Phil’s Comments (group member since Dec 29, 2021)

Phil’s comments from the Aussie Readers group.

I've completed the Busy Option
Contemporary: Close Your Eyes by Michael Robotham AA (Read 29/01;4*)
Stay Awake by Megan Goldin AA (Read 08/04; 3*)

Historical Fiction: Cry of the Curlew by Peter Watt AA (Read 14/05; 4*)
March by Geraldine Brooks AA (Read 10/04;4*)

Non Fiction: The Philosophy of Modern Song by Bob Dylan (Listened audiobook 10/08;4*)
Funkytown by Paul Kennedy AA (Read 03/09; 4*)

Crime: Silver by Chris Hammer AA (Read 22/04; 4*)
Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson AA (Read 30/01;3*)

Mystery: The Messenger by Markus Zusak AA (Read 28/07; 4*)
The Guest List] by Lucy Foley (Read 30/09; 3*)

Fantasy: Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher (Read06/10; 3*)
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka (Read 20/07;3*)

Science Fiction: Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein Read 13/02; 4*)
System Collapse by Martha Wells (Read 03/07;3*)

Horror: Holly by Stephen King (Read 05/07; 4*)
Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge (Read 24/07; 3*)

Classic: A Fortunate Life by A.B. Facey AA (Read 10/05; 4*)
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque (Read 13/06; 4*)

Award Winner/Nominee: Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally AA (Read 12/05;4*)
Empire Falls by Richard Russo (Read 07/07;4*)

Thriller/Suspense: Munich Wolf by Rory Clements (Read 29/06; 4*)
Only the Dead by Jack Carr (Read 20/09; 4*)

Dystopian: Eve of Man by Giovanna Fletcher (Read 30/08; 4*)
The Hummingbird Effect by Kate Mildenhall AA (Read 20/05;3*)

Phrynne wrote: "Great work Phil!"
Thank you Phrynne

Brenda wrote: "Well done Phil! I smiled at your use of "Mars" ;)"
Thanks Brenda...I do like my sci-fi

Phrynne wrote: "Well done Phil!"
Thanks Phrynne

Brenda wrote: "Great work Phil!"
Thanks Brenda

Finished the challenge
TASKS
1. KANGAROO.
In South Australia there is a beautiful place called Kangaroo Island where you can see kangaroos on the beach.
** Read a book where you can find the letters A, R, O in the title (in any order) Scary Monsters by Michelle de Kretser (Read 09/02; 3*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in Kangaroo Island. The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill (Read 02/10; 3*)
** Read a book set near a beach or with a beach on the cover. The Drowning by Bryan Brown (Read16/04; 4*)

2. DINGO.
Australia may have some of the worst poisonous creatures in the world but our apex predator is a wild dog! There are lots of them to be found on Fraser Island in Queensland.
** Read a book where you can find the letters G,N,O in the title (in any order) Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Chandran Read 14/09;4*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in Fraser Island. Long Flight Home by Lainie Anderson (Read 22/05; 4*)
** Read a book set in Queensland The Cane by Maryrose Cuskelly (Read 11/02; 4*)

3. KOOKABURRA
When a flock of these birds start laughing it is hard not to laugh with them. They are the noisy relations of the Kingfisher family but they prefer to eat lizards to fish. The Kookaburra is one of the emblems for NSW.
** Read a book where you can find the letters B,R,O in the title (in any order) Resurrection Bay by Emma Viskic (Read 05/03;4*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in kookaburra. Shell by Kristina Olsson (Read 02/02; 3*)
** Read a book set in New South Wales Scrublands by Chris Hammer (Read 24/02;4*)

4. KOALA.
These cuddly creatures spend about eighteen hours per day asleep in their eucalyptus trees. Even though they may look like a teddy, Koalas are not bears!
** Read a book where you can find the letters O,L,A in the title (in any order) Flight of the Eagle by Peter Watt (Read 25/06; 4*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in eucalyptus Killer Traitor Spy by Tim Ayliffe (Read 05/01; 4*)
** Read a book which has trees on the cover. Gone by Midnight by Candice Fox

5. COCKATOO
The Gang Gang Cockatoo is an emblem of the Australian Capital Territory, which is the home of our capital city, Canberra.
** Read a book where you can find the letters T,C,O in the title (in any order) The Secret World of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal (Read 15/06;3*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in Gang Gang Cockatoo Birds in Flight by Anni Taylor (Read 30/05; 4*)
** Read a book set in Canberra or any of our state or territory capitals. (Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide, Hobart) Six Minutes by Petronella McGovern (Read 08/06;4*)

6. QUOKKA
Found in Western Australia and called the happiest animal in the world because it has a smiley little face.
** Read a book where you can find the letters U,O,A in the title (in any order) The Fallout by Garry Disher (read 07/05; 4*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in happiest The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth (Read 07/05; 3*)
** Read a book which makes you smile. You Wouldn't Be Dead For Quids by Robert G. Barrett (Read 31/08; 3*)

