**Summer Reading Challenge**

[Michelle]

I've finally chosen my books for this challenge as follows:

1) Aussie author – Temple – Matthew Reilly
2) TBR – Dead and Gone – Charlaine Harris
3) Food – The Long Quiche Goodbye – Avery Aames
4) Summer – Divine By Mistake – P.C. Cast
5) Australia Day – The Potato Factory – Bryce Courtney
6) Gay Character or Author – The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde
7) Christmas Carols – Skipping Christmasing Christmas – John Grisham
8) New Release – Catch Me – Lisa Gardner
9) Literature Map – Dixie City Jam – James Lee Burke
10) Romance – The Rocky Road to Romance – Janet Evanovich

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michelle wrote: "I've finally chosen my books for this challenge as follows:

1) Aussie author – Temple – Matthew Reilly
2) TBR – Dead and Gone – Charlaine Harris
3) Food – [book:Th..."

Great list Michelle! Thanks for Lisa Gardner's new one, didn't know about that!! Have added it to my list:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "New Lisa Gardner O_0 sweet holy christmas im excited.

Great list Michelle.

Updated my list. :)

1. Nowhere Man by John M. Green

2. [book:Hell on the Way t..."

Ooohh!! Yes Michael...it sounds great too!

[Michelle]

Well it's great to see other Lisa Gardner fans out there. I've always liked her books. I was also pretty excited when I saw this new release.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michelle wrote: "Well it's great to see other Lisa Gardner fans out there. I've always liked her books. I was also pretty excited when I saw this new release."

It will be awesome, just like all her others:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Finished my second book Lady Killer and it was a ripper.

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

Excellent review Michael:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Thank you Brenda you wont be dissapointed when you read it. Its a great read. :)"

Can't wait...it will have to be soon:)

[Bronwyn]

Here is my list for this challenge. I am having2 weeks off work over Christmas so maybe I will get a few books read in that time but maybe not - depends what my new partner has in mind for us?

1. Celebrate Australia – The Dressmaker by Posie Graeme-Evans

2. Lighten the load! Homecoming Girls by Val Wood - audio

3. Food - Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith (book club read) -

4. SUMMER - Sleeping Partners by Lyn Wakefield - audio

5. Australia Day is on the 26th January, so find something relating to the First Fleet, a National Day, family bbqs and get togethers, even Anzac biscuits...anything relating to our special day - The Slap by Christos Tsoilkas

6. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - Choose a book with a gay character or written by a gay author - to be decided

7. Christmas - Home in Time for Christmas by Heather Graham – 4* audio 09/12/11

8. New Release...choose a book which is released between 1st December, 2011 and 28th February 2012...it doesn't have to be by an Aussie author! - to be decided

9. Have you checked out the excellent Literature Map –I put in Debra Mullins and came up with Cathy Maxwell

10. It’s Valentine’s Day - Choose a book with a touch of Romance - to be decided

[Lesley]

I have finished two books from my list

#1 Australian - Joan Makes History. An interesting novel with several 'Joans' who participate in/witness important events in Australian's history from 1770 to 1901. 3 stars

#6 Gay - Mrs. Dalloway. I really like the writing style so will try another Woolf, but found the day in the life of a London socialite a rather dull subject. 2 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Bronwyn! Enjoy your 2 weeks off, hopefully you'll head somewhere special:D

Congrats Lesley:)

[Maggie]

Two down.
1. Celebrate Australia : The House at Salvation Creek 2 STARS
2.TBR - could be anything
3. Food: The Vine of Desire or Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal or Serving Crazy with Curry
4. Summer title: In the Sun FANTASTIC 4 & 1/2 STARS

Not sure which one to read next.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

The House at Salvation Creek
The Vine of Desire
Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal
Serving Crazy with Curry
In the Sun

[Jesse]

I haven't finished any of the books yet! I've started reading The Girl Who Played with Fire. I'll read So Much to Tell You. next because I have it out from the library. Then I'll read A Christmas Carol because I think it would be good to have that read by Christmas :)

[Sally906]

Have finished my first Summer Challenge book:

7. Christmas with Carols:
I read a non-fiction book with newspaper excerpts about all the the stupid things people have been caught doing at Christmas - there were a couple of articles about badly sung carols, including a paramedic team that rocked up to a house after an emergency call from a neighbour. The concerned lady had heard screaming and called for help. Turns out the daughter of the house had been practicing for her upcoming Church concert.
Stupid Christmas by Leland Gregory

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sounds different Sally:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Just finished my 3rd of this challenge... #9, literature map... Lady Killer. My review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Great review Brenda. So glad you twisted my arm to buy that one lol. :D"

Thanks Michael...it certainly was worth it, wasn't it:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "It sure was you sure know a good book when you see it. :D"

Haha!!:D

[Mish]

I've started my first book for this challenge

#2 Lighten the Load - Life of Pi

[Kylie]

Halfway there, Get alot of reading done when the little one thinks she is to old to sleep.

