August Challenge - Reduce that TBR!!!

[Carolyn]

I've finished #8 A book by one of your favourite authors: Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb 4★

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

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Nice review Carolyn and these are great books. And they carry on being good right up to date:)

[Carolyn]

Phrynne wrote: "Nice review Carolyn and these are great books. And they carry on being good right up to date:)"

That's so good to hear Phrynne. It takes a good author to keep such a long series fresh and interesting and I've got a long way to go yet :)

[Carolyn]

I also read #3 A book from your favourite genre: Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton 5★ earlier this week. A really good mystery/thriller for those who enjoy them.

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

I've started my last two books so the race is on to finish them by Monday!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "Nice review Carolyn and these are great books. And they carry on being good right up to date:)"

Hear, hear!!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Nice review Carolyn and these are great books. And they carry on being good right up to date:)"

Hear, hear!!"

Yes - looking forward to the next one:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Won't be too much longer I hope:) Not that I'll read it straight away; I'll savour it;)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Won't be too much longer I hope:) Not that I'll read it straight away; I'll savour it;)"

That's what we said last time and I don't think either of us savoured it for very long!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha! No, though I did a little longer than you I think;)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

:)

[Anna]

hoping to finish my 4th read Finnikin of the Rock before the end of august

[Anna]

Kiera wrote: "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 ..."

i'll probably do that too. december challenge will be maybe finishing all the challenges i didn't quite finish.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

And again, well done Anna!

[Zoey]

Finished my 6th
7) A book by a Male Author - Darkness, Be My Friend John Marsden3★


So that's me done for this challenge. Bring on September :)

1) The book that's been on your list the longest - R is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton4★
2) A book recommended by a GR friend - The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion 4.5★
3) A book from your favourite genre - Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
4) A book with over 400 pages - Delirium by Lauren Oliver
5) A book by an author new to you - The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
6) The book you want to read the most - The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir
7) A book by a male author - Darkness, Be My Friend by John Marsden 3.5★
8) A book by one of your favourite authors - Kinsey and Me: Stories by Sue Grafton 3★
9) A book by a female author - A Cotswold Killing by Rebecca Tope 5★
10) A book with a cover you love - Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin
3★ How could you not love that face :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Zoey!

[Carolyn]

Excellent work Zoey! I'm still reading my last two!

[Rosie]

I have finished the following for this challenge:

Face the Fire

Rocking Horse Hill

The Beast's Garden

Clariel

Season of Shadow and Light

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Did you enjoy them Rosie? Well done!

[Rosie]

Brenda wrote: "Did you enjoy them Rosie? Well done!"

I did especially Rocking Horse Hill which I could barely put down and Clariel.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I loved RHH too:) That's good!

[Noelene]

Finished my last for this challenge. 5 star read The Traitor's Emblem. Male Author - Spanish Author. Winner of literary award for this work. LOVED IT. Can't finish any more on this list. Will chip away at Stephen Fry's Paperweight. The challenge will be to finish it by the end of the year.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Noelene:)

[Noelene]

Thanks Brenda. Just worked out the start of the Spring Challenge List. Just 2 more to find to match the criteria and finding ones for the September challenge as well.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

And not long until we can start!

[Carolyn]

Just finished my ninth #6 the book you most want to read Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer 5★.

I'm glad I finally got around to this long time tbr as it was a really enjoyable, unusual crime novel.

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

[MaryG2E]

I've now finished all my titles for the August TBR Challenge. Managed to knock off 9 books, but then I undo my good work by reading the reviews of other Aussie Readers, and next thing you know my TBR list is even longer than before...!!!

