**Winter Reading Challenge - 1/6/15 - 31/8/15**

[Kathryn]

Trevor wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Loving looking through everyone's lists. And thanks, Trevor - I hadn't thought about The Time Machine being speculative fiction - maybe I'll change my pick to that if I ..."

I've never read any H.G. Wells before, and sci-fi is not really my thing, so...we'll see!

[Kathryn]

Elaine wrote: "Here's my first attempt at a list....subject to change of course.

1. Spell it out,
W- The Wonder Lover , if I can get it on time or..."

Hope you find your "I" book gets you thinking, Elaine! And you're finally getting around to The Silkworm - hope you enjoy it as much as the first one - I still haven't read it yet either, but if I remember correctly you had plans to read it last year sometime...

[Ace]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Lol Ace! But it sure is fun making up these lists..."

Yes Julie, very much so, but I was in a hurry as it was my turn to cook tea, so I didn't look at page counts. I'll have another go after work tomorrow.

[Hannah]

Ahh I'm so shattered, I didn't realise that was only available as an ebook. Noooooooo!
:(

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Ace wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Lol Ace! But it sure is fun making up these lists..."

Yes Julie, very much so, but I was in a hurry as it was my turn to cook tea, so I didn't look at page counts. I'll have anothe..."

But two of the longest books on your list are also fantastic books! It would be a shame not to read them:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Han wrote: "Ahh I'm so shattered, I didn't realise that was only available as an ebook. Noooooooo!
:("

You know you can download kindle for PC from Amazon (free) and read it that way? That's what I did before I had my kindle :)

[Elaine]

Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Here's my first attempt at a list....subject to change of course.

1. Spell it out,
W- The Wonder Lover , if I can get it on tim..."

Thanks Kathryn. I think it probably will and it's probably the right time for it now. And yes, I did plan a couple of times last year to read The Silkworm and never got round to it. Not that it being on this list is any guarantee that I'll read it this time. Best laid plans and all!!!

[Kathryn]

Elaine wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Here's my first attempt at a list....subject to change of course.

1. Spell it out,
W- The Wonder Lover , if I c..."

That's true, Elaine. I actually found some draft lists of challenges from 2013 on my computer the other day and was flicking through it - and there are books that I had put down as possibilities that I still haven't read! Maybe there's a potential there for a challenge in itself!!

[Hannah]

Brenda wrote: "Han wrote: "Ahh I'm so shattered, I didn't realise that was only available as an ebook. Noooooooo!
:("

You know you can download kindle for PC from Amazon ..."
Thanks for the tip Brenda. But I just can't do it. It goes against every fibre in my being to read a book on a computer screen. It's not natural lol.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Han wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Han wrote: "Ahh I'm so shattered, I didn't realise that was only available as an ebook. Noooooooo!
:("

You know you can download kindle for ..."

I thought the same Han, but have changed:) I still read lots of paper books - I have hundreds I own (keep buying!) that aren't read - but the convenience plus the opening to be able to read certain books that I couldn't in paper was too hard to resist. I haven't regretted it!

[Hannah]

You know you can download..."

I may try it at some stage but not just yet haha. I am stubborn and also a bit obsessed with book covers/art. I decided to find an alternative book for N, hopefully a good read!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Han wrote: "You know you can download..."

I may try it at some stage but not just yet haha. I am stubborn and also a bit obsessed with book covers/art. I decided to find an alternative book for N, hopefully a..."

No worries, at least you know the option is there:)

[Nina]

Brenda wrote: "Nina wrote: "W= Words of bow by Andreas Karkavitsas
I=ILIADA BY HOMER been reading alot of Ancient writings lately.Finding the myths again.

N=The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco, i actuaaly have 5 c..."


OMG HOW EMBARASSING. I must be the only one who did do that. I need to read more carefully.

[Lynxie]

Is anyone else not getting notifications of new posts on this thread?

Just checked, it's a site-wide problem.

[Kathryn]

Lynxie wrote: "Is anyone else not getting notifications of new posts on this thread?"

It's the whole site, Lynxie. There have been no notifications for any threads all day. I've started a thread about it in the Goodreads Feedback group, but it doesn't look like anyone from GR has seen it yet...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Is anyone else not getting notifications of new posts on this thread?"

It's the whole site, Lynxie. There have been no notifications for any threads all day. I've started a thread a..."

Still Sunday/early Monday over there I think Kathryn.. it's getting a bit ridiculous though. I wonder why it always happens on the weekend!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lynxie wrote: "Is anyone else not getting notifications of new posts on this thread?

Just checked, it's a site-wide problem."

Been about 18 hours for me now Lynxie!

[Lynxie]

Brenda wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Is anyone else not getting notifications of new posts on this thread?

Just checked, it's a site-wide problem."

Been about 18 hours for me now Lynxie!"

And here I was thinking you guys were just too busy reading :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lynxie wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Is anyone else not getting notifications of new posts on this thread?

