**Spring Reading Challenge**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

David, we are in Adelaide..have been here since the 1st..you must have missed the other threads, and the photo yesterday of a couple of us out to coffee:) We're leaving for home tomorrow:)

I enjoyed Private, but not quite as much as some of the others.

[David]

Hi Brenda - just catching up on all the Aussie Readers happenings now. (I've had a computer free few days). I found the photo - nice one too :) Good to put faces to the names. I am originally from Adelaide (now Lonnie in Tasmania). Hope you are enjoying yourself there!

[Julia]

Oo a challenge, I love a challenge! Here's my list:

1. Spring clean: The House at Salvation Creek by Susan Duncan.

2. A book that features a new life: This will seem like an odd choice, but Blaze by Stephen King. Apparently it has a baby in it.

3. Choose a book for it's cover: It's Raining in Mango by Thea Astley. Nothing says spring to me like 'green'.

4. Adelaide Show: I was going to be really obvious and read Water For Elephants, but I really don't want to. So it's The Quilter's Apprentice for me.

5. Aussie author released this spring: The Briny Cafe by Susan Duncan. I read it last week, so that's one book down.

6. Red or Yellow cover: Nine Lives. In search of the sacred in Modern India by William Dalrymple. .

7. YA author:The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Everyone's raving about this so I'm going to see what the fuss is all about.

8. A book about horses/gambling: I'm going to use the opportunity to finish re-reading Cloudstreet.

9. My surname starts with D, so The Drowner by Robert Drewe.

10. A garden connection: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. A foray into an author I haven't yet read.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Nice list Julia! What did you think of Briny Cafe , The? I'm interested, as I read her two previous non-fiction books.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

David wrote: "Hi Brenda - just catching up on all the Aussie Readers happenings now. (I've had a computer free few days). I found the photo - nice one too :) Good to put faces to the names. I am originally from ..."

Thanks David:) Yes, we have had a lovely time. It's gone very quickly, so before we know it, we'll be home again:(

[Lesley]

Julia, I like William Dalyrymple's books but didn't know of that one. Local library has your no. 1 and I have considered trying it, so I will be interested to know your thoughts on these two.

[Louise]

Number 1 and number 10 done for me. Looks like I'm burning the challenge candle at both ends.

1. Spring clean: 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

10. Garden connection: The Lost Gardens by Anthony Eglin - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Julia]

Brenda wrote: "Nice list Julia! What did you think of Briny Cafe , The? I'm interested, as I read her two previous non-fiction books."

Brenda I loved it. It's a comfort read. I couldn't put it down. There were even some laugh out loud moments in it. I previously had only read her first non-fiction, and it struck such a big chord with me, having gone through the whole breast cancer thing myself. I couldn't put that one down either. I love her voice, and I have met her in person and she is JUST as funny, delightful and straightforward as she is in her books. I'd recommend it to everyone.

[Julia]

Lesley wrote: "Julia, I like William Dalyrymple's books but didn't know of that one. Local library has your no. 1 and I have considered trying it, so I will be interested to know your thoughts on these two."

Hi Lesley. I'm expecting big things from The House at Salvation Creek, as I loved her first memoir, and The Briny Cafe, so much.

Nine Lives is William Dalrymple's latest, I think. I'm assuming so, as I bought it when it came into the shop and haven't seen any other titles of his come through since.

[Emily]

Finished my first book for this challenge.
7. Bloodlines - Richelle Mead.
It was very good, but still not as good as some of the Vampire Academy books. Did like how Adrian was a main character though.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Julia wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Nice list Julia! What did you think of Briny Cafe , The? I'm interested, as I read her two previous non-fiction books."

Brenda I loved it. It's a comfort read. I cou..."

Oh that's great that you loved it Julia:) I'll definitely be getting it! You lucky thing, meeting her...great she's such a nice person:)

[Julia]

Not only that, but I got to meet the little dog too! (And Bob, briefly.) Add all that to my 'pinch myself' moments :-)

[Louise]

I have chosen #5. It will be Briny Cafe , The by Susan Duncan. Aussie author, and published 31 August - which is the doorstep of spring!



I've only got 2 more to choose now.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Julia wrote: "Not only that, but I got to meet the little dog too! (And Bob, briefly.) Add all that to my 'pinch myself' moments :-)"

Awesome! I can imagine you'd go away, wondering if you dreamed it!! lol

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Louise wrote: "I have chosen #5. It will be Briny Cafe , The by Susan Duncan. Aussie author, and published 31 August - which is the doorstep of spring!



..."

