**Winter Reading Challenge - 2012**

[Maggie]

Just finished Icebound. Even though it is written by Dean Koontz don't think horror, think Alistair MacLean - submarines, scientists, bombs, icebergs.

I'm just about to begin Swift, and as Swift is my last name I hope it proves to be a good story.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Maggie wrote: "Just finished Icebound. Even though it is written by Dean Koontz don't think horror, think Alistair MacLean - submarines, scientists, bombs, icebergs.

I'm just about to begin Swift, and as Swift i..."

Thanks Maggie...loved Alistair MacLean all those years ago..had all of his books at one time:) I've added it to my TBR list!

[Norain]

I wanted to join last May but I was sick and had to be hospitalised for quite some times :( Guess I will do a challenge in July.

[Louise]

I've finished my 3rd book #9 Winter is Coming with Ice by Louis Nowra. 3 Stars.

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Norain MT wrote: "I wanted to join last May but I was sick and had to be hospitalised for quite some times :( Guess I will do a challenge in July."

Hope you're well again now Norain. Maybe you could just do a few of the winter challenge, just what you feel up to? Or the June challenge?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Louise wrote: "I've finished my 3rd book #9 Winter is Coming with Ice by Louis Nowra. 3 Stars.

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

Doing well Louise:)

[Christy]

I've finished my 2nd...Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James. Not as good as the 2nd in the series but an easy read! It's marked for July so guess I'm just ahead of the game!

Started Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons today!!

[Mish]

Christy wrote: "I've finished my 2nd...Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James. Not as good as the 2nd in the series but an easy read! It's marked for July so guess I'm just ahead of the game!

Started Angry Housewives..."

Well done Christy :)

[Rhiannon]

Norain MT wrote: "I wanted to join last May but I was sick and had to be hospitalised for quite some times :( Guess I will do a challenge in July."

I agree with Brenda, Norain, it's all about having fun comparing our thoughts about what we are reading with the group! :) If you do feel like you're up to joining in you shouldn't feel like it's not possible, as I am pretty sure it's more about enjoying the process of reading rather than how much you read throughout the season :):)

[Ben]

6. Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey
10. A Murder of Quality by John le Carré

Long weekend means another one bites the dust. This one was fantastic, a very strongly research-based overview of how exercise can impact the brain when it comes to learning, mood and anxiety disorders, attention and aging.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Rhiannon wrote: "Norain MT wrote: "I wanted to join last May but I was sick and had to be hospitalised for quite some times :( Guess I will do a challenge in July."

I agree with Brenda, Norain, it's all about havi..."

Well put Rhiannon, thank you:)

[Sabina]

I finished my 2nd yesterday, Dead Until Dark and have now started my 3rd, The Immortal Rules.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Sabina:)

[Bron]

Finally I am getting to posting my list for the challenge!

1. Possession by AS Byatt
Titus Andronicus - Shakespeare
Jimmy the Hand - Raymond E Feist
2. Of a Boy, Sonya Hartnett
3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven -Mitch Albom
4. The Cobra Fredrick Forsyth
5. The Red House - Mark Haddon
6. Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend - Matthew Green
7. The Empty Family: Stories Colm Toibin
8. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
9. A Clash of Kings (A song of fire and ice #2)
10 The Redeemer- Jo Nesbo

See how far I get but enjoying getting stuck into both number 1 and 9 so far.

[Sharon]

I have finished my second book for this challenge The Children of Green Knowe by L M Boston.
Sally you asked me to let you know what I thought of it: I really enjoyed it and hope to read the other books in the series in the near future. My review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Mish]

Sharon wrote: "I have finished my second book for this challenge The Children of Green Knowe by L M Boston.
Sally you asked me to let you know what I thought of it: I really enjoyed it and hope to read the othe..."

Sharon, that's the link to the book - I've attached your review here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Mish]

Bron wrote: "Finally I am getting to posting my list for the challenge!

1. Possession by AS Byatt
Titus Andronicus - Shakespeare
Jimmy the Hand - Raymond E Feist
2. Of a Boy, Sonya Hartnett
3. The Five Peo..."

Of a boy & The Red House: A Novel

Great list Bron!
Also I found the books for you - they were hard to find though :)

[Sharon]

Mish wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I have finished my second book for this challenge The Children of Green Knowe by L M Boston.
Sally you asked me to let you know what I thought of it: I really enjoyed it and hope t..."

Thanks Mish. I'm new at writing reviews and still learning how to post links. I'll edit my post to fix it.

[Mish]

You're welcome :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bron wrote: "Finally I am getting to posting my list for the challenge!

1. Possession by AS Byatt
Titus Andronicus - Shakespeare
Jimmy the Hand - Raymond E Feist
2. Of a Boy, Sonya Hartnett
3. The Five Peo..."

Great list Bron!

