Aussie Readers discussion

November Challenge - "The Race that Stops the Nation"

Familiar to all Australians - the Melbourne Cup is a major horse race which takes place every November.
Below is a list of the last ten years' winners. The challenge is to complete as many as you can.

Ways to complete each winning horse. (You can use a mixture of both.)
1. The FIRST letter of each word in your book's title can be found in the item. (No minimum word count. All words must be counted including the and a)
2. The author's first and last initial can be found in the item.

Levels:
Third place: four books (minimum one Aussie author)
Second place: six books (minimum two Aussie authors)
First place. You win the Cup!: ten books (minimum three Aussie authors)

GUIDELINES HERE

The winning horses were:-
2019 Vow and Declare
2018 Cross Counter
2017 Rekindling
2016 Almandin
2015 Prince of Penzance
2014 Protectionist
2013 Fiorente
2012 Green Moon
2011 Dunaden
2010 Americain

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level:
0/?

✅Alex
✅Amanda
✅Brenda
✅Carolyn
✅Cherie
Icewineanne
✅Jackmeister
✅Jane
✅Janine
✅Jennifer
✅Jonquil
✅Kahlia
Kali
✅Kim
✅Krystal
✅Kylie H
Li'lOwl
✅Mari
✅Nicole
✅Odette
✅Phrynne
Pip
✅Sarah
✅Teresa
✅TheMadHatter
Tien
✅Trish
✅Valerie
✅Veronique

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First place
10/10

2019 Vow and Declare C.A. Larmer : And Then There Were 9 AA 4 stars
2018 Cross Counter Caught by Harlan Coben 4 stars
2017 Rekindling Notorious by Minerva Spencer 3 stars
2016 Almandin M.J. Arlidge : Love Me Not 5 stars
2015 Prince of Penzance Christopher Paolini : To Sleep in a Sea of Stars 5 stars
2014 Protectionist Nicole Trope : The Girl Who Never Came Home AA 4 stars
2013 Fiorente Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen 3 stars
2012 Green MoonRobert Galbraith : Troubled Blood 5 stars
2011 Dunaden Daylight by David Baldacci 4 stars
2010 Americain Rachel Amphlett : The Friend Who Lied AA 3 stars

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First place
10/10

2019 Vow and Declare A Choir of Lies by Alexandra Rowland ★★★★ (13/11)
2018 Cross Counter The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde ★★ (3/11)
2017 Rekindling The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix AA ★★★ (29/11)
2016 Almandin Monuments by Will Kostakis AA ★★★ (16/11)
2015 Prince of Penzance Pride by Ibi Zoboi ★★★ (25/11)
2014 Protectionist Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier AA ★★★★ (21/11)
2013 Fiorente Flyaway by Kathleen Jennings AA ★★ (14/11)
2012 Green Moon Map's Edge by David Hair ★★★ (29/11)
2011 Dunaden The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi ★★★ (24/11)
2010 Americain Artificial Condition by Martha Wells ★★★ (4/11)

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First Place
10/10 (min 3AA)

2019 Vow and Declare Demon Child by Kylie ChanAA 5 stars
2018 Cross Counter Small Shen by Kylie ChanAA 4.5 sttars
2017 Rekindling Leopard's Rage by Christine Feehan 5 stars
2016 Almandin Spooky Spice Cake Curse by Addison Moore 4 stars
2015 Prince of Penzance Leopard's Wrath by Christine Feehan 5 stars
2014 Protectionist ExSpelled by Morgana Best AA 3 stars
2013 Fiorente King of Foxes by Raymond E. Feist 5 stars
2012 Green Moon Exile's Return by Raymond E. Feist 5 stars
2011 Dunaden Darkling by Yasmine Galenorn 5 stars
2010 Americain Pecan Pie Predicament by Addison Moore 4 stars

Second Place for me please.
6/6 books (2 AA)

✔ 2019 Vow and Declare Lisa Regan - Breathe Your Last 4.5★
✔ 2018 Cross Counter. Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews 4.5★
✔ 2017 Rekindling Kerry Greenwood - Death in Daylesford AA 4★
✔ 2016 Almandin My Name Is Anton by Catherine Ryan Hyde 5★
✔ 2015 Prince of Penzance Pachinko by Min Jin Lee 5★
✔ 2014 Protectionist Sarah Thornton - White Throat AA 4★

