**Winter Reading Challenge - 2013**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "I shall read it on the plane."

I'm sure you'll enjoy it too:)

[Ben]

Here's my list:

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton
2. The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan (TBC)
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. TBC
13. TBC

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good list Ben, I really enjoyed #6!

[Ben]

Brenda wrote: "Good list Ben, I really enjoyed #6!"

I bought a copy of it ages and ages ago, didn't read it right away and then forgot about it until I moved house recently so really looking forward to it now

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ben wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Good list Ben, I really enjoyed #6!"

I bought a copy of it ages and ages ago, didn't read it right away and then forgot about it until I moved house recently so really looking forwa..."

I hope you enjoy it:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Just updated my list. :)"

Looks good Michael:) It shouldn't be too hard to get #s 5 & 6 either:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "6 will be more a challenge then 5 then again i could get the new Simons Cat one. :D"

Pity I wasn't closer to you...I could lend you one of my Graphic Novels:)

[Kathryn]

Amber wrote: "Aargh! I told myself I wouldn't do the winter challenge, just so that I could concentrate on reading books I keep meaning to read or finish, but it's so tempting! I love making lists!"

I agree, Amber - I think winter will be my time to focus on re-reading Les Misérables - I've started it, but haven't gotten very far yet. The writing is beautiful, it's just the length that's a little daunting!

So no winter challenge for me, but I'm enjoying looking at everybody else's lists!

[Joz]

A list starting to come together.
So far,

1)Winter Be my Sheild by Jo Spurrier (thanks I copied from other people's lists!)
2)The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777 by Kristiana Gregory
3) We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
4) Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut (name: George Orwell)
5)The Cocaine Diaries: A Venezualan Prison Nightmare
by Paul Keany, Jeff Farrell
6)The Bradleys by Peter Bagge
7)Hiroshima by John Hersey
Or 7) The Floating Brothel: The Extraordinary True Story of an Eighteenth-Century Ship and its Cargo of Female Convicts by Siân Rees (Can't decide)

8) The Richmond Conspiracy by Grimes, Andrew
9) George Orwell Down and Out in London and Paris 25 June
10)Hunger Games.
Some of these have been on my want to read list for a while. Others are way out of my normal reading.

If I get time... Blindness by José Saramago, Giovanni Pontiero
Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business
by Neil Postman, Andrew Postman
Awakening
by Ray N. Kuili

[Trina]

I don't think I'll be doing this one. I think I also need some time to do some unstructured reading and read whatever I feel like, instead of having a list.

[Steve]

Joz wrote: "1)Winter Be my Sheild by Jo Spurrier (thanks I copied from other people's lists!)"

Nice to see how much of a trend-setter I am. :-)

[Joz]

Nice to see how much of a trend-setter I am. :-)

it looks like a great novel, so thanks for the find

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

There are two books in there we could almost do group reads on because so many people are using them! Steve's suggestion by Jo Spurrier and the new Neil Gaiman book with the evocative title .The Ocean at the End of the Lane

[[deleted user]]

1. Aussie author.
In the Winter Dark
2. NON Aussie author
Shiver
3.friend,
The Lovely Bones
4. Literature Map...
I put in Nora Roberts
Shattered
5.New Release
Beautiful Day
6. Graphic Novel
The Kite Runner: Graphic Novel
7.Non Fiction
The Diary of a Young Girl
8, suspense/murder mystery/thriller
Killing Me Softly
9. Authors born June-August
Digital Fortress
10. International Children's Day
City of Bones
Bonus
11. The Fireman Who Loved Me
12.A Home By The Sea
13, A Pirate's Love

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good choice #6 Arena:) Great list!