[Bronwyn]

Louise wrote: "I've sorted my list:

1. One TBR per month:
The Rise and Fall of Thomas Cromwell: Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant by John Schofield
Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts
Valley of Silence ..."

Hi Louise

You have some good choices in here. The Nora Roberts books are a great read and so was The Slap. Happy Reading

[Bronwyn]

Michael wrote: "I've still got too many I still need to decide on to post my list :("

I think it is quite a challenge putting the list together for these challenges

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bronwyn wrote: "Michael wrote: "I've still got too many I still need to decide on to post my list :("

I think it is quite a challenge putting the list together for these challenges"

Yes, but that's half the fun IMO:D

[Bronwyn]

There are some really good lists here, I will hopefully be able to steal an idea for the new release book (if I get around to reading that one) from someone's list. I have managed to read 3 books from my list so far.

A Rose in Winter

Bluebird Winter

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bronwyn wrote: "There are some really good lists here, I will hopefully be able to steal an idea for the new release book (if I get around to reading that one) from someone's list. I have managed to read 3 books ..."

Well done Bronwyn!

[[deleted user]]

1. Picnic at Hanging Rock 2.5 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
The Space Between
Ordeal by Innocence

2. The Burning Bridge
3. A Game of Thrones (currently reading)
4. They Came on Viking Ships 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
5. TBA
6. House Rules
7.
8. Macbeth and Son
9. Shiver
10.Death of a Gossip

I'm currently reading A Game of Thrones and I'm up to page 64 or there abouts. So far I find it a bit slow because there is so many characters but interesting.

[Ben]

Mickey wrote: "I'm currently reading A Game of Thrones and I'm up to page 64 or there abouts. So far I find it a bit slow because there is so many characters but interesting."

Stick with it, its a brilliant series.

[Davina]

Finished my second book for this challenge and it was my June choice from my TBR list Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs, She Thinks I'm A Piano Player In A Whorehouse by Paul Carter. I gave it four stars even though some of it horrified me. It was a recommendation from one of my husbands work mates and my husband enjoyed it too. Here is my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

[Sabina]

I finished my 3rd yesterday,The Immortal Rules and have now started my 4th, The Hunt. I'm starting the 4th a little earlier then July but I really feel like reading it before any of the others.

[Trina]

I seem to have hit a reading slump. Currently reading Good Omens which is just a general TBR on my list. I just can't seem to get in to it. I just think the writing style isn't for me. Hopefully everyone else is enjoying their books!

[Maggie]

Had to abandon my summery cover book Iris And Ruby after 100 pages 'cos I just couldnt get into it.

Have chosen instead Black Narcissus by one of my favourite authors, Rumer Godden. I read it years ago, so it's time for another read.

[Lesley]

Last night finished my second book #1 'You'll Never Take Me Alive': The Life And Death Of Bushranger Ben Hall. Ben Hall dashing across Central Western NSW. I loved it. 5 stars.

[Trina]

Finally finished my second, Good Omens. I rated it three stars as it was witty and funny and easy to read, but I just don't think the humour genre is for me.

[Mish]

Everyone is doing so well :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brilliant reading everyone!!

[Maggie]

As I'm thinking of seeing the film this evening, I read The Woman in Black this afternoon. 4 stars. Good building of atmosphere, quick read. Needs to be read in one sitting to get the full effect, but this can easily be done as it is hardly more than a novella.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I finished #3 Pick a Friend (thanks Mish) Jasper Jones..my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

and #4 Literature Map (Lisa Gardner) The Alibi Man by Tami Hoag..my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Maggie wrote: "As I'm thinking of seeing the film this evening, I read The Woman in Black this afternoon. 4 stars. Good building of atmosphere, quick read. Needs to be read in one sitting to get the full effect, ..."

Good that you enjoyed it Maggie...I have it at home to read! Enjoy the movie:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

My updated list:

1. TBR list:
- June A Devil is Waiting by Jack Higgins ★★★★
- July Seduction in Death by J.D. Robb
- August Victims by Jonathan Kellerman

2. Aussie author with Aussie landscape/locale:
Scared Yet? by Jaye Ford ★★★★★

3. Pick a friend, choose a book - I chose Mish, and she's read:
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey ★★★★★

4. Literature Map - I chose Lisa Gardner and came up with Tami Hoag, so my title is:
The Alibi Man ★★★★★

5. New Release for Winter:
Tuesday's Gone by Nicci French (released 25/7) My review will be closer to release date:) ★★★★

6. Winter Blues - read a book on mental health:
The Boy Who Fell to Earth by Kathy Lette (thanks Sally)

7. Warm summery cover:
Catch Me by Lisa Gardner

8. International Children's Day - YA or kid's book:
Code by Kathy Reichs (to be published August 2012)

9. Winter is coming - word in title:
Stone Cold by David Baldacci

10. Chills or COZY mystery: My cozy mystery:
Doll House by Anya Allyn ★★★★★


All subject to change of course;D

[[deleted user]]

Maggie wrote: "As I'm thinking of seeing the film this evening, I read The Woman in Black this afternoon. 4 stars. Good building of atmosphere, quick read. Needs to be read in one sitting to get the full effect, ..."