1. Aust Author - DEAD ish By Naomi Kramer 14/12/11 (2 stars)
2. TBR Shelf - Destined By P.C. Cast

3. Food - Chili Con Corpses By J.B. Stanley 4/12/11 (4 stars)

4. Summer - Indian Summer By William Dean Howells

5. Australia Day - The Book Of The Bush - George Dunderdale. By George Dunderdale

6. Gay Author/Character - The Catcher in the Rye By JD Salinger 13/12/11 (3 stars)

7. Christmas Carols - A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens 1/12/2011 (4 stars)

8. New Release - Endless Magic by Rachel Higginson Due Jan 2012

9. Literature Map - Rain By VC Andrews 5/12/11 (4 stars)

10. Romance - Safe Harbor By Judith Arnold

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kylie wrote: "Halfway there, Get alot of reading done when the little one thinks she is to old to sleep.

1. Aust Author - DEAD ish By Naomi Kramer 14/12/11 (2 stars)
2. TBR Shelf - [book:Destine..."

Wow Kylie....you are reading very fast! You know you have 3 months to complete this challenge, don't you;D

[Kylie]

Brenda wrote: "Wow Kylie....you are reading very fast! You know you have 3 months to complete this challenge, don't you;D "

Don't worry no.5 may take me that long struggling to stay interested. Just managed to finish catcher in the Rye before i threw the ipad, the main character annoyed me no end.
I think i'm at the end of all the shorter books now, so will take a bit longer to finish the last half.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kylie wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Wow Kylie....you are reading very fast! You know you have 3 months to complete this challenge, don't you;D "

Don't worry no.5 may take me that long struggling to stay interested. Ju..."

You don't need to finish them if you're not enjoying them Kylie:) Too many good books out there to read, too little time...lol

But you're doing well!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Just finished #7 of the challenge, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. What a wonderful story, my review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

1....word related to SUMMER in the title Outback HeartJoanne van Os★★★★★

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

5. Australia Day... Come Back to Me by Sara Foster

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 Down the Darkest RoadTami Hoag★★★★★

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]

Michael wrote: "Your cruising Brenda. You'll have it finished well before summers over. :)"

Haha!! Thanks Michael:) Lots more challenges coming up:) I'm going to do the Australian Women's Writers challenge for 2012 as well as all of ours!! Need to get ahead with this one while I can;D

[Emily]

Is it very bad that I haven't started yet? After NaNo I am stuggling to finish my Oct read... I'm considering ditching altogether and in the new year just being challenge focused...

P.S. trouble finding copy of Tomato Rhapsody? foodie suggestions??

[Sharon]

Okay here is my list not quite complete but it's a start.

1. Celebrate Australia : The Lost Stories by John Flanagan
2. Lighten the load : Ishmael and the return of the dugongs by Michael Gerard Bauer
3. Food! : undecided
4. Summer : undecided
5. Australia Day : The Night They Stormed Eureka by Dawn French
6. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras : In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
7. Christmas : A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
8. New Release : Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
9. Literature Map : The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan (had trouble deciding which author to put as favourite, ended up picking Cornelia Funke)
10. Valentine's Day : Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Emily wrote: "Is it very bad that I haven't started yet? After NaNo I am stuggling to finish my Oct read... I'm considering ditching altogether and in the new year just being challenge focused...

P.S. trouble..."

No, it's not bad Emily:) But if you're not enjoying your October read, don't force yourself!!

Have a look back through other people's lists, you will find some 'food' books there...something may take your fancy!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "Okay here is my list not quite complete but it's a start.

1. Celebrate Australia : The Lost Stories by John Flanagan
2. Lighten the load : [book:Ishmael and the return of the du..."

Your list is looking really great Sharon:)

[Regan]

Wow! Some of you guys are going along like wild fire. :D

I'm only half way through my first book. x]

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Regan wrote: "Wow! Some of you guys are going along like wild fire. :D

I'm only half way through my first book. x]"

That's ok Regan....you have over 2 months left to go;D

[Louise]

I've finished The Red Tent. Review is here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/.... Throughly enjoyed it too!

[Kylie]

I took the kids to the library today and found Esty's Gold By Mary Arrigan.