Just checked, it's a site-wide problem."

Been about 18 hours for me now Lynxie!"

And here I wa..."

Lol! A lot of people probably don't realize!

[Ace]

Rita, Brenda, Julie, I have made some modifications to my list and knocked out 1,243 pages! (Post 202 above updated).

I took a little liberty with the E book 84 Charing Cross Road, but the decision is final as its a wee short 97 pages compared to a whopping 1022!

In any case, I had more fun amending my list, but I still think I won't be able to finish it!

Thanks for your help ladies :)

Also, I was feeling a little unloved when I didn't get any notifications today, so I am glad it's not just me...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Ace wrote: "Rita, Brenda, Julie, I have made some modifications to my list and knocked out 1,243 pages! (Post 202 above updated).

I took a little liberty with the E book 84 Charing Cross Road, but the decisio..."

Lol, you are learning fast Ace ;)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Lynxie wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Is anyone else not getting notifications of new posts on this thread?

Just checked, it's a site-wide problem."

Been about 18 hours for me now Lynxie!"


And here I was thinking you guys were just too busy reading :)
.."

To be honest I got a lot more reading done because of it Lynxie! ;)

[Ace]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "To be honest I got a lot more reading done because of it Lynxie! ;) "

It's very addictive (GR) and distracting (the notifications) at the same time!

I'm off to bed to read, at least my phone won't be buzzing!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ace wrote: "Rita, Brenda, Julie, I have made some modifications to my list and knocked out 1,243 pages! (Post 202 above updated).

I took a little liberty with the E book 84 Charing Cross Road, but the decisio..."

Well done Ace! Lol

[Elaine]

Carolyn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two differ..."

Thanks Carolyn. I actually took the plunge and although it's completely out of my comfort zone, I downloaded A Woman Transported on my laptop. I was fortunate to receive a new laptop for Mother's day which is smaller and more efficient than the one I had so I can actually read on it quite comfortably. Mind you I resisted even that initially but that's a story for another thread!!! Suffice to say I don't really like change.

[Lynxie]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "To be honest I got a lot more reading done because of it Lynxie! ;) "

Me too Julie :D

[Elaine]

Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Here's my first attempt at a list....subject to change of course.

1. Spell it out,
W- The Wonder Lover[bookcover:The Wonder Lover|249..."

Ha,ha!! Yes I have quite a few of those too Kathryn. Not sure how many times I've added books to challenges and they're still unread on my TBR!!!

[Heather]

My list for this challenge - being mostly TBR there is lots of crime novels.

1 W -
I -
N -
T -
E -
R -

2. New Release -

3. YA -

4. Indie -

5a. Speculative Fiction -
5b. Historical Fiction -
5c. Crime -

[Suzie]

I've picked as many from my TBR list and bedside pile, but it's not easy to find an Indie author book in print (I will keep looking) and I don't own any speculative fiction, so I will library book that one.

W - Washington Square by Henry James
I - Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
N - No Name by Wilkie Collins
T - Tev by Brendan Murray
E - Eugenia by Mark Tedeschi
R - Raylan by Elmore Leonard
New release - Almost sincerely by Zoe Norton Lodge (not yet listed - due in June)
YA Aussie - Strange Objects by Gary Crew
Aussie Indie - TBA
Historical fiction - The Denniston Rose by Jenny Pattrick
Mystery - The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
Speculative fiction - The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Suzie wrote: "I've picked as many from my TBR list and bedside pile, but it's not easy to find an Indie author book in print (I will keep looking) and I don't own any speculative fiction, so I will library book ..."

Almost Sincerely by Zoe Norton Lodge

Here you go Suzie - I added it to the database for you:)

[Hannah]

Is it ok if I post on my blog about this challenge?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Han wrote: "Is it ok if I post on my blog about this challenge?"

That you're doing it do you mean Han?

[Suzie]

Brenda wrote: "Suzie wrote: "I've picked as many from my TBR list and bedside pile, but it's not easy to find an Indie author book in print (I will keep looking) and I don't own any speculative fiction, so I will..."

Thank you!

[Suzie]

RitaSkeeter wrote: "Suzie wrote: "I've picked as many from my TBR list and bedside pile, but it's not easy to find an Indie author book in print (I will keep looking) and I don't own any speculative fiction, so I will..."

It's interesting what you can find when looking for a book starting with "N" ;)

[Hannah]

Brenda wrote: "Han wrote: "Is it ok if I post on my blog about this challenge?"

That you're doing it do you mean Han?"

Yes and the details of the challenge. And a link to the group to join for Aussies? I have zero followers by the way lol.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Han wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Han wrote: "Is it ok if I post on my blog about this challenge?"

That you're doing it do you mean Han?"

Yes and the details of the challenge. And a link to the group to join for Au..."

Let me check with my fellow mods before I let you know Han? I'll get back to you soon:)

[Hannah]

Great thanks Brenda. Btw I can send you what I would be posting if you need it :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Han wrote: "Great thanks Brenda. Btw I can send you what I would be posting if you need it :)"

Perhaps that would be good - send me a private message when you have it ready:)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Suzie wrote: "I've picked as many from my TBR list and bedside pile, but it's not easy to find an Indie author book in print (I will keep looking) and I don't own any speculative fiction, so I will library book ..."

Eugenia is a fascinating read Suzie.

[Suzie]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Suzie wrote: "I've picked as many from my TBR list and bedside pile, but it's not easy to find an Indie author book in print (I will keep looking) and I don't own any speculative fiction, so I will..."

It does sound fascinating. I had it on my autumn list but had to swap it. I'm determined to read it this challenge!

[Chris]

Yippee! Thanks for another great challenge Brenda. I'm in, shall get my list up soon.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christina wrote: "Yippee! Thanks for another great challenge Brenda. I'm in, shall get my list up soon."

:) Looking forward to your list Christina:)

[Lynxie]

Suzie wrote: "I've picked as many from my TBR list and bedside pile, but it's not easy to find an Indie author book in print (I will keep looking) and I don't own any speculative fiction, so I will library book ..."

Vanessa Skye's Edge of Darkness Series is available in paperback through Amazon.

Annie Seaton also has a few titles on Amazon in paperback.

One of the local publishers puts together collections of short stories based on the winners and highly commended entries from their short story competitions. Most of the authors in their books are Aussie Indie.
Stringybark is run by David Vernon.

Some of Alison Stuart's books are also available in paperback from Amazon.

Tahlia Newland also has paperback's available on Amazon.

David Estes too...

There's a lot on Amazon, most are around the $8-15 mark for the paperback version.

[Tien]

1...
W The Warrior Heir -Read 10/07
I I Still Dream About You -Read 01/07
N Northern Heat -Read 22/06
T A Time to Run -Read 26/06
E Evergreen Falls -Read 21/08
R Run -Read 05/07

2... Clockwork Crown -Read 02/06

3... A Corner of White -Read 29/06

4... Night Walker Read 17/06

5... SPECULATIVE FICTION: Endsinger -Read 23/07
HISTORICAL FICTION: The Mapping of Love and Death -Read 14/07
MYSTERY: The Splendour Falls -Read 25/06

COMPLETED as at 21/08/15

[Suzie]

Lynxie wrote: "Suzie wrote: "I've picked as many from my TBR list and bedside pile, but it's not easy to find an Indie author book in print (I will keep looking) and I don't own any speculative fiction, so I will..."

Thanks Lynxie. A short story compilation might be the go for me. Cheers!

[Odette]

That was fun sorting through the kindle tbrs now downloaded to My Books.

Here are my choices for this winter challenge.

1.
W
The Woodvilles: The Wars of the Roses and England's Most Infamous Family by Susan Higginbotham
I
Intensive Care by Nicki Edwards
N
Nest by Inga Simpson
T
TimeStorm by Steve Harrison
E
The Embroiderer by Kathryn Gauci
R
Restless by William Boyd

2. Winter release:
Hush, Little Bird by Nicole Trope

3. Aussie YA:
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

4. Aussie Indie:
Under Fire by Rachel Amphlett

5.
Speculative:
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Historical:
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Mystery:
The Diggers Rest Hotel by Geoffrey McGeachin

[Anna]

Goodness mee this took forever to put together.

W - What Have I Done?
I - I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks
N - Nineteen Minutes
T - The Tea Chest
E - An Echo in Time: Atlantis
R - Rabbit-Proof Fence: The True Story of One of the Greatest Escapes of All Time

NEW RELEASE: You're Never Weird on the Internet - Almost

YOUNG ADULT: Finnikin of the Rock

AUSSIE INDIE AUTHOR: Life Lived Twice

OWNED TBR:
SPEC FICTION - The Lovely Bones
HISTORICAL FICTION - A Tale of Two Cities
MYSTERY - 1984

Totally did not know there were amazing challenges like this. I LOVE Goodreads :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists Tien and Odette! Not too long now until we can start:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Anna wrote: "Goodness mee this took forever to put together.

W - What Have I Done?
I - Introduction to the Chakras
N - Nineteen Minutes
T - [book:The Tea Chest|1901..."

Welcome to the group Anna:) Lovely you can join us in your first challenge... Here in Aussie Readers we have lots of challenges running all the time!

[Marianne]

Will start off my list and fill it in later:
1 Spell it out:
W The Last Winter of Dani Lancing 5★s
I
N Nothing Gold Can Stay 5★s
T Troubling Love 2.5★s
E Endurance 4★s
R
2 New Release My Mother's Secret 5★s
3 Aussie YA Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars 4.5★s
4 Aussie Indie Sisters and Rivals 3.5★s
5 Owned TBR
Speculative (June) A Cure For Suicide: A Novel 3.5★s
Historical (July) A Dangerous Place 4.5★s
Mystery (August) The Unbroken Line 4.5★s