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**Summer Reading Challenge**
Bernadette wrote: "5. Oprah's List - The only book I own that I could read for this is Pillars of the Earth which I have read the first half of twice over but never gotten through to the end. It's not bad just very, very looooooong."
Ha, I have this on my list and am reading it now. I was doing well ticking off my Summer Challenge. TPotE has slowed me down considerably. I am enjoying it though. I hope I don't have any other marathon books on the list.
Ha, I have this on my list and am reading it now. I was doing well ticking off my Summer Challenge. TPotE has slowed me down considerably. I am enjoying it though. I hope I don't have any other marathon books on the list.
Bernadette wrote: "Progress update: I have done 7 out of 10 and think I will struggle with two of the remaining three, especially as I am aiming to do the whole thing from my TBR (not just #2)1. Celebrate Australi..."
Bernadette - I hesitate to self-promote on the thread, but if for Valentine's day you feel you can only tolerate historical fiction, I have one available. The Pirate And The Puritan by Mary Clayton. Sounds like a bodice ripper but it isn't. It's unusual in at least one instance - the heroine can't talk!
There's reviews here on GR, 19 on Amazon (the same lady did one really terrible job on it on both sites at No.19, but the rest are pretty good.) It's $4.80 on Amazon Kindle at the moment, and of course can be downloaded to P.C's etc. It's $6 at the publisher's site, www.thewildrosepress.com
If I've done the wrong thing here somebody please smack my fingers! Though I warn you, I have a thick hide after reading that horrible review.
Monya (aka Mary) Clayton
(add book link isn't working for me right now, sorry) Tracks, by Robyn Davidson, was amazing. Thank you to whoever here recommended it to me - thank you for the group in the first place! I've now Celebrated Australia for the Challenge, and have Finished all 10 books!!
Mod
Congratulations Cheryl...perhaps you need to choose another 10, and start again..:D
It was me who recommended 'Tracks'. So glad you enjoyed it! I think it was amazing as well, so much courage to do what she did!!
Cheryl wrote: "(add book link isn't working for me right now, sorry) Tracks, by Robyn Davidson, was amazing. Thank you to whoever here recommended it to me - thank you for the group in the first place! I've no..."
Congratulations Cheryl. I do believe you are the first to finish. You are putting the Aussies to shame...but then we have no shame so that isn't a problem. :D
Well done.
Congratulations Cheryl. I do believe you are the first to finish. You are putting the Aussies to shame...but then we have no shame so that isn't a problem. :D
Well done.
Cheryl, congrats on finishing all 10 books already :O!!!
Monya wrote: "Bernadette - I hesitate to self-promote on the thread, but if for Valentine's day you feel you can only tolerate historical fiction, I have one available. The Pirate And The Puritan by Mary Clayton. "
Honestly romance in any era is equally hard for me to get through - in the same way that some people look at me strangely when they see I read mostly crime fiction because they can't stomach all the death I struggle with the romantic elements of any romance - we're all wired differently (thank heavens). I really am trying to do the whole challenge from my TBR Mary as I have a wee problem (200 unread books as of 1/1/11) but I'll certainly take a look at your book's site - and good on you for taking the horrible review on the chin - it's something I admire about you authors - opening yourselves up to that kind of thing.
Honestly romance in any era is equally hard for me to get through - in the same way that some people look at me strangely when they see I read mostly crime fiction because they can't stomach all the death I struggle with the romantic elements of any romance - we're all wired differently (thank heavens). I really am trying to do the whole challenge from my TBR Mary as I have a wee problem (200 unread books as of 1/1/11) but I'll certainly take a look at your book's site - and good on you for taking the horrible review on the chin - it's something I admire about you authors - opening yourselves up to that kind of thing.
Mod
Cheryl wrote: "(add book link isn't working for me right now, sorry) Tracks, by Robyn Davidson, was amazing. Thank you to whoever here recommended it to me - thank you for the group in the first place! I've no..."Wow, Cheryl! Great reading. Congratulations - I'm just a little behind you... I can report that I've just finished my 4th book, The Sea by John Banville. I can see why not everyone would enjoy this one, but I did. It's all about the writing. I just immersed myself in it and let the beautiful words flow over me (not without the odd sneak peak at the dictionary) ;)
Brenda, tx again for the rec. of Tracks. Thanks all for a fun challenge. I'll keep reading this topic of course - you all have interesting things to say about the books you choose.
I can imagine my son coming up with a similar question. He always takes everything so literally.
