**Autumn Reading Challenge - 2012**

[[deleted user]]

Can we choose books already in our TBR shelf, or do we have to go looking for new ones?

[Maggi]

Here's the rest of mine:
Short story: The Right Man
TBR The Sense of an Ending
Easter: Finding Home

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Tanvi wrote: "Can we choose books already in our TBR shelf, or do we have to go looking for new ones?"

Ones already there Tanvi, oh I wouldn't ask you to add more in;D

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kim Marie wrote: "Now that's an impossible challenge Brenda!"

Haha!!I know, that's my downfall!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Maggi wrote: "Here's the rest of mine:
Short story: The Right Man
TBR The Sense of an Ending
Easter: Finding Home"

Looks good Maggi!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

1. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
3. Cloud Tea Monkeys by Mal Peet
4. Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
5. The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham
6. A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce
7. My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin
8. All Hail The New Puritans by Nicholas Blincoe
9. Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
10. The Easter Parade by Richard Yates

That's a fantastic list of books Tanvi...I've linked them to help the other members - just click, read the blurb, and maybe they'll choose them for their lists as well!!!

[[deleted user]]

Brenda wrote: "1. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
3. Cloud Tea Monkeys by Mal Peet
4. [book:A..."

Thanks, Brenda! A couple of them are definitely out of my comfort zone. Thanks for linking - I'll make sure to link next time.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Tanvi wrote: "Brenda wrote: "1. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
3. Cloud Tea Monkeys by [author:Mal Peet|200..."

You're very welcome:) It's good to go out of your comfort zone, isn't it....these challenges definitely help with that;D

[Sally906]

I have found another Easter themed book I read it a few years back - but may just reread it for #10

The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse by Robert Rankin

[Davina]

I'm having trouble with my list as I don't want to add anymore to my TBR list as I want to keep it achievable. So if anyone has time to look at my list of to reads and make suggestions that would be great.
St Patricks day: ?????
Labour Day:
Reduce: Beastly
Re use:
City of Ashes
Re cycle: Saving Francesca
Colours of Autumn: Red Riding Hood
INternational womans day: The Calling
Anthology: Many Bloody Returns
I stopped reading it so I'll just wait for Autumn to finish it.
Dragon; I'm using my daughters library book that she just borrowed from the library called "The dragon Festival" An Vrombaut
Easter

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Davina wrote: "I'm having trouble with my list as I don't want to add anymore to my TBR list as I want to keep it achievable. So if anyone has time to look at my list of to reads and make suggestions that would b..."

Saving Francesca could be used for Easter (family), Davina...do you have another from your TBR list you could borrow from the library as your 'recycle'?

Irish Girls Are Back in Town by Cecelia Ahern is perfect for St Patricks Day:)

Is that the only 2 you're having trouble with?

[Davina]

I just added the Cecelia Ahern books so I could do the challenge. I'm so bad. Unfortunately my library doesn't have it so I'm going to have to go The Time Of My Life.
I borrow most of my books from the library so basically my entire TBR list.
Thanks Brenda

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Davina wrote: "I just added the Cecelia Ahern books so I could do the challenge. I'm so bad. Unfortunately my library doesn't have it so I'm going to have to go The Time Of My Life.
..."

Can you get the library to get it in for you? You have plenty of time for it. There could be others there with Irish connections, but the fact that I hadn't read many of them made me unsure. Is there anything else you need help with?

[Davina]

So lets see we have
Easter: Saving Francesca
Recycle: Eighth Grade Bites
so that means I'm in for the challenge.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Davina wrote: "So lets see we have
Easter: Saving Francesca
Recycle: Eighth Grade Bites
so that means I'm in for the challenge."

With all the other ones you listed before, you most certainly are:) Plus your St Patrick's one:) Well done!!

[Davina]

Brenda wrote: "Davina wrote: "I just added the Cecelia Ahern books so I could do the challenge. I'm so bad. Unfortunately my library doesn't have it so I'm going to have to go [book:The Time Of My L..."

Thanks for your help. I hadn't thought to ask them to get it in. I think I finished picking your brain Brenda.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Davina wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Davina wrote: "I just added the Cecelia Ahern books so I could do the challenge. I'm so bad. Unfortunately my library doesn't have it so I'm going to have to go [book:T..."

LOL!! Feel free anytime:) (I often put a reserve on a book online from my library, and they get it in for me, then email me to let me know!..good luck with it)

[Sally906]

OK - all my list is in place now - just need March to start.

By the way - I have selected a childs Easter book for my easter theme - but am I right in thinking it could be a book about a family, not necesserily Easter themed?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sally906 wrote: "OK - all my list is in place now - just need March to start.

By the way - I have selected a childs Easter book for my easter theme - but am I right in thinking it could be a book about a family,..."

