**Spring Reading Challenge - 1/9/12 - 30/11/12**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

SPRING is almost on us....hooray!! Pack away those flanny PJ's, get rid of those woolly jumpers and relax with a book to warm your heart!

(By the way, what do you get when you cross a kangaroo with a sheep? ......A woolly jumper!!)

We will start with a slightly different part to this challenge - It's called

READ A RAINBOW



You must choose book covers to match the colors of the rainbow with the cover to have a large amount of whatever color you're looking for.

1. Red
2. Orange
3. Yellow
4. Green
5. Blue
6. Purple/Violet

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/73...

When your books are chosen, post the links and the covers, so everyone can see your choices.



7. Spring clean your TBR shelf by choosing a book from here..something you've wanted to read for awhile, and just haven't got around to!

8. The Brisbane Writers Festival is on 5th - 9th September http://www.brisbanewritersfestival.co... so choose a book written by an Aussie Author, and released within the 3 months of Spring 2012.



9. Choose a book with the title or cover relating to Spring e.g new life, new growth, warmth, joy, happiness....

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/86...

10. Choose a Young Adult novel, try for Australian if you can, and also try for 2012 release.

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/15...

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/40...

For those of you who manage all that in super quick time, an extra challenge for you!

11. Pick a friend on your GR list then select and read a book they have read. You never know, you might find something new to enjoy!

12. As we all have SO many on our TBR list, another one from there to finish off our Spring cleaning:)



SPRING INTO SPRING FOR SOME EXCITING READING!

[Michael]

Exciting

[Sally906]

Oh the excitement, the anticipation, the JOY of challenge selection.

Read a Rainbow: (the first 6)
1. Red – A Modern Witch by Debora Geary

2. Orange – Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

3. Yellow – The Other Hand by Chris Cleave (aka Little Bee)

4. Green – Papoosed by Patricia Rockwell

5. Blue – Under Witch Moon by Maria E. Schneider

6. Purple/Violet – Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Yes, it sure is the fun part Sally, I've just been on my floor, trying to find books in my pile of un-reads which will suit!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Here's my list...as usual, subject to change!

Read a Rainbow: (the first 6)

1. Red ....The Other DaughterLisa Gardner★★★★★
2. Orange ....The Vanishing PointVal McDermid★★★★★
3. Yellow ....Lucky Goes to SeaFrank Robson ★★★★
4. Green ....The End of the Wasp SeasonDenise Mina ★★★
5. Blue ....Big JackJ.D. Robb ★★★★
6. Purple/Violet ....A Darkness More Than NightMichael Connelly ★★★★★


7. Spring clean TBR shelf ....Purity in Death by J.D. Robb ★★★★★

8. Brisbane Writers Festival - Spring release - Assassin by Tara Moss ★★★★★

9. Title or cover relating to Spring e.g new life, new growth, warmth, joy, happiness....Honeymoon by James Patterson ★★★★

10. Young Adult novel, try for Australian if you can, and also try for 2012 release....Trapped in Gondwana by JB Rowley ★★★★

11. Pick a friend on your GR list then select and read a book they have read.... Steve.. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote ★★★★★

12. Another from our TBR to finish off Spring cleaning.... Cold Grave by Kathryn Fox ★★★★★

[Lynxie]

Can I try for the first 7... Might be pushing for more than that!?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You can try for as many or as few as you like Lynxie:)

[Maggie]

I'll be coming up with a list for this one in the next few days. Love the idea of the rainbow, plus the chance to clear even more from my TBR list.

[Lynxie]

RED: Half and Half by Betsy Miller

ORANGE: A Hero's Rise by J.R. Mortellaro

YELLOW: Conspiracy by Lindsay Buroker

GREEN: The Annihilation of Foreverland by Tony Bertauski

BLUE: Archangel Evolution by David Estes

PURPLE: Black Purple Sky by Colleen Wait

Spring clean: Ash by Malinda Lo

[Amy (Lost in a Good Book)]

My goodness this was tough, who knew covers could be so uncolourful when you need them :)

Read a Rainbow: (the first 6)

1. Red -
2. Orange -
3. Yellow -
4. Green -
5. Blue -
6. Purple/Violet -

7. Spring clean TBR shelf - The Picture of Dorian Gray

8. Spring release - The Secret Keeper

9. Title or cover relating to Spring - Little Men

10. Young Adult novel - The Book Thief

11. Pick a friend on your GR list then select and read a book they have read - Fallen

12. Another from our TBR to finish off Spring cleaning - First Among Sequels

[Lynxie]

I agree Amy it was harder than I thought picking the coloured covers! Nearly didn't find an orange one!

