Aussie Readers discussion

OUR REWORKED SUMMER CHALLENGE

Summer is finally here - we are getting ready to enjoy Australia's beautiful beaches and warm (hot!) sunshine, as we head into a New Year! We made it through winter; all those suffering from hayfever in the spring can now relax!

When you've made your list, post it here in this thread, so everyone can see what you've chosen, then you can edit your post and cross them off as you read them:)



1. Spell It Out! e.g. read 6 books that the titles would spell out SUMMER. Don't count "the", "a", and "an" - example:
a) S - The Skeleton Road
b) U - Us
c) M - Missing You
d) M - The Maxwell Sisters
e) E - Eden
f) R - Run
(choose all these from your TBR to make it even better!)

2. Christmas is getting closer - get into the spirit of the Festive Season by reading a book relating to Christmas



3. Celebrate Australia Day on 26th January! Choose from one of our many Aussie authors for this one. It doesn't have to be a New Release...


WHICH IS A TOTAL OF EIGHT (8) BOOKS

THEN FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO EXTEND THEMSELVES A LITTLE FURTHER:

4. Valentine's Day 14th February Choose Romance for this one BUT any of the many offshoots that are covered in the Romance genre is fine...

5. The Literature Map is popular and fun! Click on the link, type in your favourite author then choose the closest corresponding author for your read. You might even find a new author to you:)

6. This one can't be chosen until January! Pick an Aussie Readers friend - then check out the thread of Top 5 Favourites of 2014 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/.... Choose at least one of their top five books of the year for this read.



7. New Release Choose a book which is to be published any time over the three months of Summer - Dec '14, Jan '15, Feb '15 - and it MUST be by an Aussie author

8. "Summer" in the title OR set in Summer - an Aussie author as well...

9. Choose Historical Fiction for this one

10. Lucky last! - choose your FAVOURITE GENRE from your TBR!

Links to help you choose:

Christmas Reads
YA Christmas Reads
Aussie authors
Best Books set in Australia
Romance Aussie/New Zealand style
Best Historical Fiction

RELAX WITH SOME



AND ENJOY!

The goal of the challenge is to try to read all of the books - if you don't think you can manage it, and this will distress you, then it may be best to respond NO to the invitation. If you don't think you can finish them all - but want to aim for a personal best then please join in and respond YES.

Hooray! Another new challenge. Let's not worry that I haven't finished the last one yet:)

Phrynne wrote: "Hooray! Another new challenge. Let's not worry that I haven't finished the last one yet:)"

Hi Phrynne,

I'm like you - I haven't finished the last one either yet. I don't see myself as finishing either to be honest. And yes hooray for this new challenge.

Summer Reading Challenge
1/12/14-28/2/15


1. Spell It Out!
S - Someone Like You by Victoria Purman
U - Upside Down, Inside Out by Monica McInerney
M - Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa
M - Maralinga: The Chilling Expose of Our Secret Nuclear Shame and Betrayal of Our Troops and Country by Frank Walker
E - Eucalyptus by Murray Bail
R - The Racketeer by John Grisham

2. Christmas is getting closer
The Christmas Party by Carole Matthews

3. Celebrate Australia Day on 26th January!
Cry of the Curlew: The Frontier Series 1 by Peter Watt

4. Valentine's Day
The Winter Sea by Di Morrissey

5. The Literature Map
My favourite author - Graeme Simsion
Lit. Map author - Mark Childress
Book - Georgia Bottoms

6. This one can't be chosen until January!

7. New Release

8. "Summer" in the title

9. Choose Historical Fiction
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

10. Lucky last!
Autobiography - The Fictional Woman by Tara Moss

Yes, I'm excited for this one:)

I'm in :)

Here is my list so far:

1. Spell It Out! e.g.
a) S – Something Wiki by Suzanne Sutherland
b) U - Up With the Larks: Starting Again in Cornwall by Tessa Hainsworth
c) M - The Millionaire by Victoria Purman
d) M - Mars Evacuees by Sophia McDougall
e) E - Escape from Wolfhaven Castle by Kate Forsyth
f) R - The Room: A Novel by Jonas Karlsson

2. Read a Christmassy book. - 12 Days at Silver Bells House by Jennie Jones

3. Celebrate Australia Day on 26th January - Meant To Be by Fiona McCallum

4. Valentine's Day – Operation Valentine by Loretta Hill

5. The Literature Map - The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare (search term was Holly Black)

6. Top 5 Favourites of 2014 - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce - Thanks to Janine for her top five

7. New Release MUST be by an Aussie author – The Maxwell Sisters by Loretta Hill (released 02/01/15)

8. "Summer" in the title OR set in Summer - Our Kind of Love (Boys of Summer #3) by Victoria Purman

