**Autumn Reading Challenge - 2014**

[Kathryn]

Sally906 wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Still a few choices to make yet, but this is my list so far.

1. Labor Day
The Ghost Map The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemicand How It Changed Science Cities..."

Yes, I think it sounds interesting - I was a medical scientist in my first life and I enjoyed working in microbiology.

[April]

Oh, this is a great challenge! I'm excited to plan mine out properly!

[Sally906]

I've just picked my 6. Easter book -
Green Valley by Meredith Resce (religion - Christian Fiction) - bonus is that she is an Aussie Author as well :)

[Kathryn]

Sally906 wrote: "I've just picked my 6. Easter book -
Green Valley by Meredith Resce (religion - Christian Fiction) - bonus is that she is an Aussie Author as well :)"

I haven't heard of Meredith Resce before, Sally. Have you read any of her previously? Shame my local library only has one of her books - The Greenfield Legacy. Once I've read that one, I might have to suggest some purchases!!

[Janine]

My List so far:
1. Labor Day (Police) Let the Dead Lie by Malla Nunn
2. St Patrick's Day Secrets of the Lighthouse by Santa Montefiore
3. Moomba (Fun Activity) Tilt-a-Whirl by Chris Grabenstein
4. Canberra Day Nukkin Ya by Phillip Gwynne
5. April Fool's Day Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith
6. Easter Death By Chocolate by Sally Berneathy
7. ANZAC Day Hannah and Emil by Belinda Castles
8. Early Settlement Behind the Sun by Deborah Challinor
9. Whaleshark Festival Silver Bay by Jojo Moyes
10. Colours of Autumn Sweet Masterpiece by Connie Shelton
11. TBR (166) It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Suzanne Brockmann
12. TBR (334) Death Qualified - A Mystery of Chaos by Kate Wilhelm
13. TBR Sapphire Skies by Belinda Alexandra

[Steve]

I'm currently struggling with a few choices, hopefully I'll have my list up tomorrow.

[Zara's Corner]

Brenda, would For the Term of His Natural Life be acceptable for number 7? and would Elianne be acceptable for number 8?

I'm still having problems finding something for number 3 but will hopefully have this sorted shortly.

[Larissa]

What if I've got a book that covers more than one category? Especially seeing as I'm currently pushing to read 1 book in 4 months, let alone 4 books in one month.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Zara wrote: "Brenda, would For the Term of His Natural Life be acceptable for number 7? and would Elianne be acceptable for number 8?

I'm still having problems finding something f..."

Zara, they're not quite, but that will be fine:) Both great books, so go for it!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Larissa wrote: "What if I've got a book that covers more than one category? Especially seeing as I'm currently pushing to read 1 book in 4 months, let alone 4 books in one month."

No I'm afraid that doesn't work Larissa, but if you're struggling, just pick 1,3,5,7,9 or 2,4,6,8,10 (leave the 11,12,13) and state that in your list pick:) Still a challenge, but more manageable for you:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "I'm currently struggling with a few choices, hopefully I'll have my list up tomorrow."

Good luck Steve!

[Zara's Corner]

Brenda wrote: "Zara wrote: "Brenda, would For the Term of His Natural Life be acceptable for number 7? and would Elianne be acceptable for number 8?

I'm still having problems findin..."

Thanks Brenda. I appreciate it.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Zara wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Zara wrote: "Brenda, would For the Term of His Natural Life be acceptable for number 7? and would Elianne be acceptable for number 8?

I'm still having ..."

No problems Zara:) Good luck finding #3 too...

[Trevor]

Would Breath by Tim Winton work for the WhaleShark Festival book?

[Steve]

My list:

1. Labor Day: (police force) ★★★★★ ; (construction worker) ★★★☆☆
2. St Patrick's Day: ★★★★★ ; ★★★★☆
3. Melbourne's Moomba Festival: ★★★☆☆ ; ★★★☆☆
4. Canberra Day: ★☆☆☆☆ ; ★★★☆☆
5. April Fools' Day: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★★
6. Easter: (double play; chocolate and it's set during Easter) ★★☆☆☆ ; ★★★☆☆
7. ANZAC Day: ★★★★★ ; ★★★★☆
8. The Captain Cook 1770 Festival: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★☆
9. The Whaleshark Festival: ; ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆
10. Colours of Autumn: ★★★★★ ; ★★★★☆
11. TBR: ★★★★★ ; ★★★★★
12. TBR: ★★★★★ ; ★★★☆☆
13. TBR: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★☆

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Would Breath by Tim Winton work for the WhaleShark Festival book?"

