**Winter Reading Challenge - 2013**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Phrynne! Fantastic effort:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Thank you. Are you thinking up another great challenge for the next quarter?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "Thank you. Are you thinking up another great challenge for the next quarter?"

Ooh yes:D It's already done, ready to be released later ;)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Can't wait!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "Can't wait!!!"

:)

[Trevor]

Have decided to change my winter theme book by a non Aussie author to The Birthday Boys by Beryl Bainbridge as I was not enjoying The Siege by Helen Dunmore

[Elaine]

Finished one of my TBR's for this challenge The Rosie Project. Loved it and gave it 5 stars.

Also changing my non-Aussie winter book to The Tenderness of Wolves . Slightly shorter than the Diana Gabaldon!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's good news Elaine, thanks. Looking forward to starting now :)

[Mish]

Trevor wrote: "Have decided to change my winter theme book by a non Aussie author to The Birthday Boys by Beryl Bainbridge as I was not enjoying The Siege by Helen Dunmore"

That's disappointing Trevor. I hope The Birthday Boys works out better for you.

[Donna R]

1. The Persian Blanket: The Life of Janina Milek ★★★★
2. Cold Mountain ★★★★
3. from Cathie, Neverwhere ★★★★★
4. thanks to Iain Banks, Perdido Street Station ★★★★★
5. Hatched: Tim Winton Award Winners 20th Anniversary Collection ★★★★
6. The Plain Janes ★★★
7. The Gate ★★
8. The Second Objective ★★★
9. Snow ★★, Orhan's birthday 07/06/1952
10 The Secret Garden ★★★★
11 Radical Gratitude and other life lessons learned in Siberia ★★★★★
The Frozen Thames ★★★★
Winter in Madrid ★★★★

All done!

[Mish]

Well done Donna :)

[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

Finished my last book last night

[Mish]

Well done to you too Kelly :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Donna and Kelly, great effort :)

[B the BookAddict]

Elaine wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Finished my sixth,pick a friend. That friend was Alyson and her book was Autumn Laing, which I thoroughly enjoyed and gave 3 stars."

Ooops!!! Should..."

Hey Elaine, I'm thinking of reading American Rust. Can you please let me know what you think when you finish it?

[Elaine]

I will Bette. I'm hoping to fit it in this month. Do you know much about this author? I came across him when I read a review of his new book The Son , which sounded really good but I thought I'd start with this one and see whether I like him.

[Steve]

I have finished my twenty-third book, my first of 9. Authors born in Winter, Inferno, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my second 9. Authors born in Winter, Seven Deadly Wonders.

[B the BookAddict]

Elaine wrote: "I will Bette. I'm hoping to fit it in this month. Do you know much about this author? I came across him when I read a review of his new book The Son, which sounded reall..."

Embarrassed to say - no, not much. But I see on his GR profile that he's won a lot of great book awards so must be pretty wonderful. Actually, I can't remember how I found out about American Rust:P

[Ben]

I knocked over The Drowned Cities and Maus this weekend, both were good! Not long to go on my August TBR til I'm finished.

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ben wrote: "I knocked over The Drowned Cities and Maus this weekend, both were good! Not long to go on my August TBR til I'm finished.

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton 3 stars
2. The Cold Commands by Richa..."

On the home straight Ben:)

[Steve]

I've finished my twenty-fourth book, the second 9. Authors born in Winter, Seven Deadly Wonders, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my second 1. Aussie Winter, Winter Be My Shield.

It seems my photo finish has all but evaporated, since I have two book to read in three weeks.

[Ben]

Finished that last one even quicker than I expected so I have completed the challenge :)

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

[Elaine]

Changed my Aussie winter read from Ice Station to Dog Boy .Not sure if Matthew Reilly is for me!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ben wrote: "Finished that last one even quicker than I expected so I have completed the challenge :)

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton 3 stars
2. The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan 4 stars
3. Quiet: The..."

Congratulations Ben! Great result:) And I guess you are looking forward to the release of the Spring challenge too;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Changed my Aussie winter read from Ice Station to Dog Boy.Not sure if Matthew Reilly is for me!!"

I have enjoyed his books Elaine, but I haven't read one in awhile, even though I have them at home and have had for quite some time!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "I've finished my twenty-fourth book, the second 9. Authors born in Winter, Seven Deadly Wonders, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my second 1. Aussie Wint..."

You'll make it without any problems Steve!

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Changed my Aussie winter read from Ice Station to Dog Boy.Not sure if Matthew Reilly is for me!!"

I have enjoyed his books Elaine, but I haven't read one ..."

He definitely has a following Brenda. My son loves him. I just couldn't get into it. Maybe I need to be in a different frame of mind?

[Nicola]

Done a couple more:
New Release - The Universe Versus Alex Woods / Gavin Extence
YA Book - The Phantom Tollbooth / Norton Juster
And finally, an author in June! (not July) -
Dead Man's Chest / Kerry Greenwood

I've also changed my Graphic Novel and am slogging through The Great Gatsby : a graphic adaptation by Nicki Greenberg of the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald / Nicki Greenberg

[Ben]

Brenda wrote: "Ben wrote: "Finished that last one even quicker than I expected so I have completed the challenge :)

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton 3 stars
2. The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan 4 stars
3..."
Thanks Brenda! And yes, I can't wait for the new challenge. Trying to decide which books to choose is almost as fun as reading them

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Changed my Aussie winter read from Ice Station to Dog Boy.Not sure if Matthew Reilly is for me!!"

