Aussie Readers discussion

For our June challenge we will be reading Literary Fiction and/or picking up some Classics!



To qualify for the challenge you must read three (3) out of the five (5) listed...

1. Read a Literary Fiction that has won or been shortlisted for an Australian Award - name the literary award as well as the book:) List of Australian Literary Awards
2. Choose a Classic you've wanted to read for awhile...
3. Choose a book that has won or been shortlisted for a Literary Award, but not necessarily Australian...Literary Awards Winners & Nominees - name the literary award as well as the book:)
4. Readers choice Literary Fiction novel...
5. Anything of any genre at all from your TBR :)



Links to help you choose:
Aussie Readers Literary Fiction thread
Best Literary Fiction
Goodreads Top 100 Literary Novels of All Time
Must Read Classics

Settle back into a Literary/Classic month and enjoy!

My list:

1. Prime Minister's Literary Awards (Aust) Shortlisted 2012 - Kinglake -350 by Adrian Hyland 5★s
2.
3. Literary Award (not necessarily Aust.) - Diamond Dove by Adrian Hyland 4.5★s - won Ned Kelly award for best first novel 2007
4.
5. TBR of choice - The King's Man by Alison Stuart 5★s

RitaSkeeter wrote: "Sorry Brenda - a quick question. With number 5 - does that mean anything from TBR that is literary or a classic??"

Anything that is any genre;)

I am in - will post choices later

Excellent, well done Rita!

Hi Brenda. What is #4. Readers choice Literary Fiction novel... Do I just pick any literary fiction novel for this or is there a list I need to choose from?

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Brenda. What is #4. Readers choice Literary Fiction novel... Do I just pick any literary fiction novel for this or is there a list I need to choose from?"

Any Literary Fiction novel Jennifer - there are a couple of lists in the original post - Best Literary Fiction is a good one (I got mine from there!)

Here's my list, I picked one for each category don't know which ones I'll actually get time to read - I own all but the first one which I just got off the shelf at work in anticipation.

✔ 1) Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature - Premiers Award 2010: Tales from Outer Suburbia

2) Classic: Watership Down (Something I have been reading to read for years)

✔ 3) Man Booker Prize (1974): The Conservationist

4) Literary Fiction: The Book Thief

✔ 5) TBR: Jane Eyre

Well done Renee!

Brenda wrote: "Well done Renee!"

I just changed my Literary fiction pick to one that was on the 'Best Literary Fiction' list - still one I own and have been meaning to read for a long time though ;)

I'm in

1) Burial Rites by Hannah Kent - it's won and shortlisted for so many awards last year. But to name one... it won ABIA literary fiction for 2014

2 Classic - Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth

3 TBR of your choice - I'm not sure. I thinking about reading When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman to keep with the Literary fiction genre. But I'll see how I feel at the time.

Ok so I have

1 - Indelible Ink won The Age Book of the Year 2011

2 - Classic 1984 (it was for this month's challenge but I won't get to it so I'll add it here

5 - TBR Old Man's War

Good choices Kadi:)

Renée wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Well done Renee!"

I just changed my Literary fiction pick to one that was on the 'Best Literary Fiction' list - still one I own and have been meaning to read for a long time though ;)"

Oh excellent change! Loved that book! One of my most favourite books of all time!

Mish wrote: "I'm in

1) Burial Rites by Hannah Kent - it's won and shortlisted for so many awards last year. But to name one... it won ABIA literary fiction for 2014

2 Classic..."

Nice choices Mish:) Have you read any Philip Roth before? I own two of his books...

No I haven’t Brenda. I chose (and bought) this book because it was discussed on the ABC book club show awhile back and everyone on the panel loved it.

Which one's do you own?

Here's my list. I chose a book for each category hopefully I will get to finish them all...

1. Literary Fiction that has won or been shortlisted for an Australian Award
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan Won the 2014 Man Booker Prize★★★★

2. Classic
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas★★★★★

3. book that has won or been shortlisted for a Literary Award, but not necessarily Australian.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood won Arthur C Clarke Award & Governor General's award for English Language fiction.

4. Readers Choice literary fiction novel
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

5. Anything from TBR shelf
All That I Am by Anna Funder★★★★★

Mish wrote: "No I haven’t Brenda. I chose (and bought) this book because it was discussed on the ABC book club show awhile back and everyone on the panel loved it.

Which one's do you own?"

The Plot Against America and I Married a Communist - one was a gift and I bought the other one...but have read neither!

I will try for

2. Classic - Picnic at Hanging Rock Joan Lindsay
3. Literary Award - Wolf Hall Hilary Mantel(Man Booker Prize)
5. TBR - TimeStorm Steve Harrison which I originally had for the May Challenge but am not going to get it read in time, so will hold it off for this one

Brenda wrote: "Mish wrote: "No I haven’t Brenda. I chose (and bought) this book because it was discussed on the ABC book club show awhile back and everyone on the panel loved it.

Which one's do you own?"

[book:..."

Okay. I haven't heard of those before Brenda but the reviews seem positive.

Mish wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Mish wrote: "No I haven’t Brenda. I chose (and bought) this book because it was discussed on the ABC book club show awhile back and everyone on the panel loved it.

Which one's do yo..."

I will get to them - one day;)

Jennifer wrote: "Here's my list. I chose a book for each category hopefully I will get to finish them all...

1. Literary Fiction that has won or been shortlisted for an Australian Award
[book:The Narrow Road to t..."

Narrow Road . . .
Three Musketeers
Handmaid's Tale
Cloud Atlas

By golly, Jennifer that's quite a list without adding a 5th book! Hope you have a chance to come up for air and meals in June. It looks like a great assortment.

Kadi wrote: "Ok so I have

1 - Indelible Ink won The Age Book of the Year 2011

2 - Classic 1984 (it was for this month's challenge but I won't get to it so I'll add it here

5 - TBR..."

I hadn't heard of Indelible Ink but have just put it on my list. Thanks for the tip.

"Jennifer wrote: Pat wrote: By golly, Jennifer that's quite a list without adding a 5th book! Hope you have a chance to come up for air and meals in June. It looks like a great assortment."


Thanks Pat. I am excited to start reading them. The books only have an average of 400 pages. If the story flows and I enjoy it I can usually complete it in a day or two. three of these titles will also help me towards completing the BBC's 100 books to read before you die.

Pat wrote: "Kadi wrote: "Ok so I have

1 - Indelible Ink won The Age Book of the Year 2011

2 - Classic 1984 (it was for this month's challenge but I won't get to it so I'll add it ..."

Pat do you know how to link the titles so it's easier for you to check them out? (And us of course when you're doing your lists)

Just click on "add book/author" in this/your comment box and follow the prompts... Give us a yell if you're stuck:)

My choices today (subject to change) are a couple of books by Tim Winton, a favourite,and I've been waiting to read them both. And I've got one I've never heard of but saw on someone else's list. So I've ended up with 3 Australian books, (2 award winners, and 1 nominee). I'm unlikely tol get through them all in June, but that just means I'll enjoy them that much longer. :)

1.The Turning: Stories (2005 NSW Premier's Awards - Christina Stead Prize for Fiction)

2.Indelible Ink (2011 Age Book of the Year)

3.Eyrie (2014 Miles Franklin Award Nominee)

Brenda wrote: "Pat wrote: "Kadi wrote: "Ok so I have

1 - Indelible Ink won The Age Book of the Year 2011

2 - Classic 1984 (it was for this month's challenge but I won't get to it so ..."

No, I didn't know about linking the titles (that's obvious) but I do now! Thanks. It's great to be able to find the books easily that way.

Pat wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Pat wrote: "Kadi wrote: "Ok so I have

1 - Indelible Ink won The Age Book of the Year 2011

2 - Classic 1984 (it was for this month's challenge but I won'..."

Excellent! Great choices and you're welcome :)

Here's my list (subject to change!)
Not sure if I'll do all five but will give it a go.

1. Aussie literary award - When the Night Comes by Favel Parrett shortlisted for the 2015 Indie Awards
2. Classic - The Call of the Wild by Jack London
3. Literary Award - The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt Pulitzer Prize 2014
4. Reader's choice - Never Mind by Edward St. Aubyn
5. TBR - Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Carolyn wrote: "Here's my list (subject to change!)
Not sure if I'll do all five but will give it a go.

1. Aussie literary award - When the Night Comes by Favel Parrett shortlist..."

Great list Carolyn:) Loved The Call of the Wild when I read it last year I think it was!

Thanks Brenda! Have always meant to read it so this is a great opportunity.
I'm looking forward to reading all of them - not totally sure about The Goldfinch but it's been sitting on my nightstand for over a year so it's time I gave it a try!

Carolyn wrote: "Thanks Brenda! Have always meant to read it so this is a great opportunity.
I'm looking forward to reading all of them - not totally sure about The Goldfinch but it's been sitting ..."

Your #1 is a great read too..I'm sure you will enjoy it! I'll be interested in your review for The Goldfinch - it's one I've never had a desire to read :)

Carolyn wrote: "Thanks Brenda! Have always meant to read it so this is a great opportunity.
I'm looking forward to reading all of them - not totally sure about The Goldfinch but it's been sitting ..."

I'm not going to comment on The Goldfinch but I hope you enjoy Never Mind. I went on to read the whole series and loved them.

Here are mine:)


1. Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett. Selected for the Miles Franklin Award in 2012. 4 stars

2. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith 1 star

3. History of the Rain by Niall Williams. Selected for the Man Booker in 2014. 5 stars

4. Run by Ann Patchett4 stars

5. Left Neglected by Lisa Genova 3 stars

That's a nice list too Phrynne! Love both your first and your last..haven't read the others:)

Nice list Phrynne. I loved #2 and would love to read all the others!

OK I am in. Considering my options as there are many I could happily do here

1.
2. finished: 5 stars
3. ?
4. ?
5. ?

You are making me very excited to get started !

Phrynne wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Thanks Brenda! Have always meant to read it so this is a great opportunity.
I'm looking forward to reading all of them - not totally sure about The Goldfinch but it..."

The time has come for me to give The Goldfinch a go or to consign it to the charity box!
If I can't get into it I'll abandon it as there are heaps of others I'd like to read.

Count me in too. I had already planned to read my no. 2 with a friend in another group, but considering its length, I'm not sure how many others I'll actually get through in the month!!

1. Aussie literary award - shortlisted for the 2014 WA Premier's Book Awards - Fractured by Dawn Barker (was going to read it this month - and last month(!) - but I'll hold off til June!)

2. Classic - A Modern Comedy by John Galsworthy - I read and enjoyed The Forsyte Saga last year so am looking forward to the second instalment.

3. TBR list - Nightingale by Fiona McIntosh

Kathryn wrote: "Count me in too. I had already planned to read my no. 2 with a friend in another group, but considering its length, I'm not sure how many others I'll actually get through in the month!!

1. Aussi..."

Good choices from you too Kathryn - #1 and #3 I've read and loved!

In June, I'm going to read:
2. Persuasion by Jane Austen
3. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, winner of the Newbery Medal 2009- this has been on my shelf for ages
5. Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil- YA by an Aussie author :) !



Hopefully I'll read all of these, I'm very excited to get to it.

Winter reading is coming...

Lea wrote: "In June, I'm going to read:
2. Persuasion by Jane Austen
3. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, winner of the Newbery Medal 2009- this has been on my shelf for ages
5. Life in Outer Space by Meli..."

Great list Lea and welcome to the group:) Could you please link all three of your books - thanks:)

I am in.

I will read

1. Childrens book of the year 1981 Playing Beatie Bow

2. Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor

5. A Game of Thrones

Rosie wrote: "I am in.

I will read

1. Childrens book of the year 1981 Playing Beatie Bow

2. Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor

5. A Game of Thrones"

Enjoy Rosie!

Rosie wrote: "I am in.

I will read

1. Childrens book of the year 1981 Playing Beatie Bow

2. Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor

5. A Game of Thrones"

Wow! Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor. That's an oldie but a goodie. Enjoy!

Love the concept for this challenge, and I'm delighted to participate. No trouble for me in finding relevant books actually sitting on the TBR bookshelves in the lounge room here, so my list is:

1. Literary Fiction that has won or been shortlisted for an Australian Award:
The Daughters Of Mars by Thomas Keneally. Won the 2012 Colin Roderick Award, Foundation for Australian Literary Studies
2. Choose a Classic you’ve wanted to read for a while:
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. Won the 1989 Booker Prize
3. Choose a book that has won or been shortlisted for a literary award:
This House of Grief by Helen Garner. Shortlisted for several awards for Non-fiction including 2015 Australian Book Industry Award and 2015 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards

Brenda wrote: "My list:

1. Prime Minister's Literary Awards (Aust) Shortlisted 2012 - Kinglake -350 by Adrian Hyland
2. Classic - [bookcover:The..."

A great list Brenda. Is Kinglake a non-fiction? A friend of mine at Kinglake was burnt out, and I'd be interested to read some more about the disaster.

I hope you enjoy All the Light We Cannot See as much as I did. It was a 2014 Goodreads winner...(hmm, not a literary award, but a good indication of its calibre I think.)

so far....

1. Literary Fiction that has won or been shortlisted for an Australian Award:
Breath
Miles Franklin Literary Award (2009)

2. Choose a Classic you’ve wanted to read for a while:
Pride and Prejudice

3. Choose a book that has won or been shortlisted for a literary award:
The Lovely Bones
Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel (2002) (and many other awards)

4. Literary Fiction (Reader's Choice):
Animal Farm
and/or
Crime and Punishment

5. Any Genre TBR:
What Have I Done?

OK - here's my tentative list.

Is a scary challenge for me because 'Literary Fiction' is a term that scares me off - despite the fact I have read, and enjoyed, many books that comfortably fit into this theme. Mind you that is the point of reading challenges - to read outside your comfort zone, or find something that fits the criteria that does fit into your comfort zone.

My choices:
2. Choose a Classic you've wanted to read for a while
The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge – I have reread this every couple of years since I was 11. Is time for another read.

3. Choose a book that has won or been shortlisted for a Literary Award, but not necessarily Australian
The Little Grey Men by B.B. – won the Carnegie Medal in Literature (1942)

5. Anything of any genre at all from your TBR
Season of Shadow and Light by Jenn J. McLeod