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

[MarciaB]

Alrightee, so here's my review of - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., released today on my blog as part of a Tour.

[Trina]

Finished my fantasy pick; The Waste Lands. Rated it five stars.

[[deleted user]]

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

Still haven't seen the movie yet!!"

its very drawn out, seeing as they made it into 3, 3hour movies.
and they added some extra stories that where never in the books

but I think it was all so the hobbit made sense with the other lord of the rings movies, so I still loved it cause it went with them wonderfully, but not so much with the book.

[Kirsten]

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

Still haven't seen the movie yet!!"

its very drawn out, seeing as they made it into ..."

The first time I read The Hobbit was years and years ago, and it was before I read LOTR. I was surprised on re-reading it how different it was from LOTR. In particular the Elves didn't seem anything like the Elves from LOTR. I can understand why they might have had to tweak some things for the movie to flow well with the other movies. Looking forward to seeing it.

[[deleted user]]

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

Still haven't seen the movie yet!!"

its very drawn out, seeing as th..."

the hobbit was always a stand alone so there a quite a few things that end up different in LOTR.
and as the missed quite a bit out in the first LORT movie they had to put a bit more info in to the hobbit otherwise people who just watched the movies would be so confused! haha
but it was still amazing, if not kinda long

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

My review for which is due for publication on 8th January... http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

This book was one of my New Releases...#8 in the challenge:)

[Elaine]

Finished no.6 in this challenge
. My Ántonia . I waited a long time to read this book and it was well worth the wait. I gave it 4 stars.

[Ben]

Another one down for me, halfway through my list!

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 - 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 - 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 - Race Matters by Cornel West

[[deleted user]]

I finished reading and started on my re read

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

My review for my Non Fiction read Anne Frank Remembered: The Story Of The Woman Who Helped To Hide The Frank Family .. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my third TBR (#2) Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby ...review to follow.

[Kathryn]

5/12 read and halfway through another!

1. Celebrate Australia: Nine Days by Toni Jordan

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

4.Related to Summer: The Beach House by Jane Green Easy read, kept me interested, good for summer!

5. Australia Day: The Lieutenant Kate Grenville

6.Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

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

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

11.Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

12.Re-read or Non-fiction: Band-Aid for a Broken Leg Damien Brown I loved this. It brought back happy (and some less happy) memories for me, although my time in Africa was spent in more palatial (comparatively) surroundings than Brown's time!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Kathryn!

[Kathryn]

They've been quite different reads and so far I've enjoyed them all.

[Melissa]

Melissa wrote: "My reviews so far:

1. Celebrate Australia http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
4. Summer http://www.goodreads.com/review/sh..."
6. Mardi Gras
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
7. Christmas. The night before Christmas. I read this to my kids every Christmas eve.
9. Literature map. I typed in Anne Rice and went with James Patterson http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
10.Valentines Day http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
11. Paranormal http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
12. Re-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Melissa]

My daughter Ashleigh's progress so far.

1. Aussie author
3. Food
4. Summer
7. Christmas
10 Valentines Day
11. Paranormal
12 Re read an old favourite

[Jess]

Thought I should update this list a bit with some of the books I've changed and those I've read and reviewed so far.

1.Celebrate Australia! After the Darkness REVIEWED http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
2.Lighten the load! TBR pile! A Corner of White The Convent
3. Food! The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
4.SUMMER Second Chance Summer
5. Australia Day. Its set within Australia by an Australian. Dead Heat REVIEW http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
6. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras The Perks of Being a Wallflower
7. Christmas
8. New Release. The Girl in the Hard Hat REVIEW COMING
9. Literature Map On the Jellicoe Road
10. Valentine’s Day The Last Letter From Your Lover
11.fantasy, paranormal or horror book Days of Blood and Starlight
12.reread The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories
Non-fiction Say It Again In A Nice Voice

[Lesley]