I have enjoyed his books Elaine, but I ha..."

Maybe..I guess he's not for everyone though:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ben wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Ben wrote: "Finished that last one even quicker than I expected so I have completed the challenge :)

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton 3 stars
2. The Cold Commands by Richard K. M..."

I agree! It's definitely part of the fun.

[Mish]

Ben wrote: "Finished that last one even quicker than I expected so I have completed the challenge :)

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton 3 stars
2. The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan 4 stars
3. Quiet: The..."

Well done Ben :)

[Nicola]

Finished the graphic novel so have completed at least one book per category. Full list is:
1.In the Winter Dark / Tim Winton

2.Blackberry Winter / Sarah Jio

3. The Long Earth / Terry Pratchett


4. Earth Unaware / Orson Scott Card

The Meaning of Liff / Douglas Adams

5. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald / Therese Anne Fowler
The Universe Versus Alex Woods / Gavin Extence

6. The Great Gatsby : a graphic adaptation by Nicki Greenberg of the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald / Nicki Greenberg


7. The Red Sailor / Patrick O'Hara
Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed / Clive Cussler
The Folklore of Discworld / Terry Pratchett

8. The Drop / Michael Connelly Audible edition
The Inner Circle / Brad Meltzer
The Fifth Assassin / Brad Meltzer
The Last Coyote / Michael Connelly

9. Authors born in June

Dead Man's Chest / Kerry Greenwood

Authors Born July

Brave New World / Aldous Huxley
The Complete Tales / Beatrix Potter
Arabella / Georgette Heyer
Zero Hour / Clive Cussler

10. The Phantom Tollbooth / Norton Juster

11. Lola Bensky / Lily Brett
The Black Dahlia / James Ellroy
Sword of the Gods: The Chosen One / Anna Erishkigal

[Mish]

Fantastic Nicola :)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Nicola wrote: "Finished the graphic novel so have completed at least one book per category. Full list is:
1.In the Winter Dark / Tim Winton

2.[bookcover:Blackberry Winter|13..."

You have so many of my favourite authors in that list! Hope you enjoyed them.

[Nicola]

Phrynne wrote: "Nicola wrote: "Finished the graphic novel so have completed at least one book per category. Full list is:
1.In the Winter Dark / Tim Winton

2.[bookcover:Black..."

Enjoyed most! Wasn't fussed on Tim Winton, Lily Brett or James Ellroy, but it may have been the book itself. Also was Ho Hum on the graphic novel - but maybe yet again not a good one to start with!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Nicola:)

[Nicola]

Brenda wrote: "Well done Nicola:)"

Thank you! Still finishing a couple of extra ones while waiting for the spring challenge!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Nicola wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Nicola wrote: "Finished the graphic novel so have completed at least one book per category. Full list is:
1.In the Winter Dark / Tim Winton

2...."

Yes but my favourite authors in your list are Terry Pratchett, Orson Scott Card, Georgette Heyer, Kerry Greenwood and Michael Connelly. Bet you enjoyed all of their books!

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

13. TBR August - Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead

Just 3 to go.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Liam!

[Nicola]

Phrynne wrote: "Nicola wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Nicola wrote: "Finished the graphic novel so have completed at least one book per category. Full list is:
1.In the Winter Dark /..."

Oh yes! Favourite authors and well worth rereading again and again!

[Trevor]

Finished my non fiction book In the City: A Celebration of London Music by Paul Du Noyer my review is: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Now onto my last book for the challenge, my non Aussie winter book Birthday Boys by Beryl Bainbridge.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Finished my non fiction book In the City: A Celebration of London Music by Paul Du Noyer my review is: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Now onto my last book for the challenge, my n..."

Almost there Trevor;)

[Lesley]

I've read of couple more off the list.


#1 Aus. WinterChild of the Kulaks 4 stars
#2 OS Winter In Cold Blood read 31 Aug, 4 stars
#3 friend's A Thousand Acres 4 stars
#4 literature map The Catcher in the Rye 1 star
#5 new A Woman Transported 3 stars
#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 June tbr God's Own Country 3 stars
#11 July tbr Light in August 3 stars
#12 August tbr The End of Longing 3 stars

[Elaine]

Finished my Aussie winter read Dog Boy , which I really enjoyed and gave 4 stars to. Only two more to go and an added bonus if I manage to fit in two more TBR's!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Lesley and Elaine!

[Elaine]

Thanks Brenda. Finished one more TBR God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything which wasn't great!!! Only 2 stars for this one.That leaves 3 to go. Have sick boy at home and no work tomorrow so plan to do a bit more reading. Who knows I may actually finish this one!!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Thanks Brenda. Finished one more TBR God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything which wasn't great!!! Only 2 stars for this one.That leaves 3 to go. Have sick boy at home and no work tomorro..."

Good luck!!!

[Steve]

I have finished my penultimate (twenty-fifth) book, the second 1. Aussie Winter, Winter Be My Shield, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my final book for the challenge, the second 2. Non-Aussie Winter, Great Expectations.

When is the Spring Challenge due for release? :-)