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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Nicola...almost 1/2 way:)

[Amber]

Brenda wrote: "That's sad Amber...have you thought of a book repairer?"

It wouldn't be worth it, to tell the truth Brenda, it was a ratty old mass-market paperback that was purchased from a second hand bookshop for $2 back in the 1980s (my guess is based on the fact that the shop's phone number has 6 digits!). So if I wanted to replace it, I'd buy a new copy. However my Nanna doesn't want it back as she doesn't read any more, so unfortunately it's off the to recycling bin for this book.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Fair enough Amber:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my 2nd #8 New Release book... The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke ..review to follow:)

My updated challenge list:

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

2. Lighten the load! At least one book from TBR
a. Dudes Down Under by Suzannah Burke ★★★
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 ★★★★★

I only have one TBR plus #5, Australia Day, to read now:)

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "I have finished my 2nd #8 New Release book... The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke ..review to follow:)

My updated challenge list:

1. Celebrate Australia! ...book from Aussie aut..."

Wow Brenda. That's amazing!!! How do you do that? I've only managed 4 books towards this challenge and I don't even think I'm going to manage to complete it in the time allocated and you've done it in less than half the time and read extra.Impressive!!!!

[[deleted user]]

Another one down

1. Celebrate Australia (Aussie Author) -Shine Light

2. Lighten the Load! (TBR) -Unearthly

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I have finished my 2nd #8 New Release book... The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke ..review to follow:)

My updated challenge list:

1. Celebrate Australia! ...book ..."

Thanks Elaine:) I'm enjoying the challenge very much!

My review for The Mad Scientist’s Daughter .. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Amber]

An update; hope you're not too disappointed in my rating of The Thorn Birds Brenda!

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 - The Summer Book by Tove Jansson ★★★★
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
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

[Catherine]

UPDATE 11/12



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 - The Harp In The South
6. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
7. The Greatest Gift: The Original Story That Inspired the Christmas Classic It's a Wonderful Life and Matchless: A Christmas Story
8. New Release: A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan, BrandonS/s>
9. A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
10. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
11. Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb
12. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

[Ben]

Done with my new release - I really liked Gun Machine.

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 ★★★
5. Australia Day - TBC
6. Mardi Gras - The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan ★★★★
7. Christmas - Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey ★★★★
8. New Release - Gun Machine by Warren Ellis ★★★★
9. Literature Map - Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks
10. Valentines Day - Driven by James Sallis ★★★
11. TBR Fantasy - The Claw of the Conciliator by Gene Wolfe ★★
12. TBR Non-Fiction - Race Matters by Cornel West

[Amber]

Coraline was a very quick read. I feel like I am back on schedule to finish this challenge :-)

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 - The Summer Book by Tove Jansson ★★★★
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 to my kids, including The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
8. Summer new release - Wool Omnibus by Hugh Howey
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

[Kirsten]

Doing so much better this time around (although I'll admit I picked some easy ones here!).

1. Celebrate Australia (Aussie Author) - Tales from Outer Suburbia This book was amazing! *****

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 ****

So only 2 to go! I'm reading Dorian Gray now. I can't find The Summer Tree on Kindle, so I was wondering what people think of audio books? Do they count?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Some fantastic reading there everyone!!

Yes audio books count:)

That's ok Amber...;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "Finished #3 - Food - Last Chance Cafe by Liz Byrski Review to follow"

As promised, my review for this one: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Elaine]

Wow you guys are all doing so well. I feel like a light weight being amongst this group of serious contenders. Some real heavy weights here!!! I think I better stop posting and get reading to even have a chance of catching up. Well done to all of you.

[Ben]

Elaine wrote: "Wow you guys are all doing so well. I feel like a light weight being amongst this group of serious contenders. Some real heavy weights here!!! I think I better stop posting and get reading to even ..."

Assuming I stay on track, I think this will only be the second time I've managed to finish a whole challenge so don't get too impressed!

[Elaine]

Ben wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Wow you guys are all doing so well. I feel like a light weight being amongst this group of serious contenders. Some real heavy weights here!!! I think I better stop posting and get r..."

Somehow with the rate you've been reading at Ben, I think you will complete this challenge with time to spare. So yes I'm impressed!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my #5..Australia Day.. Everything I Knew by Peter Goldsworthy

I was very disappointed in this one:(

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

[Nicola]

I have also finished:
my Australia Day theme book A Town Like Alice / Nevil Shute
my first Christmas Carol book Why Does Santa Wear Red?: ...and 100 Other Christmas Curiousities Unwrapped / Meera Lester

[Kathryn]

8/12 down...




1. Celebrate Australia: Nine Days by Toni Jordan

2. Lighten the Load:
The Prodigal Daughter by Jeffrey Archer
I always enjoy Jeffrey Archer - his writing isn't the best I've read, but he's an interesting read. Reading a Jeffrey Archer is a comfort read for me - just what I needed after reading a couple of books I wasn't terribly impressed with and to take a break from the one I'm currently a quarter of the way through and really not impressed with!

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

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

5. Australia Day: The Lieutenant Kate Grenville

6. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
This was OK, but I felt the plot was rather unnecessarily convoluted - maybe I was missing something!

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
Those in Peril
I don't recommend this at all - I did notice (after I started reading) that some reviews said this wasn't a typical Wilbur Smith book... I may read another Wilbur Smith, but will choose more wisely next time. And really, when I have so many options on my TBR list, I'm not sure that I would bother!