That's fine Sally, as long as it has something related to the suggestions there. Did you do your complete list here yet?
EDIT: I just went back and found it Sally, and it looks good:)

[Maggie]

Autumn starts with March right? So in a few days time? Cos I'm itching to read a few I've chosen.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sure does Maggie...2 more sleeps...lol

[Drew]

1. There You'll Find Me - Jenny B Jones

2. Lover Revealed - J.R.WARD - Ex- Homicide Cop

3. Pretties - Scott Westerfeld

4. Five on a Treasure Island - Enid Blyton

5. Lenobia's Vow - P.C & Kristin Cast

6. Circle of Fire - Keri Arthur

7. Wither - Lauren De Stafano -Not too sure about this but I really wanted to read a novel with a female protagonist that deals with issues facing women and their rights.

I have a lot of Net-Galley Kindle books to read this month as well as various other Library and TBR books of my own so let’s see how these go. Subject to change.
Blair

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks good Blair!

There You'll Find Me
Lover Revealed
Pretties
Five on a Treasure Island
Lenobia's Vow
Circle of Fire
Wither

[Sharon]

My Books for the Autumn Challenge:

1. St Patrick's Day by Justin Somper (1 of the lead characters is Irish)
2. Australian Labour Day by Posie Graeme Parker (about a girl orphaned at 13, pregnant at 15 who makes her way by becoming a dressmaker)
3. Reduce by Matthew Reilly
4. Re-Use Me by Katherine Hepburn (couldn't find link for this book, will try again later)
5. Recycle by Melina Marchetta
6. Colours of Autumn by Philippa Gregory
7.International Women's Day by Suzanne Collins
8. Short Story by R L Stevenson
9. Chinese Year of The Dragon The Cardinal's Blade by Pierre Pevel (cannot find link will try again later)
10. Easter by Roald Dahl.

[Kylie]

1. Irish Author/Character/Ireland: The Sealed Letter By Emma Donoghue
2. Working Class Character: Maid - The Help By Kathryn Stockett By Ransom Riggs
4. Reread a favorite: Kaleidoscope By Danielle Steel
5. Library Book: Damaged By Cathy Glass 4 stars 3/03/2012
6. Has Red/Gold/Brown/Orange/Yellow in title - Red: Blood Red Road By Moira Young
7. Strong Female Character - : Catching Fire 5 stars 19/03/2012
8. Short Story - A Piece of Time By Traci Harding
9. Reference/character of a dragon in it or on cover - Eragon: Eragon By Christopher Paolini
10. Easter theme: Ogres Don't Hunt Easter Eggs By Debbie Dadey 3 stars 14/03/2012


]

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists Sharon and Kylie:)

[Louise]

My gosh! I have been so busy burning the candle at all three ends lately, that I realised I haven't even posted my reading list! It's not complete (and subject to change without notice) but here it is:

1. St Patrick's Day - In the Woods by Tana French.
2. Australian Labour Day - TBA
3. REDUCE - Read a book from your TBR shelf Babylon by Viktor Pelevin
4. RE-USE - Re-read an old favourite Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
5. RECYCLE - Read any book from the library Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann
6. Colours of Autumn - The Golden Ass by Lucius Apuleius ; translated by Robert Graves.
7. International Womans Day 8th March - The Curse of the Pharaohsby Elizabeth Peters
8. The days are getting shorter - TBA
9. Chinese Year of the Dragon - Bones of the Dragon by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
10. Easter 6th - 9th April - TBA

[Deb]

I am not going to finish this challenge in time but I was really surprised to see how well I did.... I did pick some mammoth books! anyway I will continue reading until I have read all of the books I picked. I will probably finish The Memory Keepers Daughter in time which will be one more, giving me a total of 7/10 - better than last year anyway.

St. Patrick's Day Labour Day (teacher)

Reduce (TBR) - finished
Reuse finished
Recycle finished

Autumn colours finished
International Womens Day finished

Short story: We were from the Mountains (Kate Morton)finished
Chinese Year of the Dragon
Easter (family) - currently reading

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists Louise and Deb:)

[Bronwyn]

Here are my choice of books so far for this 3 month challenge.

