**Winter Reading Challenge - 2013**

[Lesley]

Recently finished my fourth book A Thousand Acres which I really liked. Now I'm on to my July TBR, Light in August.

[Kira]

I had intended to do this challenge but sadly I have been caught up in the Game of Thrones series so I am bowing out now. (I can say I've sort of completed it a bit though, as Game of thrones is wintry in parts :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I finished my second July TBR Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Review to follow

[Sharon]

Brenda wrote: "I finished my second July TBR Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Review to follow"

That was a quick read Brenda ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my second July TBR Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Review to follow"

That was a quick read Brenda ;)"

Two days Sharon, but I read my graphic novel as well;)

[Sharon]

Brenda wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my second July TBR Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Review to follow"

That was a quick read Brenda ;)"

Two days Sharon, but I read my graphic novel as well;)"

Your amazing Brenda :)
Looking forward to your review I'm guessing its another one I'll be adding to my list.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my second July TBR Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Review to follow"

That was a quick read Brenda ;)"

Two days Sharon, but I read my graphic..."

I'll get it done soon:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "Finished my first Graphic Novel Gulliver's Travels by Martin Rowson

Review to follow"

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "I finished my second July TBR Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Review to follow"

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

[B the BookAddict]

I have finished my Pick a friend The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides.
A fantastic read, thank you, Patrick Acuna. A book I will mark as 'to be re-read' because it was so damn good the first time! This was my 9th book; I miscounted lasted time:(

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have just finished my second #9..Author born June, July or August Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart

Review to follow

[Steve]

I've finished my seventh, which is my second #11. June TBR, Towers of Midnight, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my second #12. July TBR, the last book of Wheel of Time, A Memory of Light.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're doing well Steve:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "I have just finished my second #9..Author born June, July or August Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart

Review to follow"

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

[Ben]

I just got done with Ringworld for my July TBR. Only 2 stars unfortunately, it seemed like for everything that I liked about it, there were another 2 things that annoyed me.

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton ★★★
2. The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan
3. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain (from my dad Trevor)
4. The Looking Glass War by John le Carré (via Elmore Leonard)
5. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman ★★★★
6. Maus by Art Spiegelman
7. With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene B. Sledge ★★★★★
8. The Hunted by Elmore Leonard
9. Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi (b. 6/8/72) ★★★
10. The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi
11. Diamond Dogs, Turquoise Days by Alastair Reynolds ★★★
12. Ringworld by Larry Niven ★★
13. TBC

[Amber]

1. Aussie author, winter title: Winter by John Marsden ★★★
2. Non-Aussie author, winter title: A Winter Book by Tove Jansson <--- currently reading
3. Pick a friend (Mary): The Light Between Oceans by M_L_Stedman ★★★★
4. Literature Map (Rohinton Mistry): Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri ★★★
5. New release: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman ★★★★
6. Graphic novel: Maus by Art Spiegelman ★★★★
7. Non fiction: The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir by Anh Do ★★★★★
8. Suspense/Mystery/Thriller: Dark Horse by Honey Brown
9. Author born June-August: Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (b. 22 June, 1964) ★★★
10. Children's/YA book: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate ★★★
12. June TBR: Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth ★★★★★
13. July TBR: The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie ★★★
14. August TBR: Ripple by Tui Allen ★★★★

Yay, I'm nearly there! :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looking good Ben and Amber:)

[B the BookAddict]

None of my Challenge books are available at the library till Monday:(

[Amber]

2. Non-Aussie author, winter title: A Winter Book by Tove Jansson ★★★

[[deleted user]]

I just started reading

I have two change my non-fiction book and suspense/murder mystery/thriller

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Still on Tigana - I'm really struggling with this one.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my second Literature Map Stolen by Tess Gerritsen

Review to follow

I now have one Graphic novel and both my August TBRs to read:) Then I'm done!

[B the BookAddict]

My review of The Virgin Suicides is at:

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

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I just finished my tenth book The Giver. It was really good and I was surprised I had not come across it before. Three left to read now but I may leave them until August......lots of other goodies to read as well!

[Trevor]

Finished book number five, pick a friend choice The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis, which I gave three stars to. My review is at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well guys:)

[B the BookAddict]

Trevor wrote: "Finished book number five, pick a friend choice The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis, which I gave three stars to. My review is at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

What are you guy doing to me??? Another book added to my TBR list. Trevor, your review has intrigued me; I want to see what my reaction is.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "Finished my second Literature Map Stolen by Tess Gerritsen

Review to follow

I now have one Graphic novel and both my August TBRs to read:) Then I'm done!"

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

[Trevor]

Bette wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Finished book number five, pick a friend choice The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis, which I gave three stars to. My review is at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/......"

I'll be interested in what you think, it was the first of his books that I have read, I'm willing to give another a go.

[Amber]

Have just started reading my final book for the challenge, Dark Horse. Then I can get back to reading Les Mis :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Have just started reading my final book for the challenge, Dark Horse. Then I can get back to reading Les Mis :-)"

I really enjoyed that one Amber :)

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

4. LitMap author - Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

Finally. Took me 10 days to get through that. No idea why.

[Elaine]

Just finished my 4th Literature Map. Put in Alison Weir and got C.J. Sansom. Winter in Madrid C.J. Sansom. I gave it 3 stars. Now to get a wriggle on if I'm to finish this challenge!!!

