Aussie Readers discussion

Very soon Steve :)

I'm afraid I won't be finishing this one :(. I've still got 5 to go with only 2 weeks left! I'll give it my best effort but I'm not sure i can do it. Maybe Spring will be better ;)

12. TBR July - Infoquake by David Louis Edelman

Just Loki and Ice Station left. Get the kodaks out, this is gonna be a close one.

Liam wrote: "12. TBR July - Infoquake by David Louis Edelman

Just Loki and Ice Station left. Get the kodaks out, this is gonna be a close one."

It'll be easy! You still have thirteen days left.

Mish wrote: "Ben wrote: "Finished that last one even quicker than I expected so I have completed the challenge :)

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton 3 stars
2. The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan 4 stars
3..."

Thanks Mish!

Phrynne wrote: "Liam wrote: "12. TBR July - Infoquake by David Louis Edelman

Just Loki and Ice Station left. Get the kodaks out, this is gonna be a close one."

It'll be easy! You still have thirteen days left."

Loki is an ebook though, and I cannot read ebooks to save my life :P

Liam wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Liam wrote: "12. TBR July - Infoquake by David Louis Edelman

Just Loki and Ice Station left. Get the kodaks out, this is gonna be a close one."

It'll be easy! You still have thirt..."

Why not?

No idea, just something about them it always takes me forever to read. I can't read novels on a screen I guess.

I'm a bit the same way, Liam. I don't have Kindle or Kobo or a "proper" eReader, I just use my phone (I wonder whether a dedicated eReader would be any different...?) and, since I prefer to read actual hardcopy books, I don't use it very often. It's normally only if I want a book that I can't get as a physical copy but can get as an eBook that I use it, but it seems to take me longer reading on the phone as well. I also don't feel like I get as much out of the story when I read this way. It's probably some sort of psychological block (or else I've been unfortunate in the books I've read electronically), but it's strange, isn't it?!

I find I can switch between my kindle and hardcopy books easily. A page of Kindle is the same as a page of book really! However I still want to own all my favourite books as hardcopy.

I know. Like I said, I think it's psychological, or maybe it's just in my imagination! Or maybe it feels like it takes longer because I am more inclined to read physical books rather than reading on my iPhone, but I don't really think so...

It does seem odd, but I'm not entirely comfortable reading on a screen, so that might be part of the reason.

I'm on the home stretch now!!! Just finished my 11th for this challenge The Tenderness of Wolves . Gave it 4 stars.
Have started my 12th, new release Burial Rites and have one more TBR to read and then I'm done.

Kathryn wrote: "I know. Like I said, I think it's psychological, or maybe it's just in my imagination! Or maybe it feels like it takes longer because I am more inclined to read physical books rather than reading..."

Totally agree. I'd rather have a suitcase full of books on vacation than a Kindle or whatever.

Kathryn wrote: "I'm a bit the same way, Liam. I don't have Kindle or Kobo or a "proper" eReader, I just use my phone (I wonder whether a dedicated eReader would be any different...?) and, since I prefer to read a..."

I can understand you not being able to read on a phone...way too small! I'm like Phrynne...no problem swapping from kindle to "real" book. I've just returned from holidays and took only my kindle, because of weight. I read about 6-8 while away, same speed as normal reading. The convenience is brilliant, and I LOVE my real books too.

Elaine wrote: "I'm on the home stretch now!!! Just finished my 11th for this challenge The Tenderness of Wolves. Gave it 4 stars.
Have started my 12th, new release Buria..."

Well done Elaine....I knew you could do it:)

Liam wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I know. Like I said, I think it's psychological, or maybe it's just in my imagination! Or maybe it feels like it takes longer because I am more inclined to read physical books rat..."

Are you American by birth Liam? "Vacation" is definitely an Americanism:)

Christy wrote: "I'm afraid I won't be finishing this one :(. I've still got 5 to go with only 2 weeks left! I'll give it my best effort but I'm not sure i can do it. Maybe Spring will be better ;)"

That's OK Christy:) Swing them over to the Spring Challenge if you can:)

Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I'm a bit the same way, Liam. I don't have Kindle or Kobo or a "proper" eReader, I just use my phone (I wonder whether a dedicated eReader would be any different...?) and, since I ..."