I am a little late in posting but I have been reading!1. Celebrate Australia - The Messenger by Markus Zusak, I could put this in Schoolies too as my son has recommended it from his readings this year
2. Lighten the Load - The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge. Have started this but is a bit slow going so far. Fascinating subject just keep getting distracted by other things
3.Book to Movie - Sarah's Key on order from library
4. Summer - Life without Summer by Lynne Griffin
5. Oprah - A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
6. New Release - I Came to Say Goodbye by Caroline Overington. Interesting read yet a bit of a challenge to empathise with some of the characters given this is the field I work in. Reminded me a lot of The Slap in that it is a topic that is rarely discussed and gave points of view from several characters. FINISHED
7. Schoolies - not sure just watched Tomorrow when the War Began, I am sure there is more to the novel
8. Christmas - Mmmm TBA
9. Literature Map - I love Tim Winton and the others who are near to him are also my much read favourites. I hadn't heard of Siri Hustvedt so thought I might give her a go.
10. Romance - not much of a romance reader, will need to work on this too.
Great idea! Look forward to reading evryone's posts
Jane wrote: "I am a little late in posting but I have been reading!
1. Celebrate Australia - The Messenger by Markus Zusak, I could put this in Schoolies too as my son has recommended it from his readings th..."
Glad you could join us Jane. It's never too late. :)
1. Celebrate Australia - The Messenger by Markus Zusak, I could put this in Schoolies too as my son has recommended it from his readings th..."
Glad you could join us Jane. It's never too late. :)
Mod
My pleasure Cheryl...it's always good when someone enjoys a book you recommend...:)
Mod
Hahahahahahaha!!!! That's really funny..quite logical if you think about it...:D
Here goes....1. Celebrate Australia:
2.
3 Stars3. Book that's been made into a movie:
4. Title related to Summer:
5. Oprah's List:
6. New Release:
7.
3 Stars.8. Ho Ho Ho!
9. Literature Map:
10. Valentine's Day:
Love your list Elle! Lots of great books. Good Luck.:)
Just finished Persuasion, which was great, which means 3 down, 7 to go. 1. Celebrate Australia! Parrot and Olivier in America or Something Fishy
2. Lighten the Load! Mockingjay
3. Movie, TV series or play. The Secret Life of Bees
4. Title related to Summer! Sizzling Sixteen
5. Oprah's List - The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
6. New Release! Eleven - READ
7. Schoolie's Week! iBoy or I Am Number Four - READ BOTH
8. Ho Ho Ho! - Shiver
9. Literature Map - Succubus Blues
10. Valentine's Day - Persuasion - READ
Great going everyone. I think reading Pillars of the Earth was perhaps not a good idea for the challenge. Great book but I'm still only 73% through it.
Gail "cyborg" wrote: "Great going everyone. I think reading Pillars of the Earth was perhaps not a good idea for the challenge. Great book but I'm still only 73% through it."I think this is the best time to read it, what an accomplishment to start the year with when you finish, the rest of the year you could almost rest on your laurels if you wish. And like you said, it does not really matter how many you read. I think the best part of the challenge is not necessarily how many you read, but the challenge to read something different, to read something you keep putting off and even just the challenge of finding books which meet the challenge criteria in the first place ... which is a bit like a treasure hunt.
It is lucky I have had the holidays to read it otherwise it could have taken me months. It isn't a hard read at all, I have just had less time to read than expected this break. I am also spending too much time on GR. :)
Mandy wrote: "Love your list Elle! Lots of great books. Good Luck.:)"Thanks Mandy. These are all books that EVERYONE has read except me. I'm jumping on the bandwagon.
I did that Elle. I picked out 5 books initially then waited to see what other people were reading to get ideas. Infact I am still looking for something for No.4 related to Summer. I am just about to check what you have listed. :)
Elle wrote: "Here goes....1. Celebrate Australia:
2. Lighten the Load:
3. Book that's been made into a movie, TV series or play:
[bookcover:The G..."
Elle, once past Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the only thing I can think of is a short Christmas romance by Nicole McCaffrey called "Small Town Christmas". It's available as a download from the publisher The Wild Rose Press or Amazon etc. Shouldn't cost much and it's a pleasant read.
Outside of that, my mind is blank! Good luck.
Monya (aka Mary)
Carmel wrote: "Ha Laura, I had to go down to the lake today to read to get away from this damn computer which is trying to take away my free will!!!"First step is to admit you have a PC problem ;) lol
Hi Jane, I'm glad that you've chosen (I Am) The Messenger because I think Ed Kennedy may go on my list of "most memorable characters". I'll be interested to know what you thought of his story.
Hi everyone. I havent been on Goodreads for awhile because I started a new job so will update my progress now.
1. Cloudstreet
2. The Virgin's Lover - I really enjoyed it. But I have to say that I have enjoyed all of Philippa Gregory's books so far.
3. Memoirs of a Geisha
4. Di Morrissey - The Island
5. Love in the Time of Cholera - a nicely written love story. It was quite slow to start but by the end I was enjoying reading it.