9.Choose Historical Fiction for this one – Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger

10. Lucky last! - choose your FAVOURITE GENRE from your TBR! - Talon by Julie Kagawa (YA and Fantasy)

I'm going to join this one, my list:

1/.
S: The Shining Girls
U: Us
M: The Maze Runner
M: Mr. Mercedes
E: Eeny Meeny
R: Red Ribbons

2/. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross lucky for me that's what I'm up to!
3/. The Last Anniversary
4/. One Plus One
5/. What We Keep Jodi Picoult gave me Elizabeth Berg
6/. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
7/.
8/.The Girl in Steel-Capped Boots hoping it's set in Summer?
9/. The Valley of Amazement
10/. The Good Girl

Kerri wrote: "I'm going to join this one, my list:


S: The Shining Girls
U: Us
M: The Maze Runner
M: Mr. Mercedes
E: Eeny Meeny
R: ..."

That is great Kerri:) That's only #1 though. The challenge comprises 10 parts. Good luck choosing the rest :)

well, aren't I a goose, I'll be back.....

Kerri wrote: "well, aren't I a goose, I'll be back....."

LOL!!!

Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of #5 that will need to be bought or borrowed.

Also very excited that the literature map gave me Brain Sanderson when I put in Patrick Rothfuss, as he's been on my must read authors list for ages!

1. S Solar by Ian McEwan 3★
U Under the Dome byStephen King 5★
M Mr Briggs' Hat: A Sensational Account of Britain's First Railway Murder by Kate Colquhoun 4★
M Mercy 6 by David Bajo 3★
E Eden by Candice Fox 4★
R Ready Player One by Ernest Cline 4.5★

2. Christmas Festive in Death by J.D. Robb 4★

3. Australia Day Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney 4★

4. Valentine's Day Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole 5★

5. Literature Map - Patrick Rothfuss - Brian Sanderson (Yay!!) The Way of Kings 5★

6. AR friend top 5 The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce (Michael) 4★

7. New Aussie release Claiming Noah by Amanda Ortlepp 3.5★

8. Aussie Summer Kinglake-350 byAdrian Hyland 5★

9. Historical All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr 5★

10. Favourite Genre Fool Moon by Jim Butcher 5★

Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of #5-7 that will need to be bought or borrowed.
..."

Oh you are going to love your number 5.

My list for this challenge (subject to change as usual):

1a. S See Them Run by Stacy Green 5★s
Shooting Butterflies by T.M. Clark 5★s

1b. U Unlucky 13 by James Patterson 5★s
Unforgotten by Tohby Riddle 4★s

1c. M The Missing - Two Sophie Anderson short stories #7 by P.D. Martin 4★s
Mr Wigg by Inga Simpson 5★s

1d. M The Maxwell Sisters by Loretta Hill 4.5★s
Medea's Curse by Anne Buist 4.5★s

1e. E Everything to Lose by Andrew Gross 5★s
Essie's Way by Pamela Cook 5★s

1f. R Rain on the Dead by Jack Higgins 5★s
Rescued by the Rancher by Soraya Lane 3★s

2. Christmas There's a Dead Elf in Santa's Workshop by K.C. Flynn 4★s
A Kirribilli Christmas by Louise Reynolds 4★s

3. Aust Day (Aussie author) The Sand Dollar by Maggie Christensen 4.5★s
Tell Me Why by Sandi Wallace 4.5★s

4. Valentine's Day (Romance) Passionfruit & Poetry by Téa Cooper 5★s
Of Love and Secrets by Margaret Lynette Sharp 4★s

5. Literature Map Michael Connelly = Jonathan Kellerman = Flesh and Blood 2.5★s
Adrian McKinty = Garry Disher = The Dragon Man 3★s

6. AR friend from 2014 Top Fav's list Outback Ghost by Rachael Johns (Sally) 4★s
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce (Michael) 3.5★s

7. Summer Aussie Author New Release The House at the Bottom of the Hill by Jennie Jones 5★s
In Safe Keeping by Lee Christine 5★s 1/12/14

8. Summer in Title/Set in Summer Storm Clouds by Bronwyn Parry 5★s
Outback Flames by Suzanne Brandyn 4.5★s

9. Historical Fiction The Golden Widows by Isolde Martyn 5★s
South of Darkness by John Marsden 4★s

10. Fav Genre from TBR Bitter Wash Road by Garry Disher 5★s
Earthly Delights by Kerry Greenwood 4★s

Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of #5-7 that will need to be bought or borrowed.
..."