[Zoey]

Hi
Just a question about Number 8
"8. The Brisbane Writers Festival is on 5th - 9th September http://www.brisbanewritersfestival.co... so choose a book written by an Aussie Author, and released within the 3 months of Spring."
Does this have to be new one released this spring or just released in Spring any year
Thanks

[Bronwyn]

I will join in again too but and I will post my list when I have put it together. Some good books have already been chosen I see.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Zoey wrote: "Hi
Just a question about Number 8
"8. The Brisbane Writers Festival is on 5th - 9th September http://www.brisbanewritersfestival.co... so choose a book written by an Aussie Author, and released w..."

Sorry Zoey, released this Spring, 2012:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists already!

[Chris]

Okay this is from my TBR list so I'm going to try to read my own rainbow...

1. RED: Immortally Yours...
2. ORANGE: Darkness Dawns...
3. YELLOW: Untamed...
4. GREEN: Before I Fall...
5. BLUE: Lone Wolf...
6. PURPLE: Intangible...

7. Spring Cleaning... Hex Hall...,Demonglass...],Spell Bound...

[Sally906]

Read a Rainbow (The first six):

1. Red – A Modern Witch by Debora Geary

2. Orange – Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

3. Yellow – The Other Hand by Chris Cleave (aka Little Bee)

4. Green – Papoosed by Patricia Rockwell

5. Blue – Under Witch Moon by Maria E. Schneider

6. Purple/Violet – Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

7. Spring clean your TBR shelf by choosing a book from here … something you've wanted to read for awhile, and just haven't got around to!
Cooking with Baz by Sean Dooley

8. The Brisbane Writers Festival is on 5th - 9th September so choose a book written by an Aussie Author, and released within the 3 months of Spring.
In the Company of Strangers by Liz Byrski

9. Choose a book with the title or cover relating to Spring e.g new life, new growth, warmth, joy, happiness....
Cherry Ames, Senior Nurse by Helen Wells - Cherry is starting her new life as a Senior Nurse

10. Choose a Young Adult novel, try for Australian if you can, and also try for 2012 release.
Trapped in Gondwana by JB Rowley (released March 2012)

Extra Challenge:
11. Pick a friend on your GR list then select and read a book they have read. You never know, you might find something new to enjoy!
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (a few of my friends have read this – but picked it off Marg’s shelf)

12. As we all have SO many on our TBR list, another one from there to finish off our Spring cleaning :)
Bloodstone by Barbra Annino

[Michael]

The rainbow challenge is hard, most of the covers I have are black; can we have a black rainbow? I'm taking some creative licenses with this one...

1. Red - I Am God
2. Orange - The Twelve
3. Yellow - As I Lay Dying
4. Green - The Geneva Trap
5. Blue - Grand Days
6. Purple/Violet - The High Window

7. Spring clean TBR shelf - Return of the Thin Man: Two never-before-published novellas featuring Nick & Nora Charles

8. Brisbane Writers Festival - Spring release - TBA

9. Title or cover relating to Spring - The Yellow Birds: A Novel

10. Young Adult novel - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

11. Pick a friend on your GR list - The Keeper of Lost Causes

12. Another from our TBR - The Cocktail Waitress

[Sally906]

Michael wrote: "The rainbow challenge is hard, most of the covers I have are black; can we have a black rainbow? I'm taking some creative licenses with this one...

1. Red - I Am God
2. Orange - The Twelve..."

Ooooh that's right you scored a copy of The Twelve - soooo jealous - when is it released? I will get an e-book version as soon as I can.

[Michael]

October 16th, Sally

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christina M wrote: "Okay this is from my TBR list so I'm going to try to read my own rainbow...