6. Burned
7. Torment - I am really liking this series.
8. TBA - hmm don't know what to read here!
9. Everyone Worth Knowing - apparently similar to Jodi Picoult - I didn't think this book was anything like Jodi Picoult but that's what the site said. This book was a good, chick lit, easy read.
10. PS, I Love You
1. Cloudstreet
2. The Virgin's Lover - I really enjoyed it. But I have to say that I have enjoyed all of Philippa Gregory's books so far.
3. Memoirs of a Geisha
4. Di Morrissey - The Island
5. Love in the Time of Cholera - a nicely written love story. It was quite slow to start but by the end I was enjoying reading it.
6. Burned
7. Torment - I am really liking this series.
8. TBA - hmm don't know what to read here!
9. Everyone Worth Knowing - apparently similar to Jodi Picoult - I didn't think this book was anything like Jodi Picoult but that's what the site said. This book was a good, chick lit, easy read.
10. PS, I Love You
Elle wrote: "I need help choosing a Ho Ho Ho book!"Elle - me again. At our library they always have one set of shelves dedicated to a particular theme. And of course at present it's still Christmas stories. Can't recall any titles for you and didn't have time to write them down, but if you Google "Christmas+books+stories" or something similar I'm sure you'll come up with plenty of examples.
Good luck.
Monya (aka Mary)
Carmel wrote: "Ha Laura, I had to go down to the lake today to read to get away from this damn computer which is trying to take away my free will!!!"Yours too? I thought it was just my computer which had that power.
Jacinta wrote: "Two down now
This one was on my TBR pile so that's #2 on the challenge down.My review gives the book two stars but I have a bizarre compulsion to finish the..."
Hi Jacinta,
I also started this series a couple of years ago, and didn't get beyond book 2. BUT I too have always felt the need to complete it. What is it with this storyline? I know that I will return to it one day, probably in the near future, as my idea for 2011 is to read as many books that I already own without being distracted by the library ones.
Gail "cyborg" wrote: "Great going everyone. I think reading Pillars of the Earth was perhaps not a good idea for the challenge. Great book but I'm still only 73% through it."Probably better to read it fairly quickly otherwise it could drag on and on. Good story but not one you'd want to spend a lot of time reading.
Thanks Monya.I decided to go with:
...for obvious reasons :-)
"...No challenge for me! I'm too old to be reading any books I might not like...."I agree with your attitude Monya. Life is too short to read books you don't enjoy, or ones you feel 'obligated' to read, especially to impress others or keep up with the Jones's.
Well I've been so distracted by many other books (they keep arriving via the post from all the online sales, not to mention the library ones) but I'm determined to get back to my summer challenge list. I'm actually reading The Hunger Games which was a second choice for YA on my list, having already read my first choice. Does this mean I am accidentally starting the list a second time? That could be fun. Even just to list the books you would include were you to read it a second time. I will think about which ones I'd include and write more.
Mod
Starting today, 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' by Mark Haddon...lots of people have enjoyed it, others haven't, so I will wait and see:)
Ok here is my second list (given that I've been distracted during the first challenge and have read some of these, hence the idea for the second list). I've tried to find them on my shelves:Aust: Stolen: A letter to my captor READ
TBR: so many many many
Movie: Mrs. Dalloway or The Camomile Lawn or The Day of the Triffids
Summer: Out of the Sun
O: One Magic Square: The Easy, Organic Way to Grow Your Own Food on a 3-Foot Square
New Release: Sister READ
YA:The Hunger Games READ
Christmas:A Christmas Carol
Lit Map: Marion Zimmer Bradley took me to: Voyager which I've been meaning to read
Valentine: Blue Dahlia which is on my shelf and I don't remember it arriving, spooky
So if you could reselect your books, especially after reading other people's choices and reviews, or just to clear out your shelves at home, what would you choose?
I am ? cheating, in that I want to change one of the books I listed, ie. the Oprah's list one, because a) I am finding it hard to get to the library at the moment ... and b) I accidently started reading this new book this morning and found that it is on Oprah's list for kids 12 years and old ... and I thought the shark bit sounded more summery, in an evil twisted way.1. Celebrate Australia! Parrot and Olivier in America or Something Fishy
2. Lighten the Load! Mockingjay
3. Movie, TV series or play. The Secret Life of Bees
4. Title related to Summer! Sizzling Sixteen - currently reading
5. Oprah's List - The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake changed to Shark Girl -currently reading
6. New Release! Eleven - READ
7. Schoolie's Week! iBoy or I Am Number Four - READ BOTH
8. Ho Ho Ho! - Shiver
9. Literature Map - Succubus Blues
10. Valentine's Day - Persuasion - READ
Oh Brenda I hope you like Curious Incident... - I did!
Onto book 7... ;) Currently reading
Mod
So far, so good :)
Maggie wrote: "Ok here is my second list (given that I've been distracted during the first challenge and have read some of these, hence the idea for the second list). I've tried to find them on my shelves:Aust: ..."
Maggie - The Day Of The Triffids! The Day Of The Triffids!
And also by John Wyndham - The Chrysalids, which I think is even better.
Monya (aka Mary)
I have had some fun putting this list together for my first ever challenge (except for some of our book club choices). Some I have already read and it may be a challenge to read the others on this list. I have enjoyed reading everyone's choice of books for this challenge. I hope my book choice is correct for the categories.1. Celebrate Australia! - “Faefever” by Karen Marie Moning – read and reviewed
2. Lighten the load! – “Dead in the Family” by Charlaine Harris – read and reviewed
3. A book made into a movie, TV series or play – “The Shipping News” by E Annie Proulx – currently reading
4. Choose a book with a word related to Summer in the title - I am yet to choose.
5. Oprah’s List or O – “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins – to read
6. New Release – “A Groom of One’s Own” by Maya Rodale – read and reviewed
7. Choose a YA novel to read - “Gone” by Michael Grant – read and reviewed
8. Ho Ho Ho! (Winter Theme) - Pastures New – Julia Williams – read and reviewed
9. Literature Map - Eloisa James is closest to Lisa Kleypas – “An Affair Before Christmas” – to read
10. Valentines Day – “Sleepless in Scotland” by Karen Hawkins – read and reviewed
How do you get the pictures to turn up in the post - I had the book covered copied and read to go but they did not turn up here. I will try next time. Also how do you get the books underlined so that someone can choose to look at it like the post above mine by Amber? Thanks in advance for any help.
Just above the comment text box is "add book/author". Click that then a popup appears, just search for your book and select it. You can choose whether its a cover or just text of the book :)Atm i've read 8/10 books, just Gone With the Wind and Mark Twains Autobiography to go (the two longest :(). So far really enjoyed this challenge, reading quite a few i wouldn't normally (and being surprised how much i liked them :))
Yes, bring up the pictures like that and if look at message 319 by Maggie you can click on her choice of title and look at the book. So much to learn I think. So how did you put that picture in the message.
I've no real idea if I'll make it through the two books I am currently reading..I grit my teeth everytime I open the pages..haha.
Aussie Readers
Books mentioned in this topic
The Accidental Wedding (other topics)Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (other topics)
The Accidental Wedding (other topics)
When Beauty Tamed the Beast (other topics)
Embers (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Eloisa James (other topics)Teresa Medeiros (other topics)
Lynsay Sands (other topics)
Maya Rodale (other topics)
Michael Grant (other topics)
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1. Celebrate Australia! Lethal Factor by Gabrielle Lord - a very good forensic procedural novel set in Sydney and Canberra
2. Lighten the Load! A Canterbury Crime a fun cosy mystery set in England but written by an Aussie and featuring an ex-pat Aussie character
3. Choose a book that's been made into a movie, TV series or play. The Ghost - my least enjoyable read of the challenge - an OK book I suppose but would have been better if the author hadn't gotten quite so personal in his attack on a fictional former British PM who bore an uncanny resemblance to Tony Blair. I haven't seen the film yet but when it comes to DVD I will check it out for the sake of completeness
4. Title related to Summer! Haven't done this one yet but I do have a book lined up about bodies on beaches
5. Oprah's List - The only book I own that I could read for this is Pillars of the Earth which I have read the first half of twice over but never gotten through to the end. It's not bad just very, very looooooong.
6. New Release! Chris Grabenstein's Rolling Thunder: A John Ceepak Mystery narrated by Jeff Woodman - love this series, have now listened to them all and have to wait until 2012 for the next one which makes me sad :(
7. Schoolie's Week! The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith - set in 1950's Russia it's not YA but does feature heavily the adopted teenage daughter of the main character - she hates her new father because he was responsible for the death of her real father - mayehm ensues
8. Ho Ho Ho! - I read Holiday Grind which featured a dead Santa - given how I feel about Christmas this was about right :)
9. Literature Map - I put in the name Elly Griffiths and came up with only five names, one of which was Michael Connelly and I had his book The Overlook on my shelves so read it yesterday as the last book I will finish in 2010. A decent read too.
10. Valentine's Day - I am not a romance reader nor a romantic person so will struggle to do this one from my TBR, though I do have a couple of historical fiction novels that might qualify so we'll see.
A good challenge Mandy - 7 books knocked off my TBR (soon to be 8) is a good thing. Look forward to any similar challenges in the future :)