Definitely Trevor:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Steve! You're going to have a J.D. Robb -fest for Autumn, aren't you;)

Steve wrote: "My list:

1. Labor Day: (police force) ; (construction worker)
2. St Patrick's Day: [bookcover:Holiday in Death|238125..."

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Would Breath by Tim Winton work for the WhaleShark Festival book?"

Definitely Trevor:)"

Thanks Brenda, just wanted to make sure, my list is almost complete :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Would Breath by Tim Winton work for the WhaleShark Festival book?"

Definitely Trevor:)"

Thanks Brenda, just wanted to make sure, my lis..."

Looking forward to checking it out:)

[Trevor]

Here's my list for the challenge:

1) Labor day (policeman) - Let It Bleed by Ian Rankin
2) St Patricks Day - The South by Colm Tóibín
3) Moomba Festival - The Commitments by Roddy Doyle
4) Canberra Day - The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith by Thomas Keneally
5) April Fool's Day - A Lifetime on Clouds: Text Classics by Gerald Murnane
6) Easter - The Day Jesus Rode Into Croydon by Kirk St Moritz
7) ANZAC - Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain
8) Captain Cook 1770 Festival - My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin
9) Whaleshark Festival - Breath by Tim Winton
10) Colours of Autumn (yellow cover) - The Watch Tower by Elizabeth Harrower
11) TBR - Bedsit Disco Queen: How I Grew Up and Tried to Be a Pop Star by Tracey Thorn
12) TBR - Chaos by Edmund White
13) TBR - England, England by Julian Barnes

and now I'm looking forward to starting reading in a couple of weeks.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Trevor!

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Great list Trevor!"

Thanks Brenda

[Sally906]

Kathryn wrote: "I haven't heard of Meredith Resce before. Have you read any of her previously?..."

I have read the first in the series The Manse and I have the third book. It is Christian romance and I think each book has a different couple to focus on but each can be read as a stand alone.

[[deleted user]]

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[Steve]

Brenda wrote: "Great list Steve! You're going to have a J.D. Robb -fest for Autumn, aren't you;)

That was my cunning plan, yes ... :-)

[Steve]

I have added two books for the Moomba Festival, thereby completing my list. Looking forward to March so I can kick this off. Also because I have a work trip in the first week to California.

[B the BookAddict]

I have a few here scavenged from other reader's lists:P

1. Labour Day The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain

2. St Patrick's Day My Dream of You by Nuala O'Faolain a re-read for me

3. Melbourne Moomba Festival The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

4. Canberra Day Rabbit-Proof Fence: The True Story of One of the Greatest Escapes of All Time by Doris Pilkington

5. April Fool's Day The Rosie Project Graeme Simsion

6. Easter Norwegian by Night by Derek B. Miller I've previously read only about 47 pages

7. Anzac Day Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

8. Captain Cook Festival Outbreak Of Love by Martin Boyd last read possibly 5 years ago

9. The Whaleshark Festival The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

10. Autumn Color The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman

11. #571 The Woman Upstairs byClaire Messud

12. #475 Alena by Rachel Pastan

13. #512 Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler

[B the BookAddict]

Steve wrote: "I have added two books for the Moomba Festival, thereby completing my list. Looking forward to March so I can kick this off. Also because I have a work trip in the first week to California."

welcome to the Hotel California singing rather badly:P

[Rachael]

This is my first foray into a bookgroup challenge so not sure how I will go. Took me ages to choose the books but here is my list:
1. 1st to Die1st to Die
2.The Book of Lost ThingsThe Book of Lost Things
3. Open (Andre Agassi)Open
4. Don't take your love to townDon't Take Your Love to Town
5.I've got your numberI've Got Your Number
6.The Chocolate WarThe Chocolate War
7. A Rose for the Anzac BoysA Rose for the Anzac Boys
8. Band of GoldBand of Gold
9. Past the Shallows Past the Shallows
10. The GoldfinchThe Goldfinch
11-13 Used the Randomiser
The Distance Between UsThe Distance Between Us
The Next Time You See MeThe Next Time You See Me
Hunting & Gathering Hunting and Gathering

Wish me luck!

