**Winter Reading Challenge - 2013**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're doing well Ben:)

[Amber]

Brenda wrote: "Amber wrote: "Finished my Winter Challenge!

Congratulations Amber! Well done:)"

Thank you Brenda :-)

[Steve]

I have finished my twelfth, the first of 1. Aussie Winter, The Winter of Our Disconnect, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Not sure what I will pick next, but it probably won't be until I've had a nice long sleep to help push the jetlag away.

[Elaine]

Finished no.10 Children's/YA book Catching Fire. I gave it 3 stars.My fifth for this challenge. Sorry for some reason I'm unable to add the link. When I try to add book it says no books found. Not really sure what's going on there. Any ideas?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Finished no.10 Children's/YA book Catching Fire. I gave it 3 stars.My fifth for this challenge. Sorry for some reason I'm unable to add the link. When I try to add book it says no books found. Not ..."

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Not sure Elaine, but it is working now:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "I have finished my twelfth, the first of 1. Aussie Winter, The Winter of Our Disconnect, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Not sure what I will pick next, but it prob..."

Enjoy your sleep Steve!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I finished the uninspiring The Name of the Rose yesterday so I have just two books left for this challenge. Please let them be more enjoyable.

[Michael]

Phrynne wrote: "I finished the uninspiring The Name of the Rose yesterday so I have just two books left for this challenge. Please let them be more enjoyable."

I really like that book, not his best but Umberto Eco is fantastic

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Michael wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "I finished the uninspiring The Name of the Rose yesterday so I have just two books left for this challenge. Please let them be more enjoyable."

I really like that book, not his bes..."

I know. Lots of people like the book. I liked bits of it too. There was just too much of a good thing for me!!

[Michael]

Phrynne wrote: "I know. Lots of people like the book. I liked bits of it too. There was just too much of a good thing for me!!"

He does like to show off his intellect

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Michael wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "I know. Lots of people like the book. I liked bits of it too. There was just too much of a good thing for me!!"

He does like to show off his intellect"

I like intellect but not four full pages of description of one door! This is just me though. I always hate lengthy descriptions which are not relevant to the plot. P.D. James does it a bit too but I still enjoy her books. One day I will try another book by Umberto Eco

[Ben]

Brenda wrote: "You're doing well Ben:)"

Thanks Brenda

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Finished no.10 Children's/YA book Catching Fire. I gave it 3 stars.My fifth for this challenge. Sorry for some reason I'm unable to add the link. When I try to add book it says no bo..."

Thanks Brenda :)

[Nicola]

Trevor wrote: "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."

That was also my winter read and my first Tim Winton book - I definitely found it a bit off the wall!

[Nicola]

Got given this book as a freebie and could not believe how much I enjoyed it! Almost gave up the sightseeing on my holiday to read it instead!
Sword of the Gods: The Chosen One / Anna Erishkigal
Am formulating a review of it and am downloading the next installment..

[B the BookAddict]

I just read Maya's Notebook; my eleventh book and my Author born in August.

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

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

7. Non-Fiction - The Fall of Berlin 1945 by Antony Beevor

[Ben]

Loved Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain, wonderfully insightful read for anyone who is, or has a friend or loved one who is introverted.

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Won't be long now Ben until you'll have them all crossed out:)

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Onto my non-aussie Winter novel now, Winterbirth

[B the BookAddict]

Finished A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly. My Y/A book (Substituted for The Hunger Games.
One book to go!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Bette!

[Lesley]

My progress has been sidetracked by other challenges, so this is what I have managed so far.


#1 Aus Winter
#2 OS Winter Doctor Zhivago
#3 friend's A Thousand Acres 4 stars
#4 literature map The Catcher in the Rye 1 star
#5 new A Woman Transported
#6 graphic
#7 NF A Cook's Life 4 stars
#8 murder The Ghost Rider 2 stars
#9 Winter-born author Island Beneath the Sea 3 stars
#10 YA The Harp In The South 4 stars
#11 Jun tbr God's Own Country 3 stars
#12 Jul tbr Light in August 3 stars
#13 Aug tbr The Picture of Dorian Gray

I reckon I will come close to finishing with about 5 weeks left.