I love my Kindle as well - which I bought especially for my round the world trip in 2011/2012. Still read mostly real books, but the convenience of having lots in one lighter container is fantastic. I also listen to my audio books via my Kindle, While outside gardening, inside cleaning or studying and especially in my car through my car stereo....

OK - have finished my winter challenge - here is my completed list:


1. Read an Aussie author with a reference to winter either in their title or the storyline.
Winter by John Marsden

2. Read a NON Aussie author with a reference to winter either in their title or the storyline.
Moominland Midwinter by Tove Jansson

3. Pick a friend, and read a book from their list which you haven't read before. Put your friends name in your list as well!
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich - lots of my friends have this on their shelves

4. Love the Literature Map...so.. put in the name of your favourite author, and choose a book by the author closest! Literature Map
Was reading a Patricia Briggs so used her as the search term - Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

5. Choose a New Release which is published in either June, July or August 2013.
Trouble Brewing by Jane Tara – Published June

6. There will be some of you who have never read a Graphic Novel before...so surprise yourself with the enjoyment of reading one!
Frostbite: The Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead

7. Read anything Non Fiction (biographies, auto-biographies, memoirs)
Non Fiction & Related Genres
Green Oranges on Lion Mountain by Emily Joy

8. Snuggle up by the fire and read a suspense/murder mystery/thriller to give you thrills and chills!
What a Ghoul Wants by Victoria Laurie

9. Author born June, July or August
A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn - Deanna Raybourne's birthday is 17th June

10. International Children's Day is on 1st June - read a children's book, or a Young Adult book of your choice.
Athena the Brain by Joan Holub

BONUS FOR QUICK READERS (or those who just want the extra challenge!) One extra book for each month of Winter...June, July, August...from your TBR lists

(a) Trust Me, I'm a Vet by Cathy Woodman
(b) A Curious Intimacy by Jessica White
(c) The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee

Congratulations Sally:)

1b. Winter Aussie Author - Ice Station by Matthew Reilly

Just Loki left. Ughhh ebooks.

And depending on how quick I finish that, I might squeeze a third New Release in in the form of Emperor of Thorns

Steve wrote: "And let's sneak in second with my double list. :-)

There is some overlap with my third Autumn list, but I shall re-jig if I finish any of them before this challenge starts. I've also managed to sq..."

You did well Steve, so many books and a lot of 4 stars in there. It looks like you did well with your book choice.

Congrats to all who have finished this challenge. I am not going to quite make it this month. I always find the new releases a challenge as I get my books from the library and they don't too often have new releases. While trolling through the comments this morning I have managed to pick up some new books for my TBR (not that I need anymore). Here is my list for this challenge.

1. In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton - 2 stars
2. The Edge of Winter by Betty Neels – 3 stars and Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah – 3 stars
3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – Zoey – 5 stars
4. Ripples on a Pond by Joy Dettman, I put in Paulina Simons - 5 stars
5.
6. Maus by Art Spiegelman – 4 stars
7. It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership by Colin Powell and The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir by Anh Do
8. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning – 4 stars
9. Not My Daughter Delinsky – August birthday – 3 stars and First, Best and Only by Barbara Delinsky – 3 stars
10

Bronwyn wrote: "Congrats to all who have finished this challenge. I am not going to quite make it this month. I always find the new releases a challenge as I get my books from the library and they don't too ofte..."

Congratulations Bronwyn! Fantastic effort...and seeing as you read 11 books and the total to read was 10, I'd say you can be assured you did well!

Finished my 10 books for the Winter challenge, most of which I enjoyed:

1) In the Winter Dark by Tim Winton - 3 stars
2) The Birthday Boys by Beryl Bainbridge - 4 stars
3) Waiting for Sunrise by William Boyd - 4 stars
4) The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis - 3 stars
5) The Son by Michel Rostain - 4 stars
6) Jerusalem: A Family Portrait by Boaz Yakin - 2 stars
7) In the City: A Celebration of London Music by Paul Du Noyer - 4 stars
8) The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins - 4 stars
9) Making History by Stephen Fry - 4 stars
10) New Boy by William Sutcliffe - 3 stars

Haven't managed to finish any of my TBR, but now looking forward to the Spring challenge.