I have started on the summer read list. To date
2. The Yiddish Policeman's Union - Michael Chabon.
6. Corfu - Robert Dessaix. Gay author, gay subject
7. The Christmas Books Volume 2 - Charles Dickens
12. The Mallorean - David Eddings. Revisitation of a comfortable favourite. This is the full set of 5, and not just one book.
3. Secrets of the Tsil Cafe - Thomas Fox Averill
11. Drangonslink. Paul Collins. Started this before I realised that it was a young adult category, but kept going anyway.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lesley wrote: "I have started on the summer read list. To date
2. The Yiddish Policeman's Union - Michael Chabon.
6. Corfu - Robert Dessaix. Gay author, gay subject
7. The Christmas Books Volume 2 - Charles Dick..."

The Yiddish Policemen's Union
Corfu
The Christmas Books, Volume 2: The Cricket on the Heart/The Battle of Life/The Haunted Man
King of the Murgos

Doing well Lesley.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

@ Melissa ...Both you and your daughter are doing very well Melissa:)

@ Jess....Yours looks great Jess!

[Melissa]

Brenda wrote: "@ Melissa ...Both you and your daughter are doing very well Melissa:)

@ Jess....Yours looks great Jess!"

Thanks Brenda, I have roped my Aunty Lesley into the challenge too, she posted above.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Melissa wrote: "Brenda wrote: "@ Melissa ...Both you and your daughter are doing very well Melissa:)

@ Jess....Yours looks great Jess!"

Thanks Brenda, I have roped my Aunty Lesley into the challenge too, she pos..."

Oh wow! You are amazing!!! Good on you:)

[Bronwyn]

I am not off to a good start yet. It's good to see some are reading avidly still, I hope to get back into it soon.

I have just moved house and it is taking me awhile to unpack as I am no good at culling and I have a lot of craft items to find places for.

I have not even got my list ready for this yet but there are some good books put up already so I might just copy and read some of those so I don't have to think too much.

[[deleted user]]

So I am three down, January has bee a hectically slow month for me so far!


1. Celebrate Australia (Aussie Author) -Shine Light

2. Lighten the Load! (TBR) - The Passage

3. Food! - TBR

4. Summer - The Sea of Tranquility

5. Australia Day - On the Jellicoe Road

6. GLBT Author - Will Grayson, Will Grayson

7. Christmas- Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

8. New Release -Uses for Boys

9. Literature Map - Christopher Paolini to Cinda Williams Chima so - The Demon King

10. Valentine's Day - Asphodel

11. Fantasy TBR - Throne of Glass

12. Re-read - The Hobbit

[Nicola]

These are the ones I've finished so far and the current read!
2. Lighten to load - finish reading - The Middle Sea / John Julius Norwich
3. Food - Sad Desk Salad / Jessica Grose
4 Summer in title - Anne of Summer Ho / Clare Rossiter
10. Romance - currently 18 hours into listening - Outlander / Diana Gabaldon
and
11. SciFi - currently reading - A Crown Imperiled / Raymond E. Feist

Still feeling great about finishing it all

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

My review for one off my TBR Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby .. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Trina]

Here's my updated list, I just finished my summer themed read.

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: Parallel Worlds by Michio Kaku

It occurs to me that I'm halfway through already!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Trina!

[Lesley]

Last night I finished by #12 non-fiction book My Life, Queen of the Court. A fitting time to read this one, particularly as I was at the Brisbane International last week. It is certainly an interesting insight into the life of Serena Williams.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished #3 - Food - Last Chance Cafe by Liz Byrski Review to follow

[Christy]

I'm SO behind!!! Just finished my 2nd book after so my food and summer books are done! Now onto for my new release. Had to change because that's the day in the life of a library user :)
Hope to get on a roll since we've just moved houses! Reading is much more appealing than unpacking!