[Christy]

1.Read an Aussie author with a reference to Winter either in their title or the storyline.
Vodka Doesn't Freeze by Leah Giarratano 5*


2.Read a NON Aussie author with a reference to Winter either in their title or the storyline.
The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

3. Pick a friend, and read a book from their list which you haven't read before.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

4. Love the Literature Map...so.. put in the name of your favourite author, and choose a book by the author closest!
Put in Kate Jacobs and got Ann Packer so I'll read The Dive From Clausen's Pier

5. Choose a New Release which is published in either June, July or August 2013
The Wednesday Daughters by Meg Waite Clayton releases July 16, 2013

6. There will be some of you who have never read a Graphic Novel before...so surprise yourself with the enjoyment of reading one!
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Vol. 1 by Denise Mina 1*

7. Read anything Non Fiction (biographies, auto-biographies, memoirs)
Journey Into Darkness by John E. Douglas - Currently Reading

8. Snuggle up by the fire and read a suspense/murder mystery/thriller to give you thrills and chills!
The Highway by C.J. Box

9. Check out these links - Authors Born June OR Authors Born July OR Authors Born August - choose an author born in one of these Winter months, and read a book by said author! Put the birth date of your author in your list too!
Tess Gerritsen born June 12, 1953 and I'll read Vanish

10. International Children's Day is on 1st June - read a children's book, or a Young Adult book of your choice.
Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar 1* - Positively disgusting! What a shame as I know there are so many great YA books out there!

One extra book for each month of Winter...June, July, August...from your TBR lists:)

June: The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell 5*

July: The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton 4*

August: Muckross Folly by J.L. Austgen 5* - writing review now, will post when I'm done!

[Christy]

My review for Muckross Folly

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

It's a short review, but wrote more on my blog. This is also on sale on Amazon $3.99 for Kindle users!

Off to read since it's raining so hard, there's just nothing else to do :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looking good...on track guys!

[Elaine]

Finished my 6th for this challenge. Author born in June. Joseph Anton. I gave it 3 stars.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Elaine! You're getting there:)

[Elaine]

Slowly but surely, Brenda!!!! I've only committed to reading 10 books for this challenge....didn't include the 3 TBRS so I may actually get there but it means I'll have to fit in 4 in August. We'll see.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Slowly but surely, Brenda!!!! I've only committed to reading 10 books for this challenge....didn't include the 3 TBRS so I may actually get there but it means I'll have to fit in 4 in August. We'l..."

You're doing well though Elaine, so you mustn't stress! If you can read 4, well and good, if not...so be it;)

[Christy]

Elaine wrote: "Slowly but surely, Brenda!!!! I've only committed to reading 10 books for this challenge....didn't include the 3 TBRS so I may actually get there but it means I'll have to fit in 4 in August. We'l..."

Elaine I'm 2 books behind you! You're doing great and it's all in fun, but I feel like I've let myself down if I don't finish. So I'll be moving and grooving!

[Steve]

I've finished my thirteenth book, my first of 4. Literature Map, Blood Sport, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

I am still pondering what is up next.

[Elaine]

Christy wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Slowly but surely, Brenda!!!! I've only committed to reading 10 books for this challenge....didn't include the 3 TBRS so I may actually get there but it means I'll have to fit in 4 ..."

Thanks Christy and Brenda. I know it's no biggie if I don't finish and yes the fun part is in giving it a go. It's just that I'd like to finish one of these seasonal challenges. Haven't managed to do that yet!!!

[Steve]

And my fourteenth, the second of 5. New Release, Red, White & Beautiful, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Christy wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Slowly but surely, Brenda!!!! I've only committed to reading 10 books for this challenge....didn't include the 3 TBRS so I may actually get there but it means I'll h..."

