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**Summer Reading Challenge**
Laura wrote: "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."Oh dear - are either required reading for school or friendship? Life is too short, imo, to spend time on un-enjoyable books.
Mod
Cheryl wrote: "Laura wrote: "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."Oh dear - are either required reading for school or..."
Very true.
They are for this Summer Reading Challenge...I'm a little half way through one book. I always feel guilty if I don't finish books I buy.
I can't change my books atm otherwise I would..haha.
What d'ya reckon? Too late to join this challenge or should I jump in? I am a slowwwww reader but I love the idea of challenging myself.Can I add the books I started New Year's Day?
Dot wrote: "What d'ya reckon? Too late to join this challenge or should I jump in? I am a slowwwww reader but I love the idea of challenging myself.Can I add the books I started New Year's Day?"
You're welcome to join in anytime Dot. You can read 5 or up to 10 books to be eligible for the challenge. Feel free to include the books you've read in December (you'll just have to find a way to squish them into one of the categories!). But these challenges are all about having fun so bend the rules to suit your self.;D
Carmel wrote: "Laura wrote: "I always feel guilty if I don't finish books I buy...."Life's to short to feel guilty about a book Laura!! Guilt is bad for the soul:)"
Hehehe..true, true. Starting next book I don't enjoy I will drop it without a thought :)
Dot, I'd join in even if you are a slow reader..It is still fun to push/challenge yourself! :D
Just finished Shark Girl which I started and finished yesterday ... it must have taken 2 hours at the most to read. I enjoyed it, even though it is aimed and children over 12 years.So it is 4 down, 6 to go.
1. Celebrate Australia! Parrot and Olivier in America. - currently reading (2nd attempt)
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 - Shark Girl - READ
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
1. Celebrate Australia:
2. Lighten the Load:
3. Book that's been made into a movie, TV series or play:
4. Title related to Summer:
(People go to Islands in summer, for relaxing holidays, right?) 5. Oprah's List:
6. New Release:
7. Schoolie's Week:
8. Ho Ho Ho!
9. Literature Map:
10. Valentine's Day:
Finished my 5th book today - The Host by Stephanie Meyer.Loved it. So much better than Twilight. Hope she writes a sequel!
Emily wrote: "Finished my 5th book today - The Host by Stephanie Meyer.Loved it. So much better than Twilight. Hope she writes a sequel!"
Emily, glad you liked 'The Host'. I have beeen trying to get my son to read it for a year, and he is finally reading it, and seems to be liking it. I liked the Twilight Series, but I also liked 'The Host' and I always thought that if you did not know, you could think they were written by different authors ... so different.
I liked Twilight when it first came out but then I re-read the series and I realised I didn't like it as much. It just wasn't as apealing since the hype wore off.The Host is written much better and I did forget for a while who the author was and just enjoyed it. I was hesitant about reading it to begin with because it was Stephanie Meyer's book. Looks like I was very wrong.
Mod
Carmel wrote: "Dot you can join me, I'm vying for the wooden spoon, almost got a collection going here:) LOL"Thanks Carmel, that's heartening. I've been busy with work the last few days but still managed to waste hours and hours trying to work out what to put on my list. I forget that I have difficulty in making decisions. LOL
I think I just have to bite the bullet and post what I have so far.
Following is my attempt at dipping my toe in the "challenge" waters. ;o)1. (1) Celebrate Australia!
2. (2) Lighten the load!
3. (3) Choose a book that’s been made into (or referenced in) a movie...
4. (5) Oprah’s visiting Australia in December.
5. (7) Uh Oh!! It’s Schoolies week!!!!
1. Celebrate Australia! Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur2. Lighten the load! Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
3. Book made into a movie! The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
4. Choose a book with a word related to Summer in the title - Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead
5. Oprah’s list - Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
9. Literature Map - Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian I searched J.R. Ward
Finished Sizzling Sixteen, so I am half way there.1. Celebrate Australia! Parrot and Olivier in America. - currently reading (2nd attempt)
2. Lighten the Load! Mockingjay
3. Movie, TV series or play. The Secret Life of Bees
4. Title related to Summer! Sizzling Sixteen - READ
5. Oprah's List - Shark Girl - READ
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
Mod
Yeahh,finished my 8th book, The Second Summer of the Sisterhood and it got 1 star from me..I wish I could have given it 1/2 a star :/I've given up on my 9th book which was the Potato Factory :( I just can't get into it...SO, I'm moving onto to last book! Which is #5 Oprah book..Will see how that goes.
And I'll use Eat,Pray, Love as a double up for a book made into a movie to make the list a complete 10 :P Such a shame I miss placed my Memories of a Geisha book >:(
Aimie wrote: "2. Lighten the load! Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
Aimie, I think Plain Truth is one of my favourite Jodi Picoult books, It's set in an Amish community. Hope you enjoy it.
If I ever finish "Monsoon" by Di Morrissey I will only have three left to go. I'm waiting on two from the library, so if they dont arrive soon I'll move onto the Aussie Author challenge.