Congratulations Trevor! Well done...

Although I said I had finished, the one I was still listening to is now finished as well!
Zero Hour / Clive Cussler
Enjoyed it as usual - only problem was the Narrator - don't do an Australian accent if you are no good at them.... and No Australian would ever spell out the initials of our 'secret service' (ad nauseam)..

I have finished my last book (twenty-six) Great Expectations for this challenge, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Looking forward to the Spring challenge, but I shall have to find something to keep me occupied between now and the 1st of September.

1. Aussie Winter: ★★★☆☆ ; ★★★☆☆
2. Non-Aussie Winter: ★★★★★ ; ★★★☆☆
3. Book from a Friend: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★★
4. Literature Map: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★☆☆ (Name was Sue Grafton)
5. New Release: ★★★★☆ (June 18th) ; ★★★☆☆ (July 5th)
6. Graphic Novel: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★★ -- who doesn't love Asterix?
7. Non Fiction: ★★★★★ ; ★★★★☆
8. Suspense: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★☆☆
9. Authors born in Winter: ★★★☆☆ ; ★★★★☆
10. International Children's Day: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★★
11. June TBR: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★☆
12. July TBR: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★★
13. August TBR: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★☆

Congratulations Steve! Great effort...do what I'm doing and catch up on other TBRs:)

Brenda wrote: "Congratulations Steve! Great effort...do what I'm doing and catch up on other TBRs:)"

That's what I am doing too but I just can't read fast enough!

I still have one to go (with the exception of #6) and will finish the list with my #2 In Cold Blood.

1 Aus. WinterChild of the Kulaks 4 stars
#2 OS Winter In Cold Blood
#3 friend's A Thousand Acres 4 stars
#4 literature map The Catcher in the Rye 1 star
#5 new A Woman Transported 3 stars
#6 graphic
#7 NF A Cook's Life 4 stars
#8 murder The Ghost Rider 2 stars
#9 Winter-born author Island Beneath the Sea 3 stars
#10 YA The Harp In The South 4 stars
#11 June tbr God's Own Country 3 stars
#11 July tbr Light in August 3 stars
#12 August tbr The End of Longing 3 stars

Lesley wrote: "I still have one to go (with the exception of #6) and will finish the list with my #2 In Cold Blood.

1 Aus. WinterChild of the Kulaks 4 stars
#2 OS Winter In Cold Blood
#3 friend's A Thousand Ac..."

Great effort Lesley. Did you do a review for #5?

FINISHED!!! :D


1. Aussie Author Winter - Obernewtyn Isobelle Carmody 4★
2. Non Aussie Author Winter - Bone Cold Erica Spindler 4★
3. Friends List - (Bronwyn) Farewell to LancashireAnna Jacobs 4★
4. Literature Map (Jilly Cooper) The Power TripJackie Collins 3★
5. New Release - The White Princess Philippa Gregory 4★
6. Graphic Novel - The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye Robert Kirkman 3★

7. Non Fiction - The Complete Superfoods Cookbook: Dishes and Drinks for Energy, Detoxing and HealingMichael van Straten 3★
8. Suspense/Mystery - Bay of Fires Poppy Gee 3★
9. Author Birthday - (D.O.B 30-07-1818) Wuthering HeightsEmily Brontë 4★
10. YA - Mice Gordon Reece 3★
11. June TBR - Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing Gabrielle Lord 4★
12. July TBR - Déjà Dead Kathy Reichs 3★
13. August TBR - The Promise Lesley Pearse 4★

Woohoo!!! Great job Zoey. Well done on finishing.

Thanks guys :)

Brenda, I did my review for
A Woman Transported this morning. I found it to be a good read.

Congratulations Zoey! Great result :)

Congratulations everyone who has finished in the past few days!

Finished my 12th for this challenge American Rust . Gave it 4 stars and absolutely loved it. Half way through my last one for this challenge now, new release . I'm pretty confident that I'll get it done in time!!!

Elaine wrote: "Finished my 12th for this challenge American Rust. Gave it 4 stars and absolutely loved it. Half way through my last one for this challenge now, new release [bookco..."