1. St Patrick's Day - Lilac Bus by Maeve Binchy
2. Australian Labour Day – How about a dog breeder – Celebration by Fern Michaels 3* audio 14/03/12
It's Clean up Australia Day 4th March:
3. REDUCE – Donovan's Bed by Debra Mullins 4* 17/03/12
4. RE-USE - The Innocent by Harlan Corben - audio
5. RECYCLE – Always the Vampire by Nancy Haddock (library book) - 3* 10/04/12

6. Colours of Autumn - by Craig Silvey 3* 12/03/12

7. International Womans Day 8th March - The Promise: An Italian Romance by Lisa Clifford - 5* 24/03/12

8. The days are getting shorter - Dublin 4 by Maeve Binchy - 2* audio 13/04/12

9. Chinese Year of the Dragon - Dragon Actually by GA Aitken

10. Easter 6th - 9th April - Read a book depicting the origin of Easter; The Easter Story by Anita Ganeri - 3* 10/04/12

[Lesley]

7. Half Broke Horses A very strong woman indeed in this fast-paced story based on the tough life of the author's grandmother on Arizona ranches. I really liked the dry humour, sense of adventure and life lessons scattered throughout. 4.5 stars.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lesley wrote: "7. Half Broke Horses A very strong woman indeed in this fast-paced story based on the tough life of the author's grandmother on Arizona ranches. I really liked the dry humour, sense ..."

Finished one already Lesley!! Well done:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bronwyn wrote: "Here are my choice of books so far for this 3 month challenge.

1. St Patrick's Day - Irish author, character or set in Ireland – Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning
2. Australian Lab..."

Looking good Bronwyn!

[Jessy]

I have started the Autumn Reading Challange with



I have been enjoying it but the thing of it is, is its meant to be a twist on Beauty and the Beast which is all fine but, I had in mind Walt Disney's Beauty and the Beast but I think it must be more closely aligned to the Brothers Grimm fairytale. So I have a feeling I am missing alot of the points of the plot because I am not familiar with the Grimm fairytale.

It's very heavy in the fantasy arena which isn't usually my scene either but its been enjoyable I just wish I knew the Grimms version of Beauty and the Beast better.

[Janine]

I have just finished my first book for this challenge written by an Irish author and based in Ireland although it could have been based anywhere. Found it ok with a very different concept but only gave it 3*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Jessy and Janine:)

[Jessy]

Have not longed finished gave it 3 *'s because as nice as the story was I couldn't quite get right into it felt like I was outside looking in rather then being part of the story. Nice story though and if you are into Fantasy you would probably enjoy it alot more then I did.

[Irina]

Just finished my number one , quite liked it. Started for Australian Labour day (one of the main characters is a teacher).

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Mountain_goat:)

[Lesley]

Have finished #5 The Teahouse Fire but it was a struggle. IMO there was no character development so I felt nothing towards them. There was intricate detail on the tea ceremony and old Kyoto so I do understand the positive reviews. Only 2 stars from me though.

[Jessy]

Have read my second reading challange book. I gave it Quick sweet read. Uncomplicated boy meets girl, boy saves girl and live happily ever after lol What can I say I am such a sucker for a happy ending :oP hehehe

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha!! Well done Jessy:D Cute, as usual!!

[Davina]

Have finished two of my books for this challenge and have to say am pretty pleased with myself. The first one was COLOURS OF AUTUMN Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright I'm not going to put the link to my review because I couldn't articulate my feeling about the book properly but I did enjoy it even though they spoilt it by having to go online for an extra chapter.
The second one I enjoyed was the ANTHOLOGIES I read Many Bloody Returns . Here is the link to my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....
Very short as usual as I'm scared of putting spoilers in.

[Adhityani]

Top job, Davina! I left a comment on your review... The anthology sounds like the perfect gift for a bestie.

[Adhityani]

Started my Autumn challenge with Cleopatra by Pulitzer prize winning biographer Stacy Schiff - eloquent narration that casts light (and in part, imagination) ino the gaps of ancient history. Thi book attempts to set the record straight, debunk the myth of Cleopatra the Seductress and instead seeks to establish her as the strong and intelligent at times scrupulous ruler of Egypt in its final glory era.

[Dee-Ann]

Lesley wrote: "7. Half Broke Horses A very strong woman indeed in this fast-paced story based on the tough life of the author's grandmother on Arizona ranches. I really liked the dry humour, sense ..."

Lesley, Have you read The Glass Castlewhich was written before HBH is set after HBH (bit like the StarWars saga)based on the author's life. This was one of my favourite books back in 2010 ... truly amazing and almost unbelievable story.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my first for this challenge Reunion in Death (Roarke is Irish) Review is here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I have started my recycle (library) title Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. Haven't read much yet, but enjoying it so far!

[Adhityani]

Dee-Ann wrote: "Lesley wrote: "7. Half Broke Horses A very strong woman indeed in this fast-paced story based on the tough life of the author's grandmother on Arizona ranches. I really liked the dry..."

Lesley, I highly recommend The Glass Castle, too! HBH in my TBR list now :)

[Maggie]

Dee-Ann wrote: "Lesley wrote: "7. Half Broke Horses A very strong woman indeed in this fast-paced story based on the tough life of the author's grandmother on Arizona ranches. I really liked the dry..."

i agree - The Glass Castle was fantastic

[Lesley]

Read #6 and gave it only 1 star. A dull read.