**Winter Reading Challenge**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Added this one for #4 Two Little Girls in Blue borrowed from a friend.

And lo and behold Brenda's read it lol. :D"

Haha!!! Great book too Michael!! :D

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Wow Jayne, very impressive list..well done:) Enjoy!!

[Lauren]

Brenda wrote: "Wow Jayne, very impressive list..well done:) Enjoy!!"

Thanks Brenda, I'm just happy I'll be able to tick a whole heap of books off my TBR list by the end of Winter. Although I am sure I will add just as many as I read!

[★ Jess]

Ljuke wrote: "Ha, I was about 15 too. Nice review. Apparently SK let it fall out of print because actual high school shootings have been "inspired" by the book. You don't own any guns, right?
"

Aha! No, definitely not!

[Michael]

I've just finished one of my books :D

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "I look forward to reading it Brenda. Will be the next one i read after ive finished my current one."

You will enjoy it, for sure;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jayne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Wow Jayne, very impressive list..well done:) Enjoy!!"

Thanks Brenda, I'm just happy I'll be able to tick a whole heap of books off my TBR list by the end of Winter. Although I am su..."

Yes, it's great to take them of TBR, but I'm like you...I keep adding new ones...lol

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Knowledge Lost wrote: "I've just finished one of my books :D"

Well done, Knowledge!

[Neko]

Jayne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Wow Jayne, very impressive list..well done:) Enjoy!!"

Thanks Brenda, I'm just happy I'll be able to tick a whole heap of books off my TBR list by the end of Winter. Although I am su..."
Lol..This is so true..Keep reading and keep adding more. Have you put more books on to your TBR since joining GR? I certainly have.


Congrats Lost!

[Kim Marie]

It took me ages to make up this list so I hope it works out okay:

1. Summery Cover: A Simpler Time by Peter FitzSimons....Finished
2. Mt TBR: The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan ....Finished
3. Young Adult: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr....Finished
4. Book from Library: Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden (combining this with my Author Challenge)....Finished
5. Book to Movie: The Help by Kathryn Stockett....Finished
6. WINTER: Dragon's Winter by Elizabeth A. Lynn ....Finished
7. Aussie: The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir by Anh Do (combining this with the July Non-Fiction Challenge)....Finished
8. New Release: Perfect Shadow: A Night Angel Novella by Brent Weeks
9. Friend's List: The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss....Finished
10. Murder Myster: Death In Holy Orders by P.D. James ....Finished

Since I'm unable to find Perfect Shadow in paperback I'm changing my choice for New Release (No.8) to A Man You Can Bank On by Derek Hansen.....Finished

[Lauren]

I would love to know what you think of Anh Do's book too, it looks like a great read. Great list Kim, you will love Tomorrow When The War Began... one of my favourite Aussie books!
Jayne

[Kim Marie]

Thanks, both those books have been on my TBR pile for ages and I'll get back to you once I've finished :)

[Kim Marie]

I saw the trailer for the movie Carmel and would like to read the book first....on a queue at the library now!

[Kim Marie]

A definite NOT but since I started these Challenges I've had to get used to it :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Love, love, love The Help :) Your list is great Kim Marie!!!

[Kim Marie]

Brenda, I just hope the people before me in the library queue are fast readers!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kim Marie wrote: "Brenda, I just hope the people before me in the library queue are fast readers!!"

LOL..I know what you mean!! ;)

[[deleted user]]

I'm 191 pages into

[Louise]

Kim Marie wrote: "It took me ages to make up this list so I hope it works out okay:

1. Summery Cover: A Simpler Time by Peter FitzSimons
2. Mt TBR: [book:The Last Werewolf|..."

I haven't read any of the other books, but PD James is a favourite of mine. A friend of my mum's used to work with her at East Middlesex hospital (I think it was) waaaaaay back when.