Great list Carolyn:) Glad you're excited about it!

RitaSkeeter wrote: "Anyone want to friend me so I can do number 6? Lol."

Oh Rita, don't you have any friends? You poor thing! I'm sure we can find you some;)

RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Anyone want to friend me so I can do number 6? Lol."

Oh Rita, don't you have any friends? You poor thing! I'm sure we can find you some;)"

An Aussie Readers lon..."

You're welcome Rita;)

Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of #5-7 that will need to be bought or borrowed.
..."

I see by your #3 choice, that you got your Christmas wish Carolyn...well done you! :)

I'm in for this one... now I just gotta work out my list...lol neglected my reading habits for far too long...but have managed to keep up with my spending habits for books...hehe

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of #5-7 that will need to be bough..."

That one wasn't on my Chrissy list Jules. I indulged and bought it for myself last week. A pre-Christmas splurge :)

Phrynne wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of #5-7 that will need to be bough..."

I hope so Phrynne! Your review helped push it up near the top of my tbr. I think I might read if for the readathon weekend :)

Carolyn wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of #5-7 that will ..."

Oh that's right, I knew you mentioned it..I like the sound of that one :)

Nat wrote: "I'm in for this one... now I just gotta work out my list...lol neglected my reading habits for far too long...but have managed to keep up with my spending habits for books...hehe"

Haha! Spending habits are easy;)

Marking my spot.

1/.
S:
U:
M:
M:
E:
R:

2/.
3/.
4/.
5/.
6/.
7/.
8/.
9/.
10/.

Here is my list



1a. S - The Sunne in Splendour Sharon Kay Penman
1b. U - Unholy Ghosts Stacia Kane
1c. M - The Messenger of Athens Anne Zouroudi
1d. M - Meridon Philippa Gregory
1e. E - The Engagement Chloe Hooper
1f. R - Razor: Tilly Devine, Kate Leigh and the Razor Gangs Larry Writer
2. Christmas - A Curvy Coldwater Christmas Jenn Roseton
3. Aust. Day - The Third Day, The Frost John Marsden
4. Valentines Day - First & Forever Alyssa Rose Ivy
5. Lit. Map - Diana Gabaldon=Dawn on a Distant Shore Sara Donati
6. AR friend Top 5 - You Caroline Kepnes
7. Aus New Release - 12 Daves of Christmas Juliet Madison
8. Aus. Summer - Getting Warmer Alan Carter
9. Historical Fiction - The King's Curse Philippa Gregory
10. Fave Genre - Glory in Death J.D. Robb(Romantic Suspense)

Great list Zoey! Some excellent reads there:)

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of..."

I chose Letters from Skye on your recommendation Julie :)

1. Spell it out:
S Sun Poisoned
U Uprush
M Meritropolis
M Manslaughter and Other Tears
E Endgame
R The Road

2. Christmas: Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

3. Australia Day: Let Sleeping Gods Lie by Dianne F. Gray

4. Valentine's Day Romance: Complementary Colors by Adrienne Wilder

5. Literature Map: Michael J. Sullivan -> Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses eSampler

6. Pick an Aussie Readers friend - then check out the thread of Top 5 Favourites of 2014: Stardust thanks to Angela

7. New Aussie release: Bloodlines by Vanessa Skye Release date: January 2015

8. Aussie Summer: Time Will Tell by Fiona McCallum

9. Historical Fiction: Girl With a Pearl Earring

10. Favourite Genre: Dystopian (coz I haven't read any recently!) Impetus by Scott M. Sullivan

Great list Lynxie!

Brenda wrote: "Great list Lynxie!"

Thanks Brenda, it was a bit harder than normal this time. Not sure why. Oh well, should be a good challenge!

Yes I think it'll be fun:)

Brenda wrote: "Yes I think it'll be fun:)"

Even better, everything is off my TBR list except Changer :)

Lynxie wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Yes I think it'll be fun:)"

Even better, everything is off my TBR list except Changer :)"

Same Lynxie! I managed everything from what I own too... so that's an extra bonus:)

Here are mine.