And when you do it will be PARTY TIME! Lol

[Trevor]

Just finished my eighth book for the challenge, new release book The Son by Michel Rostain which I loved, my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Trevor]

About to start my non-aussie winter book The Siege by Helen Dunmore and my non-fiction book In the City: A Celebration of London Music by Paul Du Noyer

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Getting there Trevor:)

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Getting there Trevor:)"

Thx Brenda, and I'm enjoying the books to :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Getting there Trevor:)"

Thx Brenda, and I'm enjoying the books to :-)"

That's the main thing:)

[Steve]

I am now back home, and while I was in airports, or suspended in a metal tube, I finished my fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, and made a start on my eighteenth book.

Fifteenth: My second 10. International Children's Day, The BFG, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Sixteenth: My first 10. International Children's Day, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Seventeenth: My first 5. New Release, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Eighteenth: My second 4. Literature Map, When the Bough Breaks.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Steve wrote: "I am now back home, and while I was in airports, or suspended in a metal tube, I finished my fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, and made a start on my eighteenth book.

Fifteenth: My second 10. Int..."

I totally agree with your review of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. The book should have been LONGER.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "Eighteenth: My second 4. Literature Map, When the Bough Breaks. ..."

Well done! I have this one on my TBR..it has been there a very long time!

[Ben]

The Cold Commands was great, bit of a case of 'middle book syndrome' but I'm very excited for the 3rd in the trilogy to come out now.

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Only 3 to go now Ben!

[Steve]

I've finished my eighteenth, When the Bough Breaks, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my first 7. Non Fiction, The Man in the White Suit: The Stig, Le Mans, the Fast Lane and Me.

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

2. Winter non-Aussie Author - Winterbirth by Brian Ruckley Been on my to-read list for a while.

Winterbirth finished, was VERY good. Highly recommend to any fantasy fans. The list as it stands..

1. Winter Aussie Author - Winter by John Marsden Got this sitting on my shelf so..
2. Winter non-Aussie Author - Winterbirth by Brian Ruckley Been on my to-read list for a while.
3. Book from friend's list - Loki by Mike Vasich From my friend Arinaca's to-read list :3
4. LitMap author - Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay I typed in Robin Hobb and saw China Mieville circling around, was hoping he'd end closer.. but oh well, this book was on my to-read list anyway.
5. New Release - Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey I had this book pre-ordered already anyway :P
6. Graphic Novel - Kazu Kibuishi's Amulet series
7. Non-Fiction - The Fall of Berlin 1945 by Antony Beevor
8. Mystery - When Gravity Fails by George Alec Effinger Typed "Science-fiction mystery" into Google and this popped up.
9. Author born in Winter - 1984 by George Orwell (June 25th, 1903) Always meant to read this, never got around to it.
10. YA fiction - Incurable and Circle of Flight by John Marsden Had these sitting around to read for ages now. Love me some John Marsden.
11. TBR June - The Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter
12. TBR July - Infoquake by David Louis Edelman
13. TBR August - Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead

1b. Winter Aussie Author - Ice Station by Matthew Reilly
5b. New Release - Angelfall by Susan Ee Let's see what all the fuss is about.
7b. Non-Fiction - Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege, 1942-1943 by Antony Beevor
8b. Mystery - Headhunters by Jo Nesbø Mum would kill me if I didn't try one of these.

It's going to be a photo finish, that's for sure. Six left to read, two of which are extras though.

[Kelly]

1.In the Winter Dark
2. Shiver
3.The Night Circus(Katrina Lumsden)
4. Fight Club(put in Stephen King)
5. Dick Johnson Autobiography
6. Jurassic Park
7. Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I've Learned
8. Murder on the Orient Express
9. The Alchemist (August 24)
10. The World of Pooh: The Complete Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner
11. The Bourne Identity
12. The Drawing of the Three
13. Aesop's Fables



Only 2 to go now

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done guys! You'll make it:)

[Steve]

Liam wrote: "It's going to be a photo finish, that's for sure. Six left to read, two of which are extras though."

Tell me about it. I have eight books (well, now 7.9) left to read, and four weeks.

(Edit: Bad Goodreads for not warning about a missing closing tag.)