Armchair August - Travelling Challenge!

[Mima]

Brenda wrote: "Sorry Mima - no, "here" won't work :)"

I'm trying to choose a book from my TBR! Turns out there are no books with place names there.

Is this one better?

Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier AA

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Just conferring with my fellow mods Mima - will get back to you :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Okay Mima, that's fine to use Pool as your place :) I hope you enjoy it now!!

[Dree]

Going for easy again this time - I'm really over-committed this year!


1) ✔ Different country (England) - Silent Child by Sarah A Denzil ★★★1/2
2) ✔ MC travels abroad - Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter ★★★★
3) ✔ Transport on cover - The Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham ★★★★

4) Place name - The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman (AA)

[Jacm]

Hmm, I think I'm going to sit this one out. I don't think I'll have a lot of reading time next month & already attempting some other challenges.

Good luck to everyone taking part!

[Laura Tenfingers]

I'm going to give this a go, my first challenge, and I'm going for broke with HARD:

Progress 9/10

TASKS

1). Geographical Setting: Read a book set in a different country than your own.

Lord John and the Haunted Soldier by Diana Gabaldon ★★★☆☆
Takes place in England, I'm in Australia

2). Travel: Read a book where the main character travels to another country.

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young ★☆☆☆☆
MC travels from the U.S. to Scotland and back

3). Cover Hunt: Read a book with a picture of a mode of transport on the cover.

On the Blue Train by Kristel Thornell AA ★★★☆☆
Train on the cover

4). Title: Read a book with a PLACE NAME in the title, such as the name of a country, state, city, town, etc. Titles with words like ‘woods’, ‘beach’, ‘mountain’, ‘river’, ‘garden’, ‘park’, etc, in the title would count as places too.

Paris Time Capsule by Ella Carey AA ★☆☆☆☆
Paris

SPELL-IT-OUT

C - The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough AA ★★★★★
A - Atonement by Ian McEwan ★★★★★
N - The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah ★★★★☆
A - All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr ★★★★★
D - King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett ☆☆☆☆☆
A - A Perfectly Good Family by Lionel Shriver ★☆☆☆☆

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Dree wrote: "Going for easy again this time - I'm really over-committed this year!

1) Set in different country - Faithful by Alice Hoffman
2) MC travels abroad - Beautiful Ruins..."

Don't forget you need an Aussie author here Dree :) And you're linked up!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Laura wrote: "I'm going to give this a go, my first challenge, and I'm going for broke with HARD:

Progress 0/10

TASKS

1). Geographical Setting: Read a book set in a different country than your own.

☆☆☆☆☆ [bo..."

Great you're joining us Laura :) And you're linked now!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jacm wrote: "Hmm, I think I'm going to sit this one out. I don't think I'll have a lot of reading time next month & already attempting some other challenges.

Good luck to everyone taking part!"

Happy reading Jacm :) Thanks!

[Krystal]

I have to sit this one out, my July challenge has been an utter failure lol. Might try again in September!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Never mind Krystal :) You're welcome any time!

[Diana]

I'm in please.
EASY
3/4

Geographical setting - The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson (set in Sussex) DNF 2 ★
Protagonist travels - Wrong About Japan: A Father's Journey with His Son by Peter Carey AA 3 ★
Cover Hunt - Good Money by J.M. Green AA ( trainline on cover, hope this counts) 5
★
Title - The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue Des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino 4 ★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

It's a great cover Diana - it'll be fine :)

[Suzie]

I'm going to try for TASKS
1. Geographical: by Jennifer Niven (USA)
2. Travel: by Geraldine Brooks AA
3. Cover: by Mayse Young AA
4. Title: by Jock Serong AA

[Kylie]

I'm in thanks Brenda. :)

I'll stick with the easy level. Don't seem to get much more read than 4 a month. :) (And that's if I'm lucky!)

COMPLETED 30/08! :)

4/4

TASKS

1). Geographical Setting: Read a book set in a different country than your own. The Returning Tide by Liz Fenwick. Set in Cornwall, England. Completed 15/08, 5 stars.

2). Travel: Read a book where the main character travels to another country. Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen MC leaves Ireland for America. Completed 10/08, 3.5-4 stars.

3). Cover Hunt: Read a book with a picture of a mode of transport on the cover. Spirits of the Ghan by Judy Nunn AA. Completed 30/08, 4 stars.