Great choice Louise...I've got that on my TBR list too:)

[Louise]

I've heard good things about it. I've joined a bookclub (started last night!) and this is the first read. Fingers crossed! :D

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Let us know how you like it Louise:) And enjoy your bookclub...they're fun:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

OK here's the start of my books I completed while we were away.

#6 (red or yellow cover) The Interrogator finished on the 2nd Sept...review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

#8 (horses/racing/betting..gambling scandal) Private finished on 11th Sept...review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

and I have just started #9, the book beginning with letter B... Black Wave: A Family's Adventure at Sea and the Disaster That Saved Them.

[Bronwyn]

I am a bit slow in posting my choice of books for yhis challenge but here they are though I may change some as I go along. It is always interesting reading other people's choices. With the book published in the months of spring, does it have to be a new release or could it have been published in the months of spring in another year? As I borrow from the library primarily I have trouble gtting new releases - at least that new anyway.

1. Book from TBR pile – Twin Fantasies by April Carew 5* 10/09/11
2. New Life – baby on cover or in the story – The Blackmail Baby by Penny Jordan
3. Spring Image on cover – - This says spring to me
4. Book about show/carnival/cooking/craft something that ties into a show - undecided
5. Book by an Aussie author released Sept/Oct/Nov -
6. Book with either a red or yellow cover – Forbidden Fires by Nell Kincaid- unfortuately there is no cover on Goodreads for this one
7. Young Adult Book – Linger by Maggie Stiefvater – 4* audio 10/09/11
8. Horses/Horse racing/gambling – The Silver Brumby
9. Book beginning with B – Blue Angel by Logan Bell
10. A book with a garden connection – The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

[Mozette]

I'm not reading as much as I was hoping to read. Only got 2 books read thus far; but am reading

3. 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley
4. 'Metamorphosis: Stages in a Life' by David Suzuki
5. 'Star-Begotten' by H.G. Wells

[Sally906]

Just finished another challenge book:

9. Read a book whose title starts with my first initial - 'S'

Smokin' Seventeen. By Janet Evanovich

I haven't done my review but has got 4 stars. - I enjoy her books and they always make me laugh

[Louise]

Mozette wrote: "I'm not reading as much as I was hoping to read. Only got 2 books read thus far; but am reading

3. 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley
"

I enjoyed the Mists of Avalon. In fact it's been aaaaages since I read it. Must have a re-read - hopefully I will still feel the same. :)

[Megan]

Bronwyn wrote: "I am a bit slow in posting my choice of books for yhis challenge but here they are though I may change some as I go along. It is always interesting reading other people's choices. With the book p..."

The Silver Brumby books were my favourite as a child - I collected them all!

[Julia]

Megan wrote: "Bronwyn wrote: "I am a bit slow in posting my choice of books for yhis challenge but here they are though I may change some as I go along. It is always interesting reading other people's choices. ..."

Same ... I still have most of them, too. It's a shame they don't read as well now that I'm not horse-obsessed!

[Julia]

I'm changing my no. 5. The Briny Cafe was a bit of a cheat because I'd finished reading it before I joined the challenge. I have a reader's copy of Di Morrissey's new one "The Opal Desert" which will be released Oct/Nov. Not my choice of reading matter, but I kind of have to do it anyway, so it may as well count to this challenge!

[Julia]

Brenda wrote: "Julia wrote: "Not only that, but I got to meet the little dog too! (And Bob, briefly.) Add all that to my 'pinch myself' moments :-)"

Awesome! I can imagine you'd go away, wondering if you dreamed..."

Nah, what I went away thinking I'd dreamt about Di Morrissey and Susan Duncan sitting in tiny bookshop together having a great old yack. And that it's going to be a common occurrence and how lucky did my life become lately? ha ha!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha!! Julia, that's right!! and the readers copy of Di Morrisseys's new one will be great...a bit special to read them before they come out:)

I have just created the book, so here it is! The Opal Desert

[Louise]

Have just finished #7 The Graveyard Book. Review here : http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Louise wrote: "Have just finished #7 The Graveyard Book. Review here : http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22..."

Louise, I can't get to your review, this link just takes me to the book:)

[Louise]

Sorry! Try this one http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Louise wrote: "Sorry! Try this one http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

Thanks Louise, great review:)

[Lesley]

Now reading my third book;
#1 The Hungry Tide 2 stars
#6 The Red Tent 4 stars
#7 The Great Gatsby current read

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have just finished #9, book beginning with the letter of my name Black Wave: A Family's Adventure at Sea and the Disaster That Saved Them. My review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Rosanne]

Is this where I challenge you all to read my short story that's on Kindle for under a dollar?