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: FIRST
7/10

2019 Vow and Declare - A Little Bit of Reiki: An Introduction to Energy Medicine by Valerie Oula Review Here
2018 Cross Counter - Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff (AA)
2017 Rekindling - Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer Review Here
2016 Almandin - Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
2015 Prince of Penzance - To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
2014 Protectionist - Honeybee by Craig Silvey (AA) Review Here
2013 Fiorente - The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan (AA) Review Here
2012 Green Moon - Blood and Judgment by Michael Gilbert Review Here
2011 Dunaden - Devotion by Madeline Stevens Review Here
2010 Americain - Lost by Michael Robotham (AA) Review Here

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First place
9/10 (2/3 AA)

2019 Vow and Declare - Disorganized Crime (Kat Makris #1) by Alex A. King -Read 03/11
2018 Cross Counter - Raymond Chandler - The Big Sleep (Philip Marlowe #1) -Read 12/11
2017 Rekindling - Cocaine Blues (Phryne Fisher #1) by Kerry Greenwood AA -Read 03/11
2016 Almandin - Mark Lawrence - The Wheel of Osheim (The Red Queen's War #3) -Read 10/11
2015 Prince of Penzance - Claire Atkins - Between Us AA -Read 16/11
2014 Protectionist - Ian Sykes - Cry Argentina: Saving South Georgia -Read 28/11
2013 Fiorente - The Innocent (Will Robie #1) by David Baldacci -Read 04/11
2012 Green Moon - Matthew Reilly - The Two Lost Mountains (Jack West Jr #6) AA
2011 Dunaden - Daylight (Atlee Pine #3) by David Baldacci -Read 04/11
2010 Americain - Neverhome by Laird Hunt -Read 25/11

November Challenge - "The Race that Stops the Nation"
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First Place!
10/10

The winning horses were:-

1. 2019 Vow and Declare Author
Victory for the Bluebird Girls by Rosie Archer 5★s 4/11/20

2. 2018 Cross Counter Title
The Secret Cave: Wolf Girl 3 by Anh Do 5★s 8/11/20 AA

3. 2017 Rekindling Author
Death in Daylesford by Kerry Greenwood 5★s 3/11/20 AA

4. 2016 Almandin Title
Montana by Fiona McArthur 4★s 4/11/20 AA

5. 2015 Prince of Penzance Author
Olive, Mabel Me: Life and Adventures with Two Very Good Dogs by Andrew Cotter 4★s 5/11/20 AA

6. 2014 Protectionist Title
Infinite Splendours by Sofie Laguna 4★s 10/11/20 AA

7. 2013 Fiorente Author
The Wall Between the Worlds by Ruth Fox 4★s 2/11/20 AA

8. 2012 Green Moon Author
The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood 4★s 16/11/20

9. 2011 Dunaden Author
The Final Siren by Nicki Edwards 5★s 19/11/20 AA

10. 2010 Americain Title
Consolation by Garry Disher 5★s 5/11/20

Tien wrote: "November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First place
0/10 (0/3 AA)

2019 Vow and Declare - Evelyn Lozada - [book:The Wrong Mr. Darcy|..."

Tien, it's the first letter of EACH word in your title. I just noticed 2013 didn't appear right.

3rd place - 1AA

2018 Cross COuntEr - (title) Chain of Evidence by AA Garry Disher 8/11 3.5★
2017 ReKindLing - (author) What You Want to See by Kristen Lepionka 11/11 4.5★
2014 Protectionist - (title) Peace by AA Garry Disher 16/11 5★
2011 DuNaDen - (author) The Deserter by Nelson DeMille

Third place for me ...