[Nicola]

Just finished another one!
Unnatural Habits/ Kerry Greenwood

Enjoyed it immensely! 5*

[Sally906]

Moving a bit slower this time round - have completed:

6. In the Name of the Father by Gerri Hill

7. Merry's Christmas: a love story by Susan Rohrer

8. The Skeleton Key by Tara Moss (Release date December)

I am currently reading (and will finish them this weekend):

1. Drip Dry by Ilsa Evans
3. Phredde and the Ghostly Underpants - Stories to eat with a mango by Jackie French
10. Bonded In Brazil by Riannon Ellis

So on track to finish :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looking good Sally:)

[[deleted user]]

Here's my updated list: I've swapped out my NF read

Celebrate Australia - The House of Memories ★ ★ ★ ★

Lighten the load - Trust your Eyes ★ ★ ★ ★

Food- The Plum Tree ★ ★ ★ ★

Summer- The Island House ★ ★ ★ ★

Australia Day - Out of Australia ★ ★ ★

Mardis Gras - The Book Club ★ ★ ★

Christmas - Christmas Past ★

New release - Dancing to the Flute ★ ★ ★ ★1/2

Literature map - put in Jodi Picoult - for Audrey Niffenegger ★ ★

Valentines Day - The Ship of Brides ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

TBR Fantasy - Mark of the Dragon Queen ★ ★ ★ ★

TBR Non - Fiction - At Home: A Short History of Private Life

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Jen:)

[[deleted user]]

Brenda wrote: "Doing well Jen:)"

Thanks Brenda. I just know I am going to struggle to get my non-fiction selection read - its very heavy going and I haven't picked it up for weeks which kind of ruins my plan to have had the whole 3 months to read it over

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jennie - Daystarz Books wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Doing well Jen:)"

Thanks Brenda. I just know I am going to struggle to get my non-fiction selection read - its very heavy going and I haven't picked it up for weeks which kind of ru..."

Never mind...don't stress about it. The object of these challenges is to read and enjoy, as well as finding new genres and authors, but the main focus is enjoyment!

[Ben]

Lesley wrote: "I have started on the summer read list. To date
2. The Yiddish Policeman's Union - Michael Chabon.
6. Corfu - Robert Dessaix. Gay author, gay subject
7. The Christmas Books Volume 2 - Charles Dick..."

I love the Yiddish Policeman's Union!

[Ben]

I've finished another one, The Windup Girl was pretty dense but interesting and something a bit different to what I normally read.

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 - 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 - 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 - Race Matters by Cornel West

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Ben! Flying along:)

[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
- complete
and review posted

5. Australia Day
- due for
release 30 January 2013 - complete, review to
published towards end January
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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Marcia:)

[MarciaB]

Brenda wrote: "Well done Marcia:)"

Thanks Brenda - getting there slowly :)

[Amber]

I'm desperate to finish The Thorn Birds (my literature map book) because it is falling apart in my hands! I borrowed this copy from my Nanna and it's been on her bookshelf for at least 20 years, the glue is so dried out it's just disintegrating. I think it's going to be the first book I've ever thrown out :-(

http://www.goodreads.com/photo/work/8...

[[deleted user]]

Thanks guys - I'm not doing he challenge but there's some really interesting reads here, which are now in my ever-growing TBR.

[Ben]

Brenda wrote: "Well done Ben! Flying along:)"

Thanks Brenda. I have a goal to read at least 35 books this year and I find these big challenges are a great way to stay on track even if I struggle to finish them more at certain times of the year. I also try to pick something from my TBR list for just about every one :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "I'm desperate to finish The Thorn Birds (my literature map book) because it is falling apart in my hands! I borrowed this copy from my Nanna and it's been on her bookshelf for at least 20 years, th..."

That's sad Amber...have you thought of a book repairer?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ben wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Well done Ben! Flying along:)"

Thanks Brenda. I have a goal to read at least 35 books this year and I find these big challenges are a great way to stay on track even if I struggle t..."

Great goal Ben...good luck with it:)

[Nicola]

Just thought I'd post a complete update of my list - I changed my Australia Day book as below:

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
A Town Like Alice / Nevil Shute

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

Feeling good about the amount I've read!