Aussie Readers discussion

238 views
Archives > **Summer Reading Challenge - 1/12/14-28/2/15**

Comments Showing 51-100 of 1,029 (1029 new)    post a comment »

message 51: by Phrynne, Series Queen! (new)

Phrynne | 15935 comments Mod
Mary wrote: "This is my plan (always ready for changes)

1. Spell It Out
a. S - The Sound of One Hand ClappingRichard Flanagan
b. U – [book:The Unbearable Lightness of Being|9717..."


Well your list sounds great!


message 52: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Mary wrote: "This is my plan (always ready for changes)

1. Spell It Out
a. S - The Sound of One Hand ClappingRichard Flanagan
b. U – [book:The Unbearable Lightness of Being|9717..."


Some excellent choices there Mary!


message 53: by MaryG2E (last edited Nov 15, 2014 09:49AM) (new)

MaryG2E (goodreadscommaryg2e) | 934 comments What a fantastic list of suggestions, Brenda. I'm in! In addition to the challenge you've set, I'm setting myself a personal challenge to re-read some old favourites from many years ago. For example, looking at the list of all-time best Australian books, I see the name Neville Shute, and titles like A Town Called Alice, and On the Beach. These and similar were some of the most important books of my youth, and I'm keen to revisit them.


message 54: by MaryG2E (new)

MaryG2E (goodreadscommaryg2e) | 934 comments Mary wrote: "This is my plan (always ready for changes)

1. Spell It Out
a. S - The Sound of One Hand ClappingRichard Flanagan
b. U – [book:The Unbearable Lightness of Being|9717..."


Great list Mary.
Good luck with it.


message 55: by Phrynne, Series Queen! (new)

Phrynne | 15935 comments Mod
RitaSkeeter wrote: "Mary wrote: "This is my plan (always ready for changes)

1. Spell It Out
a. S - The Sound of One Hand ClappingRichard Flanagan
b. U – [book:The Unbearable Lightness ..."


You've caught the so many books so little time bug:)


message 56: by Margaret (last edited Jan 30, 2015 03:44PM) (new)

Margaret | 17 comments I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a while... Most, if not all, will be from my favourite genre (Romance) - please don't judge me :)


Books Read = 9 / 15

Midnight Awakening (Midnight Breed, #3) by Lara Adrian The Unexpected Bride (Bowen, #1) by Debra Ullrick The Christmas Witness by Susan Sleeman Ruthless (The House of Rohan, #1) by Anne Stuart A Modern Witch (A Modern Witch, #1) by Debora Geary The Escape (The Survivors' Club #3) by Mary Balogh Where Seagulls Soar by Janet Woods Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter

1. Spell It Out
S: Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter read 31/1/15 ★★★
U: The Unexpected Bride by Debra Ullrick read 23/12/14 ★★★
M: A Modern Witch by Debora Geary read 4/1/15 ★★★
M: Midnight Awakening by Lara Adrian read 13/12/14 ★★★★
E: The Escape by Mary Balogh read 22/1/15 ★★★★
R: Ruthless by Anne Stuart read 2/1/15 ★★★★

2. Christmas: The Christmas Witness by Susan Sleeman read 31/12/14 ★★★
3. Australia Day
4. Valentine's Day
5. Literature Map
6. Top 5 Favourite 2014: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes read 6/1/15 ★★★★★
7. New Release (Aussie Author)
8. Summer (Aussie Author)
9. Historical Fiction: Where Seagulls Soar by Janet Woods read 29/1/15 ★★★
10. Favourite Genre


message 57: by Phrynne, Series Queen! (new)

Phrynne | 15935 comments Mod
Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a while... Most, if not all, will be from my favourite genre (Romance) - please don't judge ..."

No one judges anyone here Margaret:) You read whatever you like best.


message 58: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a while... Most, if not all, will be from my favourite genre (Romance) - please don't judge ..."

If romance is where your reading heart lies Margaret, you enjoy to your heart's content! That's what we're all about - enjoying your reading!


message 59: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a while... Most, if not all, will be from my favourite genre..."

