August Challenge - Reduce that TBR!!!

[Marianne]

well there are two FREE e short stories The Sad Man (Novella): A Dani Lancing Story and The Ugly Man (Novella) : A Dani Lancing Story, plus a free short story downloadable from P.D. Viner's website called The Time of Ghosts. The 2nd book is Summer of Ghosts and there will apparently be another full novel and two more free e shorts.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I just realized I had missed crossing a book off - so I have finished this one!

1) The book that's been on your list the longest - It's Murder, My Son by Lauren Carr 4★s
2) A book recommended by a GR friend - Salt Creek by Lucy Treloar 4.5★s (Rec by Julie)
3) A book from your favourite genre - The Murderer's Daughter by Jonathan Kellerman 4★s
4) A book with over 400 pages - The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies (418 pages) 4.5★s
5) A book by an author new to you - Silent Scream by Angela Marsons 5★s
6) The book you want to read the most - Never Forgotten by Stacey Nash 4★s
7) A book by a male author - Eden, Dusk by Archer Swift 4.5★s
8) A book by one of your favourite authors - Under Fire by Rachel Amphlett 5★s
9) A book by a female author - The Secret Years by Barbara Hannay 5★s
10) A book with a cover you love - No Hard Feelings by Marta Tandori 4.5★s

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "I just realized I had missed crossing a book off - so I have finished this one!

1) The book that's been on your list the longest - It's Murder, My Son by Lauren Carr..."

Isn't it nice when that happens! Congratulations!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Yes it was! Thanks:)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Marianne wrote: "well there are two FREE e short stories The Sad Man (Novella): A Dani Lancing Story and The Ugly Man (Novella) : A Dani Lancing Story, plus a free short story downlo..."

Loved The Ugly Man (Novella) : A Dani Lancing Story Carolyn ;)

[Elaine]

Carolyn wrote: "I've read two this week:

4) A book with over 400 pages - A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara 5★
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"

You've done amazingly well Carolyn. I saw A Little Life at work and whilst it sounds like a great read it's massive!!! Great review too by the way. I think I will have to add this one now.

[Elaine]

Finished my 3rd for this challenge, author new to me, Red Queen . What a great introduction to an author who will now be a favourite.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

She's amazing isn't she Elaine!

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "She's amazing isn't she Elaine!"
Absolutely Brenda and she was really funny too.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Was she? That would be so wonderful to see her as well as the others you must have seen:)

[Andrea]

Time to check in - I've finished #3 The Lavender Keeper, #6 Radio Shangri-la: What I Learned in Bhutan, the Happiest Kingdom on Earth and #7 Glimpses of Bengal. I also read my original #9 choice, Hotel du Lac, but I read it too early to count for this challenge.

To be honest, if I spent more time reading and less time stalking Goodreads, I'd have made a lot more progress! I'm starting my #10 The Disappeared shortly, as my bedtime read.

[Elaine]

Andrea wrote: "Time to check in - I've finished #3 The Lavender Keeper, #6 Radio Shangri-la: What I Learned in Bhutan, the Happiest Kingdom on Earth and #7 [book:Glimpses of Bengal|..."

Ha,ha!! I think that goes for most of us on here, Andrea. Looks like you're doing okay though. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Andrea!

[Lynxie]

I finished my sixth:

1) The book that's been on your list the longest: On Dark Shores: The Lady by J.A. Clement (Since 2011) ★★★★

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Anna]

1) The book that's been on your list the longest
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning
2) A book recommended by a GR friend
A Small Madness by Dianne Touchell
3) A book from your favourite genre
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
4) A book with over 400 pages
The Redemption of Althalus by David Eddings
5) A book by an author new to you
Evidence of Love by Elisabeth Rose
6) The book you want to read the most
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
7) A book by a male author
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
8) A book by one of your favourite authors
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
9) A book by a female author
You're Never Weird on the Internet by Felicia Day
10) A book with a cover you love
The Library Book by Rebecca Gray

[Nicola]

Finished another 2
Book from my favourite genre:
Reserved for the Cat / Mercedes Lackey
and
A book with a cover you love
Dry Crossing / Russell Guy

[Zoey]

Finished my 5th

10)A book with a cover you love

Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love Larry Levin 3★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "I finished my 9th last night - #6 - Want to read the most - Never Forgotten by Stacey Nash 4★s

Review to follow closer to publication"

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

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

I am going to bite the bullet and call this challenge a dnf unfortunately :/ I've had too many other things this month and although I still got a few books read...they weren't these ones! I have only read 2.5 of these books so far and have decided to transfer many to the next challenge. I hope to finish the big one, (over 400 pgs) A Little Life by the end of this challenge though ;) ....now I can clear my head and focus on the next!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "I am going to bite the bullet and call this challenge a dnf unfortunately :/ I've had too many other things this month and although I still got a few books read...they weren't these ones! I have on..."

Jools, the challenge was only a "read as many as you can" so if you have only read one, you are not a DNF! I think a lot of people missed that part of the criteria...but it was not a pressure challenge for that reason:)

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Check line 3 in italics:) So well done my girl:D xx

[Odette]

Just finished the last book I am reading for this challenge

A book by a male author The Gardener of Baghdad by Ahmad Ardalan 4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this beautiful story.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congrats Odette!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Brenda wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "I am going to bite the bullet and call this challenge a dnf unfortunately :/ I've had too many other things this month and although I still got a few books read...they weren't these..."

Haha, thanks Brenda, I did notice that but I still expected to do way better given that it was all tbr reads that I had available :) I just got too busy and timed out. But as I said I have moved many of them into the next challenges. Atm I am getting through four books so it seems I've slowed down when in fact I haven't really ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well there you go! Life always gets in the way anyway;)

[Andrea]

Odette wrote: "Just finished the last book I am reading for this challenge

A book by a male author The Gardener of Baghdad by [author:Ahmad Ardalan|643..."

That's good to know, as it frequently pops up in my Amazon recommendations and I wondered if I would like it.

[Marianne]

I'm done with this challenge now
1) The book that's been on your list the longest The October List 4.5★s
2) A book recommended by a GR friend Place of Many Birds (rec by Margaret Sharp) 5★s
3) A book from your favourite genre Crucifixion Creek 5★s
4) A book with over 400 pages Beauty Is a Wound 4.5★s
5) A book by an author new to you The Unbroken Line 4.5★s
6) The book you want to read the most Don't Get Me Wrong 5★s
7) A book by a male author Dirt 4★s
8) A book by one of your favourite authors Maeve Binchy's Treasury 4★s
9) A book by a female author Go Set a Watchman 4★s
10) A book with a cover you love Deadly Messengers 4★s

[Lynxie]

Book number 7 done and dusted.

8) A book by one of your favourite authors: Shameless Corruption by Robert Fanshaw ★★★

My review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Marianne wrote: "I'm done with this challenge now
1) The book that's been on your list the longest The October List 4.5★s
2) A book recommended by a GR friend Place of Many Birds (re..."

Nice work Marianne, all 4's and above too! ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marianne wrote: "I'm done with this challenge now
1) The book that's been on your list the longest The October List 4.5★s
2) A book recommended by a GR friend Place of Many Birds (re..."

Well done Marianne!! You realize your #2 didn't have enough pages to meet the criteria don't you;) lol

[Sally906]

Brenda wrote: "Marianne wrote: "I'm done with this challenge now
1) The book that's been on your list the longest The October List 4.5★s
2) A book recommended by a GR friend book:Place of Many Birds (re..."

Well done Marianne!! You realize your #2 didn't have enough pages to meet the criteria don't you;) lol
..."

Unless she had the paperback version - that's 512 pages!!!!

It's funny - if I picked up the paperback I would not have read it as I rarely read books over 400 pages - but I would have read the hardback as is less than 400!!!

I think it is official - I am nuts!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL! She read it on her tablet while flying I think... it's very confusing with all the page counts, that's for sure!!

[Jenn]

Finished my list

1) The book that's been on your list the longest >Caradoc of the North Wind by Allan Frewin Jones★★★★

2) A book recommended by a GR friend The Secret River by Kate Grenville★★★★

3) A book from your favourite genre Brody by Mandy Harbin★★★★

4) A book with over 400 pages The Bones Beneath by Mark Billingham★★★★

5) A book by an author new to you Just One Night by Kyra Davis★★★★

6) The book you want to read the most Earth Bound by Christine Feehan★★★★

7) A book by a male author The Dying Hours by Mark Billingham★★★★

8) A book by one of your favourite authors Silent Creed by Alex Kava★★★★★

9) A book by a female author Grave Witch by Kalayna Price★★★★

10) A book with a cover you love Wicked Embers by Keri Arthur
★★★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Jennifer!

[Marianne]

Brenda wrote: "Marianne wrote: "I'm done with this challenge now
1) The book that's been on your list the longest The October List 4.5★s
2) A book recommended by a GR friend [book:Place of Many Bi..."

Well it's a bit strange, because if you look here http://www.amazon.com/Place-Many-Bird... it says 183 pages. I notice in your review you said there were 3 short stories, but in mine there were six, so.....

[Lynxie]

Eighth book read!

6) The book you want to read the most: Finding Home by Lauren K. McKellar ★★★

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Marianne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Marianne wrote: "I'm done with this challenge now
1) The book that's been on your list the longest The October List 4.5★s
2) A book recommended by a GR friend [book:P..."

I have the kindle version of POMB (as yet unread) and it has 183 pages written in its info. I have noticed quite a few kindle books which I have read, have a page count which is often considerably longer than the page count listed on GR...a point I have never mentioned because it has never been relevant, until now :/ but one which became apparent when reading because I was (at the time) usually planning them as a quick read...or fillers between challenges.

When I have time I will go through all my short reads as I have often rejected some for challenges for being too short :[

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marianne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Marianne wrote: "I'm done with this challenge now
1) The book that's been on your list the longest The October List 4.5★s
2) A book recommended by a GR friend [book:P..."

Fair enough:)

[Tien]

YAIS, I did it :D

Swapped half of the planned books out to accommodate other challenges lol

1) The book that's been on your list the longest: Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan -Read 06/08
2) A book recommended by a GR friend: Judge & Jury by James Patterson -Read 27/08
3) A book from your favourite genre: A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell Mystery #1) by Deanna Raybourn -Read 14/08
4) A book with over 400 pages: Evergreen Falls by Kimberley Freeman -Read 21/8
5) A book by an author new to you: The Drowning God by James Kendley -Read 12/08
6) The book you want to read the most: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld -Read 18/08
7) A book by a male author: Man Tiger:A Novel by Eka Kurniawan -Read 10/08
8) A book by one of your favourite authors: Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami -Read 08/13
9) A book by a female author: Baby Twins: Parents Needed by Teresa Carpenter -Read 14/08
10) A book with a cover you love: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross -Read 21/08

COMPLETED on 27/08

[Sally906]

Tien wrote: "YAIS, I did it :D

Swapped half of the planned books out to accommodate other challenges lol

1) The book that's been on your list the longest: Tender Morsels by [author:Margo Lanaga..."

Well done!!!

Now you have reduced your TBR pile you can go out and get some more books to replace them :)

[Tien]

Sally906 wrote: "Now you have reduced your TBR pile you can go out and get some more books to replace them :) "

lol I don't think I've ever stopped ha ha ha

[Andrea]

Sally906 wrote: "Now you have reduced your TBR pile you can go out and get some more books to replace them ..."

You made me curious, so I checked. So far during August I have read 3 (will be 4) and added 18...

[Tien]

Andrea, I don't really want to know but... you made me curious too...

Read 24 (3 of those were plays so short & sweet and 2 were under 200p)

Added **drum rolls** 60 EEEP!!
of which I'm currently reading 3 and have read 4 and 8 are future releases

I am now totally depressed! I will never finish ha ha ha... My dream is to retire and read full time ;p

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Tien!

[Tien]

Thanks, Brenda :)

[K]

Since it's the end of August and I never seem to be able to complete these challenges, (and I just found this one), I'm writing down all of the criteria to complete in my own time. I actually love most of your challenges, I just can never do them in the allotted time, so it's easier for me to just set them for myself.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good for you Kiera:) You do get the invitations when they're sent don't you?

[K]

Probably, but I can't always keep up with all of my messages. I get so many!

[Stef]

loved the cover from

review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Andrea]

Tien wrote: "Andrea, I don't really want to know but... you made me curious too ..."

LOL - you win!

[Noelene]

Added another to the challenge as I haven't touched 2 of the others on my list. Finding the Stephen Fry Paperweighttoo heavy of going and not in the mood for the book that has been on my list the longest. So now starting The Traitor's Embleminstead. Book by a Male Author. Think I get this one finished by the end of August.