**Autumn Reading Challenge**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished Secrets to the Grave which was #8 in the challenge. Loved it, Tami Hoag kept me rivetted from the beginning of the book. I've reviewed it for those interested.

[Sandra]

AR Autumn Challenge 2011
1/3/11 - 31/5/11

1/9 Completed

1. Colour - In Too Deep
2. International Women's Day - This Side of the Grave
3. Irish - Immortal in Death
4. Aust Labour Day - River Marked
5. Skip
6. TBR - Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand
7. Re-Read - At Grave's End 4/3/11 ★★★★★
8. Library - Shades of Midnight
9. Murder - Glory in Death
10. Short Story/Anthology - Huntress

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sandra, you look like a JD Robb lover too!! Absolutely love the In Death books. :) Do you belong to the J.D. Robb group within GR?

[Sandra]

No Brenda, I'll have to look into it.

I must admit I haven't been reading them in order, so I've probably read about 20 of them so far.

Thought I better go back and read some of the ones I've missed.

[Mandapanda]

Sandra I just reread At Grave's End too. I'm rereading them all in advance of the latest one coming out in August - One Grave at a Time. Fun series.:)

[Sandra]

That's exactly what I'm doing too, Mandy. Got my copy of the other day but I'd planned to re-read #2-#4 first.

Done #2 & #3, just gotta do #4 then onto #5 This Side of the Grave and looking forward to #6 One Grave at a Time

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sandra wrote: "No Brenda, I'll have to look into it.

I must admit I haven't been reading them in order, so I've probably read about 20 of them so far.

Thought I better go back and read some of the ones I've m..."

I haven't been reading them in order either, Sandra, tho a lot of people say you should. But I'm loving them anyway, and am just starting to buy my copies, as the first one I read was from my library, and got me hooked. Now I love them so much, I want to have the whole collection!

[Sandra]

Brenda, that's one reason I've been reading out of order, getting the books from the library.

I've had to resort to reserving them to get the ones I haven't read yet. And I've joined the J.D.Robb group, thanks for the tip.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're welcome, Sandra...it's great to chat about all the In Death books with people as passionate as they are..:)

[Deb]

Two down, eight to go! ...

1. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane (this is one of those books that I have said I will read "one day" so I guess this is it) finally read it.
2. Treading Water by Tracey Wickham
3. The Magic Cup by Andrew M. Greeley
4. Cloudstreet by Tim Winton
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry
6. The Confession, John Grisham
7. Poison Study, Maria Snyder
8. The Gunslinger, Stephen King
9. The Assassins Apprentice, Robin Hobb
10. The Mirror House – Cassandra Clare
... Hopefully, I will get through them all. Currently reading Assassins Apprentice

[Emily]

I keep forgetting to post my list. So here it is, finally.
I don't know if I can get through them all but I will try.

1. Ransom - David Malouf
2. Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare
4. Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen
5. Diary of a Wombat
6. Imperium - Robert Harris
7. Hovercar Racer - Matthew Reilly
8. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller (recycle from a friend not a library, that counts right?)
9. Way of Shadows - Brent Weeks

[Kim Marie]

My list is only a "work in progress" and may need to change but here goes:

1. The Colours of Autumn: A Curse Dark as Gold....Finished
2. International Women's Day:
The Tin Ticket: The Heroic Journey of Australia's Convict Women....Finished
3. Saint Patrick's Day: In the Woods....Finished
4. Australian Labour Day: Australia Street....Finished
5. Dr Seuss's Birthday: Walter the Farting Dog....Finished
6. Reduce: The Last Watch....Finished
7. Re-Use: changed to Fried Green Tomatoes....Finished
8. Recycle: The Housekeeper and the Professor....Finished
9. The Ides of March: The Writing Class....Finished
10. Short Story: The Inheritance....Finished

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have just completed #5 on my list, Are We There Yet? : A Journey Around Australia. It's a great Aussie story about a family who travels around Australia in an old camper trailer, which is their home for 3 months. The author Alison Lester, is remotely related to my family, and the place the journey starts is where I spent some of my childhood, age 2 to age 7!

[Neko]

Mouse Guard arrived today..sweeeet~! Will read that tonight :D

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carmel wrote: "Just finished a quick read of The Gorgon in the Gully my children's book selection and it was very sweet, my review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

That's a really cute book, Carmel! Read your review...love what's happening with it too, travelling the world! :)

[★ Jess]

Colours of Autumn: The Spook's Apprentice
Woman's Day: Delirium
Saint Patricks Day:The Atlantis Complex
Australian Labour Day: ????????????????????
Dr Seuss: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! FINISHED
Reduce:The Last Days FINISHED :)
Re-use:The Da Vinci Code
Recycle: Beastly
The Ides of March: And Then There Were None
The days are getting shorter: The Adventureks of Sherlock Holmes (collection of short stories)

Wow...that is a nice list! I look forward to reading them all :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carmel wrote: "Thanks Brenda, it's going to be alot of fun and I just purchased this book through Target so it would be something that your grandkids may like a little later. This is a great book for anyone who h..."

Thanks Carmel, I'll keep that in mind..:)

[Neko]

Finished Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard

Will write a review soon..Pretty different from what I was expecting. Not bad change either.

[Bronwyn]

I have finsihed 3 of my choices in this challenge so far.

1. Shades of Autumn - Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning (it has an autumn colour cover)

2. Strong Female Lead - Untamed byP.C. Cast (Zoey Redbird is the lead character) - audiobook - finished and reviewed *****

3. Something Irish - Born in Ice by Nora Roberts

4. Working Class Lead - To Be Decided

5. Children's Book - Skip at this stage

6. Reduce from TBR List - Dancing with the Devil by Keri Arthur - finsihed and reviewed ****

7. Re-Read - Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts - audiobook

8. Recycle (Library Book - Death Was the Other
Woman: A Novel by Linda L. Richards - audiobook - finished and reviewed ***

9. The Ides of March (Murder Mystery) - To be Decided
10 Short Stories - Holiday With A Vampire: Christmas Cravings\Fate Calls 2 short stories by Maureen Child and Caridad Piñeiro

[[deleted user]]

Bronwyn at this rate you'll be finished the challenge by the end of March. We'll have to come up with something a little tougher for you.

[Bronwyn]

I have had to give of the books in my challenge back to the library because someone was waiting on them and I hadn't got around to reading them yet, it will be a challenge maybe to get them back again.

[Cheryl]

I edited post 53, my list, just now. I'm done with four books.

[Dee-Ann]

Finally put a list up, which still is not complete. I have finished two books in the past couple of days which means 2 down, 8 to go.

1. The Colours of Autumn: Middlesex the book I have has very autumn tones on the cover.
2. International Women‘s Day: To be decided
3. Saint Patrick‘s Day: This Year It Will Be Different - READ
4. Australian Labour Day: The Housekeeper and the Professor - currently reading
5) A children’s book. to be decided
6) REDUCE - Last Sacrifice
7) RE-USE - Matilda or The Ladies of Missalonghi depends on which one I can find.
8) RECYCLE - The Catcher in the Rye
9) The Ides of March - to be decided
10) Short story, essay or anthology - Short & Tall Tales: Moose County Legends Collected by James Mackintosh Qwilleran - READ

[Emily]

Oh Matilda! I remember reading that when I was small. I wish I had a copy. Love Roald Dahl!

[Sandra]

AR Autumn Challenge 2011
1/3/11 - 31/5/11

2/9 Completed

1. Colour - In Too Deep
2. International Women's Day - This Side of the Grave
3. Irish - Immortal in Death
4. Aust Labour Day - River Marked 10/3/11 ★★★★★
5. Skip
6. TBR - Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand
7. Re-Read - At Grave's End 4/3/11 ★★★★★
8. Library - Shades of Midnight
9. Murder - Glory in Death
10. Short Story/Anthology - Huntress

[Khenan]

Weee finished 2 of my books now (going in order for some reason) The Scarlett Letter & Little Women.

Out of the two Little Women was better, too much of preaching in the Scarlett Letter. Little women in contrast was a very easy read:)

Now onto Dracula! (just saw bram stokers dracula a few weeks ago and was so amazed at the awesomeness of how they say Dracula (dra-coo-lea or something :p), I just had to add it too this list!:)).
So far looking quite awesome!
Good Luck to all in this challenge!

[Mandapanda]

That's a great movie Khenan. Hope you enjoy the book!:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished #3, The Judas Gate, so I'm 3 down now! Have started #4 Mailman of the Birdsville Track: The Story of Tom Kruse.

[Jacinta]

Phew! Just finished Voyager which is only my first finished. I found it to be an exhausting book, 1059 pages of "Verra unlikely" romance. However I am finding that this series is like a pimple - you know better than to pick at it but you just can't help yourself.
3 stars.

My list (a work in progress)

1. Shades of Autumn - A Fortunate Life, I will get this book read one way or another :)
2. Strong Female Lead - The Girl Who Played with Fire.
3. St Patrick's Day - Trinity
4. Labour Day - undecided.
5. Dr Suess' Birthday - nope, probably wont do this, my son at age 21 wouldn't see the humour at all.
6. Reduce - Voyager
7. Re-read - undecided but I rarely re-read books
8. Recycle (library) - undecided but I have plenty left over from the Summer Challenge to choose if I get there.
9. Ides of March - Prince of Darkness
10. Short Stories - nothing pops up yet but I think I will look at some of the stories written by women of the Afghan Women's Writing Project http://www.awwproject.org/

[Maggie]

"...that this series is like a pimple - you know better than to pick at it but you just can't help yourself..."

great description! Having read the first two books a few years ago you may have just inspired me to move them up higher on my TBR list.

[Sandra]

AR Autumn Challenge 2011
1/3/11 - 31/5/11

3/9 Completed

1. Colour - In Too Deep
2. International Women's Day - This Side of the Grave
3. Irish - Immortal in Death
4. Aust Labour Day - River Marked 10/3/11 ★★★★★
5. Skip
6. TBR - Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand
7. Re-Read - At Grave's End 4/3/11 ★★★★★
8. Library - Shades of Midnight
9. Murder - Glory in Death 4/3/11 ★★★★
10. Short Story/Anthology - Huntress

[Lesley]

My progress on this challenge to date:

DONE
1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (3 stars)
7. Princess Masako by Ben Hills (4 stars)
8. The Tale of Murasaki by Liza Dalby (2 stars)
10.Telling Tales, anthology edited by Nadine Gordimer (3 stars)

YET TO READ
2. Ines of my Soul by Isabel Allende
3. TBA
4. Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen (nurse&policeman)
5. TBA
6. Hiroshima by John Hersey
9. Blood Against the Snows by Jonathan Gregson, 2001 massacre of Nepalese royal family (currently reading)

reply | flag

[Bronwyn]

Lesley wrote: "My progress on this challenge to date:

DONE
1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (3 stars)
7. Princess Masako by Ben Hills (4 stars)
8. The Tale of Murasaki by Liza Dalby (2 stars)
10.Telling Ta..."

You are doing very well in challenge and moving along quite fast - I am glad it goes for 3 months, I will need all that time to read my challenge books

[Jacinta]

Lists fascinate me, especially when I can compare them and draw out interesting points. Something prompted me to go through everyone's choice for the category for a strong female lead to see who has been chosen.

Some of the group have chosen books where a number of women or women's issues are discussed so I can't identify a name but I can identify a group.

Some of the women are real people, some are fictional.

In no particular order the women are ....

Ines Suarez
Anita Blake
Jackie Burke
Caitrin
Tessa Gray
Agnes McMillan, Ludlow Tedder, Bridget Mulligan and Elizabeth Gurney Fry
Payne
Mary Lang
Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar
Beka Cooper
Katniss Everdeen
Various women inventors
Lady Johanna
Maya
Lt Eve Dallas
Mercedes Thompson
Real life callgirls
Tracey Wickham
Lena Holloway
Katsa
Cat Crawford
Maria and Eva
Zoey Redbird
Jo March, Meg March, Beth March and Amy March
the liberated woman

and the most popular is Lisbeth Sander (chosen by three people).

In my nerdiness I would love it if Goodreads could provide some sort of tool on this site where we could arrange our challenge books in some sort of grid so it would be easier to see everyone's choices side by side.

Now that I have procrastinated for another hour, I really should get back to being productive.

[Neko]

@Jacinta- Wow. Thanks for sharing that..I found your post rather very interesting!

[Jacinta]

... and don't get me started on counting the number of books that feature vampires or other paranormal characters ...that will take hours there are so many of them :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Everyone is going very well! Congrats!

Jacinta, that's a fascinating list you have compiled...that would have taken you awhile..lol

[Mandapanda]

That's fascinating Jacinta! Please procrastinate all you want! It's very entertaining for us.;)) I recognise quite a few of the names on that list. Strong women indeed!!

[Neko]

Jacinta wrote: "... and don't get me started on counting the number of books that feature vampires or other paranormal characters ...that will take hours there are so many of them :)"
Well..you know...if you ever find yourself with some spare time and you like making lists...*whistles innocently* lol

[Sandra]

Carmel wrote: "Looks like your really picking you books well Sandra, seem to be enjoying them tremendously!!"

I'm a challenge junkie since I joined GR, even though this is my first at Aussie Readers. Getting better at picking the books I really want to read. LOL.

Jacinta, thanks for the list, I too recognised quite a few names.

[[deleted user]]

1. The Colours of Autumn]Animal Dreams - READ ★★★★★
2. International Women‘s Day: Starting Over (An 'Aussie Readers', Author)
3. Saint Patrick‘s Day: Seek the Fair Land
4. Australian Labour Day: TBA
5. Celebrate Dr Seuss: As I have a complete Dr Seuss collection I'll just choose one at random off the shelf.
6. REDUCE: People of the Book
7. Re-Use: TBA
8. Recycle: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (this was loaned to me by a friend, I never get a chance to get to the library.
9. Murder: The Day The Ravens Died
10. Short Story/Anthology: Unaccustomed Earth Reading

[Neko]

Finished 9) The Ides of March- Rendezvous At Kamakura Inn!

YAAAY~! Finally. Happy the book has finished :P My review mighten be so kind but I think I personally didn't agree with it but wanted to keep on reading it!

[Deb]

Three down, seven to go! ...

1. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane(this is one of those books that I have said I will read "one day" so I guess this is it) finally read it.
2. Treading Water by Tracey Wickham
3. The Magic Cup by Andrew M. Greeley
4. Cloudstreet by Tim Winton
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry
6. The Confession, John Grisham
7. Poison Study, Maria Snyder
8. The Gunslinger, Stephen King
9. The Assassins Apprentice, Robin Hobb
10. The Mirror House – Cassandra Clare
... Hopefully, I will get through them all. Currently reading Cloudstreet

[Jacinta]

Another one down - five stars to The Girl Who Played with Fire despite the fact that its not written as well as it could be it gets full marks for an innovative plot, characters and setting.

My list (a work in progress)

1. Shades of Autumn - A Fortunate Life, I will get this book read one way or another :)
2. Strong Female Lead - The Girl Who Played with Fire.
3. St Patrick's Day - Trinity
4. Labour Day - undecided.
5. Dr Suess' Birthday - nope, probably wont do this, my son at age 21 wouldn't see the humour at all.
6. Reduce - Voyager
7. Re-read - undecided but I rarely re-read books
8. Recycle (library) - undecided but I have plenty left over from the Summer Challenge to choose if I get there.
9. Ides of March - Prince of Darkness
10. Short Stories - nothing pops up yet but I think I will look at some of the stories written by women of the Afghan Women's Writing Project http://www.awwproject.org/

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have just finished my 4th from this challenge..Mailman of the Birdsville Track: The Story of Tom Kruse. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and left a review for any who are interested!

Here's my list:

1. Spartan Gold
2. Innocent In Death 5 *****
3. The Judas Gate 5 *****
4. Mailman of the Birdsville Track: The Story of Tom Kruse 4 ****
5. Are We There Yet? : A Journey Around Australia 5 *****
6. Whistleblower 5*****
7. Cloudstreet 4****
8. Secrets to the Grave 5*****
9. Mortal Remains
10.TBA

[Cheryl]

my list at msg 53 is up-to-date with seven books done - I'll try to remember to repost the completed clean version when I've done all 10

[[deleted user]]

We obviously aren't presenting you with enough of a challenge Cheryl. Well done so far.

[Neko]

Brenda and Cheryl- Wow! Both fast readers..Very cool and congrats too :D!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Laura wrote: "Brenda and Cheryl- Wow! Both fast readers..Very cool and congrats too :D!!"

Thanks Laura, but I've only read 4...I think Cheryl needs 5 stars for her effort! Congrats Cheryl!!! :)

[Neko]

I'll get to this challenge next month me thinks!

*Gets Cheryl a golden star*