**Summer Reading Challenge - 1/12/14-28/2/15** Showing 601-650 of 1,029

[Mish]

I've completed my 'M'

Now onto my Australia Day - Book set in Australia

[Sharon]

Finished my 6th #1 Spell it out - E: Essie's Way by Pamela Cook 5★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's one I haven't read Sharon...it looks like with 5 stars that you would recommend it?

[Sharon]

Yes I most definitely would, Brenda. I loved it :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "Yes I most definitely would, Brenda. I loved it :)"

I'll have to try to find that one:) Thanks!

[Sharon]

You're welcome :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have her first - Blackwattle Lake - and really enjoyed it; I was tempted to buy Essie's Way when it was first released but didn't...looks like I should have!

[Sharon]

I haven't got or read Blackwattle Lake and I don't know why I purchased Essie's Way. It must've just caught my eye :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well we should meet up and swap!!! lol I just checked prices online - shocking! But my library has it...I'm not going to reserve it yet though:)

[Sharon]

I'll be over in the morning for morning tea and we can swap then LOL

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "I'll be over in the morning for morning tea and we can swap then LOL"

I'll be waiting;)

[Sharon]

With hot scones I hope ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL!!! They won't be hot by the time you arrive I'm afraid;)

[Sharon]

Good point lol. I'll settle for a cuppa in that case ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

:)

[Nicola]

Finished my No10. Favourite Genre from TBR
Prince of Tyre / Anna Erishkigal
Loved it so much I downloaded No 3 immediately!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done!

[Sharon]

Sharon wrote: "Finished my 6th #1 Spell it out - E: Essie's Way by Pamela Cook 5★"

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 19th - second #8 Set in Summer - Outback Flames by Suzanne Brandyn 4.5★s

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

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Finished my 11th #1. "S" The Silk Thief by Deborah Challinor a Highly recommended 5★s.

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

[Angela]

Been MIA from GR but still keeping up with the page turning :o) I've finished Sophie's World which was my 'S'. I'm now reading my 'E' (7th): An Elegant Young Man.

[Veronica ⭐️]

finished 1. R - Red

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

[Lynxie]

Because I can't finish my 5. Literature Map: Michael J. Sullivan -> Jane Lindskold's Changer

I've changed it to Sarah J. Maas and A Court of Thorns and Roses

[Sally906]

OK then - 5 out of 15 read (the ones with lines through them) - and another 2 I am currently reading (My S book and my Summer book):


1. Spell It Out! e.g.
a) S – Something Wiki by Suzanne Sutherland
b) U - An Unexpected Blessing by Unoma Nwankwor
c) M - Much Ado About Magic by Shanna Swendson
d) M - Mars Evacuees by Sophia McDougall
e) E - Escape from Wolfhaven Castle by Kate Forsyth
f) R - The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

2. Read a Christmassy book. - 12 Days at Silver Bells House by Jennie Jones

3. Celebrate Australia Day on 26th January - Meant To Be by Fiona McCallum

4. Valentine's Day – Operation Valentine by Loretta Hill

5. The Literature Map - TBA - watch this space

6. Top 5 Favourites of 2014 - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce - Thanks to Janine for her top five

7. New Release MUST be by an Aussie author – The Maxwell Sisters by Loretta Hill (released 02/01/15)

8. "Summer" in the title OR set in Summer - Our Kind of Love (Boys of Summer #3) by Victoria Purman

9.Choose Historical Fiction for this one – Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger

10. Lucky last! - choose your FAVOURITE GENRE from your TBR! - Talon by Julie Kagawa (YA and Fantasy)

[Ashleigh]

Finished my 6.) From Sharon's Top 5: Cicada by Moira McKinnon

This was an interesting one. I have read nothing like it before. 3.5★'s. Almost 4 but I got lost in some parts and it wasn't until later in the book that it got really exciting.

[Amber]

3. Australia Day: Aussie Author - A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute ★★★★

[Janine]

I have finished my 12th
#8 Set in Summer Dust of the Land by J.H. Fletcher 3*

[Angela]

I've finished my 7th: 'E' An Elegant Young Man...

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

[Sharon]

Finished my 7th #3 - Australia Day: Aussie author: I Came To Say Goodbye by Caroline Overington 4★

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

[MaryG2E]

After the Christmas New Year hiatus, I've resumed working my way through the Summer Reading Challenge. Have had to substitute a new title for my Spell It Out: U.
Would you believe I've had great difficulty in getting hold of a copy of Unreliable Memoirs by Clive James. I've tried a few second-hand shops, but none in stock, and the two copies at my library have 18 holds on them ahead of me. I wonder if there has been an upsurge in readership of Clive James given recent TV and radio programs about his declining health. (He gave a truly fascinating interview on Radio National a few months ago, in the wake of his poem Japanese Maple going viral on social media.)
So I picked up a charming YA graphic novel called Unforgotten by Australian author Tohby Riddle as my U book for this challenge. Nothing riveting, so 3★s from me.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

MaryG2E wrote: "After the Christmas New Year hiatus, I've resumed working my way through the Summer Reading Challenge. Have had to substitute a new title for my Spell It Out: U.
Would you believe I've had great d..."

Clive James is a very clever and multi talented man isn't he Mary? Sad to hear his health is declining.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 20th - first U Unlucky 13 by James Patterson 5★s

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

[Ace]

Haven't updated my slow reading progress lately but this is where I am at. U is next on my hitlist!

