**Winter Reading Challenge - 2013**

[Steve]

Amber wrote: "Finished my fourth book of the challenge, Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (born 22 June) - ★★★ or ★★★★, I can't decide yet!"

I enjoyed that one, but I did like The Da Vinci Code more. The only book of his I wanted to throw across the room was Digital Fortress -- I've been involved with computers since I was eight years old, and I've been a professional for the past 15 years, and it was just so implausible to almost cause me physical pain.

[Amber]

I've changed a few of my titles, so I thought I would repost my list :-)

1. Aussie author, winter title: Winter by John Marsden <--- currently reading
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 (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: Ripple by Tui Allen
14. August TBR: The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie

[Amber]

Steve wrote: "Amber wrote: "Finished my fourth book of the challenge, Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (born 22 June) - ★★★ or ★★★★, I can't decide yet!"

I enjoyed that one, but I did like The Da Vinci Code more. T..."

I read The Da Vinci Code back in 2004 but I remember enjoying it a lot :-)

[Ben]

Second read done, In the Winter Dark built well but was a little anticlimactic.

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. TBC
13. TBC

[Janine]

I have finished my 8th for this challenge
#3 Eleven Hours by Paullina Simons 3*
#5 Unseen by Karin Slaughter 4*
#6 The Adventures of Tintin, Vol. 1: Tintin in the Land of the Soviets / Tintin in the Congo by Hergé 3*
#7 The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp 4*
#8 Cry Mercy by Mariah Stewart 4*
#9 A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman 3*
#10 Wonder by R.J. Palacio 4*
June TBR The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall 2*

[Nicola]

Had some fabulous reading time over the past few days and have knocked off:
Pick a book from a friend The Long Earth / Terry Pratchett
Another Mystery/Thriller The Inner Circle / Brad Meltzer

and am over half way through
Mystery/Thrillers: The Drop / Michael Connelly Audible edition
and
The Fifth Assassin / Brad Meltzer

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Some good results there guys:)

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Just finished my #5 (New Release), Abaddon's Gate. Very very good.

Now have to decide between Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege, 1942-1943, My Favourite People And Me 1978 1988, and Headhunters

[Amber]

Finished two more:

1. Aussie author, winter title: Winter by John Marsden ★★★
6. Graphic novel: Maus by Art Spiegelman ★★★★

It took me about 50 pages to get into Maus, I didn't think I liked it, but I'm glad I stuck with it!

[Donna R]

#Brenda

The edition I'm reading of "The Gate" lacks a cover image, I've found one elsewhere - how can I add it? I feel like we've had this chat before though can find no trace of it.
The Gate

Thank you

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Put your link to the cover here Donna, and I will add it for you:) We have a thread (for your future reference) for these problems, where any of us librarians can help you... http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...

As soon as you pop the link in here, I can do it for you:)

[Donna R]

Brenda wrote: "Put your link to the cover here Donna, and I will add it for you:) We have a thread (for your future reference) for these problems, where any of us librarians can help you... http://www.goodreads.c..."

!!d75pQw!WM~$(KGrHqJ,!i4Ew5GLeTBiBMR9tqdBHw~~_35.JPG

[Donna R]

Donna wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Put your link to the cover here Donna, and I will add it for you:) We have a thread (for your future reference) for these problems, where any of us librarians can help you... http://..."

Thank you :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Donna wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Put your link to the cover here Donna, and I will add it for you:) We have a thread (for your future reference) for these problems, where any of us librarians can help you... http://..."

That isn't a link and it doesn't work either Donna, can you direct me to the place where it is?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Donna wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Put your link to the cover here Donna, and I will add it for you:) We have a thread (for your future reference) for these problems, where any of us librarians can help you... http://..."

Well, I've just checked your book again and it looks like someone else has done it for you:)

[Donna R]

Brenda wrote: "Donna wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Put your link to the cover here Donna, and I will add it for you:) We have a thread (for your future reference) for these problems, where any of us librarians can help ..."

I know - like magic. I though it was you being Splendidly efficient! I'll use the thread in future and have one of the kids explain 'links'.

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Tackling Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege, 1942-1943, my backup non-fiction book, before my primary non-fiction book. Little bit back to front, but I couldn't wait to read this.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Donna wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Donna wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Put your link to the cover here Donna, and I will add it for you:) We have a thread (for your future reference) for these problems, where any of us libra..."

Haha! Probably Michael or Liam!

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Who are you calling a kid!

Lady just came in and said to her kids "Take your books to the man at the counter", which threw me for a moment and I looked around for this man she was talking about.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Liam wrote: "Who are you calling a kid!

Lady just came in and said to her kids "Take your books to the man at the counter", which threw me for a moment and I looked around for this man she was talking about."

Hahaha!!! I think Donna was talking about her own kids Liam;P

But I'm sure you look like a man O_O!!! lol

[Nicola]

another finished while enjoying the sun this morning!
The Fifth Assassin / Brad Meltzer
From my TBR list and also fits the Mystery/Thriller category as well.
Onto my next one - which one to choose!

[B the BookAddict]

Finished (sadly) a great read - The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry. What an excellent book.
Just a short review because so much happens, I'd end up re-writing the novel if I paraphrased his story.
My review is here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/601601862

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bette wrote: "Finished (sadly) a great read - The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry. What an excellent book.
Just a short review because so much happens, I'd end up re-writing the novel if I paraphrased his story.
..."

