**Summer Reading Challenge**

[Louise]

I haven't chosen many books yet - but I have put a name to #3. Axis of Evil Cookbook I borrowed it from work a few weeks ago and really need to sit down and go through it properly. It seems to be quite funny too!

[Megan]

Brenda wrote: "Megan wrote: "It is really hard to find books with Christmas carols in them - I actually went looking in my e-book library and just searched them for "carol" - I got a few hits - I don't think it c..."

This is the NZ Book Council Page with recent releases. They only put them up once they've been released though and I don't know who lists expected books.

http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Whats-N...

This is my favourite NZ book blog spot too.

http://beattiesbookblog.blogspot.com/

All sorts of things end up on his website.

[Megan]

1. Celebrate Australia! Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee - My last book for true blue - YAY!

2. Lighten the load! The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell

3. Food! The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

4. Set during summer The end of the golden weather;: A voyage into a New Zealand childhood by Bruce Mason

5. Australia Day Saturday by Ian McEwan has a family gathering/reunion

6. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras A Passage to India by E.M. Forster

7. Christmas Carols Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison - it talks about carols in one section.

8. New Release Not sure yet...

9. Literature Map I put in Hunter S Thompson and got Ernest Hemingway so chose For Whom the Bell Tolls

10. It’s Valentine’s Day! The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk

[Louise]

My list so far.

1. Celebrate Australia! - TBA

2. Lighten the load! The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

3. Food! Axis of Evil Cookbook by Gill Partington

4. A word related to SUMMER in the title Summer of the Dragon by Elizabeth Peters

5. Australia Day - The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir by Anh Do

6. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - Lady Windermere's Fan Oscar Wilde

7. Christmas Carols - TBA

8. New Release - TBA

9. Literature Map - TBA but Candace Robb (I put in Michael Jecks) {PS - what a great website! I could play for HOURS on there}

10. Valentine’s Day - Juliet by Anne Fortier

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Louise wrote: "I haven't chosen many books yet - but I have put a name to #3. Axis of Evil Cookbook I borrowed it from work a few weeks ago and really need to sit down and go through it properly. I..."

That looks interesting Louise:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Megan wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Megan wrote: "It is really hard to find books with Christmas carols in them - I actually went looking in my e-book library and just searched them for "carol" - I got a few hits - I d..."

Thanks Megan, I'm sure that will help:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists Megan and Louise!

Yes, I know what you mean Louise, I was fascinated by the Literature Map too:)

[Emily]

1. Celebrate Australia! The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2. From your TBR list. The App Effect by Frades Alexander

3. Food! Tomato Rhapsody: A Fable of Love, Lust & Forbidden Fruit by Adam Schell

4. Related to SUMMER in the title.. In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

5. Australia Day. This Is the Dreaming: Australian Aboriginal Legends by Jean A. Ellis

6. Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in February. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

7. Christmas.. This Year It Will Be Different by Maeve Binchy

8. New Release (1/12/11-28/02/11)... TBA

9. Literature Map... War for the Oaks by Emma Bull

10. It’s Valentine’s Day in February... The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

[Bronwyn]

A great selection here so far. I will try and put my lot together to share too. This is where I bagan 12 months ago and it has been quite a challenging 12 months for me in more ways than one

[Jesse]

My Summer Challenge books:

1. Celebrate Australia - TBA

2. Lighten the load - One More Time: A Novel by Damien Leith

3. Food - Picnic At Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

4. Summer - One Evil Summer by R.L. Stine

5. Australia Day - The Lucky Country by Donald Horne

6. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

7. Christmas - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

8. New Release - TBA

9. Literature Map - The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie

10. Romance - Seduction by Amanda Quick

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great book selections so far:) @Jesse...your #3 is a good idea:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks good Michael...not much further to go:)

[Lesley]

Here's what I'm thinking, including some other's ideas (thanks!);

1. Joan Makes History
2. Doctor Zhivago
3. The Grapes of Wrath
4. House of Sand and Fog (sand=summer)?
5. The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir
6. Mrs. Dalloway
7. ?
8. ?
9. ?
10. Love in the Time of Cholera

[Michelle]

Does it have to be an Aussie author on Goodreads or can it be any Aussie author for the 1st one??

[Julia]

Here's my list:

1. Celebrate Australia - The Drowner Robert Drewe. This was on my spring list and didn't get read. Let's try again :-)

2. Lighten the load - Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey-The Countess of Carnavon.

3. Food - Nothing says summer food like mangos, so another that was on my spring challenge list - It's Raining in Mango Thea Astley.

4. Summer - A Summer of Drowning John Burnside.

5. Australia Day - I'm going to do what some might consider controversial here, and read Sorry for my Australia Day choice. I loved Five Bells SO much and have been wanting an excuse to read another Gail Jones book.

