**Winter Reading Challenge - 2012**

[Lesley]

My #7 Summer read was great. 5 stars.

[Sabina]

I've finished my 5th book, Mercy by Rebecca Lim (review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...). I'm starting Storm by Brigid Kemmerer now.

[Nicola]

Update to my reading....
1. 1421: The Year China Discovered America / >Gavin Menzies
2. The Light Between Oceans / M.L. Stedman
3. A Short History of the World / H. G. Wells
4. Stranger In A Strange Land / Heinlein Ra
5. Home From the Sea / Mercedes Lackey
6. The Woman Who Changed Her Brain: Stories of Transformation from the Frontier of Brain Science / Barbara Arrowsmith-Young
7.
8. The Cartographer / Peter Twohig
9. The Chocolate Snowman Murders / JoAnna Carl
10. Death By Water / Kerry Greenwood

[Lesley]

Last night I finished All Quiet on the Western Front, my #3 read. An important read. 4 stars.

[Maggie]

Here is my progress:
July = Chill Factor 2 STARS.
August = The Woman in Black 4 STARS
2. Aussie locale:Red Queen CURRENTLY READING
5. New Release: Swift READ 1& 1/2 STARS
7. Warm summer cover: Iris And Ruby ABANDONED AND REPLACED WITH
Black NarcissusCURRENTLY READING
9. Winter title:Icebound READ 4 STARS

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

My list after I just finished #7:

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 ★★★★★

I am keen to start my July one in my TBR list of #1...only a few days:)

[Sabina]

I've finished Storm by Brigid Kemmerer ★★★★★ (Review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... )
I'm starting Cry Wolf now.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Storm - great review!
Cry Wolf (is that the correct one Sabina?)

[Ben]

1a. June TBR
The Nerdist Way: How to Reach the Next Level (in Real Life) by Chris Hardwick ★★★★
6. Winter Blues
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey ★★★★★
10. Chills down your spine
A Murder of Quality by John le Carré ★★★

[[deleted user]]

1. Picnic at Hanging Rock 2.5 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
The Space Between (halfway through)
Alanna 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)

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. Pennies for Hitler
6. House Rules
7.
8. Macbeth and Son
9. Shiver
10. The Woman In Black 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)

[Sabina]

Brenda wrote: "Storm - great review!
Cry Wolf (is that the correct one Sabina?)"

Yeah, sorry I linked in my updated list (p5) and forgot it here.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sabina wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Storm - great review!
Cry Wolf (is that the correct one Sabina?)"

Yeah, sorry I linked in my updated list (p5) and forgot it here."

That's ok, thanks Sabina:)

[Trina]

Finished my summery cover read; Life of Pi. It was amazing, a really great story. That's my fourth book done.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trina wrote: "Finished my summery cover read; Life of Pi. It was amazing, a really great story. That's my fourth book done."

Well done Trina! I've had this one to read for ages, but with the varying reviews, I haven't started it yet!

[Trina]

I seem to have developed a habit of buying a lot of popular novels and classics just because they're popular, and usually without any idea of what they're actually about. I haven't really found any that I haven't liked yet, which is good. I picked this one up second hand cause I'd heard it was good, and it seemed to be one of those books that everyone had read. I'm glad I did, I really enjoyed this one. Hopefully all the "good" books are like that!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Trina, I'll have to give it a go!!

[Deb]

Have to agree with you Trina about 'Life of Pi'. The story is so unusual. When I thought it couldn't get any more interesting, the author would throw in something else that would surprise me. Great read.

Are they making a movie of 'Life of Pi'? Anyone know?

[Michael]

Comes out in October, I think

[Lesley]

Suite Française was my fifth book for this challenge #1 TBR. 4 stars.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Lesley!

