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

[Elaine]

So I've just spent the last hour trying to work out how to cross out the books I've read but even with your instructions Brenda I couldn't do it!!! I think I'll have to get my kids to show me how!!!
Here are the four I've read this month.

No.2 Lighten the load Defending Jacob 4 stars

No.7 Christmas The Christmas Pearl 4 stars

No.12 Nonfiction The Zookeeper's Wife 3 stars

No.10 Valentine's Day To Be Sung Underwater 4 stars

Yay, light bulb moment. Thanks again guys!!!

[Zoey]

Hi Elaine

You need to type < s > (without the spaces) before what you want to cross out & then < / s > (without the spaces) after. Does that make sense?

[Elaine]

Zoey wrote: "Hi Elaine

You need to type (without the spaces) before what you want to cross out & then (without the spaces) after. Does that make sense?"

I must be really thick Zoey because I just can't work it out. I'm really not very computer savvy when it comes to this type of thing, whereas for my kids it's second nature. If I can get them to show me once then I should be able to do it. Thanks anyway. I'm sure I'll get it eventually!!!

[Amber]

Hi Elaine, sounds like you're having trouble with strike-through tags :-) Here's my attempt to explain it: before the section of text you want "crossed out" in your comment, use an opening tag < > with the letter s inside and no spaces. At the end of the section you want crossed out use the closing tag < / > with an s inside and no spaces. If you want to see an example, click reply on any comment above and it will show the tag for italics which is < i > with no spaces. Hope that makes sense!

Also you can try this website it's really good for learning how to use html tags
http://www.w3schools.com/tags/tag_s.asp

[Kathy]

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



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

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


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




BOOKS READ

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


7. Christmas Carol - Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans


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


9. Literature Map(Barbara Erskine) – Mariana by Susanna Kearsley

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

[Elaine]

Amber wrote: "Hi Elaine, sounds like you're having trouble with strike-through tags :-) Here's my attempt to explain it: before the section on text you want "crossed out" in your comment, use an opening tag wit..."

Thanks Amber. I might try that with my next lot of books. I can see the tags <> on my keyboard.I need to approach it with a fresh mind. I'm a bit flustered now. You guys have all been very helpful.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathy wrote: "1. Australian Author - What Kate Did Next by Lisa Heidke



3. Food - Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara


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


5. Australia Day - The Secret ..."

Kathy please link your books when you post what you're reading and have read, so we can all check your books out:) If you check post #313 you'll will see I did it for you last time. Thanks:)

[[deleted user]]

Elaine wrote: "Amber wrote: "Hi Elaine, sounds like you're having trouble with strike-through tags :-) Here's my attempt to explain it: before the section on text you want "crossed out" in your comment, use an op..."

Elaine - an example would look something like this :
< s >The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton< / s > but without the spaces in between
And that would give you The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

[Elaine]

Jennie - Daystarz Books wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Amber wrote: "Hi Elaine, sounds like you're having trouble with strike-through tags :-) Here's my attempt to explain it: before the section on text you want "crossed out" in your com..."

Thanks Jennie but I actually worked it out thanks to Zoey and Amber's help. I've actually crossed them off and it actually looks right. ( see above). I'm very slowly learning how to do all this stuff properly. As I don't work with a computer there's a lot of stuff I don't know how to do!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "So I've just spent the last hour trying to work out how to cross out the books I've read but even with your instructions Brenda I couldn't do it!!! I think I'll have to get my kids to show me how!!..."

Well done Elaine...both for the crossing out, and the reading:)

[Amber]

Elaine wrote: "Thanks Jennie but I actually worked it out thanks to Zoey and Amber's help. I've actually crossed them off and it actually looks right. ( see above). I'm very slowly learning how to do all this stuff properly. As I don't work with a computer there's a lot of stuff I don't know how to do!!!"

Good for you Elaine, glad I could help :-)

[[deleted user]]

Glad you worked it out :-)

[Elaine]

Thanks to you all...who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?? Mind you the reading part is so much easier than all the other stuff!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Another one for #8, New Release The Girl in the Hard Hat by Loretta Hill to be released 2/1/13 ... review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Zoey]

Update so far

1. Aussie Author - The Dead of NightJohn Marsden 4★
2. TBR
(a) Score! Jilly Cooper 3.5★
(b) PandoraJilly Cooper 3★
(c)Katharine the Virgin Widow Jean Plaidy
3. Food - The Shadow of the Pomegranate Jean Plaidy
4. Summer related title - The Opal Desert Di Morrissey
5. Australia Day - Dawn: One Hell Of A Life Dawn Fraser
6. Gay Character - Lord John and the Private Matter Diana Gabaldon - currently reading
7. Christmas Carol - Six Geese A-Laying Sophie Kinsella 3★
8. New Release - The Agincourt Bride Joanna Hickson
9. Literature Map - put in Diana Gabladon & got Sara Donati - Into the Wilderness Sara Donati
10. Romance - Fifty Shades of Grey E.L. James 3★
11. Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror - Dead Until Dark Charlaine Harris 4★
12. Non-Fiction - Tokyo Hostess: Inside the Shocking World of Tokyo Nightclub Hostessing Clare Campbell 2.5★

[Elaine]

Zoey wrote: "Update so far

1. Aussie Author - The Dead of NightJohn Marsden 4★
2. TBR
(a)Score!Jilly Cooper 3.5★
(b) Pandora[bookcover:Pandora|339215..."