I will send you the code for another free one if you review it on Amazon. Just let me know here.

[★ Jess]

1. Spring clean your bookcases by reading a much loved, but yet unread book.
1984 by George Orwell
Currently Reading.

2. Choose a book that features a new life.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

3. Choose a book for it's cover - a spring image with all it's colour.
*TBA*

4. A book about a show/carnival rides/handicrafts/cookery/livestock..anything to tie into the event.
*TBA*

5. Choose a book written by an Aussie author, released somewhere in the 3 months of Spring.
*TBA*

6. Pick a book with either a red or yellow cover.
*TBA*

7. Pick a Young Adult book, not necessarily by an Aussie author, for this event.
The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld.

8. A book about horses/horse racing/betting/money won and lost.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (re-read). Capitol Citizens bet money on Tributes, so this book qualifies.

9. How about a book with the title beginning with the first letter of your name...
The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
★★ Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
This review has a casual 74 likes :) Warning, it has some swear words.

10. A book with a garden connection for spring or a non-fiction/biography, again with a spring connection!
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. The girl on the cover seems to be lying on the grass. Gardens have grass :)

[Michael]

★ Jess wrote: "This review has a casual 74 likes :) Warning, it has some swear words. "

so that's how you get that many likes

[Louise]

I have started #1 Spring clean your bookcases with Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women by Geraldine Brooks and so far I'm really enjoying it!

I've also chosen and started #8 The Spring Racing Carnival with In the Frame by Dick Francis which actually includes the Melbourne Cup!

[★ Jess]

Michael wrote: "Thats the most bizzare review ive ever read. O_0"

In a good or bad way?

[Bronwyn]

Melanie wrote: "one down :D


1.Spring clean your bookcases by reading a much loved, but yet unread book.
The Knife of Never Letting Go(for Jess)

2. Choose a book that features a new life.
[book:S..."

It has been interesting seeing this list come together. I found this challenge rather challenging too, finding the books for each categorie. It is handy to see everyone's ideas.

[Bronwyn]

I have just finished my 3rd book in this challenge, . I gave it a 4. I am changing my no 6 (orange or red cover) to - it has orange writing - I hope that is enough.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's fine Bronwyn...we can just squint;D

[Louise]

I have finished #8 with In the Frame which is set in Melbourne during the Spring Racing Carnival. Review is here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/.... I love a good Dick Francis!

[Lesley]

Progress so far;
#1 The Hungry Tide 2 stars
#6 The Red Tent 4 stars
#7 The Great Gatsby 2 stars
#8 Bad Dirt 3 stars

[Maggie]

Progress slow so far:

1. Shadow Princess: A Novel
2. One with a new life: The Ten Trusts: What We Must Do to Care for The Animals We Love
3. A book with a spring image: Goddess of Spring .
4. The Royal Show/carnival/ livestock: Peace to All Beings: Veggie Soup for the Chicken's Soul
5. Aussie author, book released in Spring: Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves
6. A book with a red and/or yellow cover: Things I Want My Daughters to Know
7. YA book: Wither
8. A book about racing/horses/betting: The Dark Horse
9. Book starting with M: Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution **extra bonus I reckon cos the author's first name and surname also start with M**
10. Garden connection to Spring:
The Art of the Islamic Garden 5 STARS

[Louise]

Maggie wrote: "Progress slow so far:

I've just got Madame Tussaud from the library! I hope it's a good read.....

[Maggie]

That's probably going to be my next book.

[Maggie]

It's a late start but I am going to give it a try:-

1.Spring clean the bookshelf - The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

2 A young life on the cover — The wind up bird chronicle by Haruki Murakami

3. Spring image cover — Southern Comfort by Fern Michaels

4. To do with a show/carnival etc — A son of circus by John Irving

5. Aussie author 3 months of spring — The Lieutenant by Kate Greenville ( 06/09/2008)

6. Predominantly red and yellow colour — The grapes of wrath by John Steinbeck

7. Young Adult book — Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

8. A book about horse racing, money won and lost — Banker, Dick Francis

9. Title beginning with M — Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva

10. Garden connection — The Night Gardener by George Pelecanos

Start reading now! Maggie :-D

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks good Maggie:)

[Sharon]

Have finished my second book No.6 Spring Colours "Vesper's Rising 39 Clues". Not as fast paced as the first 10 books in the series but more a book to fill in gaps and to set the scene for the new series.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Yay Sharon:)