Spell It Out!
S- The Summer Book – Jannson Tove 3*
U- Under the Eagle – Simon Scarrow
M- Mark of the Dragon Queen– Katie W. Stewart 4*
M- The Man From St. Petersburg – Ken Follett
E- Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - Jonathan Safran Foer
R- Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier

Christmas
The Santa Shop – Tim Greaton 3*

Celebrate Australia Day (Aussie Author)
Nefarious Doings - Isla Evans 5*

[MaryG2E]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "MaryG2E wrote: "After the Christmas New Year hiatus, I've resumed working my way through the Summer Reading Challenge. Have had to substitute a new title for my Spell It Out: U.
Would you believe ..."

I agree Julie. I used to watch Clive James' TV shows eagerly because they were funny but also intelligent (a rare thing on TV these days!). I enjoy listening to him on radio because he is so erudite and articulate. Unfortunately he has both emphysema and leukaemia, and does not have a lot of time left.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

MaryG2E wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "MaryG2E wrote: "After the Christmas New Year hiatus, I've resumed working my way through the Summer Reading Challenge. Have had to substitute a new title for my Spell It Out: U.
Wo..."

That is so sad Mary. Yes he has such a presence, with a beautiful speaking voice to match. I always found him compelling to listen to, regardless of the topic...because he always spoke intelligently about whatever he chose to speak about, his knowledge base is seemingly endless...and his very funny dry wit ever present.
I must seek out that book now also, The Complete Unreliable Memoirs by Clive James, it would be a lovely and fitting addition to my personal 2015 AA challenge, thanks for sharing. I'll let you know if I find a copy :)

[Dana]

It has been a while since I last updated on this challenge. Unfortunately I am not as far along as I would have liked, after reading S- Saving Wishes I felt compelled to read the other 6 books in the series, slowing down the progress substantially. Here is my progress to date:

Spell it out
S- Saving Wishes
U- UnEnchanted
M- My So-Called Afterlife
M- Mr. Miracle

2. Christmas
Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm

7. New release
The House at the Bottom of the Hill

8. Summer
The House on Burra Burra Lane

3 have been real disappointments and 3 have been fabulous so it has evened out for me so far. A nice side note - the fabulous were all Australian.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Dana wrote: "It has been a while since I last updated on this challenge. Unfortunately I am not as far along as I would have liked, after reading S- Saving Wishes I felt compelled to read the ot..."

That's funny Dana...a good way to get behind though ;) I have Saving Wishes coming up too, so I hope I don't get similarly distracted, although I can always add them to my challenge.

Btw, were they all good? in that series Saving Wishes

[Dana]

Hi Julie, I answered your question on the Currently Reading thread...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Dana wrote: "Hi Julie, I answered your question on the Currently Reading thread..."

Yep found it :)

[Angela]

I've just finished The Fault in Our Stars.

Here is the shortest review I've ever written: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Angela wrote: "I've just finished The Fault in Our Stars.

Here is the shortest review I've ever written: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Can somebody get the tissues please...and maybe a glass of something??

[Angela]

Thanks Julie.... This one is going to stick for a while I think.

[Dana]

Wow Angela! I am still on the fence about Mr Green, I haven't read this one yet as my other forays haven't been pleasant but you have inspired me to give it a go.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Angela wrote: "Thanks Julie.... This one is going to stick for a while I think."

Hmmm I can see that ;)

[Hannah]

Ace wrote: "Haven't updated my slow reading progress lately but this is where I am at. U is next on my hitlist!

Oooh I am putting
onto my to read list after your 5 star rating, sounds good….

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Han wrote: "Ace wrote: "Haven't updated my slow reading progress lately but this is where I am at. U is next on my hitlist!

Oooh I am putting
onto my to read list after..."

If you have a kindle Han, it's free at the moment:) http://www.amazon.com/Nefarious-Doing...

[Ace]

Han wrote: "Ace wrote: "Haven't updated my slow reading progress lately but this is where I am at. U is next on my hitlist!

Oooh I am putting
onto my to read list after..."

I think it was funny and well written, lots of strong female characters. Judging by your "favourites" on your profile, I think you will really enjoy it :)

[Angela]

Progress report (I've changed my historical fiction... I just cannot stomach Outlander right now!)

S: Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
U: Undone! by Paul Jennings
M: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
M: Mothers Grimm by Danielle Wood
E: An Elegant Young Man by Luke Carman
R: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Christmas read: Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie
Aussie author: Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty
Valentine's Day: The Fault in Our Stars
Literature Map: The First Discworld Novels: The Colour of Magic and the Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
Friend pick: The Eye of the Sheep by Sofie Laguna
New release: TBC
Summer Theme: Golden Boys by Sonya Hartnett
Historical Fiction: Vita Brevis: A Letter to St Augustine by Jostein Gaarder
Favourite Genre: Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier

[Sally906]

RitaSkeeter wrote: "I'm back to the challenge after a short hiatus to deal with the bundle of library books that arrived all at once.

I read These Broken Stars, which I had been dubious about, but wha..."

Was a 5 ★ read for me too - I have the next one This Shattered World on order at the library :)

[Mary]

I've been seconded to work in Bourke for 6 months. Packing up and moving has seriously interfered with my reading goals. Not sure I'm going to achieve this challenge after all.