[Trevor]

Here is my book list for the winter challenge, one book still to be chosen:

1. Australian author, winter book
2. Non australian author, winter book
3. Pick a friend (Jon O)
4. Literature map (John Irving)
5. New release - I'll see what's published
6. Graphic novel

7. Non fiction
8. Suspense
9. Author born in June/July/August - Stephen Fry 25 August 1957
10. YA book

[B the BookAddict]

1.Aust author, winter title In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton
2. Non Aust author, winter title Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
3. Pick a friend (Patrick Acuna)The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
4. Literature Map (Jodi Picoult) The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg
5. New release The Shadow Year by Hannah Richell
6. Graphic novel Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 by Stephenie Meyer
7. Non Fiction The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry
8. Suspense/murder/thriller The Bone Bed by Patricia Cornwell
9. Young Adult The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
10. Author born August 2nd Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende
11. June TBR The Things We Never Said by Susan Elliot Wright
12. July TBR The Privileges by Jonathan Dee
13. August TBR Solomon's Oak by Jo-Ann Mapson

[Janine]

1.Australian Author, Winter Title Vodka Doesn't Freeze by Leah Giarratano
2. Non Aust Author, Winter Title A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
3. Pick a friend (Mish) Eleven Hours by Paullina Simons
4. Literature Map (Karin Slaughter) The Vanished Man by Jeffery Deaver
5. New Release Unseen by Karin Slaughter
6. Graphic Novel Tintin in the Land of the Soviets by Hergé
7. Non Fiction The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp
8. Suspense/Murder/Thriller Cry Mercy by Mariah Stewart
9. Author born June (June 25) A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
10. Young Adult Wonder by R.J. Palacio
11.TBR June The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall
12. TBR July The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
13. TBR August Wattle Creek by Fiona Mccallum

[Mish]

Bette wrote: "Thanks, Mish. I had just worked it out. But thanks for your help :) My laptop keeps crashing on me so I keep having to 'post' my entries. :(
Bette"

You're welcome Bette. You've done well with your list. I'd like to read The Virgin Suicides at some stage. I've read Middlesex and really enjoyed it :)

[Mish]

Ooh Janine You picked Eleven Hours. I hope you like it. It's one of those that will keep you on the edge of your seat & it's a quick read :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bette wrote: "1.Aust author, winter title In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton
2. Non Aust author, winter title Winter Garden by Kristin Han..."

Bette, I didn't know they had a graphic novel out of Twilight? I wonder what it will be like?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists Trevor, Bette and Janine:)

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Great lists Trevor, Bette and Janine:)"

Thanks, looking forward to starting reading them, some I've had for quite a while on the shelve gathering dust.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Great lists Trevor, Bette and Janine:)"

Thanks, looking forward to starting reading them, some I've had for quite a while on the shelve gathering dust."

Yes me too Trevor...I also have a lot on my dusty shelves;)

[Amber]

Kathryn wrote: "Amber wrote: "Aargh! I told myself I wouldn't do the winter challenge, just so that I could concentrate on reading books I keep meaning to read or finish, but it's so tempting! I love making lists!..."

I agree, Amber - I think winter will be my time to focus on re-reading Les Misérables - I've started it, but haven't gotten very far yet. The writing is beautiful, it's just the length that's a little daunting!"

Funnily enough, Les Misérables is exactly the book I was thinking of when I posted that comment! I haven't started it yet, but bought it recently and long to get into it. But there are plenty of other books I'm keen to read too, some of which made it onto my challenge list :-)

[Amber]

Phrynne wrote: "There are two books in there we could almost do group reads on because so many people are using them! Steve's suggestion by Jo Spurrier and the new Neil Gaiman book with the evocative title .The Ocean..."

In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton is another popular choice!

[Zaryna]

Update ... 4th June

1. Aussie Author, winter plot:Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody
2. Non-Aussie Author, winter title: The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse
3. Pick a Friend (Gabriela) :The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
4. Literature Map (Isobelle Carmody): The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
5. New Release: Oath Bound by Rachel Vincent
6. Graphic novel: Maus by Art Spiegelman
7. Non-Fiction: The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli
8. Mystery novel: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
9. Author Born July: Blood and Memory by Fiona McIntosh
10. YA Book: Eve by Anna Carey
11. TBR: Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell
12. TBR: The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau
13. TBR: Destiny by Fiona McIntosh

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ellise wrote: "1. Aussie Author, winter plot:Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody
2. Non-Aussie Author, winter title: The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse
3. Pick a Friend (Gabriela) :The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
..."