4). Title: Read a book with a PLACE NAME in the title. River Run by Nicole Alexander AA. Completed 26/08, 5 stars.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Suzie and Kylie, you're both linked up!

[Dree]

Brenda wrote: "Dree wrote: "Going for easy again this time - I'm really over-committed this year!

1) Set in different country - Faithful by Alice Hoffman
2) MC travels abroad - [book:Beautiful Ru..."

Oh yes - I had actually! Thanks Brenda, - onto it ;-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks :)

[Sally906]

MaryG2E wrote: "Looking forward to taking on a challenge again, after a few months' absence. I'll opt for the EASY level, i.e. 4 tasks. As always, I'll preface my list with the remark that the titles may change, b..."

I didn't realise there is nkw a book about Gobi - I was glued to the Facebook page when the events unfolded.

Looking forwards to your thoughts.

[Amanda]

OK, so I've decided to join this challenge! Haven't actually started the July books yet, so might transfer a couple of them to August!
I'll go for the easy one!
1. Geographical Setting: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. Set in England of course. I'll read it if it kills me!
2. Travel: The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom by Simon Winchester
3. Cover Hunt Lancaster Men: The Aussie Heroes of Bomber Command by Peter Rees Aussie author. My father was a wireless operator in Lancasters in Bomber Command so I must read it!
4. Title: Kimberley Sun by Di Morrissey Aussie author

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're all linked up Amanda :)

[Amanda]

Brenda wrote: "You're all linked up Amanda :)"
Thanks Brenda. I've just edited my post to fill the gaps from the TBR list! It seems to keep getting longer though!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

And your updated list is excellent!

[Carol]

1). Geographical Setting: Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk by Lu Hsun. (Very interesting but I don't have the knowledge to rate it.)
2). Travel: Abundant Beauty: The Adventurous Travels of Marianne North, Botanical Artist by Marianne North 4*
3). Cover Hunt: River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh 3*
4). Title: Australia Day a short-story collection by Melanie Cheng — Australian Author 4*

]

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carol wrote: "1). Geographical Setting: Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk by Lu Hsun.
2). Travel: Abundant Beauty: The Adventurous Travels of Marianne North, Botanical Artist by Marianne..."

You need to choose a different one for #4 please Carol - August doesn't start for another week :) Plus can you please mark your Aussie authors? Thanks...

[Carol]

Brenda wrote: "Carol wrote: "1). Geographical Setting: Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk by Lu Hsun.
2). Travel: [book:Abundant Beauty: The Adventurous Travels of Marianne North, Botanical Artist|974833..."

Maybe I will have to rethink. I'm new to the challenges. No Aussie author yet!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's fine,you need at least one to fit the criteria :) Plus because they are monthly, they run from the 1st to the 31st (in this case)

[Li'l Owl]

I'll start with Easy
Tasks - 1 AA
4/4

1. Geographical Setting
Violent Exposure by Katherine Howell AA 5★'s
2. Travel
Max: Best Friend. Hero. Marine. by Jennifer Li Shotz 4½★'s
3. Cover Hunt
The Dick Francis Treasury of Great Racing Stories by Dick Francis 4★'s
4. Title
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison 5★'s

[Odette]

Decided to go with easy for this challenge:

1). Geographical Setting:
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles - 4★
2). Travel:
China Baby Love: An Australian Grandmother's life-changing mission to help China's orphans by Jane Hutcheon - 4★ AA
3). Cover Hunt: This book with a train on cover has been on my tbr for a long time:
The Swiss Spy by Alex Gerlis - 4★
4). Title: This is the August read for my next bookclub meeting:
Happy Valley by Patrick White - 4★ AA

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Your #2 is an Aussie author too Odette! Nice :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Owl and Odette, you're both linked :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carol wrote: "1). Geographical Setting: Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk by Lu Hsun.
2). Travel: Abundant Beauty: The Adventurous Travels of Marianne North, Botanical Artist by Marianne..."