Woohoo!!!!!!!!!! Two and a half days to read it Elaine! YOU WILL DO IT!!!!!!!

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Finished my 12th for this challenge American Rust. Gave it 4 stars and absolutely loved it. Half way through my last one for this challenge now, new ..."

Yes I think I actually might, Brenda. My very first completed challenge. Not there yet but I'm very excited at the prospect of actually completing it. Thanks for the support. :)

Elaine wrote: "Finished my 12th for this challenge American Rust. Gave it 4 stars and absolutely loved it. Half way through my last one for this challenge now, new release [bookco..."

Elaine, I have been wanting to read American Rust (and Meyer's recent The Son) for a while. Glad to see you liked it.

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Finished my 12th for this challenge American Rust. Gave it 4 stars and absolutely loved it. Half way through my last one for this chal..."

We'll throw a well-deserved party for you when you finish Elaine;)

Lesley wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Finished my 12th for this challenge American Rust. Gave it 4 stars and absolutely loved it. Half way through my last one for this challenge now, new ..."

Thanks Lesley and I highly recommend it. I only recently discovered him but I'm so glad I did. He's been compared to Cormac McCarthy, who I also really like and I can see how they are similar. Both have a similar style and you can really visualise what they're writing about. From the charcters, to the surroundings and even the emotions.Not uplifting necessarily, quite raw really but absolutely amazingly well written. I'll be reading The Son as soon as I can!!! I'll be interested to see what you think when you get to it.

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Finished my 12th for this challenge American Rust. Gave it 4 stars and absolutely loved it. Half way through my last on..."

Ha,ha!!! Thanks Brenda. I'm sure there are lots of people here who deserve a party more than me. I'm just rapt to get this close and actually only be 130 pages away from finishing.

It's very deserving to finally complete your first challenge after all the times you have tried! It still wouldn't matter if you didn't, but the "feel good" aspect is fabulous!!

I'm finished! I only did the 10 reads no extras though.

My last three were

1 - Aussie author, winter - Winter by John Marsden - 3 stars
8 - Author birthday in winter - Hell Island by Matthew Reilly, July 2nd - 5 stars
10 - Young adult - The Dead of Night by John Marsden - 3 stars

Congratulations to everyone who's finished, especially those who read the extras!!

Nearly through with Loki. I really cannot read ebooks to save my life. I knew it'd be a photo finish!

Jackmeister wrote: "I'm finished! I only did the 10 reads no extras though.

My last three were

1 - Aussie author, winter - Winter by John Marsden - 3 stars
8 - Author birthday in winter - Hell Island by Matthew Reil..."

Congratulations Jackie! Fantastic result:)

1. Winter Aussie Author - Winter by John Marsden Got this sitting on my shelf so..
1b. Winter Aussie Author - Ice Station by Matthew Reilly
2. Winter non-Aussie Author - Winterbirth by Brian Ruckley Been on my to-read list for a while.
3. Book from friend's list - Loki by Mike Vasich From my friend Arinaca's to-read list :3
4. LitMap author - Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay I typed in Robin Hobb and saw China Mieville circling around, was hoping he'd end closer.. but oh well, this book was on my to-read list anyway.
5. New Release - Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey I had this book pre-ordered already anyway :P
5b. New Release - Angelfall by Susan Ee Let's see what all the fuss is about.
6. Graphic Novel - Kazu Kibuishi's Amulet series
7. Non-Fiction - The Fall of Berlin 1945 by Antony Beevor
7b. Non-Fiction - Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege, 1942-1943 by Antony Beevor
8. Mystery - When Gravity Fails by George Alec Effinger Typed "Science-fiction mystery" into Google and this popped up.
8b. Mystery - Headhunters by Jo Nesbø Mum would kill me if I didn't try one of these.
9. Author born in Winter - 1984 by George Orwell (June 25th, 1903) Always meant to read this, never got around to it.
10. YA fiction - Incurable and Circle of Flight by John Marsden Had these sitting around to read for ages now. Love me some John Marsden.
11. TBR June - The Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter
12. TBR July - Infoquake by David Louis Edelman
13. TBR August - Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead

Woop woop.