Not sure if it falls under the Australia day theme but it is based on the Australian gold rush and the Australian dream. Since i couldn't finish the original book figured this could be my replacement.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sounds really good Kylie, and yes it is perfectly appropriate:)

[Nettie]

I'd recommend Bereft by Chris Womersley as good summer time reading. It gives one the feel of the hot dry NSW summer (that might just be in our memories now - will summer ever come this year?!).

[Louise]

I've finished my 3rd book - and updated my list to include No. 7. Still deciding on No 8 tho.

1. Celebrate Australia! Beneath the Dark Ice by Greig Beck READ - Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/240...
2. Lighten the load! The Red Tent by Anita Diamant READ Revew: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....
3. Food! Axis of Evil Cookbook by Gill Partington READ Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
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! Forbidden Fruit by Kerry Greenwood
8. New Release TBA
9. Literature Map The King's Bishop by Candace Robb
10. Choose a book with a touch of Romance. Juliet by Anne Fortier

[Maggie]

Finished Death Comes to Pemberley, a 'what if...' book about a murder at the estate of Mr and Mrs Darcy. Good fun holiday reading especially if you are familiar with the story of Pride and Prejudice. That's book number 3 for me.

I return to Australia on 23rd so can get back to reading again, or maybe I will find a good book at the airport. I am in that horrible position of having NO BOOK with me at present, and being based out of the city I cant get one (panic set in late yesterday when I realised this).

[Louise]

Oh Maggie - I feel your pain!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Oh Maggie, NOOOO!!! That is awful! Hope you can pick up a good one from the airport:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Just finished #2 of this challenge The Silent Girl. My review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

That makes 5 completed:)

[Kylie]

1. Aust Author - DEAD ish By Naomi Kramer 14/12/11 (2 stars)

2. TBR Shelf - Destined By P.C. Cast 26/12/11 (4 stars)

3. Food - Chili Con Corpses By J.B. Stanley 4/12/11 (4 stars)

4. Summer - Summer of Night By Dan Simmons

5. Australia Day - Esty's Gold By Mary Arrigan 19/12/11 (4 stars)

6. Gay Author/Character - The Catcher in the Rye By JD Salinger 13/12/11 (3 stars)

7. Christmas Carols - A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens 1/12/2011 (4 stars)

8. New Release - Endless Magic by Rachel Higginson Due Jan 2012

9. Literature Map - Rain By VC Andrews 5/12/11 (4 stars)

10. Romance - Safe Harbor By Judith Arnold 17/12/11 (4 stars)

Hmm, starting to think I read to much. :) got 2 books left.

Sadly links didn't carry over when I copied from original posting. Silly iPad.

[Kylie]

Lol wasn't my intention. But when I get into a reading mood especially when it's a good book I can't stop till its read.

[Megan]

You could do the challenge three times over - once for each month! Awesome amount of reading :)

[Maggie]

Here's where I'm up to 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
10. Romance: Mara, Daughter of the Nile CURRENTLY READING

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kylie wrote: "1. Aust Author - DEAD ish By Naomi Kramer 14/12/11 (2 stars)

2. TBR Shelf - Destined By P.C. Cast 26/12/11 (4 stars)

3. Food - Chili Con Corpses By J.B. Stanley 4/12/11 (4 stars)

4. Summer - ..."

Awesome reading Kylie!!! You need to perhaps do the AWW challenge for 2012, as you can read an amazing lot of books:)

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...

I'm going to do it, I think it'll be a great challenge:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Maggie wrote: "Here's where I'm up to 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 t..."

Looking good Maggie! I agree with The House at Salvation Creek...it wasn't as good as her first, was it!

[Kylie]

Awesome reading Kylie!!! You need to perhaps do the AWW challenge for 2012, as you can read an amazing lot of books:)

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7272...

I'm going to do it, I think it'll be a great challenge:)

It does sound intriguing, will have to think about it. Having enough trouble finding books that would interest me for the yearly one on here. :) Even raided my sister's books last night, she thought i was weird checking where the authors lived before i checked the book. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha!! Good luck with it all Kylie... it's all a bit of a challenge, isn't it...lol

[Sharon]

Have finished 3 from my list:

1. Celebrate Australia : The Lost Stories by John Flanagan
2. Lighten the load : Ishmael and the return of the dugongs by Michael Gerard Bauer
3. Food! : undecided
4. Summer : undecided
5. Australia Day : The Night They Stormed Eureka by Dawn French
6. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras : In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
7. Christmas : A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
8. New Release : Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
9. Literature Map : The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan (had trouble deciding which author to put as favourite, ended up picking Cornelia Funke)
10. Valentine's Day :Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Sharon! Would you mind putting the links up for your books so we can all check them out! We all love to see what others are reading, and maybe we can get some hints for our own reading:) Thanks.