[Trina]

I just ordered Deborah Harkness's Shadow of Night. It's due out July 10, so if anybody else was planning to read it and hasn't ordered it yet, it's available. I got mine at Booktopia. (Also, if anyone was wondering, you can now preorder Rowling's new one, The Casual Vacancy, although it doesn't come out until September. Just thought I'd add that in here too, in case anyone was interested. I know I'll be getting it!)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trina wrote: "I just ordered Deborah Harkness's Shadow of Night. It's due out July 10, so if anybody else was planning to read it and hasn't ordered it yet, it's available. I got mine of Booktopia. (Also, if any..."

Thanks for that information Trina...good to know:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my July book of the TBR section... Seduction in Death review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Also finished #9...Winter is coming...Stone Cold by David Baldacci. Review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[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 ★★★

7. Warm summery cover:
Catch Me by Lisa Gardner ★★★★★

8. International Children's Day - YA or kid's book:
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold ★★★★

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 ★★★★★

[Melanie]

1. Read one per month from your TBR list (total of 3)...
1. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson 10/6/12
2. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris 1/7/12
3. Bloody Valentine by James Patterson 24/6/12

2. Read an Aussie authors book or books with an Aussie landscape/locale in it.
The Slap.

3. Pick a friend from your GR list, then select and read a book they have read.
I chose my friend Beth who is a fellow Australian member and I chose 22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson 29/6/12.

4. Choose a favourite author, head to the Literature Map, type in the authors name, then read a book by the author closest to your fav!!
Phillipa Gregory is a favourite of mine and the search recommended:
The Plantation by Di Morrissey

5. Choose a New Release which will be out somewhere in the 3 month period of Winter... either purchase, or borrow from the library and enjoy!
Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

6. WINTER BLUES! Find a book related to mental health in some way (non fiction, memoir, fiction) to help us all expand our understanding.
Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen 3/7/12

7. Find a book with a warm, summery cover to give you the illusion of cosy in winter!
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins 24/6/12

8. It's International Children's Day on the 13th of June... Why not find a YA novel or a picture book to read?
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins 18/6/12

9."Winter is Coming" Read a book with a word associated with WINTER in the title...ice, cold, snow, rain, wind...
Ice Station by Matthew Reilly

10. Read a horror/murder/thriller, something that sends CHILLS down your spine!! OR Snuggle up with a COZY mystery...
Private Games by James Patterson 13/6/12

[[deleted user]]

1. Picnic at Hanging Rock 2.5 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
The Space Between 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
Alanna 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)

2. The Burning Bridge(currently reading)
3. The Cardinal's Blades
4. They Came on Viking Ships 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
5. Pennies for Hitler
6. Of Mice and Men(currently reading)
7. 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
8. Macbeth and Son 4 stars (review: COMING SOON)
9. A Game of Thrones (A Song Of Ice and Fire) (currently reading)
10. The Woman In Black 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mickey wrote: "1.
Picnic at Hanging Rock
2.5 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
The Space Between (very interesting, not as good as The Replacement though)

Alanna
4 stars..."

Looking good Mickey!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

My updated list after finishing #8, The Lovely Bones my review here http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

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:
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold ★★★★

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 ★★★★★

[Sharon]

My update:

1. TBR list:
- The Ruby in the Smokeby Phillip Pullman 4 stars finished 15th June
- When Gods Die by C S Harris 4 stars finished 16th June
- City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

2. Aussie author with Aussie landscape/locale:
The Invadersby John Flanagan 4 stars finished 17th June

3. Pick a friend, choose a book - I chose Abby, and she's read:
The Alchemist in the Shadows by Pierre Pevel

4. Literature Map - I chose Agatha Christie and came up with PD James Death Comes to Pemberley 3 stars finished 4th June

5. New Release for Winter: Pennies for Hitler by Jackie French release date 1st June 2012


6. Winter Blues - read a book on mental health:
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

7. Warm summery cover:
by Michael Gerard Bauer 4 stars finished 29th June

8. International Children's Day - YA or kid's book:
The Children of Green Knowe by L M Boston 4stars finished 5th June

9. Winter is coming - word in title:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

10. Chills or COZY mystery: My cozy mystery:
The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side by Agatha Christie

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "My update:

1. TBR list:
- The Ruby in the Smokeby Phillip Pullman 4 stars finished 15th June
- When Gods Die by C S Harris 4 stars finished 16th June
- City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

..."