7. PLATYPUS
This strange creature frequents freshwater rivers all around Australia. Sadly numbers are dwindling and we do not often see them.
** Read a book where you can find the letters P,S,A in the title (in any order) Shadow of the Osprey by Peter Watt (Read 01/06; 4*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in platypus. Red Earth by Tony Park (Read 20/06; 4*)
** Read a book with some association to water or swimming. A Sea-Chase by Roger McDonald (Read18/05;3*)

8. POSSUM
Very cute but they can also be a big pest. The possum is the emblem for Victoria
** Read a book where you can find the letters U,M,S in the title (in any order) Stone Sky Gold Mountain by Mirandi Riwoe (Read 07/06; 3*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in possum The Rush by Michelle Prak (Read 04/09; 4*)
** Read a book set in Victoria. 1964 by Michael Buxton (Read 25/04; 3*)

9. CROCODILE
There are saltwater crocodiles in the sea and freshwater ones in the rivers but mostly in the Northern Territory. If the sign beside the waterhole says No Swimming then don't swim.
** Read a book where you can find the letters C,D,E in the title (in any order) And Fire Came Down by Emma Viskic (Read 07/03; 4*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in crocodile. Dying to Know by Rae Cairns (Read 24/05; 4*)
** Read a book set in the Northern Territory Bet Your Life by Evan Green (Read 14/03; 4*)

10. TASMANIAN DEVIL
As the name suggests this animal is found in Tasmania. Not sure why it acquired the name Devil but I suppose it isn't the prettiest furry friend you have ever seen.
** Read a book where you can find the letters T,D,L in the title (in any order) The Death of John Lacey by Ben Hobson (Read 18/03;4*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in Tasmanian Devil The Map of William by Michael Thomas (Read 08/08;3*)
** Read a book set in Tasmania Death of a River Guide by Richard Flanagan (Read 10/09; 4*)

11. NUMBAT
One of our rarer creatures which lives in Western Australia.
** Read a book where you can find the letters T,M,A in the title (in any order) The Lost Man by Jane Harper (Read 12/01; 4*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in numbat. Wild Dogs by Michael Trant (Read 15/08;4*)
** Read a book set in Western Australia Out of Breath by Anna Snoekstra (Read 09/06; 3*)

12. WOMBAT
A long, long time ago these furry chaps were the size of elephants. Can you imagine the size of their burrows? Today they are a much more reasonable size and the Hairy Nose Wombat is the emblem of South Australia.
** Read a book where you can find the letters T,B,A in the title (any order) Outback by Patricia Wolf (Read 14/07; 4*)
** Read a book where the author's initials can be found in Hairy Nose Wombat . When She Was Good by Michael Robotham (Read 03/02; 4*)
** Read a book set in South Australia Homecoming by Kate Morton (Read 03/04; 4*)

Finished the challenge
A - Alaska - Not the Ones Dead by Dana Stabenow (Read 17/02; 4*)
B - Brisbane - Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton (Read 27/4;4*) AA
C - Cyprus - The Book of Fireby Christy Lefteri (Read 03/06;3*)
D - Darwin - All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton (Read26/09; 4*) AA
E - Egypt - The Seventh Scroll by Wilbur Smith (Read 26/01; 4*)
F - France - Dark Arena: The Frenchman Returns by Jack Beaumont (Read 29/07; 4*)
G - Gosford NSW - Retribution by Sarah Barrie (Read26/05;4*) AA
H - Holy See - Conclaveby Robert Harris (Read09/07; 5*)
I - Ireland - Prophet Song by Paul Murray (Read29/02; 4*)
J - Japan - The Travelling Cat Chroniclesby Hiro Arikawa (Read16/06; 3*)
K - Kentucky - Horseby Geraldine Brooks (Read 04/08; 4*) AA
L - London -Traitors Gate by Jeffrey Archer (read29/04; 4*)
M - Mars - Red Rising by Pierce Brown (Read 25/07; 4*)
N - New South Wales - The Visitors by Jane Harrison (Read 19/08; 4*) AA
O - Oman - Celestial Bodies by Jokha Alharthi (Read 19/02; 3*)
P - Pyongyang - The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson (Read 21/01; 4*)
Q - Queensland - Redemption Point by Candice Fox (Read10/07; 4*) AA
R - Republic of Korea -The Hole by Hye-Young Pyun (Read 29/03; 3*)
S - Sydney, NSW - The Weekend by Charlotte Wood (Read 12/09; 3*) AA
T - Tasmania - The Rain Heron by Robbie Arnott (Read 17/08; 3*) AA
U - USA - Judgment Prey by John Sandford (Read 28/05; 4*)
V - Victoria - The Inheritanceby Gabriel Bergmoser (Read 20/04; 4*) AA
W - Western Australia - No Trace by Michael Trant (Read 25/08; 4*) AA
X - TeXas -Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke (Read 09/03; 4*)
Y - New York - Trust by Hernan Diaz (Read 02/01; 4*)
Z - New Zealand - Better the Blood by Michael Bennett (Read 07/02; 4*)