6. Mardi Gras - An Imaginary Life David Malouf

7. Christmas - I'm taking the opportunity to read as a lot of others are reading - A Christmas Carol Dickens.


8. New release - what a God-awful time to have to choose a new release. All the good books are released at the end of the year, for the Christmas trade. I've looked at publisher's sites for upcoming releases and I'm really unimpressed. This will have to stay a TBA for me, until I get into the shop and check out the release sheets which will give me more choice.

9. Literature map - put in Alex Miller, got back Miles Franklin. Hoorah! I get to (re)read My Brilliant Career. I just recently bought a lovely old copy. What timing!

10. Valentines Day - I've got the perfect choice - Picnic at Hanging Rock Joan Lindsay. Another re-read.

[Julia]

OH LUCKY YOU Carmel!! Have you actually gone there and watched the movie outdoors on Valentines Day?

[Sally906]

COMPLETED

Here is my summer list, subject to change but most likely will be as is.

1. Celebrate Australia:
Castaway: A Brumby Plains Adventure by Joanne van Os

2. Lighten the load!:
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham

3. Food!:
Cooking The Books by Kerry Greenwood

4. A book with SUMMER in the title:
It Happened One Summer by Polly Williams

5. Australia Day:
A Rose for the ANZAC Boys by Jackie French

6. Book with a gay character or written by a gay author:
Hunter's Way by Gerri Hill

7. Christmas with Carols:
This is a non-fiction book with all the the stupid things people have been caught doing at Christmas - I understand there are a couple of sections involving the singing of carols.
Stupid Christmas by Leland Gregory

8. New Release:
Was released 27/12/11
Ghoul Interrupted by Victoria Laurie

9. Literature Map website choice:
Searched for two authors that I have read and enjoyed in the last two weeks - Liane Moriarty and Sophie Kinsella - the same author was closest to both of them - Fiona Walker - so reading a book by her.
Lots of Love by Fiona Walker

10. It's Valentine's day in February:
A Round-Heeled Woman: My Late-Life Adventures in Sex and Romance by Jane Juska

[Julia]

Carmel wrote: "No I haven't, have you?"

I wish :-) I live on the mid north coast of NSW.

[Kristy]

my list so far
1. Beneath the ShadowsSara Foster
2. my to read list should be easy there is plenty on there
3. Summer food ?
4. A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
5. I highly recommend to everyone A Cargo of Women: The Novel by Babette Smith
I will read Bryce CourtneyThe Potato Factory
6. I just finished Catcher in the Rye and hated it. will need more research on gay authors/characters.
7. A Christmas Carol I have always wanted to read this
8. new release tba
9. I liked that web site v cool. I have chosen The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen
10. romance might borrow something from a friend.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists coming out everyone!

[Jesse]

My Summer Challenge books:
This is my updated and completed list. Updated 1, 6 & 8

1. Celebrate Australia
So Much to Tell You. by John Marsden

2. Lighten the load
One More Time: A Novel by Damien Leith

3. Food
Picnic At Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

4. Summer
One Evil Summer by R.L. Stine

5. Australia Day
The Lucky Country by Donald Horne

6. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

7. Christmas
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

8. New Release
The Extinction Gambit by Michael Pryor

9. Literature Map
The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie

10. Romance
Seduction by Amanda Quick

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks good Jesse!

[Mozette]

For some reason, I can't make myself up a list of books to read and then read them as I've put them up like this. It's a matter of reading a book, then looking at a book that I feel like reading next... not put down a list of books that are to a particular list like this. However, I can have a rough idea of what I'd like to read.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mozette wrote: "For some reason, I can't make myself up a list of books to read and then read them as I've put them up like this. It's a matter of reading a book, then looking at a book that I feel like reading n..."

Mozette, you don't have to read them in order of the list, and you can change them to suit if something comes along that fits into the challenge:)

But whatever makes you happy, is perfectly fine with us:)

[char]

My list of Summer Challenge books to read :)


1. Australian Goodreads author's list: Don't Read in the Closet: Volume One

2. From my To Be Read list:

Sottopassaggio

3. Food: The Slap

4. During Summer: Secret Summer

5. Australia Day: Down Under

6. Mardi Gras: Sprout

7. Christmas caro:l A Collection of Short Stories, Poems, One Act Plays and a Christmas Carol

8. New Release for Summer: 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes for Your Vegan Kitchen: Delicious Smoothies, Soups, Salads, Entrees, and Desserts

9. Literature Map: (sadly thought I can't remember how I was lead to Slyvia Plath) The Bell Jar

10. Valentine's Day: About a Girl

[Regan]

I'm in! :) Here is my list.

1. Celebrate Australia:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2. Lighten the load:
The Magicians by Lev Grossman

3. Food:
Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

4. Set during SUMMER:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

5. Australia Day:
For the Term of His Natural Life by Marcus Clarke

6. A gay character or written by a gay author:
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

7. Christmas Carols:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

8. New Release: TBA

9. Literature Map: (I typed in Edgar Allan Poe)
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

10. Valentine's Day:
Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Some great books in your lists Charmayne and Regan:)

[Regan]

Haha, thanks Carmel, and Brenda.

I am looking forward to starting this challenge. :) I am someone who goes through reading phases (I get disctracted easily by my computer), so this might be good for establishing a steady reading routine.

Although I am a little daunted because I have never read anywhere near ten books in only three months before. I guess that is why this is called a challenge, though. :P

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Regan wrote: "Haha, thanks Carmel, and Brenda.

I am looking forward to starting this challenge. :) I am someone who goes through reading phases (I get disctracted easily by my computer), so this might be good f..."

That's right Regan;D Don't stress too much if you look like you're not going to make it...just enjoy your reading while you're doing it!!

[Maggie]

Cant decide - so many books, so here are my ideas so far:
1. Celebrate Australia : The House at Salvation Creek 2 STARS
2.TBR - Death Comes to Pemberley 3 STARS
3. Food: Serving Crazy with Curry 2 STARS
4. Summer title: In the Sun FANTASTIC 4 & 1/2 STARS
5. Aust Day / Anzac / Ist fleet: The Donkey Who Carried the Wounded: The Famous Story of Simpson and His Donkey - a True Anzac Legend READ 4 STARS
6. Gay: Affinity READ 5 STARS
7. Christmas carols: A Christmas Carol READ
8. 2012 new release: Obedience: A Novel READ 2 STARS
9. Literature map: something by Wilbur A Smith (connected via Nelson DeMille), maybe [book:River God: A Novel of Ancient Egypt|429138] READ
10. Romance: Mara, Daughter of the Nile READ

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You've got some good choices there Maggie!

[Maggie]

Mmmm.....just have to make choices now!

[Megan]

Ready... Steady...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

7.25 hours in my state Megan;D

[Megan]

Oh - so perhaps not time to start holding your breath then! Only 4.5 hours here :D

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha!! You may start in 4.5 hours then Megan;D

[Megan]

Haha - thanks Brenda :D Hopefully I'll be asleep by then though!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Megan wrote: "Haha - thanks Brenda :D Hopefully I'll be asleep by then though!!!"

;D lol

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "started my first book of the challenge Hell on the Way to Heaven :)"

Way to go Michael:)

[Louise]

Woo-hoo! Time to start reading. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sure can Louise:)

[Regan]

I have started The Magicians.

Also, I think I might read Zona: A Book About a Film About a Journey to a Room by Geoff Dyer for my New Release.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good on you Regan:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have just finished my first of this challenge, #10 (Valentine's Day) Bloody Valentine. My review is here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Finished my first book Hell on the Way to Heaven

Review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

Great review Michael!

[Louise]

Finished the first book - but still have 2 to choose:

1. Celebrate Australia! Beneath the Dark Ice by Greig Beck READ - Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
2. Lighten the load! The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
3. Food! Axis of Evil Cookbook by Gill Partington
4. With a word related to SUMMER in the title Summer of the Dragon by Elizabeth Peters
5. Australia Day The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir by Anh Do
6. A book with a gay character or written by a gay author. Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde
7. Find a book about Christmas, with reference to Carols in the story! TBA
8. New Release TBA
9. Literature Map by Candace Robb
10. Choose a book with a touch of Romance. Juliet by Anne Fortier

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Louise wrote: "Finished the first book - but still have 2 to choose:

1. Celebrate Australia! Beneath the Dark Ice by Greig Beck READ - Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
2. ..."

Well done:) Still plenty of time to choose the last 2 Louise!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my second of this challenge... #6, Mardi Gras... The Retribution. My review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...


1. Celebrate Australia! Choose an Aussie author... The Indigo Sky by Alison Booth

2. Lighten the load! A book from TBR list... The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen

3. Food!..a book relating to summery foods, salads, barbeques, pavlova, recipes,.. Cherry Pie (thanks David)

4. ...word related to SUMMER in the title White Hot by Sandra Brown

5. Australia Day... True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey

6. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras..choose a book with a gay character or written by a gay author The Retribution by Val McDermid ★★★★

7. book about Christmas,with Carols in the story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens ★★★★

8. New Release..maybe KIWI, doesn't have to be Aussie Catch Me by Lisa Gardner

9. Literature Map..I put in Lisa Gardner, (love this website:).. Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline ★★★★

10. Valentine’s Day...a book with a touch of Romance... Bloody Valentine by James Patterson ★★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Michael:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Your welcome Brenda. :)

Im nearly finished my second one Lady Killer. Review to follow."

Ooohh!! Interested in what you think...that's the one we both got at the same time in Norwood, isn't it! I'm reading it for this challenge too:)