**Aussie Author Challenge**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have just looked up Barbed Wire and Roses and A Distant Shore and added them to my TBR list :D

[Maggie]

Barbed Wire and Roses is now on my TBR list. Thanks for the tip.

[Mel | Places we read]

True Blue Level -
Some ideas so far:
1. Markus Zusak - I Am the Messenger
2. Isobelle Carmody - The Sending
3. Kylie Chane - White Tiger
4. Lian Hearn - The Harsh Cry of the Heron & Heaven's Net Is Wide
5. Gemma Boyle - A Great and Terrible Beauty
6. Bryce Courtney
7. Melinda Marchetta
8. Tara Moss - Pandora English #2
9. Garbriell Lord - January
10. TBC
11. TBC
12. TBC

[Mandapanda]

Brenda wrote: "I have just started my first one of the Aussie Author challenge, Glory Girl by Peter Yeldham. I'm only a little way in, but so far it is good.
(Mandy has it on the AR home page, but GR doesn't hav..."

Sometimes a book can't be 'found' by it's title of author and you have to search for it by the ISBN. I don't know why and I've asked questions of the GR feedback people but not received a good reply. I think if you did it that way you could find the GR link and add it to your comments.:)

[Neko]

I'll list my books as I find out which ones I own by Aussie writers...So I started today with

1) Rendezvous At Kamakura Inn by Marshall Browne

[Marg]

Mandy wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I have just started my first one of the Aussie Author challenge, Glory Girl by Peter Yeldham. I'm only a little way in, but so far it is good.
(Mandy has it on the AR home page, bu..."

You can also add a book if it doesn't appear anywhere. I have had to do that occasionally for Australian books that haven't been published elsewhere.

[Davina]

Hi just finished my second book in Aussie readers challenge. Shame I still haven't finished the first. "Mercy" by Rebecca Lim and I give it the thumbs up for anyone who is looking for another book to add to their list. If you haven't guessed I'm just going to add as I go.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my first book of the Aussie Authors challenge...really enjoyed it!

Glory Girl by Peter Yeldham

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this book. It is set in the 1930's, blending historical fact and fiction. Former wartime ace James Harrington, and plucky, beautiful red headed Aussie, Sarah Carson, make an unusual team, but together they plan to fly from London to Australia. James wants to fly solo, but Sarah wants to go too. So he teaches her to fly, and they leave on the adventure of a lifetime! They are beset by problems, not least being his parents and wife, and seem to be plagued by unfortunate events every step of the way.

Sarah's boyfriend, Daniel Anderson, also an Aussie, is a Fleet Street aviation correspondent, and has many misgivings, but is reporting on their trip. Sarah is 'Glory Girl', the first ever female to fly such a distance....

This historical adventure-romance is an unforgettable story about the risks they take and the sacrifices they make for their chance of glory.



View all my reviews

[Neko]

@Brenda- Nice! I've actually been wondering about this book ever since I saw it advertised in a catalog. The girl on the cover slightly reminds me of Delta Goodrem..haha. Sounds like it's an enjoyable read.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Laura...I think it's definitely worth reading. :) mmmm...maybe Delta..:D

[Neko]

Carmel wrote: "Laura you've been listening to too much loud music!!!

Brenda, the book sounds good!!"
Huh..whatt? I can't hear you!? *Gets out a speaker phone to hear better* Waht?

[Deb]

1. The Tree by Judy Pascoe
2. Gilgamesh by Joan London
I recommend Gilgamesh, here's my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Mandapanda]

Deb wrote: "1. The Tree by Judy Pascoe
2. Gilgamesh by Joan London
I recommend Gilgamesh, here's my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/......"

I didn't know either of those authors Deb. So thanks! I've added their books to our group bookshelf.

[Karyn]

I have just finished my first book for the Aussie Authors Challenge. I will need to think it over before I add my review as I have many mixed feelings about it.

The book I read was:

The Pages Murray Bail

[[deleted user]]

Hi everyone
I would like to aim for True Blue but Matilda might be more manageable :)
Here is the list:
The Sending - due to be released 2011
The Red Queen - due to be released 2011
No More Tomorrows: The Compelling True Story of an Innocent Woman Sentenced to Twenty Years in a Hellhole Bali Prison
Dead Man Running
My Brother's Keeper: The Official Bra Boys Story
18 Hours: The True Story of an SAS War Hero - I actually just read this book - it was a really interesting story of an SAS guy going to Afghanistan on a mission after September 11.
The Thorn Birds
The IslandsThe Forgotten Garden
The Cattleman's Daughter
Cloudstreet
Dirt Music

Should be fun!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Some really good books there Christine!! :)

[[deleted user]]

Some of the books on my list I have either had sitting at home on my bookshelf for ages or I have been meaning to go out and buy them. This is the perfect excuse to do both!!

