is certainly based on lots of fact, so I say go for it!! It sounds quite gruesome;)

[Kim BookGirl]

How do I cross a book off when finished?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kim wrote: "How do I cross a book off when finished?"

< s > with the book title in here and no spaces each end < /s > and no spaces between 's' and < > or /

Does that make sense??

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I think I got myself confused Michael;)

[Kim BookGirl]

Brenda wrote: "Kim wrote: "How do I cross a book off when finished?"

with the book title in here and no spaces each end and no spaces between 's' and or /

Does that make sense??"

Umm, not entirely but I will give it try when I finish Arthur & George.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kim wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kim wrote: "How do I cross a book off when finished?"

with the book title in here and no spaces each end and no spaces between 's' and or /

Does that make sense??"

Umm, not ent..."

Good luck:)

[Amber]

Brenda wrote: "Kim wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kim wrote: "How do I cross a book off when finished?"

with the book title in here and no spaces each end and no spaces between 's' and or /

Does that make sense??"

..."

Try this website it's really good for learning html
http://www.w3schools.com/tags/tag_s.asp

[Jess]

I've finally got my list mostly together. All titles are possibly going to change; but for the most part I've listed a couple of books that I really want to read that fits the criteria so at least one of them will be read. Hopefully all of them throughout the season :)

1.Celebrate Australia

The Secret Keeper

2.Lighten the load

A Corner of White After the Darkness The Convent

3.Food
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

4.Summer Title.
Second Chance Summer

5.Australia Day

TBD

6.The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

TBD

7.Christmas
A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings

8.New Release
I got these ones from the Publishing houses
Possessed The Girl in the Hard Hat

9.Literature Map
Typed in John Green and Maureen McCarthy and both times got Melina Marchetta. So I'm going to read On the Jellicoe Road

10.Valentine’s Day
The Last Letter From Your LoverJuliet

11. fantasy, paranormal or horror book from your TBR list.

Days of Blood and Starlight Storm

12.a well-loved book, and re-read it, just because you can:) (if you don't want to do a re-read, choose a non-fiction from your TBR list)

Re-read:
The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories

Non-Fiction:
Say It Again In A Nice Voice

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks good Jess:)

[Trina]

Just finished my second book for this challenge; The Hobbit which was just a general to read. Rated 5 stars.