Doing well Sharon!

[Lesley]

Recently finished my sixth book, #10 (murder) The Stranger. 2 stars.

[Ben]

1a. June TBR
The Nerdist Way: How to Reach the Next Level (in Real Life) by Chris Hardwick ★★★★
5. New Release
Redshirts by John Scalzi ★★
6. Winter Blues
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey ★★★★★
10. Chills down your spine
A Murder of Quality by John le Carré ★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Ben, it's looking good:)

[Ben]

Brenda wrote: "Well done Ben, it's looking good:)"

Cheers! Slowly chipping away at the challenge. I'm nearly done with another as well.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ben wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Well done Ben, it's looking good:)"

Cheers! Slowly chipping away at the challenge. I'm nearly done with another as well."

Great!

[[deleted user]]

Finished Smoulder (or The Space Between--> alternative title) and Alanna
The Space Between 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
Alanna 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)

[Ben]

1a. June TBR
The Nerdist Way: How to Reach the Next Level (in Real Life) by Chris Hardwick ★★★★
4. Literature Map - Michael Chabon
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole ★
5. New Release
Redshirts by John Scalzi ★★
6. Winter Blues
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey ★★★★★
10. Chills down your spine
A Murder of Quality by John le Carré ★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Mickey and Ben:)

[Mish]

Yes Well done to you both :)

I better get a move on....I'm falling a bit behind lol

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mish wrote: "Yes Well done to you both :)

I better get a move on....I'm falling a bit behind lol"

How many have you read Mish? We still have about 6 weeks to go;)

[Mish]

Brenda I've only read 2 from this list...lol

Talulla Rising and Darkness, Be My Friend

I'm trying to catch up on my Aussie Author challenge & Horror challenge :)

[Louise]

I've finished my literary map book - Neuromancer by William Gibson. 4 stars! It was a bit difficult to get in to, but once over the 'hump' it was enjoyable. I'd never heard of cyberpunk before, but I suspect I've read it more than just this once.

[Michael]

I do like a good cyberpunk novel :)

[Christy]

I've got a TON of catching up to do!!! Was doing so well, then the hubby decided to move us back to the US, but low and behold, after being here only 8 days, we have tickets to return to Oz July 25th!! So I'll be reading Prisoner of Heaven - my new release when I pick it up from the library tomorrow, then finish Doll House (thanks for the recommendation) and Angry Housewives. Good thing we've got a 26 hour flight plan to get me reading!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christy wrote: "I've got a TON of catching up to do!!! Was doing so well, then the hubby decided to move us back to the US, but low and behold, after being here only 8 days, we have tickets to return to Oz July 2..."

Wow Christy, that's a major upheaval for you!!! Good luck with settling back in (and welcome back...lol) Enjoy your reading on the flight!

[Maggie]

Finished Never Let Me Go, 4 stars.

Still have a few to read:
4. Literature Map - Marion Zimmer Bradley took me to Charles de Lint
The Wild Wood
6. Mental health - The Buddha and the Borderline: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder through Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Buddhism, and Online Dating
8. YA - The Storyteller
10. Horror Spooky - The Haunting of Hill House

[Louise]

Can I include The Boy Who Fell to Earth by Kathy Lette as #6 Mental Health? I know I said I wouldn't read anything for that one, but this book was recommended. Although it's about a boy with autism/aspergers, the mother is having serious mental health issues too.

[Mish]

Louise wrote: "Can I include The Boy Who Fell to Earth by Kathy Lette as #6 Mental Health? I know I said I wouldn't read anything for that one, but this book was recommended. Although it's about a boy with autism..."

Yes you can Louise....I think Brenda is reading that for #6 as well

[Louise]

Mish wrote: Yes you can Louise....I think Brenda is reading that for #6 as well..."

Excellent! Thanks. :)