I really want to buy the book and read it. I went to the movies with two friends to see it without knowing that it was originally a book and the movie was quite good. (except that one of my friends kept screaming in my ear!) So if you get really scared easily or you're going with friends who get scared easily I wouldn't recommend going.

[Trina]

I missed seeing The Woman In Black because it was only at my cinema for two weeks, and my friend told me it was scary, and as I particularly do not like scary movies, I didn't want to go alone. I'll just have to get it on DVD when it comes out and hope that I don't frighten myself too much with it!

I picked up The Mindful Way Through Depression (my mental health read) today, after months of just letting it sit on my shelf. I'm glad I did, and Louise, I'd recommend this one to you, if you're thinking of finding a book for the mental health one (I remember you said you didn't want to be made to feel worse with a book about mental health).

[Davina]

Just finished my 3rd book An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris.

[Mish]

Brenda wrote: "I finished #3 Pick a Friend (thanks Mish) Jasper Jones..my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

and #4 Literature Map (Lisa Gardner) The Alibi Man by Tami Hoag..my review http://w..."

You're welcome Brenda. I'm so glad you liked it :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mish wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished #3 Pick a Friend (thanks Mish) Jasper Jones..my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

and #4 Literature Map (Lisa Gardner) The Alibi Man by Tami Hoag..my ..."

:) Not as rapt in That Deadman Dance, but I'm not far in yet!

[Mish]

Brenda wrote: "Mish wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished #3 Pick a Friend (thanks Mish) Jasper Jones..my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

and #4 Literature Map (Lisa Gardner) The Alibi Man by T..."

Nah neither was I. Style of writing was a little too creative for my liking. Found it hard to follow the storyline.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mish wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Mish wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I finished #3 Pick a Friend (thanks Mish) Jasper Jones..my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

and #4 Literature Map (Lisa Gardner) The..."

It's a little difficult without the 'he said, she said' all the way through! But I'll persevere, for now anyway!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kellyanne wrote: "Coming into this a little late, but should be able to get some of these under my belt at least:
(3 books off TBR list)
Kitchen, Banana Yokoyama
The Sea, John Banville
Crash, J.G. Ballard
(Aussie b..."

Kitchen
Novels by John Banville: The Sea, the Untouchable, Ghosts, the Book of Evidence, Shroud
Crash
Under The Skin
Delta of Venus
Tropic of Cancer
Shadow of Night
The Yellow Wall-Paper

The Mystery at Bob-White Cave
Wintersmith
The Light at the End

Better late than never Kellyanne! Good luck:)

[Sabina]

My Updated list:

1. TBR list:
- Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyer ★★★
- The Hunt - Andrew Kukuda ★★★
- Storm - Brigid Kemmerer ★★★★★
2. Aussie author with Aussie landscape/locale:
Mercy - Rebecca Lim ★★★★★
3. Pick a friend, choose a book:
Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris ★★★★
4. Literature Map:
(Put in Charlaine Harris) Guilty Pleasures - Linda Hamilton ★
5. New Release for Winter:
Throne of Glass - Sarah J Maas
6. Winter Blues - read a book on mental health:
Still Alice - Lisa Genova
7. Warm summery cover:
Fated- Alyson Noel
8. International Children's Day - YA or kid's book:
The Immortal Rules - Julie Kagawa ★★★★★
9. Winter is coming - word in title:
Stormdancer - Jay Kristoff
10. Chills or COZY mystery:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson


I just finished The Hunt (3 out of 5, review to come) and I'm not sure which I'm going to read next. I've just realised I haven't read my books for the June challenge so I might do that first.

[Trina]

My updated list!

1.
- The Gunslinger by Stephen King
- Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchet 3/5
- Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne 5/5

2. Tomorrow When The War Began by John Marsden (technically a reread but I haven't read it since highschool) The World Beneath by Cate Kennedy

3.Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (on my friend Tyler's list) 4/5

4.Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (searched Jodi Picoult)

5.Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (due out July 15)

6.The Mindful Way Through Depression by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zin (I started this a long time ago, it's about time I finished it) I've started this one again.

7.Life of Pi by Yann Martel (cover picture of a boat on the ocean) 5/5

8. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

9.Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire)

10.Misery by Stephen King

[Robin]

Brenda wrote: "Maggie wrote: "As I'm thinking of seeing the film this evening, I read The Woman in Black this afternoon. 4 stars. Good building of atmosphere, quick read. Needs to be read in one sitting to get th..."

Saw the live show version of this .... very good...