Please add me on the list to do the challenge & I will do the busy option. Will add my books later when I work out what I will read

I'll try for Hard option, so please include me on the list

Please add me as a particpant. I'll work out my books later

Bec wrote: "Congratulations Phil! I see you are also over in the Around the year in 52 books group. I would love to see the books you read for that challenge. Can you let me know where your post is."
Thanks Bec....just go to my profile and those books are listed in my bookshelf as well as my post under Phil's ATY 2023

Phrynne wrote: "Well done Phil!"

Thanks Phrynne I'm all challenged out now

Finished the challenge.
A Anna by Niccolò Ammaniti Read 02/05; 4*
B Blue Moon by Lee Child Read 30/06; 4*
C Corporal Hitler’s Pistol: Winner of the 2022 ARA Historical Novel Prize by Tom Keneally AA Read11/01; 4*
D Devotion by Hannah Kent AA Read 20/09; 3*
E Echolalia by Briohny Doyle AA Read 06/09; 3*
F Flights by Olga Tokarczuk Read 03/02; 4*
G Gentlemen Formerly Dressed by Sulari Gentill AA Read 27/07; 4*
H Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen Read 17/04; 4*
I I, Robot by Isaac Asimov Read 02/01; 4*
J Johnno by David Malouf AA Read 16/05; 4*
K Kindred by Octavia E. Butler Read 21/04; 4*
L Lucky's by Andrew Pippos AA Read 09/06; 4*
M Modern Marriage by Filip Vukasin AA Read 26/08; 3*
N Network Effect by Martha Wells Read 16/01; 5*
O Over My Dead Body by Jeffrey Archer Read 23/08; 4*
P Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind Read 12/07; 4*
Q Quota by Jock Serong AA Read 25/02; 4*
R Riptides by Kirsten Alexander AA Read 12/02; 3*
S Silas Marner by George Eliot Read 04/01; 4*
T True Believer by Jack Carr Read 18/07; 4*
U Unforgiven by Sarah Barrie AA Read 20/02; 4*
V Violation by Karl Hill Read 21/03; 3*
W Wilder Country by Mark Smith AA Read 14/03; 4*
X Catch Us The Foxes by Nicola West AA Read 30/04; 3*
Y You Don't Know Me by Sara Foster AA Read 26/05; 4*
Z Zodiac by Sam Wilson Read 05/08; 3*

Thanks Brenda, I have one more challenge on here to complete this week

Finished the challenge with hard option of 36 books

MALE/FEMALE:
The Wife and the WidowChristian White rEAD 14/7; 4*
The TorrentDinuka McKenzie Read 7/4; 4*
STAND ALONE/PART OF SERIES:
The IslandsEmily Brugman read 16/9; 3*
Crimson LakeCandice Fox Read 7/8; 4*
HISTORICAL/PRESENT DAY:
The Portrait of Molly DeanKatherine Kovacic read 2/6; 4*
PlumBrendan Cowell Read 1/8; 3*
SET IN COUNTRY/SET IN CITY:
ConvictionFrank ChalmersRead4/7; 4*
Comfort ZoneLindsay Tanner
Read 8/7; 4*
SET IN HOME COUNTRY/SET AWAY FROM:
Who killed Bianca?Emma Darcy
Read 26/1; 3*
The Light After the WarAnita Abriel Read 10/5; 3*
PLAIN COVER/ BEAUTIFUL COVER:
Once There Were WolvesCharlotte McConaghy Read 17/3; 4*
The WhisperingVeronica Lando Read 11/2; 4*
SET OVER THE OCEAN/SET ON MAINLAND:
The TournamentMatthew Reilly
Read 13/5; 4*
UndergroundAndrew McGahanRead 19/2; 4*
SET IN SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA/SET IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA:
The SurvivorsJane Harper Read 8/1; 3*
StillMatt Nable Read 13/3; 4*
SET IN HOME STATE (NSW)/ANOTHER STATE:
A Few Right Thinking MenSulari Gentill Read 29/1; 3*
True History of the Kelly GangPeter Carey Read 2/3; 4*
BEACH ON COVER/BUSH ON COVER:
The Brothers]S.D. Hinton read 27/3; 4*
The Road to WinterMark Smith Read 12/3; 3*
UPPER CASE/LOWER CASE:
Daughters of EveNina D. Campbell Read 21/7;4*
All That’s Left UnsaidTracey Lien Read 3/4; 3*
SINGLE WORD TITLE/MANY WORD TITLE:
DenizenJames McKenzie Watson Read 20/1; 4*
The Dictionary of Lost WordsPip Williams Read 20/8; 4*
NEW RELEASE/OLDER RELEASE:
Crows NestNikki Mottram Read 4/9; 3*
My Brilliant CareerMiles Franklin Read 3/6; 3*
COVER MOSTLY BLACK/MOSTLY WHITE:
HoneybeeCraig Silvey Read 23/4; 4*
The Girl on the PageJohn Purcell Read 10/9; 4*
HISTORICAL MYSTERY/PRESENT DAY:
A Fatal TideSteve Sailah Read 6/3; 4*
State of FearTim Ayliffe Read 5/1; 4*
ONE PERSON ON COVER/MORE THAN ONE:
The Making of HerBernadette Jiwa Read 8/3; 4*
The CryHelen FitzgeraldRead 6/6; 4*
COSY CRIME/DARK CRIME:
Digging Up DirtPamela Hart Read 1/6; 3*
The Second SonLoraine Peck Read 27/4; 4*
EBOOK/PHYSICAL BOOK:
A Short History of Richard KlineAmanda Lohrey Read 15/6; 4*
Barbed Wire and Cherry BlossomsAnita Heiss Read 18/1; 4*