1) The book that's been on your list the longest: A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz - Did not read
2) A book recommended by a GR friend: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin 5★s (Recs from Julie and Suzanne and other Aussie Reader friends)
3) A book from your favourite genre: Empire Day by Diane Armstrong 4.5★s (historical fiction)
4) A book with over 400 pages: A Waltz for Matilda by Jackie French 4★s (479 pages)
5) A book by an author new to you: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks 4★s (Can't believe it has taken me so long to get around to reading a Nicholas Sparks book.)
6) The book you want to read the most: Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen by Mary Norris 1★ (So disappointing)
7) A book by a male author: Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith 5★s
8) A book by one of your favourite authors: Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood 4★s
9) A book by a female author: The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham 4.5★s
10) A book with a cover you love:
Family Baggage by Monica McInerney 3.5★s

[Lynxie]

Finished my ninth and likely my last for the challenge... I got to where I wanted. :)

10) A book with a cover you love: Wishing Cross Station by February Grace ★★★

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

My list ended up looking like this:

Doubt I'll get through all of these, but it'll be fun trying!!

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

2) A book recommended by a GR friend: The Bellamy Bird by Clare Havens (rec'd by: Jools) ★★★

3) A book from your favourite genre: The Stone Gate by Mark Mann (Fantasy) ★★★

4) A book with over 400 pages: Demon's Grip by Tahlia Newland (453 pages)

5) A book by an author new to you: A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1 by Justin Woolley ★★★

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

7) A book by a male author: Nephilim Prophecy by Adrienne Wilder ★★

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

9) A book by a female author: Edith by Jo Barney ★★★

10) A book with a cover you love: Wishing Cross Station by February Grace ★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Mary and Lynxie! Excellent results:)

[Jackmeister]

I am onto my last book, Curve Day, I'm on page 203 of 565, must finish by midnight!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jackmeister wrote: "I am onto my last book, Curve Day, I'm on page 203 of 565, must finish by midnight!"

Good luck Jackie! I'm sure you'll do it:)

[Nicola]

Total list for August, managed 8 in total:
1) The book that's been on your list the longest
A Literary History of England / Albert C. Baugh
3) A book from your favourite genre
Reserved for the Cat / Mercedes Lackey
4) A book with over 400 pages
The Venetian Betrayal / Steve Berry
6) The book you want to read the most
The Grand Sophy / Georgette Heyer
7) A book by a male author
The President's Hat / Antoine Laurain
8) A book by one of your favourite authors
The Science of Discworld IV: Judgement Day / Terry Pratchett
9) A book by a female author
Drums of Autumn / Diana Gabaldon
10) A book with a cover you love
Dry Crossing / Russell Guy

[Elaine]

Finished my fourth and last for this challenge. Book with cover I love. The Most Beautiful Villages Of England . At least that's 4 books off my TBR, although I'm sure I've added a few this month as well!!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congrats Nicola and Elaine! Great effort:)

[Kathryn]

People have done really well - I thought this month's challenge was great! I only managed 6, although I am still reading my book over 400 pages (Wolf Hall) and I'm a little disappointed I didn't make more of an effort with the book on my list the longest - I did start it, kind of, but didn't keep reading long enough to mark it as currently reading, and then it kind of fell off my radar as I read other things! Maybe I can slot it in somewhere in the spring challenge...

1) The book that's been on your list the longest - Following the Equator by Mark Twain - kind of started...
3) A book from your favourite genre - Tapestry by Fiona McIntosh - 3.5★
4) A book with over 400 pages – Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - still reading...
5) A book by an author new to you – Though the Bud Be Bruised by Jo Wanmer - 3★
6) The book you want to read the most – An Irish Country Courtship by Patrick Taylor - 4.5★
7) A book by a male author – The Time Machine by H.G. Wells - 3★
8) A book by one of your favourite authors – Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers - 4★
9) A book by a female author – Relics of the Dead by Ariana Franklin - 4★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Kathryn!

[Elaine]

Kathryn wrote: "People have done really well - I thought this month's challenge was great! I only managed 6, although I am still reading my book over 400 pages (Wolf Hall) and I'm a little disappoi..."

You're too hard on yourself Kathryn. You've done really well. Congrats!!

[Nicola]

Kathryn wrote: "People have done really well - I thought this month's challenge was great! I only managed 6, although I am still reading my book over 400 pages (Wolf Hall) and I'm a little disappoi..."