Great list Ellise...I didn't realize Fiona McIntosh was born in July...I might change my choice to one of hers:) Thanks!

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Fiona McIntosh is a pretty great fantasy author.

[Cindy]

Well have selected the books and hopefully this time I will complete the challenge!!

1. Aussie author - Winter by John Marsden
2. Non Aussie author - Grand Central Winter: Stories from the Street by Lee Stringer
3. Friends book - (from Megan) Room by Emma Donoghue
4. Literature map - (Markus Zukas) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (leftover from the Summer challenge...)
5. New release - (9 July 2013) Close My Eyes by Sophie McKenzie
6. Graphic novel - Maus by Art Spiegelman
7. Non-fiction - Growing Up Amish: A Memoir by Ira Wagler
8. Suspense/murder mystery/thriller - Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
9. Authors - (dob 6 July 1952) Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
10. International children day - Wonder by R.J. Palacio
11. TBR for June - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
12. TBR for July - Mateship With Birds by Carrie Tiffany
13. TBR for August - Wool Omnibus by Hugh Howey

[B the BookAddict]

Brenda wrote: "Bette wrote: "1.Aust author, winter title In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton
2. Non Aust author, winter title Winter Garden ..."

Brenda, I just went to the Graphic genre and saw Twilight there. So I picked it because I thought I might as well see what all the hype was about.

[B the BookAddict]

Trevor wrote: "Here is my book list for the winter challenge, one book still to be chosen:

1. Australian author, winter book
2. Non australian author, winter book [bookcov..."

You're a John Irving fan, I see. Me, too. Amazing writer... My favourite of his is The World According to Garp - wonderful, wonderful book.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Here it is Bette...a different cover to the one you put up, (you can change it to this if you want!) but I like the cover;)

Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1Stephenie Meyer

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I'm going to change my choice for number 2. Winter Garden is not available from Amazon for my kindle and I don't want to read it so much that I can be bothered to go hunting for it. I would much rather go looking for an alternative in Listopia.

[Kyla]

1. Aussie Author, Winter Title: Winter by John Marsden
2. Non-Aussie Author, Winter Theme: Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger
3. Pick a Friend (Denny): Intensity by Intensity
4. Literature Map (Steven King): The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker
5. New Release: Mistress by James Patterson
6. Graphic Novel: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
7. Non Fiction: Empty Chairs by Stacey Danson
8. Suspense/Mystery/Thriller: Misery by Stephen King
9. Author Born June - August: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (DOB - 22/06/64)
10. Children's/YA Book: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

I was lucky with this Challenge as all but 2 of the books (pick a friend & new release) were already on my To Read list :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "I'm going to change my choice for number 2. Winter Garden is not available from Amazon for my kindle and I don't want to read it so much that I can be bothered to go hunting for it. I would much ra..."

Sounds fair enough Phrynne!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kyla wrote: "1. Aussie Author, Winter Title: Winter by John Marsden
2. Non-Aussie Author, Winter Theme: Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger
3. Pick a Friend (Denny): Intensity by Intensity
4. Literature Map (Stev..."

Great list, and isn't that good about your TBR list Kyla! I loved #7, and read the follow-up as well Faint Echoes Of Laughter.

[Kyla]

3. Pick a Friend (Denny):Intensity by Dean Koontz

Sorry don't know what happened when I listed it first time.

[Kyla]

Brenda wrote: "Kyla wrote: "1. Aussie Author, Winter Title: Winter by John Marsden
2. Non-Aussie Author, Winter Theme: Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger
3. Pick a Friend (Denny): Intensity by Intensity
4. Literat..."

