**Winter Reading Challenge - 2013**

[Steve]

Just finished my fifth, my first of #13. August TBR, Knife of Dreams, with my review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my second #3. Book from a Friend, The Gathering Storm.

[B the BookAddict]

Last night I finished my 8th and 9th book:.
Graphic Novel Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 by Stephenie Meyer
Winter title - Aust author In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton

[B the BookAddict]

My review of In the Winter Dark is at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Zoey]

Update so far

A few additions/changes since last post

1. Aussie Author Winter - Obernewtyn Isobelle Carmody
2. Non Aussie Author Winter - Bone Cold Erica Spindler
3. Friends List - (Bronwyn) Farewell to LancashireAnna Jacobs 4★
4. Literature Map (Jilly Cooper) The Power TripJackie Collins 3★
5. New Release - The White Princess Philippa Gregory
6. Graphic Novel - The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye Robert Kirkman 3★

7. Non Fiction - The Complete Superfoods Cookbook: Dishes and Drinks for Energy, Detoxing and HealingMichael van Straten 3★
8. Suspense/Mystery - Bay of Fires Poppy Gee
9. Author Birthday - (D.O.B 30-07-1818) Wuthering Heights Emily Brontë
10. YA - Mice Gordon Reece
11. June TBR - Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing Gabrielle Lord
12. July TBR - Déjà Dead Kathy Reichs 3★
13. August TBR - The Promise Lesley Pearse

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks good Zoey!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I finished Winter's Tale with time to spare so I will start The Ocean at the End of the Lane tonight and then start my July challenges after that. Winter's Tale was enjoyable but very long. His descriptions of winter were outstanding but there were just a few too many. Peter Lake was a fascinating hero though. Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "Finished my second non-Aussie Winter Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson (mid winter in the US)

Review to follow"

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

[Nicola]

Finished my Literature Map
Earth Unaware / Orson Scott Card
Thought I'd have a bit of light reading that also covers another Author born in July
The Complete Tales / Beatrix Potter

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Reading Angelfall - Phrynne was right, it is quite a lot of nothing. Should have it finished tomorrow, though.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I am reading The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Typically weird Gaiman but very very gripping. I sat up far too late last night reading it!

[Amber]

I've had no Internet access for the past 4 days so I have some updates to share :-) I'm finding it really hard to get hold of some of these at the library so I'm reading them in the order I can get them - that's why I've already read my July TBR and currently reading the one for August!

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 (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 <--- currently reading

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I just finished The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Wow - that was a GOOD book. So unusual and so clever. I should have known it would be my kind of book when I read the comments by Erin Morgenstern and Joanne Harris (two more of my favourite authors).

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "I've had no Internet access for the past 4 days so I have some updates to share :-) I'm finding it really hard to get hold of some of these at the library so I'm reading them in the order I can get..."

Looking good Amber:)

[Trevor]

Finished my third novel of the challenge, my graphic novel Jerusalem: A Family Portrait by Boaz Yakin, which was a bit of a disappointment. My review is: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Finished my third novel of the challenge, my graphic novel Jerusalem: A Family Portrait by Boaz Yakin, which was a bit of a disappointment. My review is: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

Bad luck Trevor, but like you say, probably a physical book would work better:)

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Finished my third novel of the challenge, my graphic novel Jerusalem: A Family Portrait by Boaz Yakin, which was a bit of a disappointment. My review is: http://www.goodreads.com/rev..."

Yes I think that's right, and I've already got a physical copy of my second graphic novel A Film About Billy by Daniel McCloskey to read

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Finished my third novel of the challenge, my graphic novel Jerusalem: A Family Portrait by Boaz Yakin, which was a bit of a disappointment. My review is: http://www.go..."

I hope you enjoy that one much more then:)

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

5b. New Release - Angelfall by Susan Ee **

Much ado about nothing. Twilight written as competently as The Hunger Games with an angel instead of a vampire. This thing has every teenaged girl base covered.

[Nicola]

Finished my Australian Author with Winter in the title
In the Winter Dark / Tim Winton
And thought some light reading was in order (yet again another Author born in July - can't seem to get out of the that month!)
Arabella / Georgette Heyer

[Amber]

14. August TBR: Ripple by Tui Allen ★★★★

What a strange story! Thoroughly enjoyable though :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "14. August TBR: Ripple by Tui Allen ★★★★

What a strange story! Thoroughly enjoyable though :-)"

It's a beautiful book, isn't it Amber:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Nicola wrote: "Finished my Australian Author with Winter in the title
In the Winter Dark / Tim Winton
And thought some light reading was in order (yet again another Author bor..."

I am so glad someone other than me reads Georgette Heyer. I think her books are delightful.

[Amber]

Phrynne wrote: "I am so glad someone other than me reads Georgette Heyer. I think her books are delightful."

I've never read any of Georgette Heyer's books Phrynne, which of her books would you recommend to start with?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I finished my first Literature Map Close My Eyes by Sophie McKenzie

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

1. Aussie Winter - Vodka Doesn't Freeze by Leah Giarratano ★★★★★
Black Ice by Leah Giarratano ★★★★

2. Non-Aussie Winter - The Black Ice by Michael Connelly ★★★★
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson ★★★★★
3. Pick a friend (Kim Marie) - The Turn of the Screw by Henry James ★★
(Jess) - Ryders Ridge by Charlotte Nash ★★★★★

4. Literature Map (put in Rosamund Lupton) chose Close My Eyes by Sophie McKenzie ★★★★★
(put in Karin Slaughter) chose Stolen by Tess Gerritsen ★★★★

5. New Release (June, July or Aug) All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld 1/7/13 ★★★
Unseen by Karin Slaughter 1/7/13 ★★★★★

6. Graphic Novel - Skim by Mariko Tamaki ★★★
Gulliver's Travels by Martin Rowson ★★★

7. Non-Fiction - Mother of Ten by JB Rowley ★★★★
When Justice Fails by P.D. Martin ★★★★

8. Suspense/Murder Mystery/Thriller - 12th of Never by James Patterson ★★★★★
Outback Fear by Suzanne Brandyn ★★★★


9. Author Born June, July or August - Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart born 6th July ★★★★★
44 Charles Street by Danielle Steel born 14th August ★★★

10. YA/Childrens - Song of the Jikhoshi by Katie W. Stewart ★★★★★
Marionette by Anya Allyn ★★★★★

11. TBR June - Evidence Of Life by Barbara Taylor Sissel ★★★★★
Daddy's Gone A Hunting by Mary Higgins Clark ★★★★★
12. TBR July - Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb ★★★★★
Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts ★★★★★
13. TBR August - Kiss Of Death by P.D. Martin
Deadly Tide by Sandy Curtis

Subject to change...especially the New Releases:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Amber wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "I am so glad someone other than me reads Georgette Heyer. I think her books are delightful."

I've never read any of Georgette Heyer's books Phrynne, which of her books would you re..."

Any of her Regency romances. I don't usually read romances but Heyer's are really good. I really like The Grand Sophy and also Friday's Child.

[Lesley]

Recently finished my third book The Catcher in the Rye which I only gave 1 star, and am now reading A Thousand Acres.

[Christy]

Finished my Aussie Winter read Vodka Doesn't Freeze by Leah Giarratano - WOW! What a great debut, I gave it 5 stars and look forward to reading more by this author!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christy wrote: "Finished my Aussie Winter read Vodka Doesn't Freeze by Leah Giarratano - WOW! What a great debut, I gave it 5 stars and look forward to reading more by thi..."

I'm enjoying her work too Christy:)

[Ben]

The Ocean at the End of the Lane was predictably beautiful and wonderful. I would have given it 5 stars if only it were a little bit meatier. Tone-wise, it feels kind of like a middle ground between The Graveyard Book and Neverwhere.

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

[Janine]

I have finished my July TBR so now only have my August TBR
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty 4*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Ben and Janine:)

[Zaryna]

My Updated List!

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]

Looks good Ellise!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I finished my first July TBR earlier Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Review to follow

[Steve]

My sixth book, second of #3. Book from a Friend, The Gathering Storm is done with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... Up next is my second of #11. June TBR,
Towers of Midnight.

[Christy]

Slowly, but surely, my review of a delicious way to curl up on Winter's Day!!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Onto my Litmap book, Tigana

[Ben]

I just finished With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa, would recommend it unreservedly for anyone who likes the occasional military history/autobiography. Brilliant.

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

[Trevor]

Just finished book number 4, my August birthday authur, Making History by Stephen Fry and loved it, my short review is:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "I finished my first July TBR earlier Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Review to follow"

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

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my first July TBR earlier Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Review to follow"

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

Good review Brenda! You just have to love Eve don't you?
(and Roarke.... and Peabody)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my first July TBR earlier Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Review to follow"

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

Good review Brenda! Yo..."

Thanks Phrynne...I love the In Death series! I love the fact that I can laugh out loud with some of her "off the cuff" comments while she's chasing the bad guys! The whole team interact so well, you feel like you know them all.
Have you read them all Phrynne? Her next one is out in September:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my first July TBR earlier Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Review to follow"

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

Good r..."

Yes I read my way through the whole series and wait for each new one to come out.

[Nicola]

Another author born in July.
Arabella / Georgette Heyer
Waiting until after my holiday to delve into the murky waters of Graphic Novels and my favourite YA novel.....

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my first July TBR earlier Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Review to follow"

Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/307..."

I started at the beginning last year, as I had read them out of order, so decided the ones I hadn't read, I'd read in order. So now I'm almost caught up:) Thoroughly enjoying them though!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my first July TBR earlier Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Review to follow"

Review: http://www.goodreads.com..."

The woman has great talent. She turns out 2 JD Robbs a year plus about a million Norah Roberts (which I don't read but I know lots of people do). Do you think she is actually a whole team of people because how could one person do all that?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my first July TBR earlier Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Review to follow"

Review: http://ww..."

Actually that has been discussed before as to whether she has ghost writers, and from people who know her....no she doesn't, she does it all herself! She's a machine:) I'm actually reading Whiskey Beach at the moment. It's a new release, by Nora, and it's not her romance (which I don't read either) it's romantic suspense. I had them recommended to me by another author who writes the same genre. So this is my first RS by Nora, and so far it's good. I'm not far in yet, but am enjoying it atm!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my first Graphic Novel Gulliver's Travels by Martin Rowson

Review to follow

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished my first July TBR earlier Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

Review to follow"

R..."

I have read some Nora Roberts. Her Circle Trilogy is supernatural romance and is very good indeed.