Immortally Yours
Darkness Dawns
Untamed
Before I Fall
Lone Wolf
Intangible

Spring Cleaning... Hex Hall,Demonglass,Spell..."

Christina, would you mind linking the covers for the 6 colours of the rainbow? Thanks:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "The rainbow challenge is hard, most of the covers I have are black; can we have a black rainbow? I'm taking some creative licenses with this one...

1. Red - I Am God
2. Orang..."

Haha!! Some of those colours are a bit suss Michael;P But I'll let you have them;P lol

[Michael]

They are all colours, just not the pretty colours of the rainbow

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "They are all colours, just not the pretty colours of the rainbow"

:) Close though!

[Christy]

I so enjoy your challenges and can't wait to start picking my books!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christy wrote: "I so enjoy your challenges and can't wait to start picking my books!!!"

That's great Christy:) Thanks! The fun is in the choosing I reckon!! I have taken all of mine from my owned books I have here to read, except one I've borrowed from the library (so it's here anyway!!) So it's reducing my TBR too:):)

[Chris]

1. RED: Immortally Yours...
2. ORANGE: Darkness Dawns...
3. YELLOW: Untamed...
4. GREEN: Before I Fall...
5. BLUE: Lone Wolf...
6. PURPLE: Intangible...

7. Spring Cleaning... Hex Hall... ,Demonglass... ,Spell Bound...

8. Brisbane Writers Festival - Spring release - TBA

9. Title or cover relating to Spring e.g new life, new growth, warmth, joy, happiness...

10. Young Adult novel, try for Australian if you can, and also try for 2012 release....

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Wow that looks great Christina, thanks:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

That was hard work but fun!
10/10
1. red From the Corner of His Eye
2. orange The Twelve
3. yellow The Color Purple
4. green Garden Spells
5. blue The City of Dreaming Books (Dreaming Books, #1)
6. indigo/violet Alone
7. American Gods
8. Stormdancer
9. Katherine
10. I Am the Messenger

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Nice list Phrynne:)

[Kate]

These looks fantastic! I love how organized you guys are...

I usually just walk up to the shelf and pick something at random. I'm not great at actually planning stuff.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well, here's your chance Kate! I have to write them all down...I have my lists here on my comp desk so I can always check which one I'd like to read next:)

[Sabina]

Here's my list... subject to change though! ;)

1. RED:


2. ORANGE:


3. YELLOW:
A Need So Beautiful ★★★★

4. GREEN:


5. BLUE:
The Lost Prince ★★★★

6. PURPLE:


7. Spring Cleaning
Fire by Kristin Cashore

8. Brisbane Writers Festival
TBA

9. Title or cover relating to Spring
Crewel ★★★

10. Young Adult novel
I might read Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta but it wasn't released this year. If I can get my hands on Team Human by Justine Larbalestier then I'll probably read that. Will confirm at a later time. :)

11. Pick a friend on your GR list then select and read a book they have read.
Taneika gave this one 5 stars so I'll give it a try Speechless ★★★★

12. Another from our TBR to finish off Spring cleaning
The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski ★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Sabina:) GL with the YA released this year:)

[Janine]

Tricky but here is my list
1. Red Cheri on Top Susan Donovan
2. Orange The Zahir Paulo Coelho
3. Yellow The Light Between Oceans M.L. Stedman
4. Green The Rest of Her Life Laura Moriarty
5. Blue Lioness Katherine Scholes
6. Purple Purple Roads Fleur McDonald
7. Spring Clean Criminal by Karin Slaughter
8. New release Aussie Author TBA
9. Spring The Wedding Girl by Madeleine Wickham
10. YA (Australian) Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta
11. Pick a friend A Stranger in My Street by Deborah Burrows
12. TBR Secrets of the Tides by Hannah Richell

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Janine:) Some really wonderful lists coming through!

[Zoey]

1. RED -

2. ORANGE - Unfortunately this book cover is not coming up but I swear it is VERY orange :)

3. YELLOW -

4. GREEN -

5. BLUE -

6. PURPLE -

7. SPRING CLEAN - P Is For Peril

8. NEW RELEASE AUS AUTHOR - TBA

9. SPRING COVER OR TITLE - Earthly Joys

10.YA (AUSSIE) - Tomorrow, When the War Began

11. FRIENDS LIST - The Hunger Games

12. TBR - The man who made husbands jealous

What a great way to choose your next books to read, much better than standing in front of the bookshelf forever almost reverting to eenie meenie minie moe because you cant make up your mind :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Zoey:) Here's your orange cover for you!