Mod
I ummed and ahhed over #3 "Choose a book that’s been made into (or referenced in) a movie..."I selected
Eat, Pray, Love because I saw it at my daughter's home one day and she said "Take it, keep it, burn it if you don't like it. I hate it." LOL! So I did take it and wondered why it was so popular and why she hated it so much. Well, I've read the first 6 chapters and I really just don't care. Really. I think I'll hold onto it a bit longer and give it another go but I just don't care about her sooky lala life right now. LOL!
So I'm going to change that book on my list to To Kill a Mockingbird which was one of my original choices but I didn't own the book so put it off for another day. Yesterday I visited my dear MIL (mother-in-law) and what did she have on her shelf? Yay!
Mod
Carmel wrote: "Aimie, you'll love the rest of the TMI series, guaranteed!!!"Which one is the TMI series?
Carmel wrote: "Aimee, The Mortal Instruments ........ "Oh yeah of course... I can b so dumb with these abbreviations, sometimes they are staring you in the face and I still can't see it... Lol.. I followed city of bones with the next two, I just love Jace!!
I have clockwork angel sat on my kindle, but it's not the same characters and it's putting me off picking it up....Lol...I will try and read it this month.
Dot wrote: "I ummed and ahhed over #3 "Choose a book that’s been made into (or referenced in) a movie..."I selected
Eat, Pray, Love because I saw it at my daughter's home one day and she sai..."
Good idea to ditch "Eat Pray Love". It doesnt get any better.
Maggie wrote: "Dot wrote: "I ummed and ahhed over #3 "Choose a book that’s been made into (or referenced in) a movie..."I selected
Eat, Pray, Love because I saw it at my daughter's home one day an..."
I found that the book did get better as it progressed...I snoozed in the 'Pray' area of the book which is the second part but Eat and Love I didn't mind. It's not the best book overal but to me it got somewhat better. But again, this is just my opinion :)
This is an update to my book in this challenge - if I read 2 in that fits a category I hope it's okay if I put both of them there.1. Celebrate Australia - is this supposed to be a book by an Australian author or just one of the books from the list that was given at the beginning of the challenge. I have been looking through the books and I notice that some of the autors are not Australian - so I am sure on this one.
1. Celebrate Australia! - “Faefever” by Karen Marie Moning – READ (02/01/11)AND REVIEWED
2. Lighten the load! – “Dead in the Family” by Charlaine Harris – READ (26/12/10) & REVIEWED
3. A book made into a movie, TV series or play – “The Shipping News” by E Annie Proulx – READ (10/01/11) AND REVIEWED
4. Choose a book with a word related to Summer in the title - Applemere Summer by Harriet Hudson and also An End of Summer by WED Ross - TO READ
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 (01/07/2010) – READ (09/12/10) AND REVIEWED
7. Choose a YA novel to read - “Gone” by Michael Grant – READ (29/12/10 AND REVIEWED
8. Ho Ho Ho! (Winter Theme) - Pastures New – Julia Williams – READ (19/12/2010) & REVIEWED & "The Twilight Before Christmas" by Christine Feehan - READ (09/01/11) & REVIEWED
9. Literature Map (I loved this idea)- Eloisa James is closest to Lisa Kleypas – “An Affair Before Christmas” & "Kiss Me Annabel" – TO READ
10. Valentines Day – “Sleepless in Scotland” by Karen Hawkins – READ (31/12/10) & REVIEWED and "The Immortal Hunter" by Lynsay Sands - READ (05/01/11) & REVIEWED
Bronwyn wrote: "This is an update to my book in this challenge - if I read 2 in that fits a category I hope it's okay if I put both of them there.1. Celebrate Australia - is this supposed to be a book by an Aust..."
Wow you're doing so well Bronwyn!
I have just finished "An End of Summer" by W.E.D. Ross - it was a quick read. This particualr book is not listed on Goodreads at all - are there many books that can't be found here?
5/10 Complete1. Celebrate Australia! Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur
2. Lighten the load! Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
3. Book made into a movie! The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
4. Choose a book with a word related to Summer in the title - Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead
5. Oprah’s list - Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
I love the presentation of your summer challenge Aimie.
Just finished Uglies. That's 5/11. Wondering what to move on to next... Gail, what do you think should I give Pillars of the Earth a try or go for a lighter read with the Thorn Birds?1. Celebrate Australia! Red Dog– Loius de Berniere or Mary Smokes Boys - Patrick Holland (if I can find a copy) BOTH FINISHED !
2. Lighten the load! The Sound of One Hand Clapping - Richard Flanagan (it's been lurking for a long time)
3. Book that’s been made into a movie. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey
4. Title related to Summer The Sea - John Banville FINISHED
5. Oprah’s visiting Australia - The Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett
6. Baby - Tar Baby - Toni Morrison
7. Schoolies week! Uglies - Scott Westerfield FINISHED
8. Ho Ho Ho! - The Snow Leopard - Peter Mathiessen
9. Literature Map - The Secret River - Kate Grenville FINISHED
10. Valentine’s Day - The Thorn Birds - Colleen McCulloch
Bronwyn wrote: "I have just finished "An End of Summer" by W.E.D. Ross - it was a quick read. This particualr book is not listed on Goodreads at all - are there many books that can't be found here?"Hi Bronwyn, you'll find most books here, but if not you can become a librarian and add them in. It's quite easy to do. Have a look at this link http://www.goodreads.com/book/new
Argh! I've only finished 3! It took me ages to get through Watership Down, I just finished it this morning. I really liked I though!Now on to number 4...