Well done Carol :) You're linked now!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Travelling Challenge

10/10

TASKS

1). Geographical Setting: Read a book set in a different country than your own.
Say You're Sorry by Michael Robotham AA. 5 stars
2). Travel: Read a book where the main character travels to another country.
In the Company of Strangers by Liz Byrski AA 4 stars
3). Cover Hunt: Read a book with a picture of a mode of transport on the cover.
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly 4 stars
4). Title: Read a book with a PLACE NAME in the title.
Daintree by Annie Seaton AA 4 stars



SPELL-IT-OUT
A A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George 5 stars
L The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins by Antonia Hodgson 4 stars
A Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine 4 stars
S Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo 4 stars
K Killer Takes All by Erica Spindler 4 stars
A Alloria by David Staniforth 3 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're all linked Phrynne :)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Thanks Brenda!
Work still in progress:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Yes I saw that ;)

[Odette]

Brenda wrote: "Your #2 is an Aussie author too Odette! Nice :)"

Yes - I have updated it now. Two Australian authors out of the four is good!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Odette wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Your #2 is an Aussie author too Odette! Nice :)"

Yes - I have updated it now. Two Australian authors out of the four is good!"

It's very good!

[Deb]

Again, I am a late entry :) I am joining for an Easy level because the Winter challenge took me so long I am behind on other reading projects.

1). Geographical Setting: Read a book set in a different country than your own: by The Gum Thief Douglas Coupland
Is set in America, and is one of the last on my Winter challenge list.

2). Travel: Read a book where the main character travels to another country: Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts.

3). Cover Hunt: Read a book with a picture of a mode of transport on the cover. Stealing Light by Gary Gibson, has a Faster Than Light travel portal.

4). Title: Read a book with a PLACE NAME in the title: When In Rome: Chasing La Dolce Vita by Penelope Green who is my AA for this challenge.


Time to escalate!!

Since I finished my easy challenge last night with, I am going to try and squeeze in a Hard challenge with the remainder of August - There is a weekend coming up after all.

For my spell it out I am going to MALTA. Perhaps not the place I most want to visit in Europe, but it is definitely in my top ten and I can fill it from my Acquired-as-yet-unread bookshelf.

M -May Gibbs, Mother Of The Gumnuts by Maureen Walsh AA
A - Affinity by Sarah Waters
L - Life In Hanoi by Pam Scott AA
T - They Do It With Mirrors by Agatha Christie
A - All Flesh is Grass byClifford D. Simak

[Jeanette]

1). Geographical Setting: Read a book set in a different country than your own.
2). Travel: Read a book where the main character travels to another country.
3). Cover Hunt: Read a book with a picture of a mode of transport on the cover.
4). Title: Read a book with a PLACE NAME in the title, such as the name of a country, state, city, town, etc. Titles with words like ‘woods’, ‘beach’, ‘mountain’, ‘river’, ‘garden’, ‘park’, etc, in the title would count as places too.
1. Jessica Shattuck The Women of the Castle
The Women in the Castle: A Novel
2. A World of Other People (I may have read this one, I see a different cover. An Aussie serviceman in England, hope this is acceptable). Author Australian Steven Carroll
3. The Alice Network
4. Kidnap in Crete: The True Story of the Abduction of a Nazi General

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Deborah wrote: "Again, I am a late entry :) I am joining for an Easy level because the Winter challenge took me so long Iam behind on other reading projects.

1). Geographical Setting: Read a book set in a differe..."

Deborah, your #2 is fine, and you can also use your first choice of #3 as well :) There is an obvious means of travel on the cover, albeit one I'm not likely to use ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jeanette wrote: "1). Geographical Setting: Read a book set in a different country than your own.
2). Travel: Read a book where the main character travels to another country.
3). Cover Hunt: Read a book with a pictu..."

Yours are all good as long as there's an AA in there Jeanette? Can you mark which one it is please with an AA beside it? Thanks :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Deborah and Jeanette, you are both linked up :)

[Deb]

ha ha Thanks Brenda! Go Faster Than Light Travel :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Deborah wrote: "ha ha Thanks Brenda! Go Faster Than Light Travel :-)"

LOL!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Who is starting to plan which book they'll read first for their August challenge? I think I'll start with The Country Wedding by Barbara Hannay :)

[PattyMacDotComma]

Brenda wrote: "Who is starting to plan which book they'll read first for their August challenge? I think I'll start with The Country Wedding by Barbara Hannay :)"

You go inland, Brenda, and I'll head offshore with Worse Things Happen at Sea by our own popular Aussie actor (and author) William McInnes and his (sadly late) wife Sarah Watt.

[Sue]

I am planning to start with A Coalition of Lions by Elizabeth Wein.

[Li'l Owl]

Since it's a library book, I'll start with The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison

[Loren]

Think I'll start with either Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard or The Norseman's Song by Joel Deane. I'll decide for certain tomorrow night ;)