[Zoey]

Oh Wow thanks Brenda, yes thats it. How did you find it?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I put the ISBN into World Cat, where you will find most books in the world! Fortunately it had a cover, so I just downloaded it and added it:) If you delete yours in the post, then re-add it, you'll get the orange cover:)

http://www.worldcat.org/

[Christy]

Ok, so I don't have the pleasure of actually looking at my books since most of them are still packed and currently in a container arriving from Singapore so I have to rely on memory of my bookshelf (and my list for our inventory) :)

Not quite finished but here is what I've got so far (subject to change of course)

1. RED...Keeping the House: A Novel by Ellen Baker

2. ORANGE... Body Double by Tess Gerritsen

3. YELLOW...The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

4. GREEN... Predator by Patricia Cornwell

5. BLUE...The Queen's Vow: A Novel Of Isabella Of Castile by C.W. Gortner

6. PURPLE...The Color Purple by Alice Walker

7. Spring Clean TBR list...Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

8. Brisbane Writer's Festival...TBA

9. Spring Cover or Title...The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

10. Aussie YA / New Release...On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

11. GR Friends List...I have 2 friends who have read The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan so that makes the decision for me!!

12. TBR Shelf...The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Christy! They look great, and some great choices there, that I have read and loved!

[Zoey]

Great, thanks again Brenda. Thats good to know, I had a Red cover that didnt come up either but had Siren to replace it with, but that was the only orange cover I had on my shelves.

Love the look of your Blue Book Christy, going to put that on my TBR list.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Zoey (and anyone else) if you ever have books with no covers, or any other information that needs to be added to your books in the data base, put a note here http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7... with as much information as you can, and one of us will add it for you:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Christy wrote: "Ok, so I don't have the pleasure of actually looking at my books since most of them are still packed and currently in a container arriving some Singapore so I have to rely on memory of my bookshelf..."

You have some great books there! I love the way you got with a purple cover and I got the same book with a yellow cover!

[Kirsten]

Hi all! I'm new to the group and love this idea! It will definitely be a challenge :)

1. Red - I am the Messenger - Markus Zusak

2. Orange - Foundation - Isaac Asimov

3. Yellow - The Help - Kathryn Stockett
(ok this cover looks a little orangey too. I couldn't find something more yellow!)

4. Green - The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley

5. Blue - Guardians of the Keep - Carol Berg

6. Purple/violet - The Lies of Locke Lamora - Scott Lynch

7. Spring Clean TBR shelf - Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

8. Brisbane Writers Festival - Spring Release
No idea! I'm willing to take suggestions!
9. Spring Cover/Title - The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

10. Aussie YA - The Sending - Isobelle Carmody


I think 10 books will be more than enough of a challenge for me (especially since I'm in 2 other books clubs - although I have done some overlapping here).

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kirsten wrote: "Hi all! I'm new to the group and love this idea! It will definitely be a challenge :)

1. Red

2. Orange

3. Yellow (ok this cover looks a lit..."

Great list Kirsten:) And thanks Michael, I was going to make the same suggestion! Welcome Kirsten!

[Isabel]

1. Red
2. Orange
3. Yellow
4. Green
5. Blue
6. Purple
7. TBR shelf
8. Book written by Aussie author TBA
9. Book or cover relating to spring TBA
10.Pick a YA Aussie author TBA

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good choices there Isabel!

[Trina]

Rainbow:

Catch 22
Middlesex
The Shadow of the Wind
The Green Mile
The Drawing of the Three
Deception Point

Spring clean TBR: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Aussie new release: The Amber Amulet by Craig Silvey, release date Oct 1.

Spring themed: White Oleander by Janet Fitch (an oleander is a flower, it counts)

YA: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Friend's choice: Choke by Chuck Palahniuk, given to me by a friend who doubled up.

Another Spring TBR: Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami