**Summer Reading Challenge - 2013/2014**

[Kathryn]

Phrynne wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Okay I will make a start.

1. Aussie book set in the summer months Heartland by Cathryn Hein
2. Romance TBA
3. New release…"


Yes, it's hard to remember sometimes, isn't it? I know I haven't read
Winter Solstice before (or any Rosamunde Pilcher) but I'm about to read 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff and I have a sneaky suspicion I've read it before. I can't remember details, or anything really, other than just a vague sense of having read it previously. Unless I just saw it somewhere and thought it would be good to read…

Ah well, sometimes having a bad memory is good - you get to enjoy good books twice over!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Kathryn wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Okay I will make a start.

1. Aussie book set in the summer months Heartland by Cathryn Hein
2. Romance TBA
3. New r..."

Yes - it's something to look forward to when we get old. Maybe we can read all the best books again!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Absolutely fantastic lists from everyone! I've had a lovely time browsing all the choices:)"

I like looking at everyone's choices too. I wish people who use covers would type the authors though. You can't always read the author's name in the picture.

[Amber]

Trevor wrote: "Here's my list for the summer challenge:


1) Summer - Making Laws For Clouds by Nick Earls
2) Valentine's Day - Desert Sons by [author:Mark Kendrick|68..."

Number 1. is supposed to be by an Aussie author, Trevor :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Here's my list for the summer challenge:


1) Summer - Making Laws For Clouds by Nick Earls
2) Valentine's Day - Desert Sons by [author:M..."

He is Amber:)

[Amber]

Oops, I'm very sorry! I thought he was British, but now I realise I was thinking of Nick Hornby! :-D

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Oops, I'm very sorry! I thought he was British, but now I realise I was thinking of Nick Hornby!"

That's OK...easy mistake to make:)

[Kira]

Finally got my list sorted:
1. Summer
2. Valentines
3. NR
4.
Literature Map: Susanna Kearsley = Gillian Bradshaw
5. Christmas
6. YA
7. LGBT
8. AA
9.
Favourite Genre: Paranormal Romance
10. OR Movie
11. Dec TBR
12. Jan TBR
13. Feb TBR

[Angela]

Ok, I just spent half the morning bunking off work to get my list done. Best morning ever haha!

1. The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane

2. Persuasion by Jane Austen

3. Letter to George Clooney by Debra Adelaide

4. (How fun is Lit map!) An Iron Rose by Peter Temple

5. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

6. Wolfskin by Juliet Marillier

7. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

8. The Brush Off by Shane Maloney

9. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

10. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

11. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth

12. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

13. TBR

[Mish]

Angela wrote: "Ok, I just spent half the morning bunking off work to get my list done. Best morning ever haha!

1. The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane

2. Persuasion by..."

Lol! it is a lot of fun. Great list Angela.

[Jenn]

My List so far...

1. Summer:Wildflower Hill Ember Island

2. Valentines: Revealed Rebecca

3. New Release: One by One


4.Literature Map: Darkness Splintered Tempt the Stars

5. Christmas: Christmas Carol The Night Before Christmas

6.YA: City of Lost Souls ] The Fiery Heart

7.LGBT: Brideshead Revisited The Catcher in the Rye

8. Aussie Author: Darkness Unmasked Beyond Fear

9. Fave Genre: Drink With The Devil

10. Book to Movie: The Book Thief The Help

11. Dec TBR:TBA x2
12. Jan TBR:TBA x2
13. Feb TBR:TBA x2

[Kathryn]

Jennifer wrote: "My List so far...

1. Summer:
2. Valentines: Revealed
3. New Release: TBC
4.Literature Map: Darkness Splintered..."

I loved The Help, Jennifer. It was such a wonderful story and the movie was good too, even though I watched it after reading the novel (which normally means I won't like the movie because they "ruin" it - in my opinion!). Hope you enjoy the book!

[Ben]

Brenda wrote: "Ben wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Ben I've just realized your #1 choice isn't an Aussie author either:)"

Oh whoops I misread the description. Will have a think and pick another."

I notice you've chosen ..."
Yes he's my go-to Aussie author at the moment, am slowly working my way through his back catalogue :)

[Amber]

Angela wrote: "Ok, I just spent half the morning bunking off work to get my list done. Best morning ever haha!

1. The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane

2. Persuasion by..."

Ooh, I really want to read A Suitable Boy but it is such a whopper! I don't think I'd be able to fit it into a challenge :-) One day...

[Angela]

Amber wrote: "Angela wrote: "Ok, I just spent half the morning bunking off work to get my list done. Best morning ever haha!

1. The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane

2. [book:Pers..."

I am really hoping I haven't bitten off more than I can chew with that one haha!! But I have school holidays off (perks of working in a college) so was looking for things to keep me from agonizing bordom ... :-)

[Sally906]

Whoo - whoo found my book for challenge 1 - Celebrate Summer in Australia - Crimes for a Summer Christmas edited by Stephen Knight.

Amazing what you can find when you open a cardboard box at the back of the cupboard when looking for Christmas decorations!!!

[Angela]

Sally906 wrote: "Whoo - whoo found my book for challenge 1 - Celebrate Summer in Australia - Crimes for a Summer Christmas edited by Stephen Knight.

Amazing what you can find when y..."

The book-gods are looking after you! :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists everyone!!

[Amber]

I think I've found my Christmas-themed title.
Little Exiles by Robert Dinsdale
Does it sound Christmassy enough, mods?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "I think I've found my Christmas-themed title.
Little Exiles by Robert Dinsdale
Does it sound Christmassy enough, mods?"

Sounds perfect Amber:)

[Amber]

Brenda wrote: "Amber wrote: "I think I've found my Christmas-themed title.
Little Exiles by Robert Dinsdale
Does it sound Christmassy enough, mo..."

Great, that's got me a little closer to a final list :-)

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Brenda wrote: "8. Australia Day is on January 26th - choose a book either by an Aussie Author, or anything relating to our special day."

I think you missed the most important thing, my birthday! Pick a book relating to me.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Liam wrote: "Brenda wrote: "8. Australia Day is on January 26th - choose a book either by an Aussie Author, or anything relating to our special day."

I think you missed the most important thing, my birthday! P..."

Hahaha!! You're welcome to choose a book relating to you Liam, AS WELL as the Australia Day one;P

[Jenn]

Kathryn wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "My List so far...

1. Summer:
2. Valentines: Revealed
3. New Release: TBC
4.Literature Map: Darkness Splintered..."

I ..."

Hi Katherine. I watched the movie and thought it was pretty good and we all know books are always better than the movies so I cant wait to read this.

[Amber]

Wow, I just got a message from the library that These Broken Stars is waiting for me (I didn't think it was going to be released until December!), so I'm going to have to make a change to my list! I think it will slot into the number 6. YA pretty easily :-)

[Kathryn]

Jennifer wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "My List so far...

1. Summer:
2. Valentines: Revealed
3. New Release: TBC
4.Literature Map: [book:Darkness Splintered|1..."

Yes, the movie was good - I watched it after reading the book (which normally makes for a very ordinary movie!) and thought the scriptwriters, producer and director all did an excellent job. There's a bit more to the book than the movie, as there usually is, so I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

[Kristy]

I would like to give this challenge a go, so here is the list I've put together. Hopefully I can get through all of them :-)

1. Summer cover: Walking on Trampolines
2. Romance: Beautiful Disaster
3. New Release: In Safe Arms
4. Literature map: At Sea
5. Christmas: With Love at Christmas
6. Young adult: Just One Day
7. LGBT: Keeping You a Secret
8. Aussie: Cloudstreet
9. Fav Genre: Take A Look At Me Now
10. Book to movie: The Book Thief

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great you can join us Kristy! Some really good choices there:)
I notice you are a new member - perhaps you'd like to introduce yourself here https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... so everyone can welcome you and say hi:)

[Rosie]

I am looking forward to this.

1.The Last Rose Of Summer
2.
Dark Witch
3.Summer at the Lake
4. I put in Laura Childs and got Joanne Fluke
Key Lime Pie Murder
5.
A Christmas Carol
6. Princess of the Wild Swans
7. The Importance of Being Earnest
8. Beneath the Southern Cross
9. Briar Rose
10. The Secret Garden
11. The Long Winter
12. The Thread That Binds the Bones
13. Plum Pudding Murder

[Jackmeister]

Ok, after much thought I have chosen my list,

1. Summer - by Tim Winton
2. Valentines Day - pushing the envelope a bit here, glad the interpretation is open - by Cassandra Clare
3. New Release - by Dean Koontz - December release
4. Literature Map - entered Michael Connelly got Lee Child,
5. Christmas - by James Patterson
6. Young Adult - by Cassandra Clare

7. LGBT - Chasing The Dead by Joel Goldman featuring gay lawyer Alex(female) Stone

8. Aussie - by Matthew Reilly
9. Favourite Genre - by James Lee Burke
10. Book to Movie - by Robert Crais
11. December TBR - by Stephen King
12. January TBR - by Michael Connelly
13. February TBR - by Reed Farrel Coleman

[[deleted user]]

here my list

1. Celebrate Summer in Australia - A Summer Affair
2. It's Valentine's Day - Too Good to Be True
3. New Release Flinders: The Man who Mapped Australia
4. The Literature Map I put in Stephanie Laurens I got Her Only Desire byGaelen Foley
5. Christmas - The Perfect Christmas
6. Young Adult- Pushing the Limits
7. LGBT - The Picture of Dorian Gray
8. Australia Day Eucalyptus
9. favourite genre The Name of the Rose
10. Book to Movie Doctor Zhivago
11. December - Tamed By A Laird
12. January - The Turning
13. February - The Harper's Quine

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

And more great lists keep coming!

[Sharon]

Here's my list:

1. Summer In Australia : New Beginnings by Iris Blobel
2. Valentines Day : Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
3. New Release : December's Wish by Karly Lane
4. Literature Map - Jodi Picoult = Kristin Hannah Home Front
5. Christmas Theme : A Bush Christmas by Margareta Osborn
6. YA - Children, teens and families : The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
7. Mari Gras - Gay Character : The Weekend by Peter Cameron
8. Australia Day - Aussie Author : The Goodbye Ride by Lily Malone
9. Favourite Genre : Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
10. Book Made Into A Movie : Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
11. Dec TBR : Fractured by Dawn Barker
12. Jan TBR : Still Alice by Lisa Genova
13. Feb TBR : Fatal Liaison by Vicki Tyley

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "Here's my list:

1. Summer In Australia : New Beginnings by Iris Blobel
2. Valentines Day : Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by [author:James Patterson|3780..."

Some good books on there Sharon:)

[Sharon]

Thanks Brenda. And a couple of them I can use for the December Challenge. I'm getting a bit sneaky ;)
Doing the Literature Map was fun as I have not done it before :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I love using the Literature Map:)

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

Not sure if I'll do this challenge - I've got my own big pile of books waiting to be read that I think I want to get through before jumping into another challenge :P

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Liam wrote: "Not sure if I'll do this challenge - I've got my own big pile of books waiting to be read that I think I want to get through before jumping into another challenge :P"

You can't adapt them to fit Liam?

[Liam || Books 'n Beards]

I don't think so.. have to have a look when I get home.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Liam wrote: "I don't think so.. have to have a look when I get home."

Good luck:)

[Chris]

Sharon wrote: "Here's my list:

1. Summer In Australia : New Beginnings by Iris Blobel
2. Valentines Day : Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by [author:James Patterson|3780..."

I have just added 10 new books to my TBR. Thanks Sharon!;-)

[Sharon]

Christina wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Here's my list:

1. Summer In Australia : New Beginnings by Iris Blobel
2. Valentines Day : Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by [author:James..."

Haha you're welcome ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christina wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Here's my list:

1. Summer In Australia : New Beginnings by Iris Blobel
2. Valentines Day : Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by [author:James..."

Haha! That's the way:)

[Anita]

MY BOOKLIST
*will be edited; probably will need to change books etc. going second hand book store to save some $$$
1.Summer : -
2.Valentine's Day : Requiem
3.New Release : -
4.Literature Map : Please Ignore Vera Dietz
5.Christmas : -
6.Young Adult : Insurgent
7.LBGT character : City of Fallen Angels
8.Australia Day : -
9.Fav genre : The 5th Wave
10.Book to movie : Norwegian Wood
11.December TBR : City of Lost Souls
12.Janurary TBR : City of Heavenly Fire
13.February TBR : Butter

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Anita wrote: "MY BOOKLIST
*will be edited; probably will need to change books etc. going second hand book store to save some $$$
1.Summer : -
2.Valentine's Day : Requiem - Lauren Oliver
3.New Release : -
4.Li..."

Anita, would you mind editing your post to link all your books please? That way we can easily check out your books. Thanks.

[Anita]

Brenda wrote: "Anita wrote: "MY BOOKLIST
*will be edited; probably will need to change books etc. going second hand book store to save some $$$
1.Summer : -
2.Valentine's Day : Requiem - Lauren Oliver
3.New Re..."

sure, i'm just new to the whole linking thing

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Anita wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Anita wrote: "MY BOOKLIST
*will be edited; probably will need to change books etc. going second hand book store to save some $$$
1.Summer : -
2.Valentine's Day : Requiem - Lauren O..."

No worries :) If you're not sure how, just click on"add book /author" at the top of this box, type in your choice and go from there. Good luck :)

[Steve]

Finally sorted out my list with my two 1. Summer reads. Can't wait to start, is it December yet? How about now?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "Finally sorted out my list with my two 1. Summer reads. Can't wait to start, is it December yet? How about now?"

No no, naughty boy!!! Just over 3 days Steve...behave;P

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Anita wrote: "MY BOOKLIST
*will be edited; probably will need to change books etc. going second hand book store to save some $$$
1.Summer : -
2.Valentine's Day : Requiem
3.New Release : -
4.Lit..."

Thanks Anita! Some excellent choices there:)