[Maggie]

I've added a couple of books from all the suggestions here:

The Cattleman's Daughter and Gilgamesh.

Christine, I've read The House at Riverton by Kate Morton, and enjoyed that. Not so keen on one of her others but cant remember which one. And I've only recently read Monsoon but haven't read anything else by Di Morrissey. Keen to read your reviews.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Really enjoyed The Cattleman's Daughter. I read it back in 2009, when it first came out, and remember being caught up in the story..:)

[[deleted user]]

Have you read Rachel treasure's other books? I really enjoyed them. The books are all very outback Aussie! I have seen lots of Di morrisey books around but the islands was on the top 100 dymocks list from last year.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have a copy of The Rouseabout and really enjoyed that one too, but don't think I've read any others of hers. Will have to check what others she has...
I've read a few Di Morrissey books, and mostly enjoy them. Some are better than others, but her newest one, The Plantation would have to be the best I've read of hers, IMO..:) Really enjoyed that one!!

[Deb]

Mandy wrote: "Deb wrote: "1. The Tree by Judy Pascoe
2. Gilgamesh by Joan London
I recommend Gilgamesh, here's my review http://www.goodreads.com/re..."

New finds from the Aussie authors section in the Yarraville Sun Theatre bookshop... I love that store.

[Davina]

Just finished the first book I started reading for the Aussie challenge "Giants of the Frost" by Kim Wilkins. I didn't hate or love it. I probably would have given up on it if it wasn't for the challenge and I'm glad I didn't because I really enjoyed the last hundred pages or so. I'm not giving up on the author though I have another book of hers on my TBR list.

[[deleted user]]

This challenge is going well so far.

1.Markus Zusak - The Book Thief ★★★★★ Beautiful - my review

2.Kim Scott - That Deadman Dance - ★★★★ endearing - my review

3..Gerry Huntman-Guardian of the Sky Realms - Reading now. An Aussie Readers Author

I am a little nervous reading one of our own authors

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You are doing really well, Gail! :)

[Neko]

Nice Gail! The Book Thief is on my list to read!

[Neko]

Carmel, lets go order it!!!

[[deleted user]]

I hope you both enjoy it.

[[deleted user]]

I haven't settled on a new avatar for this year yet. I'm still playing with it.

[Cass]

I am liking this challenge. It is making me consider Australian Authors, and I have surprised myself by reading 5 australian books so far.

The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet (awful)
The Imaginary Gentleman (She is one of the best Jane Austen fan-fiction writers)
Contest(The author just wants to be Spielburg and focuses so much on his movie career that he forgets he has readers).
The Story of Danny Dunn (Danny Dunn had a bloody midas touch that pissed me off. He was a teenager pleasuring a woman for the first time an making her orgasm 5 times... slightly unbelievable).
10 Short Stories You Must Read This Year (This really is a must read!).

Current level: TOURIST

Still to read:
Brother Fish
Something by Nevil Shute
Something by Tim Winton
Australians Origins to Eureka
People of the Book

[Cass]

@ Gail

How did you get the stars in your post?

[Cheryl]

Well as some of you know I'm in the US so it's not quite as easy for me, but so far I'm doing well in the juvenile section:

1) Garry Disher The Divine Wind - powerful

2) Jackie French Diary of a Wombat, Too Many Pears, Josephine Wants to Dance, Pete the Sheep-Sheep - all adorable, the last being the most hilarious imo

3) Bruce Whatley Wait! No Paint! which was quite clever and several other books which he illustrated, some of which were better than others

4) Gregory Rogers The Boy, the Bear, the Baron, the Bard and Midsummer Knight, neither of which worked for me

5) Stephen Michael King Henry and Amy: - endearing; I hope to find more by him

6) Kevin Klehr Drama Queens with Love Scenes - adorable

7) Melina Marchetta Saving Francesca - wow - I can't believe a library (in Virginia) had already discarded this and sold it via BetterWorldBooks to me...

8) Lynley Dodd Hedgehog Howdedo (and two more)

9) Fienberg, Tashi and the Demons - and I will be looking for more of these, too!

10) Elaine Moss, Polar - not too sure about this one - my son says it might encourage children to be reckless.

11) Alison Lester Are We There Yet? : A Journey Around Australia - wonderful!!

12) Jeannie Baker The Story of Rosy Dock - intense, my son and I agree to save it for his children.

13) Miles Franklin My Brilliant Career - erm, interesting...

[[deleted user]]

Cass wrote: "@ Gail

How did you get the stars in your post?"

There are a couple of ways to add stars and symbols.

1. Do as I do, simply copy from my post and paste it into your own. You don't need a code then.

2. This is the code for a star &*#9733*; (just take out the *'s)

3. If you are using word for windows. Click on Insert then Symbols this will give you access to additiona symbols that can be pasted directly. They have to be normal text not an alternative font.

[Patricia]

I am enjoying this challenge! There are a couple of books on my list I can't find in the USA, but I've found a couple of others and will just substitute them.

My progress (& reviews) so far:

People of the Book
The Book Thief
True History of the Kelly Gang
Tomorrow, When the War Began
I Am the Messenger

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Patricia wrote: "I am enjoying this challenge! There are a couple of books on my list I can't find in the USA, but I've found a couple of others and will just substitute them.

My progress (& reviews) so far:

Peop..."

What a great list of books! Loved The Book Thief, and Tomorrow, When the War Began, have I Am the Messengerand True History of the Kelly Gang on my TBR list....must try the other one on your list...:D

[Davina]

Is floored to find when she put her name down forThe Happiest Refugeeat the library I was number 69th. I'll be curious to see whether I get it in time for the challenge.

[[deleted user]]

Gee Davina, I hope they have a dozen copies.

[Patricia]

Davina wrote: "Is floored to find when she put her name down forThe Happiest Refugeeat the library I was number 69th. I'll be curious to see whether I get it in time for the challenge."

I wish the book was popular in the USA. I tried to get the book here for the challenge and can't find it anywhere. They list a Kindle edition on Amazon.com but it says it's not available in the USA.

Hope you don't have too long a wait, Davina!

[Dee-Ann]

I am a bit late in starting but the list for this challenge so far which I plan to read:

1 Something Fishy;
2 Cocaine Blues;
3 The Seventh Tower;
4 Foundling;
5 The Book Thief;
6 Neap Tide;
7 The Unknown Terrorist: A Novel which I started a while back, which I plan to restart and finish so I return it to my friend;
8 Indelible Ink;
9 The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi which I am slowly reading with my sons;
10. more books in the Ranger's Apprentice series to catch up with my eldest son;
11. tba but possibly The Dressmakerwhich sounds interesting and
12. tba.

All the books from 1 to 10 have been sitting on my bookshelf glaring at me and taking up room on my tbr pile, so it will be good to tackle them.

[Amy]

Here's 3 different aussie authors I want to try:

1. The Magicians' Guild - Trudi Canavan
2. White Tiger - Kylie Chan
3. The Immortal Prince - Jennifer Fallon

[Mandapanda]

Dee-Ann wrote: "I am a bit late in starting but the list for this challenge so far which I plan to read..."

No such thing as 'too late' for this challenge because it's over one year. Even if people what to join up in November! They can do the easiest level and read just 3 books in 2 months. Easy Peasy!!:)

[[deleted user]]

This challenge is going well so far.

1.Markus Zusak - The Book Thief ★★★★★ Beautiful - my review

2.Kim Scott - That Deadman Dance - ★★★★ endearing - my review

3..Gerry Huntman-Guardian of the Sky Realms - ★★★. An Aussie Readers Author my review

I haven't descided on my next read yet. by

Edit: I want to read Laura Rittenhouse - Starting Over another Aussie Readers Author

[Maxine]

Katherine Howell
Frantic
Violent Exposure
Tim Winton
That Eye, the Sky: A Family, a Stranger, a Miracle

Katherine Howell will be talking to Caffeine and Chapters Social Book Club this month.
http://caffeineandchapters.blogspot.com/

[Maxine]

Ben wrote: "I'm going to add mine here as I finish them and see how many I end up with.

1. The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave"

I loved this book, even better by Nick Cave is And The Ass Saw The Angel, it's an absolute work of art.

[Neko]

Maxine wrote: "Ben wrote: "I'm going to add mine here as I finish them and see how many I end up with.

1. The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave"

I loved this book, even better by N..."
Any books with the word mentioning bunnies or has a bunny on it kinda makes me a sucka for it..haha..hmm!! *Adds to TBR*

[Davina]

Patricia wrote: "Davina wrote: "Is floored to find when she put her name down forThe Happiest Refugeeat the library I was number 69th. I'll be curious to see whether I get it in time for the challeng..."

If I finish all the other ones I wanted to read for the challenge and I'm still really far back on the list I'll just buy it. I'm just trying not to buy too many books this year as we want to take a holiday. If I do buy it I'll pass it along. Don't think it's nice you can't get it.

[Mandapanda]

Davina wrote: "Is floored to find when she put her name down forThe Happiest Refugeeat the library I was number 69th. I'll be curious to see whether I get it in time for the challenge."

That's incredible! I actually have a copy I've finished reading that I would be happy to pass on. My Mum's reading it at the moment but should be finished in a week or so.

[Davina]

Mandy wrote: "Davina wrote: "Is floored to find when she put her name down forThe Happiest Refugeeat the library I was number 69th. I'll be curious to see whether I get it in time for the challeng..."
Hi Mandy Is that directed at me Davina or Patricia sorry I'm just getting use to message boards? If me Thanks and yipee.

[[deleted user]]

It was directed at you Davina. :)

[Davina]

Thanks Gail