**Winter Reading Challenge - 2012**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Louise, that's a big one!

[Mish]

Louise wrote: "I've finished #2 The Slap. 3 Stars."

Yes well done Louise...that's not an easy book to read

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I'm half way through my last book for this challenge:) My August TBR Victims by Jonathan Kellerman:)

[Sabina]

Oh it's been a while since I finished a book for this challenge. Too many new books keep getting in my way ;) I had to change a couple of my original choices to match what I have to get through (like the winter one, and the new release).

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'm not sure if I'll get to read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I'm currently reading One Breath Away. Does anyone mind if I use that as the mystery book instead?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks fantastic Sabina...and of course you can use One Breath Away for your mystery. I can't wait to get to that one!

[Christy]

I finished #4 Doll House by Anya Allyn - CREEPY!!!!
Just got Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bonsand will pick up where I left off! I'm on a roll!!! :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christy wrote: "Ok, so I finished #4 Doll House by Anya Allyn"

Your thoughts Christy?

[Christy]

I did really enjoy it, although I'm not sure I'd be interested in a trilogy of it based on how it ended. Who knows, maybe I'll keep up with them. It was really a page turner!! I'm just glad most of it was read during the daylight! :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christy wrote: "I did really enjoy it, although I'm not sure I'd be interested in a trilogy of it based on how it ended. Who knows, maybe I'll keep up with them. It was really a page turner!! I'm just glad most..."

Glad you enjoyed it, I'm interested to see the next one:)

[Trina]

Another 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. 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) 5/5

6.The Mindful Way Through Depression by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zin 4/5 review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

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

8. Paper Towns by John Green 5/5

9.Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire) (currently reading, about half way through)

10.Misery by Stephen King 4/5

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Not many left now Trina:) You'll do it!

[Trina]

I hope so Brenda!

[[deleted user]]

My update:

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 Great Gatsby 3.5 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
4. They Came on Viking Ships 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
5. Pennies for Hitler
6. Of Mice and Men 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
7. 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
8. Macbeth and Son 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
9. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
10. The Woman In Black 4 stars (review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)

I'll continue reading A Game of Thrones but not for this challenge.

[Amber]

Hi all, just a question, if I don't like one of the books on my list, can I stop reading it and choose another that fits the theme?

[Michael]

Go for it! I've done that before

[Lesley]

Birdsong: A Novel of Love and War was my #6 mental health read. A great book, which I have now managed to finish before the second episode of the mini-series screens on Sunday night.

[Louise]

I've finally found a book for #7 Summery Cover: The Red Queen by Margaret Drabble


Eeek! I've still got 4.5 books to go (1/2 way through #1.3)!! I'm also not sure if I can get hold of 2 of my choices. :( Here's hoping I can make a strong finish!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Hi all, just a question, if I don't like one of the books on my list, can I stop reading it and choose another that fits the theme?"

Most definitely...I think we have all done that in the past:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Louise wrote: "I've finally found a book for #7 Summery Cover: The Red Queen by Margaret Drabble


Eeek! I've still got 4.5 books to go (1/2 way through #1.3)!! I'm also not sure if I can..."

Good luck Louise...you'll do it!!

PS: Sorry about the wrong pick up of your book!! I wish they'd fix that bug, it's very disconcerting!!!

[Lesley]

Louise, I have The Red Queen on my bookshelf and will probably read it when I finish my current read Sarah Thornhill, so I will be interested in your thoughts. The cover is lovely too, I think.

[Louise]

Lesley wrote: "Louise, I have The Red Queen on my bookshelf and will probably read it when I finish my current read Sarah Thornhill, so I will be interested in your thoughts. The cover is lovely too, I think."

My mother has just read it, and enjoyed it! I know some of the reviews on Goodreads aren't very hopeful - but I'm going with her recommendation. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

My completed list: Finished my final read Victims. My review is 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 ★★★

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 ★★★★★

[Lesley]

Wow Brenda, so many 4 & 5 star reads. Looks like you had an enjoyable challenge and finished early. Congrats.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Lesley, yes I did enjoy the challenge:)

[Amber]

Michael wrote: "Go for it! I've done that before"
Brenda wrote: "Most definitely...I think we have all done that i..."

Thanks :-) Well, here's my list to date, only three to go!

1. TBR list:
June – Foal's Bread by Gillian Mears ★★★
July – The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon★★★
August – The Mother's Group by Fiona Higgins

2. Aussie author with Aussie landscape/locale:
On The Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta★★★★★

3. From a GR friend's shelf:
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell★★★

4. Literature Map (Rohinton Mistry):
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahari

5. Winter New Release:
The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon★★★

6. Winter Blues/mental health:
I found a good mental health book for young children the other day so I'm going to list
Relax by Catherine O'Neill ★★★
But if I've got time I'd still like to read An Angel At My Table by Janet Frame

7. Warm summery cover:
The Life by Malcolm Knox

8. YA novel or a picture book for International Children's Day:
I read plenty of these already but I chose Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, unfortunately I just couldn't get into it. So instead:
The Illustrated Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett★★★★★

9."Winter is Coming":
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R. R. Martins★★★★

10. Horror/murder/thriller/cozy mystery:
Shutter Island by Denis Lehane★★★★

For some reason I thought Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins ★★★★ was on my list, but it wasn't!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Amber!