Yes an old school friend recommended #7 to me :) Based on feedback I have had on this book, I am really looking forward to getting stuck into it :)

[Kathryn]

Amber wrote: "Funnily enough, Les Misérables is exactly the book I was thinking of when I posted that comment! I haven't started it yet, but bought it recently and long to get into it. But there are plenty of other books I'm keen to read too, some of which made it onto my challenge list :-) "

Well, you're a better woman than I am, Amber, to manage a challenge AND Les Misérables! I've been reading bits and pieces of it for months, in between other books I'm reading, but I think I need to prioritise it to make anything like a dent in it - I don't think I'm even 1/5 of the way through yet!

I also have about 6 library books sitting there that I just don't seem to be getting around to (but that I really want to read!) as I'm having a spurt of interest in my crocheting. At the moment, I'm just listening to a random audiobook that was available at my library and sounded interesting while I crochet but maybe I need to get proactive and see if I can get some of my TBR on audiobooks so I can work on my TBR list while I crochet!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kyla wrote: "3. Pick a Friend (Denny):Intensity by Dean Koontz

Sorry don't know what happened when I listed it first time."

All you did was click "add" before you went over to author Kyla:) You know you can edit your original post, don't you, to change it in there? Just click on "edit" in the box, and change it...the author will appear at the bottom of your post, just cut and past it back up with #3.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Okay - I am going to do it. I am going to read Winter's Tale. All 768 pages of it. This isn't available on kindle either but at least it is in my favourite genre! Off to the Book Depository now to order the paperback.

[Trevor]

Bette wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Here is my book list for the winter challenge, one book still to be chosen:

1. Australian author, winter book
2. Non australian author, winte..."

My favorite is

A Prayer for Owen Meany

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "Okay - I am going to do it. I am going to read Winter's Tale. All 768 pages of it. This isn't available on kindle either but at least it is in my favourite genre! Off to the Book Depository now to ..."

Well done Phrynne! I hope it comes before you go away...or will you leave it for when you return?

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Okay - I am going to do it. I am going to read Winter's Tale. All 768 pages of it. This isn't available on kindle either but at least it is in my favourite genre! Off to the Book De..."

Yes I will probably leave that one for August.

[B the BookAddict]

Brenda wrote: "Here it is Bette...a different cover to the one you put up, (you can change it to this if you want!) but I like the cover;)

Twilight: The Gr..."

Thanks for that - I've checked the library (which I recently joined) and they have it so I'll change my selection.

[B the BookAddict]

Trevor wrote: "Bette wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Here is my book list for the winter challenge, one book still to be chosen:

1. Australian author, winter book
2. Non australian..."

That's a great book too. I read Garp first so I think that's the one that made the most impact for me. John Irving has such a talent for story-telling and is an incredible wordsmith. Makes me sad that he's now 75 and probably will not write many more books.

[Lia]

1. Winter -
2. The Snow Child
3. Pick a friend - sadly I have no Goodreads friends ;-(
4. Literature Map - via Kate Morton (also a bookclub read for me - 2 birds one sone!) finished
5. New Release .....?
6. Wonderstruck finished
7. Relish
8. The Shining - this is not my usual genre, so may as well go with the classic thriller. Finished
9. Maya's Notebook - I share Isabel Allende's birthdate so this seemed approrpriate finished
10. Artemis Fowl - changed for The Amber Amulet finished

11. - another bookclub read for me finished 14/06
12. finished 04/06
13. finished 15/07

there goes, my first group challenge

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Lia!! You're welcome to check my books out if you'd like, to get your "friend" choice;)

I also notice you are a new member, welcome to the group! I'd love you to head over to this thread http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3... and introduce yourself, so everyone else can welcome you too:)

[Amber]

Lia wrote: "1. Winter -
2. The Snow Child
3. Pick a friend - sadly I have no Goodreads friends ;-(
4. Literature Map - [bookcover:Year of Wonders|..."

Hi Lia, and welcome :-) We seem to have a similar taste in books when I compare our shelves, so feel free to select one from my books for your "friend" challenge title!