2019 Vow and Declare. Liar by Lesley Pearse . READ 3.5⭐
2018 Cross Counter. Silent Scream by Karen Harper . READ 1.5⭐
2014 Protectionist. The Catch by T.M. Logan . READ 4⭐
2010 Americain. MacKenzie Crossing by Kaye Dobbie AA3⭐



Good luck everyone ... happy reading 😊

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation (I wish the nation would stop the race)
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Second Place
5/6

2019 Vow and Declare - author The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn 27/11/2020 4*
2018 Cross Counter - title & author Song of the Crocodile by Nardi Simpson AA 30/11/2020 5* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2017 Rekindling - title Guiding Lights: The Extraordinary Lives of Lighthouse Women by Shona Riddell 20/11/2020 3.5* https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2014 Protectionist - title & author Rupetta by Nike Sulway AA 15/11/2020
2013 Fiorente - title The Fortunate Ones by Ellen Umansky 27/11/2020 3.5*
2011 Dunaden - author Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins by Emma Donoghue

Brenda wrote: "Tien, it's the first letter of EACH word in your title. I just noticed 2013 didn't appear right."

Ooh... I thought it was just the first word! okay, will fix when I have time later :)

Didn't read the instruction properly, obvs, oops

Kali wrote: "November Challenge - The race that stops the nation (I wish the nation would stop the race)
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Second Place
0/6

2019 Vow and Declare - author [book:The Wild Silenc..."

2014 is fine Kali :)

Tien wrote: "November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First place
0/10 (0/3 AA)

2019 Vow and Declare - Evelyn Lozada - [book:The Wrong Mr. Darcy|..."

2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010 are incorrect Tien - can you rechoose please? Thanks :)

Tien wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Tien, it's the first letter of EACH word in your title. I just noticed 2013 didn't appear right."

Ooh... I thought it was just the first word! okay, will fix when I have time later ..."

No worries, that's what I thought must have happened - I've listed the ones wrong above for you :)

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First place
10/10 - AA 3/3

2019 Vow and Declare - One by One by Ruth Ware Read 8/11/20 5*
2018 Cross Counter - Sorry Not Sorry by Sophie Ranald Read 12/11/20 5*
2017 Rekindling - Night Road by Kristin Hannah Read 29/11/20 5*
2016 Almandin - Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Read 21/11/20 5*
2015 Prince of Penzance - Small Mercies by Richard Anderson AA Read 20/11/20 3*
2014 Protectionist - The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons Read 28/11/20 5*
2013 Fiorente - The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan AA Read 20/11/20 4*
2012 Green Moon - (author) Love Sold Separately Ellen Meister Read 27/11/20 5*
2011 Dunaden - Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff AA Read 15/11/20 5*
2010 Americain - Everything I Never Told You Celeste Ng Read 26/11/20 4*

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Easy
4/4

2018 Cross Counter - Redemption by Jussi Adler-Olsen 5 ★
2017 Rekindling - A Merciful Secret by Kendra Elliot 4 ★
2015 Prince of Penzance - The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse 4 ★
2014 Protectionist - Into the Night by Sarah Bailey 4 ★ AA

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Easy
4/4

2019 Vow and Declare - Weighting to Live by Cara Ward 3 stars
2018 Cross Counter - Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega 3.5 stars
2016 Almandin - Limited Wish by Mark Lawrence 3 stars
2014 Protectionist - The Road by Catherine Jinks AA 3.5 stars

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First place
10/10 (4 AA) FINISHED 21-NOV-2020

2019 Vow and Declare : Angel of Death by Jack Higgins 4*
2018 Cross Counter : Comeback by Peter Corris AA 4*
2017 Rekindling : Death in Daylesford by Kerry Greenwood AA 4*
2016 Almandin : 3 Bodies and a Biscotti by Leighann Dobbs 3*
2015 Prince of Penzance : Treasures Lost, Treasures Found by Nora Roberts 3*
2014 Protectionist :Murder in Cherry Hills by Paige Sleuth 3*
2013 Fiorente : The Escape by David Baldacci 4*
2012 Green Moon : The Two Lost Mountains by Matthew Reilly AA 5*
2011 Dunaden : Nell by Annie Seaton AA 4*
2010 Americain : Homeport by Nora Roberts 4*

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: 3rd Place
4/4
Completed 19th November

🏇 2019 Vow and Declare: Darkness for Light by Emma Viskic *AA (Author) 02/11 ★★★★☆
🏇 2016 Almandin: Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (Author) 12/11 ★★★★
🏇 2014 Protectionist: Charlotte Pass by Lee Christine *AA* (Title) 19/11 ★★★★
🏇 2013 Fiorente: The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict (Title) 05/11 ★★★

Brenda wrote: "Kali wrote: "November Challenge - The race that stops the nation (I wish the nation would stop the race)
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Second Place
0/6

2019 Vow and Declare - author [book:Th..."

Thanks, Brenda.