And you should never be judged! Everyone is different in their reading loves and choices, and that's what makes for good discussion....


message 60: by Leonie (new)

Leonie (leonierogers) | 3571 comments RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a while... Most, if not all, will be from my favourite genre..."

It's all about enjoying your reading. And isn't this group a great place to pick up new books to read? After a while you get a feel for who likes the same stuff as you do. I confess to checking out a number of people's bookshelves and reviews to find new books... ;-P


message 61: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Leonie wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a while... Most, if not all, will be fro..."

LOL! And that's what helps us all get such a large TBR, isn't it Leonie;)


message 62: by Lynxie (new)

Lynxie | 715 comments RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a while... Most, if not all, will be from my favourite genre..."

As the others have said Margaret, it's our differences in reading opinions and loves that makes this place work so well - and our TBR lists ever growing!

Romance is one of the genres I read a lot of too, not my fav, but it's right up there :)


message 63: by Lynxie (new)

Lynxie | 715 comments RitaSkeeter wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a while... Most, if not a..."

I pretty much read anything - I focus on indie authors though, so that's probably why most of you won't have heard of many of the books/authors I'm reading. Some are pretty rubbish, but there's always a hidden gem in there to find too :)


message 64: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Lynxie wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a whil..."

Some of the indie authors are really good aren't they Lynxie...those hidden gems are so worth it!


message 65: by Lynxie (new)

Lynxie | 715 comments Brenda wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This co..."

Oh yes! There's just something a bit special when you're the first of your group of friends who's read the book and loved it, then suggested people read it and they love it too. Or being ahead of the masses (I've been the first to review a lot of the books I read!) it's really neat!


message 66: by Mary (new)

Mary (bookworm60) | 367 comments MaryG2E wrote: "What a fantastic list of suggestions, Brenda. I'm in! In addition to the challenge you've set, I'm setting myself a personal challenge to re-read some old favourites from many years ago. For exampl..."

Oooh! Can we re-read? Bonus!! Not that I want to give up any of the ones I already have on my list. But wouldn't that make a great second list?


message 67: by Mary (new)

Mary (bookworm60) | 367 comments RitaSkeeter wrote: "Mary wrote: "This is my plan (always ready for changes)

1. Spell It Out
a. S - The Sound of One Hand ClappingRichard Flanagan
b. U – [book:The Unbearable Lightness ..."


Thanks RitaSkeeter! I'm really looking forward to it - just as soon as I get the Spring and November challenges completed. I'm panting my way toward the stadium in the marathon at the moment reminding myself that I am doing stuff I love!


message 68: by Trevor (new)

Trevor | 643 comments Mary wrote: "This is my plan (always ready for changes)

1. Spell It Out
a. S - The Sound of One Hand ClappingRichard Flanagan
b. U – [book:The Unbearable Lightness of Being|9717..."


A great list Mary, love some of your choices


message 69: by Mary (new)

Mary (bookworm60) | 367 comments Brenda wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I'm in! It's my first challenge with the group!! Now to work out what books to read??? This could take a while... Most, if not all, will be fro..."

Absolutely!! But it's true that we all get judged at times Margaret - our books are too trashy or too silly or too bloodthirsty or too posh or too something. But here we are still reading "after all this time" and we are the ones having a good time so who has time to worry what other people think when we can be in a great group like this?


message 70: by Mary (new)

Mary (bookworm60) | 367 comments I can never decide if I'm excited or despairing as I go through other people's lists adding to my TBR - half the time I don't even wait for the reviews. But that is the fun of the game. And I always feel a bit guilty when it comes to your fave genre - it just depends because I go through stages. And I love a good romance.


message 71: by Carolyn (new)

Carolyn | 9892 comments I've been a member of this group for nearly a year now and one of the best things has been forcing me out of my comfort zone. I'm not a big fan of romance or fantasy but have read and enjoyed quite a few in those genres through the challenges this year. I think it's great that we all know what we like to read and say when we hate a book even if it's been really popular with everyone else.


message 72: by Trevor (last edited Nov 15, 2014 05:01PM) (new)

Trevor | 643 comments This is my list, though as always some may change:

1) Spell it out:
S - Smut by Alan Bennett
U - An Underground Life: Memoirs of a Gay Jew in Nazi Berlin by Gad Beck
M - My Brother and His Brother by Håkan Lindquist
M - The Murder Bag by Tony Parsons
E - Eugénie Grandet by Honoré de Balzac
R - Right Ho, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
2) Christmas - Waiting for snow by J.C. Wallace
3) Australia Day - Dark Places by Kate Grenville
4) Valentine's Day - Blind Items: A (Love) Story by Matthew Rettenmund
5) Literature map - input Christos Tsiolkas - My Life as a Fake by Peter Carey
6) Top 5 favourite - TBA
7) New release - TBA
8) Summer - Summertime by J.M. Coetzee
9) Historical - The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope
10) Favourite genre - Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene


message 73: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Mary wrote: "MaryG2E wrote: "What a fantastic list of suggestions, Brenda. I'm in! In addition to the challenge you've set, I'm setting myself a personal challenge to re-read some old favourites from many years..."

You can always double your list like I do Mary;)


message 74: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Trevor wrote: "This is my list, though as always some may change:

1) Spell it out:
S - Smut by Alan Bennett
U - [book:An Underground Life: Memoirs of a Gay Jew in Nazi Berlin|6563..."


Excellent list once again Trevor!


message 75: by Phrynne, Series Queen! (new)

Phrynne | 15935 comments Mod
That's a really good list Trevor - lots of literary stuff there:)


message 76: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Carolyn wrote: "I've been a member of this group for nearly a year now and one of the best things has been forcing me out of my comfort zone. I'm not a big fan of romance or fantasy but have read and enjoyed quite..."

Getting out of our comfort zone is one of the great pluses about these challenges, and why I encourage everyone to participate. I know before I joined GR I used to read only Crime, Thriller etc - now I read pretty much everything, AND enjoy most of it:) So it's broadened my horizons tremendously - you only have to look at my TBR as proof;)


message 77: by Phrynne, Series Queen! (new)

Phrynne | 15935 comments Mod
Trevor wrote: "This is my list, though as always some may change:

1) Spell it out:
S - Smut by Alan Bennett
U - [book:An Underground Life: Memoirs of a Gay Jew in Nazi Berlin|6563..."


I hope you don't mind if I use your idea for number 8. I have been struggling with that one.


message 78: by Trevor (new)

Trevor | 643 comments Phrynne wrote: "Trevor wrote: "This is my list, though as always some may change:

1) Spell it out:
S - Smut by Alan Bennett
U - [book:An Underground Life: Memoirs of a Gay Jew in N..."


Go for it :-)


message 79: by Trevor (new)

Trevor | 643 comments Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "This is my list, though as always some may change:

1) Spell it out:
S - Smut by Alan Bennett
U - [book:An Underground Life: Memoirs of a Gay Jew in N..."


Thanks Brenda


message 80: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
MaryG2E wrote: "What a fantastic list of suggestions, Brenda. I'm in! In addition to the challenge you've set, I'm setting myself a personal challenge to re-read some old favourites from many years ago. For exampl..."

Sounds excellent Mary! A great challenge for yourself:)


message 81: by Christy (new)

Christy (mrscrich) | 223 comments Oh the joy of picking the list!!


message 82: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Christy wrote: "Oh the joy of picking the list!!"

That's the best part I'm sure!


Jülie ☼♄  (jlie) | 6581 comments Brenda wrote: "Christy wrote: "Oh the joy of picking the list!!"

That's the best part I'm sure!"


I'm working on mine now :)


message 84: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
☼♄Jülie wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Christy wrote: "Oh the joy of picking the list!!"

That's the best part I'm sure!"

I'm working on mine now :)"


Can't wait to see it Jools:)


message 85: by Janine (last edited Dec 15, 2014 02:18PM) (new)

Janine (janineor) | 2181 comments My first draft list:
1.
S - Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
U - The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James
M - The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
M - Mean Streak by Sandra Brown
E - Elianne by Judy Nunn
R - Reflection by Diane Chamberlain
2. Christmas Festive in Death by J.D. Robb
3. Australia Day Bad Behaviour by Liz Byrski
4. Valentine's Day Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron
5. Literature Map (Jojo Moyes - Dorothy Koomson) The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson
6. Aussie Friend top 5 TBA
7. Summer NR Storm Clouds by Bronwyn Parry
8. Set in Summer Dust of the Land by J.H. Fletcher
9. Historical Fiction Girl of Shadows by Deborah Challinor
10. Favourite Genre Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo


message 86: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Janine wrote: "My first draft list:
1.
S - Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
U - The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James
M - The Miniaturist b..."