[Rachael]

Rosie wrote: "My List is:

1. TBA
2. Jewels of the Sun set in Ireland
3. TBA
4. TBA
5. Girt: The Unauthorised History of Australia
6. TBA
7. TBA
8. The Secret River
9. ..."

Just looked up your #5 and it looks excellent - if it is I might get my kids to read it too. Will put that in as an alternate to my #8. Thanks

[Steve]

Bette Bookworm wrote: "welcome to the Hotel California singing rather badly:P"

Haha! But I'd really like to leave after a week. :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Great list Steve! You're going to have a J.D. Robb -fest for Autumn, aren't you;)

That was my cunning plan, yes ... :-)"

LOL! I envy you, as I'm right up to date...just waiting for Concealed in Death which will (hopefully) be in my hands SOON!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Rachael wrote: "This is my first foray into a bookgroup challenge so not sure how I will go. Took me ages to choose the books but here is my list:
1. 1st to Die
2.The Book of Lost Things
3. Open (Andre Agassi)
4...."

Rachael, would you be able to edit your post and link all your books please? It makes it easier for us to check out your choices and maybe add them to our TBRs! Thanks:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "I have added two books for the Moomba Festival, thereby completing my list. Looking forward to March so I can kick this off. Also because I have a work trip in the first week to California."

Oooh exciting! Hope you'll have time to read, but I guess your metal tube will give you lots of time;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bette Bookworm wrote: "I have a few here scavenged from other reader's lists:P

1. Labour Day The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain

2. St Patrick's Day [book:My Dream of You|2455..."

Nice list Bette!

[Heather]

Here's mine

1.Labour Day - Police by Fred Vargas

2.St Patrick's Day

3.Moomba by Kate Griffin

4. Canberra Day by Jan Hawkins

5. April Fool's Day by Graeme Simsion

6. Easter by Dorothy Koomson

7. ANZAC Day by Tom Keneally

8. The Captain Cook Festival by Kate Grenville This is on sale for $4.99 on Google Play

9. The Whaleshark Festival by Helene Young

10 Colours of Autumn
and by Karin Slaughter

11. 12 and 13 TBA

[Kerri]

Lots of people have chosen The Secret River, I may just add this or switch to it I think.

[Jordz]

I'd love to try this

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jordan wrote: "I'd love to try this"

Welcome to the group Jordan:) If you'd like to try the challenge, just read through the criteria and choose your books to match. If you need any help with linking your books or similar, just ask - someone is always happy to help.

Also, as you are new, maybe you'd like to introduce yourself here https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... so you can meet some of our other members:)

[Chris]

1. Labor Day: TeacherTampa
2. St Pat's Day: Greetings from Somewhere Else
3. Moomba: Questions of Travel
4. Canberra Day: That Deadman Dance
5. April Fools Day: My Family and Other Animals
6. Easter: New Beginnings
7. Anzac Day: Sunset Ridge
8. Captain Cook: The Secret River
9. Whaleshark: The Light Between Oceans
10. Colours of Autumn: September
11. TBR: Atonement
12. TBR: A Killing Frost
13. TBR: The Lavender Keeper

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christina wrote: "1. Labor Day: TeacherTampa
2. St Pat's Day: Greetings from Somewhere Else
3. Moomba: Questions of Travel
4. Canberra Day: [book:That Deadman Dance|943..."

Nice list Christina:)

[Chris]

Brenda wrote: "Christina wrote: "1. Labor Day: TeacherTampa
2. St Pat's Day: Greetings from Somewhere Else
3. Moomba: Questions of Travel
4. Canberra Day: [book:That..."

Thanks Brenda. Some of the books are carried over from the Summer challenge which I'm not going to be able to finish. :-( I'm hoping to get more read on this challenge.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's fine, a great idea if they will slot in!