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... For some reason your review doesn't work Bette...here it is:)

[Janine]

I have now finished my 9th and 10th for this challenge
#2 A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy 3*
#4 The Vanished Man by Jeffery Deaver 3*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Janine:)

[B the BookAddict]

Liam wrote: "Who are you calling a kid!

Lady just came in and said to her kids "Take your books to the man at the counter", which threw me for a moment and I looked around for this man she was talking about."

lol...

[B the BookAddict]

Janine wrote: "I have now finished my 9th and 10th for this challenge
#2 A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy 3*
#4 The Vanished Man by Jeffery Deaver 3*"

Ah, another Brenda, I see:)

[B the BookAddict]

Brenda wrote: "Bette wrote: "Finished (sadly) a great read - The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry. What an excellent book.
Just a short review because so much happens, I'd end up re-writing the novel if I paraphras..."

Hey, thanks. I do post my reviews in the wee small hours of the morning so that could well be the reason!

[Trevor]

Finished my second book of the challenge Waiting for Sunrise by William Boyd, thoroughly enjoyable story, my review is: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Trevor]

Bette wrote: "Finished (sadly) a great read - The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry. What an excellent book.
Just a short review because so much happens, I'd end up re-writing the novel if I paraphrased his story.
..."

Love that book, I'm reading

for the challenge

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Brenda wrote: "Liam wrote: "Who are you calling a kid!

Lady just came in and said to her kids "Take your books to the man at the counter", which threw me for a moment and I looked around for this man she was tal..."

I'm sure I look like one but I still feel like an irresponsible teenager :P

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Liam wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Liam wrote: "Who are you calling a kid!

Lady just came in and said to her kids "Take your books to the man at the counter", which threw me for a moment and I looked around for this ..."

Aren't we all "kids at heart"? lol

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have just finished my second non-fiction book When Justice Fails by P.D. Martin

Review to follow

[Elaine]

Just finished my first for this challenge, which wasn't even the one I started with!!!! Number 8 Suspense/Murder/Thriller Gunshot Road . I gave it 4 stars as it got much better towards the end.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Just finished my second Aussie winter title Black Ice by Leah Giarratano

Review to follow

[Steve]

Brenda wrote: "Just finished my second Aussie winter title Black Ice by Leah Giarratano"

That's 14 now? I said it before, slow down before you sprain something! :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I didn't know you were keeping tally for me Steve, thank you, you are right! I had to check to see;) 12 to go now:)

[Steve]

I have finished my fourth, which is the first of #12 July TBR, Crossroads of Twilight, with my review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my first of #13 August TBR, Knife of Dreams.

[Nicola]

Done another 2 and I've got 2 more to pick up tomorrow from the Library! 2 non-fiction reads....
Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed / Clive Cussler
and
The Folklore of Discworld / Terry Pratchett

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "Just finished my second Aussie winter title Black Ice by Leah Giarratano

Review to follow"

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "I have just finished my second non-fiction book When Justice Fails by P.D. Martin

Review to follow"

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

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Just finished Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege, 1942-1943, my back-up Non-Fiction title. Review is here

1. Winter Aussie Author - Winter by John Marsden ****
5. New Release - Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey *****
6. Graphic Novel - Kazu Kibuishi's Amulet series ***
10. YA fiction - Incurable and Circle of Flight by John Marsden ***
11. TBR June - The Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter ****
7b. Non-Fiction - Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege, 1942-1943 by Antony Beevor *****

"Six" down..

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Liam!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Back from holidays this morning. Jet lagged so can't sleep and decided to update my lists. I read quite a few books on various aeroplanes.

13/13

1. Winter Aussie author Winter Be My Shield by Jo Spurrier
2. Winter non aussie author Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin
3. From a friend's TBR (Arily)A Nomadic Witch by Debora Geary
4. Literature map Xenocide by Orson Scott Card
5. A new release in June The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
6. Graphic novel The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
7. Non fiction Back Story by David Mitchell
8. Mystery Body Count by P.D. Martin
9. Author born 24/8/1951 Children of the Mind by Orson Scott Card
10. YA book The Giver by Lois Lowry
11. TBR The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
12. TBR The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
13. TBR Zoo by James Patterson

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Wow! Looks good Phrynne! Did you have a wonderful time?

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

We had an amazing time. I did not want to come back.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "We had an amazing time. I did not want to come back."

It's sad that it's over already, but the memories would be wonderful! Did you take lots of photos?

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Phrynne wrote: "Back from holidays this morning. Jet lagged so can't sleep and decided to update my lists. I read quite a few books on various aeroplanes.

7/13

1. Winter Aussie author Winter Be My Shield by Jo S..."

What'd you think of Xenocide and Children?

[Steve]

Phrynne wrote: "1. Winter Aussie author Winter Be My Shield by Jo Spurrier"

And what did you think of this book, since it's also on my list?

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda: Yes we took millions of photos! And this morning after a good night's sleep in my own bed I am much happier to be home.
Liam: I very much enjoyed both. I was pleased too with the ending. I was not looking forward to Ender dying and I thought the way this was dealt with was clever. I will read more of his books now.
Steve: I was not really impressed with this one. I felt the author had borrowed a lot of ideas from other similar stories. It was okay but I would not run around telling other people to read it!!!