Great list Janine! Some lovely reads there:)


message 87: by Kathryn (new)

Kathryn | 3569 comments I had thought about not doing this challenge and having a break, but I can't help myself! So here's my list so far - not sure how final my choices are yet! And of course, they're always subject to change anyway!

1. Spell It Out!
S – Shall We Tell the President?Jeffrey Archer
U – The UndertakingAudrey Magee
M – Miniskirts, Mothers & Muslims: A Christian Woman in a Muslim LandChristine A. Mallouhi
M – The Middle WindowElizabeth Goudge
E – ElianneJudy Nunn
R – TBA - I can't decide - I have lots of R books so will play this one by ear.

2. Christmas is getting closer - I have several Christmas reads!
Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday StoriesL.M. Montgomery
Hercule Poirot's ChristmasAgatha Christie
Christmas at Harrington'sMelody Carlson
An Irish Country ChristmasPatrick Taylor

3. Australian author
HelenaJo-Anne Berthelsen

4. Romance
LovesongAlex Miller

5. Literature Map
Diane ChamberlainDi Morrissey - possibly The Opal Desert or The Silent Country

6. Top 5 Aussie Readers Favourites of 2014
TBA

7. Aussie New Release
TBA

8. "Summer" in the title OR set in Summer - an Aussie author as well...
Simmering Season by Jenn J. McLeod

9. Choose Historical Fiction for this one
Poet's CottageJosephine Pennicott

10. Favourite genre from your TBR!
TBA - not even sure which genre to pick for my favourite yet!!


message 88: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Kathryn wrote: "I had thought about not doing this challenge and having a break, but I can't help myself! So here's my list so far - not sure how final my choices are yet! And of course, they're always subject t..."

Excellent list Kathryn! I loved Elianne with a passion! And you have some good Christmas ones there, including An Irish Country Christmas - I must read more in that series:)


message 89: by Kathryn (new)

Kathryn | 3569 comments Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I had thought about not doing this challenge and having a break, but I can't help myself! So here's my list so far - not sure how final my choices are yet! And of course, they're ..."

I know - I've been hanging out for both An Irish Country Christmas and Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories!!

And your list looks good too, Brenda - I've read and enjoyed My Brother-But-One, Thornwood House and The Secret Keeper (although it wasn't the best Kate Morton, in my opinion), so you should have a good summer of reading.


message 90: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Thanks Kathryn...I hope so!


message 91: by Steve (last edited Feb 27, 2015 05:03PM) (new)

Steve | 1034 comments Here is my list:

1a. Spell it Out (S): Shadow (Star Trek Voyager Section 31, #4) by Dean Wesley Smith ★★★★☆ ; Spellbound (Spellwright, #2) by Blake Charlton ★★★★☆
1b. Spell it Out (U): Unspoken Truth by Margaret Wander Bonanno ★★☆☆☆ ; The Road to Balinor (Unicorns of Balinor, #1) by Mary Stanton ★★☆☆☆
1c. Spell it Out (M): Malicious Intent (Dr. Anya Crichton, #1) by Kathryn Fox ★★★★★ ; The Magic City by E. Nesbit ★★★☆☆
1d. Spell it Out (M): The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, #2) by Brandon Sanderson ★★★★★ ; The Hero of Ages (Mistborn, #3) by Brandon Sanderson ★★★★★
1e. Spell it Out (E): Ex Machina (Star Trek) by Christopher L. Bennett ★★★★☆ ; The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King ★★★☆☆
1f. Spell it Out (R): Republic (Star Trek My Brother's Keeper, #1) by Michael Jan Friedman ★★★☆☆ ; The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh (Star Trek The Eugenics Wars, #1) by Greg Cox ★★★★☆
2. Christmas: The Stupidest Angel A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror by Christopher Moore ★☆☆☆☆ ; Skipping Christmas by John Grisham ★☆☆☆☆
3. Australia Day: Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta ★★★★☆ ; Singing the Dogstar Blues by Alison Goodman ★★☆☆☆
4. Valentine's Day: Untouchable (Emperor's Brides, #1) by Linda Winstead Jones ★★★★☆ ; Blue Moon (Nightcreature, #1) by Lori Handeland ★★☆☆☆
5. Literature Map: Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, #1) by Terry Goodkind (Robert Jordan) ★★★★★ ; Kushiel's Dart (Phèdre's Trilogy, #1) by Jacqueline Carey (Anne Bishop) ★★★★☆
6. Top 5 Favourites of 2014: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1) by Stieg Larsson (Nicola) ★★★★★ ; Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult (Brenda) ★★★★☆
7. Aussie New Release: In Safe Keeping by Lee Christine (8th of December) ★★★★☆ ; 12 Daves of Christmas by Juliet Madison (8th of December) ★★★★☆
8. Summer: Nobody But Him by Victoria Purman ★★★★☆ ; Someone Like You by Victoria Purman ★★★☆☆
9. Historical Fiction: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden ★★☆☆☆ ; Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay ★★★★☆
10. Favourite Genre TBR: Lust's Latinum Lost (And Found) (Star Trek Deep Space Nine) by Paula M. Block ★★★★★ ; Purity in Death (In Death, #15) by J.D. Robb ★★★★★


message 92: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Steve wrote: "I'm so in! I'll edit this comment with beginnings of my list when I'm not a mobile device."

Yay! Can't wait for your list Steve!


message 93: by Bec (new)

Bec (gecko-girl) | 281 comments count me in - summer holidays means I should actually be able to complete this challenge!! will decide closer to the date which books I'm going to pick


message 94: by Bec (new)

Bec (gecko-girl) | 281 comments not sure what to do with the Number 6 (I know we can't do it yet) I'm sure you will explain it more later


message 95: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Bec wrote: "not sure what to do with the Number 6 (I know we can't do it yet) I'm sure you will explain it more later"

Mid December a new thread will be posted in the group asking everyone to post their top 5 reads for the year Bec. That's what we choose from:) And that's why we have to wait for that one;)


message 96: by Holly (new)

Holly Wood | 25 comments I'm in and excited.

I'll create my list and post it soon. :)


message 97: by Jewlya (last edited Dec 29, 2014 09:36PM) (new)

Jewlya seems like a good first challenge :)


1 S U M M E R
Slice
Under the Dome
The Maze Runner
The Mad and the Bad
Eleanor & Park
The Rules for Disappearing

2 Christmas
Let It Snow

3 Australian Author
Jasper Jones

4 Romance genre
Take Me On

5 Literature map
Maureen Johnson > Reality Boy

6

7 New Release
Breaking the Rules

8 Summer themed & Australian written
All This Could End [ummmm I hope this is set in summer?? haha]

9 Historical fiction
A Tale of Two Cities

10 Favorite genre
We Were Liars


message 98: by Bec (new)

Bec (gecko-girl) | 281 comments Brenda wrote: "Bec wrote: "not sure what to do with the Number 6 (I know we can't do it yet) I'm sure you will explain it more later"

Mid December a new thread will be posted in the group asking everyone to post..."


great sounds good


message 99: by Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen (new)

Brenda | 80355 comments Mod
Julia wrote: "seems like a good first challenge :)


1 Slice
Under the Dome
The Maze Runner
The Mad and the Bad
Eleanor & Park
[book:T..."


Great list Julia! Can you put the author you searched the literature map with (#5), just for interest sake? Thanks:) Plus #8 doesn't say in the blurb but with the amount of moving around they do, they would have to pass through summer;)


message 100: by Jewlya (new)

Jewlya Brenda wrote: "Julia wrote: "seems like a good first challenge :)


1 Slice
Under the Dome
The Maze Runner
The Mad and the Bad
[book:Eleanor & Park|157..."


Thanks! and sorry I've updated it now, yeah I was crossing my fingers for that I just really wanted to read it haha


back to top