Wow Zoey!!! Well done. I thought I was on a roll with four. Lol!!!

[MarciaB]

My latest, updated challenge list - 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
- due for
release 30 January 2013
PLUS


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 - complete and review
posted
PLUS
-
complete and review posted

11. Fantasy / Paranormal from TBR


12. Non-Fiction from TBR

[MarciaB]

Hi all,
Here's my review for - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looking good Marcia:)

[MarciaB]

Thanks Brenda - getting there ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marcia wrote: "Thanks Brenda - getting there ;)"

Plenty of time left;)

[Kathy]

I have been reading non-stop as I know in a couple of weeks I won't have any time. So far this challenge has introduced me to some wonderful new authors via "Literary Map". Still uncertain about my choice for 5. Australia Day, so I will read "What Kate Did Next" next.

CURRENTLY READING

1. Australian Author
What Kate Did Next by Lisa Heidke

YET TO READ

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 Grenvil

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

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


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)
Mariana by Susanna Kearsley>

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>

[Zoey]

Elaine wrote: "Zoey wrote: "Update so far

1. Aussie Author - The Dead of NightJohn Marsden 4★
2. TBR
(a)Score!Jilly Cooper 3.5★
(b) Pandora[bookcover:P..."

Thanks Elaine, yes I have been reading non-stop lately. Not that, thats a bad thing, but Im not sure my messy house agrees :)

[Elaine]

Zoey wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Zoey wrote: "Update so far

1. Aussie Author - The Dead of NightJohn Marsden 4★
2. TBR
(a)Score!Jilly Cooper 3.5★
(b) Pand..."

I know exactly what you mean Zoey about the whole housework vs reading thing. Oh well something has to give and let's face it reading is so much better for the soul than housework!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well everyone:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Just updating my list...I have finished 2 in the last couple of days.. by Michael Robotham review here... http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... and by P.D. Martin review here ... http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... Both 5 stars:)


I have read 10 on the challenge list, but a lot are double ups so I still have a good way to go:)

My challenge list:

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 ★★★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathy wrote: "I have been reading non-stop as I know in a couple of weeks I won't have any time. So far this challenge has introduced me to some wonderful new authors via "Literary Map". Still uncertain about m..."

You're doing great Kathy!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "I'm changing my choice for No.6 Gay/Lesbian Mardis Gras to My Ántonia.

So my revised and updated list is now,
1. Celebrate Australia A Fraction of the Whole [bookcover:A Fraction of the Whole|1833..."

Looks good Elaine:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Zoey wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Zoey wrote: "Update so far

1. Aussie Author - The Dead of NightJohn Marsden 4★
2. TBR
(a)Score!Jilly Cooper ..."

Housework....what's that;P lol

[Amber]

An update on my progress; I just finished The Summer Book by Tove Jansson which I am substituting for my original number 4. book (previously At the Beach by Roland Harvey). Five down, seven to go :-)
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 ★★★½
4. Summer title/set in summer - The Summer Book by Tove Jansson ★★★½
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 read 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

[Amber]

Hmmm I'm thinking I should review my star ratings... Half-stars are a bit silly aren't they?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Hmmm I'm thinking I should review my star ratings... Half-stars are a bit silly aren't they?"

The worst part is that you can't record them on GR star ratings, so it's probably not worth it...

You're doing well:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Something went wrong with your post Michael, it seems to have duplicated in places ??

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "All fixed Brenda. :)"

Great, and a good review too:)

[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 - changed to TBC
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 - Gun Machine by Warren Ellis
9. Literature Map - Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks (search for Alastair Reynolds)
10. Valentines Day - changed to TBC
11. TBR Fantasy - The Claw of the Conciliator by Gene Wolfe
12. TBR Non-Fiction - changed to Race Matters by Cornel West

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looking good Ben!

[Trina]

Finished my third book, my Christmas themed book, Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle. Very cute book, rated it 5 stars. About three quarters of the way through The Waste Lands, which is my fantasy pick.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Trina:)

[Trina]

thanks Brenda.

happy new year everyone.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Happy New Year Trina:)

[Ben]

Happy new year Trina and everyone else!

[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 - changed to TBC
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 - Gun Machine by Warren Ellis
9. Literature Map - Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks (search for Alastair Reynolds)
10. Valentines Day - changed to Driven by James Sallis (main character seeks revenge after wife is murdered)
11. TBR Fantasy - The Claw of the Conciliator by Gene Wolfe
12. TBR Non-Fiction - changed to Race Matters by Cornel West

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Ben...nearly halfway there!

[[deleted user]]

finished and saw the movie
*heart eyes for days*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Melanie wrote: "finished and saw the movie
*heart eyes for days*"

Well done Melanie:) Sounds like you enjoyed it;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my #12, Non Fiction

Review to follow.

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Finished my #12, Non Fiction

Review to follow."

I swear Brenda....you are a reading machine!!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Finished my #12, Non Fiction

Review to follow."

I swear Brenda....you are a r..."

Why, thank you Elaine;) lol

[Kim BookGirl]

Have edited my list to change HHhH to Mrs. Robinson's Disgrace: The Private Diary of a Victorian Lady as it is non-fiction. Read it on holiday because it is a library book that has to go back to library on Friday. Loved it!

[Kirsten]

Melanie wrote: "finished and saw the movie
*heart eyes for days*"

Still haven't seen the movie yet!!