[Elaine]

I've decided to cheat a bit and read Burial Rites as my new release. Reason I'm cheating is that it was released here in Australia in May but not due to be released in the UK until August!!! Can I do that, Brenda? I really,really want to read it and somehow fit it into this challenge.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "I've decided to cheat a bit and read Burial Rites as my new release. Reason I'm cheating is that it was released here in Australia in May but not due to be released in the UK until August!!! Can I ..."

Of course you can :) It's a new release..I'm interested in your thoughts as well. Enjoy!

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "I've decided to cheat a bit and read Burial Rites as my new release. Reason I'm cheating is that it was released here in Australia in May but not due to be released in the UK until A..."

Thanks Brenda. I will let you know. It's been getting some great reviews and I read somewhere that Geraldine Brooks is her mentor.I love her books. Makes for an interesting combination.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "I've decided to cheat a bit and read Burial Rites as my new release. Reason I'm cheating is that it was released here in Australia in May but not due to be released in..."

Hope you enjoy it:)

[Trevor]

Finished my Aussie author with a winter reference In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton, a short novel but written in his usual enjoyable style.

[Bronwyn]

Can someone please tell me again how to do the big stars, this time I will write it in a safe place so I can remember it for next time.

I have been slow with choosing my books for this month, I have started reading them but I don't think I will quite finishe them this time rouund.

1. In the Winter Darkby Tim Winton - 2 stars (I did not enjoy this story at all and looking at the reviews I must be about the only one)
2. The Edge of Winter by Betty Neels – 3 stars
3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – Zoey – 5 stars
4. I put in Paulina Simons and chose Joy Dettman, even though she was not the closest. Ripples on a Pond - currently listening (I really love this series, sad as it is)
5.
6. Maus, Vol. 1: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman – 4 starts
7. Aftermath: On Marriage and Separation by Rachel Cusk
8. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning – 4 stars
9. Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky – August birthday
10. TBD

[Amber]

Bronwyn wrote: "Can someone please tell me again how to do the big stars, this time I will write it in a safe place so I can remember it for next time."

I find the easiest way is to google "star symbol" then copy and paste it into my comments :-)

[Steve]

Bronwyn wrote: "Can someone please tell me again how to do the big stars, this time I will write it in a safe place so I can remember it for next time."

Sure. &#9733; is ★ and &#9734 is ☆.

[Steve]

I have finished my eighth book, the second July TBR, A Memory of Light, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., as well as my ninth, the first Graphic Novel,
Asterix and the Golden Sickle, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
and my tenth, the second Graphic Novel, Asterix and Cleopatra, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

In a move that is likely to make more people jealous, I am leaving on Saturday for another work trip, this time to London, so I'm expecting to probably get through two or three books on the way there (now that I don't have 900 page Wheel of Time behemoths to slow me down) while I'm in airports or in a metal tube suspended in the air.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Your challenge is moving well Steve:) And yes, jealous of your London trip;) Have a good trip and enjoy the warmer weather over there!

[B the BookAddict]

Forgot to put here that I finished my tenth book The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry from my July TBR list.

I had to take out The Privileges: not available at library or bookshop:( But at least I got to read the fantastic Harold Fry.

[Trevor]

Finished my Young Adult book New Boy by William Sutcliffe which is definitely a book aimed at a younger audience than me, but which I still quite enjoyed and will give it ★★★

[Amber]

Finished my Winter Challenge!

1. Aussie author, winter title: Winter by John Marsden ★★★
2. Non-Aussie author, winter title: A Winter Book by Tove Jansson ★★★
3. Pick a friend (Mary): The Light Between Oceans by M_L_Stedman ★★★★
4. Literature Map (from Rohinton Mistry): Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri ★★★
5. New release: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman ★★★★
6. Graphic novel: Maus by Art Spiegelman ★★★★
7. Non fiction: The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir by Anh Do ★★★★★
8. Suspense/Mystery/Thriller: Dark Horse by Honey Brown ★★★★
9. Author born June-August: Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (b. 22 June, 1964) ★★★
10. Children's/YA book: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate ★★★
12. June TBR: Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth ★★★★★
13. July TBR: The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie ★★★
14. August TBR: Ripple by Tui Allen ★★★★

[Steve]

Finished my second 13. August TBR, Star Trek: Voyager: The Eternal Tide, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/.... What I started on the plane was my first 1. Aussie Winter, The Winter of Our Disconnect.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Finished my Winter Challenge!

1. Aussie author, winter title: Winter by John Marsden ★★★
2. Non-Aussie author, winter title: A Winter Book by Tove Jansson ★★★
3. Pick a friend (Mary): The Light Be..."

Congratulations Amber! Well done:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great work to everyone who is winding their way through this challenge:)

[Ben]

Finished Be Cool for my murder mystery pick... very enjoyable :)

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton ★★★
2. The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan
3. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain (from my dad Trevor)
4. The Looking Glass War by John le Carré (via Elmore Leonard)
5. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman ★★★★
6. Maus by Art Spiegelman
7. With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene B. Sledge ★★★★★
8. Changed to Be Cool by Elmore Leonard ★★★★
9. Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi (b. 6/8/72) ★★★
10. The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi
11. Diamond Dogs, Turquoise Days by Alastair Reynolds ★★★
12. Ringworld by Larry Niven ★★
13. TBC