[Louise]

Finished first book, finished 'in between' book, now on book 2 of the challenge Vampire Academy

[Neko]

Started last night as I wanted something different. Enjoying it so far :)

[Kim Marie]

Louise, Death in Holy Orders is my first read by this author and so far I'm finding it interesting...it was a recommendation from my brother and I trust his judgement.

Laura, I just had to add that book to my TBR list....groan!!

[Neko]

Kim Marie wrote: "Laura, I just had to add that book to my TBR list....groan!! "
It's so full of energy! I'm addicted to this book..Will have it finished in no time! Enjoy it when you get it :D

[Lesley]

I have abandoned Songs in Ordinary Time, my read for No.4 in this challenge. It's not bad but it is too hard to get into, I found. I may have another go at it some other time. So now I am reading Middlesex.

[Michael]

Lesley wrote: "I have abandoned Songs in Ordinary Time, my read for No.4 in this challenge. It's not bad but it is too hard to get into, I found. I may have another go at it some other time. So now I ..."

I'm interested to know how Middlesex is

[Irina]

I've just finished my number 1 - A Thousand Splendid Suns, loved it.

[Neko]

Mountain_goat wrote: "I've just finished my number 1 - A Thousand Splendid Suns, loved it."
Glad you enjoyed it :) Have you read Kite Runner as well?

[Lesley]

Mountain_goat wrote: "I've just finished my number 1 - A Thousand Splendid Suns, loved it."

Glad it's good. I'm also reading it for this challenge.

[Louise]

Have just finished Vampire Academy. So that's No.4 and No.10 of the challenge complete. What's next?!?

[Dee-Ann]

Have not finalised a list yet, but finished my first book of the challenge Minding Frankie which I enjoyed. This was a library book, thus :

4. Borrow book from library: Minding Frankie - READ.

1 down, 9 to go (or 10 if I get to the bonus stage).

[Michael]

Nicely done Louise and Dee-Ann

[Sally906]

Laura wrote: "Started last night as I wanted something different. Enjoying it so far :)"

I've got

From High Heels to Handcuffs on my kindle - looks good.

[Sally906]

Yesterday I started (and finished) by first winter challenge book Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars

Am currently readingAdvance Australia Where? by Hugh MacKay for my next challenge book.

[Luke]

Knowledge Lost wrote: "I'm interested to know how Middlesex is ..."

Long.

[Deb]

1..Pick a book that has a warm or summery theme on the cover.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
2. Pick a book from your Mt.TBR list The Shape of Water -Andrea Camilleri - done
3..Find a YA novel or a picture book to read On the Jellicoe Road
4..Borrow a book from the library/friend or pick one out of your TBR list The Savage Detectives
5..Choose a book which has been transformed into a movie Carrie
6..Read a book with a word in the title relates to a wintery theme Light on Snow - done
7..Read an Aussie author's book or books with an Aussie landscape/locale in it The Sound of One Hand Clapping
8..Choose a New Release which will be out somewhere in the 3 month period of Winter In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin
9..Pick a friend on your GR list and also select and read a book they have read Love - done
10..Curl up beside the fire and grab yourself a book full of suspense or murder! Careless in Red

[Neko]

Sally906 wrote: "Laura wrote: "Started last night as I wanted something different. Enjoying it so far :)"

I've got

From High Heels to Handcuffs. Loved the chatty feeling of it overal.

Still reading Stigs book..Sorta..meh....Will start my 3rd book tonight or tomorrow.

[Bronwyn]

Here is my choice for this challenge so far, I may change it as I move along.

1. Warm, summery theme – Applemere Summer by Harriett Hudson
2. TBR List – Hearts in Darkness by Kerri Arthur – 5* 05/06/11
3. YA Novel – Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Library/TBR List /E-book –
5. Book made into a movie – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - audio
6. Wintery Theme – Snowy Night with a Stranger by Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London
7. Aussie Author – The Turning by Tim Winton
8. New Release –
9. Read a book a friend has read –
10. Suspense/Murder – Ice Cold by Tess Gerristen 5* audio – 04/06/11
Bonus: Read a book by an author born in either June/July/August - I think this will be a bit tricky

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing great everyone!! :)

[[deleted user]]

one down :D

Pick a book that has a warm or summery theme on the cover
Graceling* mostly because of the colours!