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Kathryn:)

[Ben]

Finished my non-fiction TBR, Race Matters by Cornel West. It was first published back in 1993 but in many cases it is even more relevant today, and I found a lot of crossover with the problems faced by Indigenous Australians. It's certainly much more personal than scholarly, but I found it fascinating.

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 ★★★
5. Australia Day - TBC
6. Mardi Gras - The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan ★★★★
7. Christmas - Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey ★★★★
8. New Release - Gun Machine by Warren Ellis ★★★★
9. Literature Map - Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks
10. Valentines Day - Driven by James Sallis ★★★
11. TBR Fantasy - The Claw of the Conciliator by Gene Wolfe ★★
12. TBR Non-Fiction - Race Matters by Cornel West★★★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You've only got 2 to go Ben, plus #5....got any ideas on that one?

[Ben]

I'm still not sure, I might have to look closely at some other people's lists for inspiration

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ben wrote: "I'm still not sure, I might have to look closely at some other people's lists for inspiration"

Good idea:)

[Lesley]

Recently finished my #TBR read Tinkers. A very moving story, 4 stars.

[Elaine]

Finished my 5th book for this challenge, The Last Runaway which was my New Release choice. I thoroughly enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Michael:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I'm going to start my final one for this challenge tonight... The Time of Women by Elena Chizhova

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "I'm going to start my final one for this challenge tonight... The Time of Women by Elena Chizhova"

And finish it by tomorrow, no doubt!!! And I bet you're just as diligent with everything else that you do. As for me when I read nothing else gets done.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I'm going to start my final one for this challenge tonight... The Time of Women by Elena Chizhova"

And finish it by tomorrow, no doubt!!! And I bet you're just as diligent with ever..."

Hahaha!!! Oh Elaine...I'm sure that's not true! lol

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I'm going to start my final one for this challenge tonight... The Time of Women by Elena Chizhova"

And finish it by tomorrow, no doubt!!! And I bet you're just as dil..."

It's all true,Brenda!!

[Elaine]

Michael wrote: "She sure is a quick reader our Brenda. :)"

She sure is Michael.

[Elaine]

Just finished my 6th book in this challenge, which was No.1 Celebrate Australia.
A God for the Killing . It was ok. I gave it 3 stars.

[[deleted user]]

i started my Literature Map i got and from my library and we start reading them soon as well

[Ben]

For my Australia Day read I settled on the audiobook of 1788 by the Royal Marine officer Watkin Tench. It's one of the few first-hand accounts of the journey made by the First Fleet and settlement at Port Jackson. Very interesting!

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 ★★★
5. Australia Day - 1788 by Watkin Tench ★★★★
6. Mardi Gras - The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan ★★★★
7. Christmas - Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey ★★★★
8. New Release - Gun Machine by Warren Ellis ★★★★
9. Literature Map - Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks
10. Valentines Day - Driven by James Sallis ★★★
11. TBR Fantasy - The Claw of the Conciliator by Gene Wolfe ★★
12. TBR Non-Fiction - Race Matters by Cornel West★★★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ben wrote: "For my Australia Day read I settled on the audiobook of 1788 by the Royal Marine officer Watkin Tench. It's one of the few first-hand accounts of the journey made by the First Fleet and settlement ..."

I have heard of that one before Ben...glad you enjoyed it:) You're doing well...only 2 left to read!

[Lesley]

I am adding to my summer read
No 5 Hear the Train Blow/Goodbye Girlie. by Patsy Adam-Smith. Two autobiographies that I have had sitting here to read for a couple of years.I found them very interesting, a picture of this country after the First World War.

[Mish]

Lesley wrote: "I am adding to my summer read
No 5 Hear the Train Blow/Goodbye Girlie. by Patsy Adam-Smith. Two autobiographies that I have had sitting here to read for a couple of years.I found them very interest..."

Hear the Train Blow & Goodbye Girlie by Patsy Adam-Smith

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I changed my last TBR from The Time of Women as I just couldn't get into it, to Dudes Down Under , so I have finished this challenge now:)

My updated challenge list:

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

2. Lighten the load! At least one book from TBR
a. Dudes Down Under by Suzannah Burke ★★★
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 ★★★★★

So I read 16 for the challenge, plus quite a few others that were on my TBR as well, so I'm happy with that:)

[Lesley]

congratulations!

[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 4★
3.Food - The Shadow of the Pomegranate Jean Plaidy 4★
4. Summer related title - The Opal Desert Di Morrissey
5. Australia Day - Dawn: One Hell Of A Life Dawn Fraser 3★
6. Gay Character - Lord John and the Private Matter Diana Gabaldon 3★
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★

3 to go :) - although one is 900+ pages!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Lesley and Michael...love your smiley face Michael;)

[Zoey]

Impressive work there Brenda. Finished & its not even February yet :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Zoey:) Got a few challenges on the go, so wanted to finish this one to I can concentrate on the others:)

[[deleted user]]

I am nearly finishing this challenge I have read and I am starting

[Melissa]

Congrats Brenda, we are just past the half way mark and you are done and then some.

[Kim Marie]

Fantastic result Brenda!! I see that many of the books received 5 star ratings so well done with your choices :)

[Kirsten]

Well done Brenda! Looks like you picked some good ones there too. Zoey you are doing great!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Melissa, Kim and Kirsten:) I thoroughly enjoyed my reading for the summer challenge!