Thanks Brenda

Finished the challenge (13 Aussie Authors)
A - Read a book by an AUTHOR new to you
When We Were BirdsAyanna Lloyd Banwo Read 15/7; 4*
B - Read a book which you BOUGHT
Lonesome DoveLarry McMurtry
Read18/7; 5*
C - Read a book with CLOUDS on the cover (post cover)
MilkmanAnna Burns
read 9/1; 4*
D - Read a book which has DARK themes
The Darkest Little RoomPatrick Holland Read 6/5; 4* AA
E - Read a book you've been EAGER to read
Children of MemoryAdrian Tchaikovsky Read 19/8; 4*
F - Read a book which is FIRST in a series
The Terminal ListJack Carr
read 29/6; 4*
G- Read a book which was a GIFT
Harlem ShuffleColson Whitehead Read 22/5; 4*
H - Read a HISTORICAL book (can be fiction or non-fiction)
Salt CreekLucy Treloar Read 9/8; 4* AA
I - Read a book about an INTERESTING woman(Joan of Arc)
Blood Red, Sister Rose: A Novel of the Maid of OrleansThomas Keneally Read 1/7; 3* AA
J - Read a book where someone is in or has been in JAIL
The Sawdust HouseDavid Whish-Wilson Read 25/7; 4* AA
K - Read a book with a KNIFE on the cover (post cover)
The Old Woman with the KnifeGu Byeong-mo Read 18/6; 4*
L - Read a book where the title is written in LOWER case (post cover)
BarracudaChristos Tsiolkas Read 4/3; 4* AA
M - Read a book which has a MOON on the cover (post cover)
Operation StarshotCraig A. Falconer Read 22/2; 4*
N - Read a book with a NUMBER in the title
The Four WindsKristin Hannah Read 12/9; 4*
O - Read a book with a ONE word title
MammothChris Flynn Read 15/8; 3* AA
P - Read a book with a PARAMEDIC in the text
White NoiseMercedes Mercier (Main character trained as a Paramedic; Page 31) Read 24/5; 4* AA
Q - Read a book which is a QUICK read - under 200 pages
Follow the Rabbit-Proof FenceDoris Pilkington 136 pages Read 11/6; 3* AA
R - Read a book which you would RECOMMEND to your friends
The Lincoln HighwayAmor Towles Read 25/3; 4*
S - Read a book with a minimum of four S's in the title
The Blind AssassinMargaret Atwood Read 20/7; 4*
T - Read a book which has a TEACHER in the text
The Good TeacherPetronella McGovern Main character is a teacher Read 3/7; 4* AA
U - Read a book with an UGLY cover (in your opinion)
The Animals in That CountryLaura Jean McKay Read 13/1; 3* AA
V - Read a book with a VETERINARIAN character
Captive Tony Park(A Major
character is vet, Graham Baird) Read 18/5; 4* AA
W - Read a book with a WINDOW on the cover
Dirt TownHayley Scrivenor Read 28/1; 3* AA
X - Read a book which has an X anywhere on the cover
ExhalationTed Chiang Read 13/8; 4*
Y - Read a book which has a YELLOW title
One of UsKylie Kaden Read 21/1; 3* AA
Z - Read a book with ZANY characters
Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It AllJonas Jonasson Read 8/9; 4*

bookcover:Lonesome Dove|332806]

Please include me in this challange. I'll add my books periodically after reading them. Phil

Please include me in this challenge. I'll add my books periodically after reading my selections. Phil

Please include me in the challenge. I'll add my books periodically when I have read them. Phil