[Louise]

I've finished another book #1.3 TBR with Valley of Silence, Nora Roberts. 3 Stars.

I've got to do a quick read of my book club book (The Good Earth for next week), and then I'm back to this challenge. 4 to go!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You can do it Louise:)

[Trina]

Just finished #8 Paper Towns and I absolutely loved it. I started writing a review but it ended up just being a huge post about John Green and his books and some other stuff in general and not so much about this book, so I didn't post it. But I rated it 5 stars and it's now my favourite John Green novel.

[Christy]

Moving right along!! Finished #5 today in Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons for my summery cover and have already started #6 Veronika Decides to Die
I'm almost halfway done with 26 days to go.... I can do it!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christy wrote: "Moving right along!! Finished #5 today in Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons for my summery cover and have already started #6 Veronika Decides to Die
I'm almost halfway done with 26 days to go.... ..."

Go Christy!!! You'll do it!

[Bronwyn]

I have changed one of my books and I have added my last book. I have changed Fallen for Kiss - the reason is thaat the reviews on Fallen are not good and I have had Kiss on my TBR list longer anyway.

I have joned a new book club which is run by a local book store (as they try to keep their busines going) and they have decided to read The Beloved by Annah Faulkner. It is a new release.

[Amber]

I just finished reading my final TBR book The Mother's Group by Fiona Higgins, and I gave it ★★★★

Now I'm about 15 pages into The Life by Malcolm Knox.
A nice summery cover with the melting pine-lime Splice, don't you think?

The style of writing is a bit of a struggle, but I expect to get into the swing of it soon and I have a feeling I'm going to be drawn into the story too, surprisingly!

[Mish]

Amber wrote: "I just finished reading my final TBR book The Mother's Group by Fiona Higgins, and I gave it ★★★★

Now I'm about 15 pages into The Life by Malcolm Knox.
A nice summery cover with the melting pine-..."

Amber you've done extremely well...good on you :)

[Amber]

Mish wrote: "Amber you've done extremely well...good on you :)"

Thanks Mish, I'm actually surprised by how many titles I've managed to read this winter, it was definitely worth doing this challenge!

I even got around to writing a review for The Mother's Group which you can read if you're interested :-)
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Mish]

Haha yes you did have doubt as to whether you'll get through it...see you did it :D Well done

Thanks for sharing Amber. And yes..I am interested in reading this. I could relate to this book being a mum & attending mothers group when my daughter was young. Looks like a great book :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Amber:)

[Amber]

Brenda wrote: "Well done Amber:)"

Thanks Brenda.

I'm really disappointed; I just logged onto the local library service to check the status of my requests for the last two books on my list, and it doesn't look like I'm likely to get them any time soon :-( I might have to change my book choices for those two...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Well done Amber:)"

Thanks Brenda.

I'm really disappointed; I just logged onto the local library service to check the status of my requests for the last two books on my list, and it..."

Oh that's bad luck Amber...disappointing when that happens! Maybe you might be able to include them in the Spring Challenge when that's released:) Grab another couple from your TBR to match this challenge, then you'll have achieved 2 extra!!

[Amber]

So due to not being able to get some of my chosen titles from the library, here are my updates:

4. Literature Map:
Instead of Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahari (from Rohinton Mistry)
I tried Alison Lester and got Shel Silverstein, so I'll be reading The Giving Tree

6. Winter Blues/mental health:
Instead of An Angel At My Table by Janet Frame
I'll be reading Still Alice by Lisa Genova.

I managed to find books that were already on my TBR. That took a bit of work! :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "So due to not being able to get some of my chosen titles from the library, here are my updates:

4. Literature Map:
Instead of Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahari (from Rohinton Mistry)
I trie..."

Absolutely love Lisa Genova's work...the one next Left Neglected was just as good, and her newest one is due out very soon, Love Anthony. I can't wait to read that:)

[Louise]

Changing one of my books #8 - taking out The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater and replacing it with Torn by Amanda Hocking.

[Sabina]

Brenda wrote: "Looks fantastic Sabina...and of course you can use One Breath Away for your mystery. I can't wait to get to that one!"

Awesome. Then my updated list is:

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:
Grace Unexpected - Gale Martin
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:
One Breath Away - Heather Gudenkauf ★★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks good!! :)

[Trina]

Finished Game of Thrones earlier for my winter related word in title book. I quite liked it. I'll give it four stars, and I'll read them all, but I'm not rushing out to read them all now. There's just so many and they're so big!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good on you Trina:)

[Trina]

I've got three to go!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trina wrote: "I've got three to go!"

That's great...you'll do it, no problems!

[Trina]

After Game of Thrones they all seem pretty tiny!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well, that one is the equivalent of at least 2, possibly 2 1/2!! So I agree!!