S. The Speed of Dark byElizabeth Moon4 stars
U. Us by David Nicholls5 stars
M. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman 4 stars
M. The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon 3 stars
E. Endsinger by Jay Kristoff3 stars
R. The Redbreast by Jo Nesbø 5 stars



2. Christmas Skipping Christmas by John Grisham1 star
3. Aussie author Let Sleeping Gods Lie by Dianne F. Gray2 stars
4. Romance The Shell Collector by Hugh Howey 3 stars
5. Lit Map. I put in Jan Karon and got Alexander McCall Smith The Handsome Man's Deluxe Café5 stars
6. The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce (Michael's list)5 stars
7. Tell the Truth by Katherine Howell 4 stars
8. Aussie summer Summertime by J.M. Coetzee3 stars
9. Historical fiction Dissolution by C.J. Sansom5 stars
10.Favourite genre Angelmaker by Nick Harkaway (Fantasy) 4 stars

Good start Phrynne:)

Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of #5-7 that will need to be bought or borrowed.
..."

I've got Festive in Death to fit into my summer reads/ Christmas reads too

Question - does 1984 by George Orwell qualify as historical fiction?

Sally906 wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the exception of except of #5-7 that will need to be bough..."

I couldn't wait that long to read my copy!

Jackmeister wrote: "Question - does 1984 by George Orwell qualify as historical fiction?"

No I don't think so Jackie:( Sorry! Historical Fiction is generally 50 + years ago...

Phrynne wrote: "Here are most but not all of mine.


S. The Speed of Dark byElizabeth Moon
U. Us by David Nicholls
M. A Man Called Ove by ..."

I hope you like A Man Called Ove as much as I did :)

Lynxie wrote: "1. Spell it out:
S Sun Poisoned
U Uprush
M Meritropolis
..."

Nice books there :)

Carolyn wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Very excited about this challenge! I've tried to reduce my tbrs by putting my list together from books I already own, with the except..."

Oh good! I'm sure you wIll like it too :D

Sally906 wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "1. Spell it out:
S Sun Poisoned
U Uprush
M Meritropolis[bookcover:Meritrop..."


Thanks Sally :) I think they should make a good reading challenge!

Brenda wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Anyone want to friend me so I can do number 6? Lol."

Oh Rita, don't you have any friends? You poor thing! I'm sure we can find you some;)"

Done! I need some too!

Melanie wrote: "Marking my spot.

1/.
S:
U:
M:
M:
E:
R:

2/.
3/.
4/.
5/.
6/.
7/.
8/.
9/.
10/."

Lol - love that!

Mary wrote: "Brenda wrote: "RitaSkeeter wrote: "Anyone want to friend me so I can do number 6? Lol."

Oh Rita, don't you have any friends? You poor thing! I'm sure we can find you some;)"

Done! I need some too!"
I don't have any either, I was just going to pick a group member whose profile is not set to private and hope that would be ok?

I have just finished the last challenge and i am excited to start picking my books for this challenge

Jennifer wrote: "I have just finished the last challenge and i am excited to start picking my books for this challenge"

That's the best part isn't it Jennifer:)

yes I think it's great fun finding books to match each challenge

Jennifer wrote: "yes I think it's great fun finding books to match each challenge"

Well good luck with your choices:)

This is my plan (always ready for changes)

1. Spell It Out
a. S - The Sound of One Hand Clapping – Richard Flanagan
b. U – The Unbearable Lightness of Being – Milan Kundera
c. M – Monkey Grip – Helen Garner
d. M – Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
e. E – Eucalyptus by Murray Bail
f. R - Running Blind – Lee Child
2. Christmas - The Christmas Wedding– James Patterson
3. Australia Day – The Light Between Oceans –M.L. Stedman M L Stedman
4. Valentine’s Day – The Silver Rose – Rowena May O'Sullivan
5. Literature Map - Meljean Brook : Maria V. Snyder Poison Study
6. AR Friend – TBA
7. New Release Aussie Author – TBA
8. Summer – Silent Fear – Katherine Howell
9. Historical Fiction – The Secret River – Kate Grenville
10. Favourite Genre – Snapshot - Garry Disher

Once again I don't really have a favourite genre but I am moving along in my personal goal of reading the top 100 Australian books (they change every time I look at the list! lol). I've also got a bunch from my TBR and that I already own which helps the budget. Thank goodness it's a 3 month challenge!

Isn't it hard when you read everyone else's list and you think Oh that sounds good - and that - and that ....?