Pick a book from your Mt.TBR list
Angelology*

Find a YA novel or a picture book to read
The Forest of Hands and Teeth*

BORROW a book from the library/friend or pick one out of your TBR list
King Arthur: Dragon's Child 5/5 really loved this one...thanks to whoever it was on here that recommended it to me :D

choosing a book which has been transformed into a movie
Water for Elephants

Read a book with a word starting with the letters of WINTER in the title
Whitechapel Gods*

Read an Aussie author's book or books with an Aussie landscape/locale in it
Darkfall*

Choose a New Release which will be out somewhere in the 3 month period of Winter
Deadline

Pick a friend on your GR list and also select and read a book they have read
Ink Exchange*

Curl up beside the fire and grab yourself a book full of suspense or murder!
Bleeding Violet* its meant to be creepy and twisted so hopefully this one works out

* books I own :)

[Louise]

I love reading other people's lists. There are soooo many books out there that I need to read!

[Adhityani]

My list (took me ages to finalise!!!):

1. Summery theme cover: Half of a Yellow Sun (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
2. From TBR list: The Lacuna (Barbara Kingsolver)
3. YA novel: I Am the Messenger (Marcus Zusak)
4. Library/ebook list: The Forty Rules of Love (Elif Shafak)
5. Book made into a movie: Water for Elephants (Sara Gruen)
6. Winter theme in title: What You Call Winter: Stories (Nalini Jones)
7. Aussie author: Jasper Jones (Craig Silvey)
8. New Release: State of Wonder (Ann Patchett)
9. Book from friend's list: Beyond Fear (Jaye Ford) - picked from Brenda's bookshelf!
10. Suspense/Murder: Sister (Rosamund Lupton)

[[deleted user]]

:O I am the Messenger is amazing! I loved it sooo much I hope you like it!

[Adhityani]

Carmel wrote: "Adhityani "Dhitri" wrote: "My list (took me ages to finalise!!!):1. Summery theme..."

Dhitri, you have a number of books on your list I have in my bookcase, namely nos 3, 5 & 10, haven't had a c..."

Thanks Carmel for the encouragement :) Most of the books are on my TBR, too - I really hope I get to read them!

Melanie, I read the Book Thief and loved it! I hope the Messenger is as good (or even better!).

[[deleted user]]

I read messenger first, I liked book thief better, but messenger was my favorite book for ages :D I really hope you like it

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Adhityani "Dhitri" wrote: "My list (took me ages to finalise!!!):

1. Summery theme cover: Half of a Yellow Sun (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
2. From TBR list: The Lacuna (Barbara Kingsolver)
3. YA n..."

Ooo!! Dhitri!! You'll LOVE Beyond Fear...so glad you chose it!! And Sister..she has another one just released I just added to my TBR list...put it in the chat thread the other night...can't remember the title off the top of my head right now! Plus I Am the Messenger...loved it!!! You'll really enjoy your winter reading...:D

[Irina]

Laura wrote: "Mountain_goat wrote: "I've just finished my number 1 - A Thousand Splendid Suns, loved it."
Glad you enjoyed it :) Have you read Kite Runner as well?"
Yes, I have, a few years ago, liked it too.

[Michael]

Book 2 of 10 now completed. I think i skimmed this one a little because the plot wasn't moving much. Anyone else read On the Beach?

[Louise]

I read it ages ago. Lots of slow build up. A good read and a classic, but not earth shattering.

[Michael]

I kept waiting for something to happen, but I don't feel like it ever happened. I'm glad you thought it was a decent read

[Irina]

Knowledge Lost wrote: Anyone else read On the Beach?" I did. Yes, it's not a super-fast book, but I liked it, couldn't stop thinking about it after I've finished. I think it's a great book.