🐴🐴🐴 Everyone linked to here.🐴🐴🐴

Love your little horses Phrynne!!!

Me too:)

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Start with 3rd place
Level: 6/6 AA 2/2

The winning horses were:-
2019 VoW and DecLare (title) Drawing with Light by Julia Green....read 3.5*
2018 Cross Counter
2017 Rekindling (title) Rhubarb by Craig Silvey AA....read 3.5*
2016 AlmaNDin (title) Nine Days by Toni Jordan AA....read 35*
2015 Prince of PEnZance (author) Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola....read 3.5*
2014 PRotectionist (author) Missus by Ruth Park AA
2013 Fiorente
2012 GrEen Moon (author) Something Blue by Emily Giffin....read 3*
2011 Dunaden
2010 AMEricain (author) Duel of Hearts by Elizabeth Mansfield....read 3*

🐴🐴🐴 Welcome Trish. Your name is linked:)🐴🐴🐴

Thanks Phrynne, I'm in

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Third place
0/4 (1AA)

2012 Green Moon That Other Me by Maha Gargash

2015 Prince of Penzance La Confession de Claude by Émile Zola

2017 Rekindling Killman by Graeme Kent

2019 Vow and Declare Eight Livesby Susan Hurley AA

🐴🐴🐴 Nice work Valerie. Your name is linked:)🐴🐴🐴

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Love the horses!
Level: Place Bet
0/6

2019 Vow and Declare - Ruth Ware - One by One
2018 Cross Counter - Singapore Sapphire - A.M. Stuart AA
2016 Almandin - Lisa Duffy - This Is Home
2014 Protectionist - The Safe Place - Anna Downes AA
2013 Fiorente - Tana French - The Wych Elm
2011 Dunaden - Unspeakable Acts: True Tales of Crime, Murder, Deceit, and Obsession - Sarah Weinman




They’re at the gate!
🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎 🐎

Phrynne wrote: "🐴🐴🐴 Welcome Trish. Your name is linked:)🐴🐴🐴"

Thank you Phrynne 🤗

🐴🐴🐴 Welcome to the challenge Anne. Your name is linked:)🐴🐴🐴

Finished!
Hi everyone, well this will be my first challenge. Not a horseracing fan but I couldn't resist having a go! I'll try first place and may embarass myself...UPDATE 24/11: downgraded from First to Second place, I was too optimistic. Still it got me back into reading after the lockdown, a very good thing. UPDATE 26/11: Finished comfortably after relegation to second place!

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Second place
6/6 (2 AA)

2019 Vow and Declare - ] A Long Way Down - Nick Hornby
2017 Rekindling - Away with the Fairies - Kerry Greenwood
2016 Almandin - A Far Country - Daniel Mason
2015 Prince of Penzance - Captured - Neil Cross
2014 Protectionist - Into the Night - Sarah Bailey
2011 Dunaden - Ukridge - P G Wodehouse

Welcome to your first challenge Veronique - and to the group! Happy reading :)

I'll give it my best Brenda! My reading mojo deserted me a bit through that Melbourne lockdown and hopefully that will trigger it back..

Good luck with that but don't stress, just enjoy 😊

I am not a fan of horse racing at all, but I do love a reading challenge. I will go slow and safely finish the race at a leisurely trot :-)

Progress: 4 of 4 as of 12 November

Level: A leisurely trot to third place: four books (minimum one Aussie author)

2019 voW and declAre (Author's Name)
Peta Lyre’s Rating Normal by Anna Whateley AA
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (3 Stars)

2016 alMandin (Book Title)
Majesty by Katharine McGee
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (2.5 Stars)

2015 prince of penZAnce (Author's Name)
The Doctor of Thessaly by Anne Zouroudi
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (3.5 Stars)

2014 PRotectionist (Author's Name)
Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park AA
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (4 Stars)

1]