6 is still great! All reading is to be congratulated - I still can't believe the amount of people I know who don't read anything!

An I click on the currently reading button the minute I start something - that way it can't get lost along the way. I've had a times some books on there for months!

[Kathryn]

Oh no - don't misunderstand me, Elaine and Nicola - I'm not disappointed with my progress, just that I didn't get that book finished, if that makes sense. It would have been good to get one of the books off my TBR list that has been there before I even had a GR TBR list!! Never mind, maybe in September if I'm short of other books to read (yeah, right!).

And yes, I've also had books on my currently reading list for months, Nicola!! But I don't generally click that I've started reading it until I've at least reached the 2nd chapter - that way if I decide I don't actually want to continue, I just delete it from my list and no one is any the wiser!! Besides, if I'm trying to reduce my internet use, I sometimes won't get online until a while after I've started anyway. And I did get to the 2nd chapter with this one, and will keep going, but since I'm not actively reading it now, I may as well leave it for a bit longer! Maybe I should have been making more of an effort with it over the weekend and left Wolf Hall alone, but then it's a library book and has to go back in less than 4 weeks!

[Jackmeister]

Finished!

1) On list longest - Heat Lightning by John Sandford - 4 stars
2) Recommended by GR friend - The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - 4 stars
3) Favourite genre - The Cold Nowhere by Brian Freeman - 4 stars
4) Over 400 pages - Curve Day by L.R. Currell - 4 stars
5) New author - Crooked Man by Tony Dunbar - 4 stars
6) Most want to read - Black House by Stephen King & Peter Straub - 3 stars
7) Male author - Caribbean Fire by Rick Murcer - 4 stars
8) Favourite author - Joyland by Stephen King - 5 stars
9) Female author - A More Perfect Union by J.A. Jance - 4 stars
10) Cover you love - by Leslie O'Kane - 5 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Jackie! You did it!!

[Carolyn]

Finished my 10th book last night at 11pm!
#7 Book by a male author Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death by James Runcie 4★. Review to follow.
Here's my complete list:


1) The book that's been on your list the longest - W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton 4★
2) A book recommended by a GR friend The Last Winter of Dani Lancing by P.D. Viner (Marianne) 4★
3) A book from your favourite genre - Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton 5★
4) A book with over 400 pages - A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara 5★
5) A book by an author new to you - Gypsy Hunted by Andrea Drew 3.5★
6) The book you want to read the most - Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer 5★
7) A book by a male author - Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death by James Runcie 4★
8) A book by one of your favourite authors - Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb 4★
9) A book by a female author - At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon 4★
10) A book with a cover you love - History of the Rain by Niall Williams 5 ★

Now for Spring!!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

YaY well done Carolyn! Happy Spring reading :D

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

That's what you call cutting it fine! Well done Carolyn:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Carolyn! Great job:)

[Sally906]

Finished my last qualifying book just before midnight last night!!! Here is my list - all 4 of them!

1) The book that's been on your list the longest - Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery - 4★s
3) A book from your favourite genre - The Heir by Kiera Cass - 4★s
4) A book with over 400 pages - A Want of Kindness: A Novel of Queen Anne by Joanne Limberg - 2★s (remember my 2★ is an average - not a goodreads 2★)
9) A book by a female author - Die for Me by Amy Plum - 3★s

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Sally!!

[Sally906]

Updated my post to include stars https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sally906 wrote: "Finished my last qualifying book just before midnight last night!!! Here is my list - all 4 of them!

1) The book that's been on your list the longest - Anne's House of Dreams by [au..."

Looks like a pretty reasonable reading month for you Sally:) Good you enjoyed them!

[Elaine]

One of the good things about this being an American site is that you can finish a book the next morning and it will still count Sally and Carolyn!!! :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "One of the good things about this being an American site is that you can finish a book the next morning and it will still count Sally and Carolyn!!! :)"

LOL!!!! No comment on that Elaine! We are far more advanced than our USA cousins;)