I've been reading Monsoon for ages now. It's good but I cant seem to get beyond page 250 no matter how long I read. What's going on?
Deb wrote: "Just finished Uglies. That's 5/11. Wondering what to move on to next... Gail, what do you think should I give Pillars of the Earth a try or go for a lighter read with the Thorn Birds..."
The Pillars of the Earth is not such a heavy read, it's just long. It hooks you in early which is good. I would have thought Thorn Birds would not be a lighter read but I haven't read it so I'm not sure.
The Pillars of the Earth is not such a heavy read, it's just long. It hooks you in early which is good. I would have thought Thorn Birds would not be a lighter read but I haven't read it so I'm not sure.
Gail "cyborg" wrote: "Deb wrote: "Just finished Uglies. That's 5/11. Wondering what to move on to next... Gail, what do you think should I give Pillars of the Earth a try or go for a lighter read with the..."Thanks Gail, how are you getting on with it?
Cheers. Having read your review I'm feeling a bit more encouraged that I can take a run at this one. I don't know why I felt a bit intimidated by it, probably just the sheer number of pages.
Deb wrote: "Bronwyn wrote: "I have just finished "An End of Summer" by W.E.D. Ross - it was a quick read. This particualr book is not listed on Goodreads at all - are there many books that can't be found here..."Or, you can add it without being a librarian, just please be careful. Or you can join the librarians group and ask those amazing volunteers to add it, if you ask nicely enough (they generally prefer to focus on corrections and related stuff).
BUT - I just did contact the librarians, because the author needs merging for his(?) other works, too.
Bronwyn, the librarians are already doing good work on Ross. Tomorrow (after there's been time for a cache update) you might want to check again and see if his(?) page looks better. Is it an Australian author?
Having FINALLY finished Monsoon - (only OK), and sped my way through Unbearable Lightness - (couldnt put it down), I have only two books left. The Greengage Summer which I plan to start next, and Just Listen which I'll read if and when it becomes available at the library.
Carmel wrote: "Maggie, did you do a review for Unbearable Lightness? If not doesn't matter, obviously was worth the read,I still haven't touched it after staring it, due to other books I was reading!Cheers"
Thought I had posted a review but cant find it. I have added a brief review now. Highly recommend this book.
This is an update to my book in this challenge 1. Celebrate Australia - is this supposed to be a book by an Australian author or just one of the books from the list that was given at the beginning of the challenge. I have been looking through the books and I notice that some of the autors are not Australian - so I am sure on this one.
1. Celebrate Australia! - “Faefever” by Karen Marie Moning – READ (02/01/11)AND REVIEWED & Sizzle, Seduce & Simmer READ (30/12/10) AND REVIEWED
2. Lighten the load! – “Dead in the Family” by Charlaine Harris – READ (26/12/10) & REVIEWED
3. A book made into a movie, TV series or play – “The Shipping News” by E Annie Proulx – READ (10/01/11) AND REVIEWED
4. Choose a book with a word related to Summer in the title - Applemere Summer by Harriet Hudson TO READ and also An End of Summer by WED Ross - READ (6/01/10 & REVIEWED
5. Oprah’s List or O – “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins – READING
6. New Release – “A Groom of One’s Own” by Maya Rodale (01/07/2010) – READ (09/12/10) AND REVIEWED
7. Choose a YA novel to read - “Gone” by Michael Grant – READ (29/12/10 AND REVIEWED & "Hunger" by Michael Grant - TO READ
8. Ho Ho Ho! (Winter Theme) - Pastures New – Julia Williams – READ (19/12/2010) & REVIEWED & "The Twilight Before Christmas" by Christine Feehan - READ (09/01/11) & REVIEWED
9. Literature Map (I loved this idea)- Eloisa James is closest to Lisa Kleypas – “An Affair Before Christmas” - TO READ& "Kiss Me Annabel" – READ (17/01/11) & REVIEWED
10. Valentines Day – “Sleepless in Scotland” by Karen Hawkins – READ (31/12/10) & REVIEWED and "The Immortal Hunter" by Lynsay Sands - READ (05/01/11) & REVIEWED
I have enjoyed this challenge so much that I have put it to my book club but we will choose one genre a month as I would like to see what everyone chooses.
Happy Reading all.
Mod
My lucky last is the Oprah one I chose, What is Left the Daughter, and I started it awhile back, but it's a little 'slow' so I left it to read others. Now I will go back to it, so I can finish the challenge, and start on the Aussie Authors challenge. Hopefully it won't take me too long :D
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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I had to read Khenan's message again, I think I got it now. Thanks you so much for your assistance.