Please count me in

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: 3rd place
4/4

2019 Vow and Declare: The Bass Rock by Evie Wyld - 4★ AA

2017 Rekindling: Gathering Dark by Candice Fox - 4★ AA

2014 Protectionist: Charlotte Pass by Lee Christine - 5★ AA

2010 Americain: Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer - 4★

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First place
0/10

2019 Vow and Declare: Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
2018 Cross Counter: The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion AA
2017 Rekindling: Golden In Death by J.D. Robb
2016 Almandin: Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
2015 Prince of Penzance: Cleanskin Cowgirls by Rachael Treasure AA
2014 Protectionist: The Tax Inspector by Peter Carey AA
2013 Fiorente: The Rapture by Claire McGlasson
2012 Green Moon: Hillstation by Robin Mukherjee
2011 Dunaden: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
2010 Americain: A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life by Brian Grazer

🐴🐴🐴 Everyone linked to here:)🐴🐴🐴

I'm in, from here in the UK! -

November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Second Place
6/6 (AA 2/2) - COMPLETED 25/11/20

2018 - Cross Counter (author initials) -
The Art of the Engine Driver by Steven Carroll - AA -
- FINISHED 17/11/20 - 4* (9/10)
2016 - Almandin (author initials) -
The Last Breath by Denise Mina -
- FINISHED 4/11/20 - 4* (9/10)
2014 - Protectionist (first letters of title) -
The Color Purple by Alice Walker -
- FINISHED 2/11/20 - 4* (9/10)
2013 - Fiorente (first letters of title) -
The Foundling by Stacey Halls -
- FINISHED 8/11/20 - 5* (9.5/10)
2012 - Green Moon (first letters of title) -
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia -
- FINISHED 25/11/20 - 3.5* (7.5/10)
2010 - Americain (first letters of title AND author's initials - do I get a bonus for that?!) - Mistake Creek by Rachel Amphlett - AA -
- FINISHED 7/11/20 - 4* (8/10)

Good job Kim - I've noticed a few have managed that!

Hi Brenda, I'm gradually getting back on track with my reading list, and would love to join. I might wind back levels if necessary.
November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: First place
Progress: 9/11 AA: 4/6

2020 - Twilight Payment: (Author's Name) Bad Debts by Peter Temple AA (27/11) 5*
2019 - Vow and Declare: (Author's Name) Paris Time Capsule by Ella Carey AA currently reading
2018 - Cross Counter: (Title) Shadow Sands by Robert Bryndza (3/11) 4*
2017 - Rekindling: (Author's Name) Death in Daylesford by Kerry Greenwood (16/11) 5*
2016 - Almandin: (Author's Name) Lost and Fondue by Avery Aames (23/11) 4*
2015 - Prince of Penzance: (Title) Zambezi by Tony Park AA currently reading
2014 - Protectionist: (Author's Name) Consolation by Garry Disher AA (4/11) 5*
2013 - Fiorente: (Title) The Searcher by Tana French (1/11) 4*
2012 - Green Moon: (Author's Name) The Nancys by R.W.R. Mcdonald AA (27/11) 5*
2011 - Dunaden: (Author's Name) The Dead of Winter by Nicola Upson (9/11) 5*
2010 - Americain: (Author's Name) The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves (11/11) 5*

🐴🐴🐴 Welcome to the challenge Kim and Sarah. You are both linked🐴🐴🐴

Sarah wrote: "Hi Brenda, I'm gradually getting back on track with my reading list, and would love to join. I might wind back levels if necessary.
November Challenge - The race that stops the nation
Duration: 1/1..."

Great list, Sarah. Doesn't Ella Carey count as an Australian author too?! Born in Adelaide - I remember from reading The Secret Shore.

Yes, Kim's right Sarah :)

November Challenge - "The Race that Stops the Nation"
Duration: 1/11/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Third Place - 4 books

2019 - Vow and Declare (Author) - Agatha Christie with The Mysterious Affair at Styles

2017 - Rekindling (Title) - Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb

2014 - Protectionist (Title) - Peace by Garry Disher AA

2010 - Americain (Author) - Michael Crichton with Airframe

🐴🐴🐴 Welcome to the challenge Jackmeister. You are linked🐴🐴🐴

Kim wrote: “Great list, Sarah. Doesn't Ella Carey count as an Australian author too?! Born in Adelaide - I remember from reading The Secret Shore.”

Thanks Kim and Brenda - I’d missed that!