[Kelly]

1.The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Detective)
2.Tarzan of the Apes
3.The Indian in the Cupboard
4.Rabbit-Proof Fence: The True Story of One of the Greatest Escapes of All Time
5.Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself
6.Ben-Hur
7.Jessica
8.A Fortunate Life
9.Jaws
10.A Clockwork Orange
11.Phantasy
12.Veronika Decides to Die
13.The Time Machine

[[deleted user]]

1. Labor Day - The Midwife's Confession
2. St Patrick's Day A Week in Winter
3.Melbourne's Moomba Festival - Secrets of a Proper Countess
4. Canberra Day My Place
5.April Fools'Day<s>[book:The Eyre Affair
6. Easter - Chocolat
7.ANZAC Day Bereft
8.The Captain Cook 1770 Festival A Fortunate Life
9.The Whaleshark Festival - Silver Bay
10,Colours of Autumn Days of Gold
11 tbr- Flight of the Nighthawks
12.tbr- Shades of Grey
13.tbr- The Dark Griffin

[Carolyn]

I've just started doing the challenges this year and am finding them a great way to direct my often aimless reading and reduce the number of books in my TBR stash. Thanks to Brenda for her imaginative suggestions!

Here goes for my Autumn list:

Labour Day: Violent Exposure by Katherine Howell (police and paramedics)

St Patrick's Day: The Fields: A Novel by Kevin Maher (set in Dublin)

Moomba: Don Juan in Hankey, PA by Gale Martin (promises opera, seduction and humour)

Canberra Day: Rabbit-Proof Fence: The True Story of One of the Greatest Escapes of All Time by Doris Pilkington

April Fool's Day: The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore (the blurb promises uproarious laughter) or Captain Vorpatril's Alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold (humourous sf!)

Easter: The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan (sounds delicious)

Anzac Day: Ronan's Echo by Joanne van Os or Pozieres: The Anzac story by Scott Bennett (true story of 1916 capture of Pozieres based on soldiers letters and diaries)

Captain Cook: True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey (also on my Aussie Author challenge list)

Whale Shark Festival: Breath by Tim Winton (on my Aussie Author challenge list) or possibly Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Ben H. Winters :)

Colours of Autumn: Dust by Hugh Howey
(gorgeous yellow and orange cover!)

TBR: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick (has been on my TBR forever)

TBR: The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (just picked up a cheap copy)

TBR: The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood (following on from Oryx and Crake read for the February Apocalyptic challenge) or The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman if my pre-order arrives from BD in time

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carolyn wrote: "I've just started doing the challenges this year and am finding them a great way to direct my often aimless reading and reduce the number of books in my TBR stash. Thanks to Brenda for her imaginat..."

Great list Carolyn! Enjoy:)

[Christy]

I think my list is ready!! However, like many, always subject to change :)

1. Labor Day: by Alissa Nutting a very BAD teacher.

2. St. Patrick's Day: by Rex Pickett

3. Moomba: by Debbie Macomber

4. Canberra Day: by Doris Pilkington

5. April Fool's Day: by Hunter S. Thompson

6. Easter: by Lily Prior

7. ANZAC Day: by Phil Cummings I know this might be cheating but war stories are not my favorite :) Hope this is ok

8. Captain Cook: by Kate Morton - Another one I'm not sure about, so let me know if this doesn't fit the bill

9. Whaleshark Festival: by Michael Lee West

10. Colours of Autumn: by Paullina Simons

11. TBR: by Sarah Addison Allen

12. TBR: by Kris Radish

13. TBR: TBD

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christy wrote: "I think my list is ready!! However, like many, always subject to change :)

1. Labor Day: by Alissa Nutting a very BAD teacher.

2. St. Patrick's Day:..."

Great list Christy! #7 is perfectly fine, #8 is classified Historical Fiction, so it's fine too:)

[Sally906]

Steve wrote: "I have added two books for the Moomba Festival, thereby completing my list. Looking forward to March so I can kick this off. Also because I have a work trip in the first week to California."

Long plane flight means lots of reading time :)