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Annual Aussie Authors Challenge 1/1/18 - 31/12/18
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Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen
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May 24, 2018 08:07PM
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Annual Aussie Authors Challenge 2018 - PART 2
Level Three
36/36
Male Authors - COMPLETED
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Female Authors - COMPLETED
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2018 New Releases - COMPLETED
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Favourite Genre
Historical Fiction - COMPLETED
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Mystery/Crime - COMPLETED
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Cosy Mystery - COMPLETED
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I don't know how you read so much and convene this group at the same time. Amazing!
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Carol I love it - could be addicted I think ;)
Holy moly Brenda! You're absolutely incredible! So very well done! Congrats! :) Are you going to do a third??? :)I've completed my eighth, and another one from my favourite genre Historical Fiction.
A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald by Natasha Lester. I was completely absorbed in this one, and got really immersed in Evie's tale. A most worthy 5 stars. :)
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Just over my halfway, #13/24A terrific read for anyone interested in old Australia - and I mean OLD. Academic, but easy reading.
Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Ancient Australia by Aussie author Billy Griffiths does what it says - uncovers some wonderful history, archaeological and cultural.
5★ my link text
Finished my 3 Male Authors1.
Mele Kalikimaka Mr Walker: A Les Norton Novel 8 / Robert G. Barrett2.
Bet Your Life / Evan Green4.
Burn / David Ireland
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Ninth done and dusted, and my first from the 2018 New Releases category. Hangman by Jack Heath. Completed 30/05 - 3.75 stars.
Finished 12/12Male Authors
✅ 1. B. Michael Radburn - The Falls ] 4/3/18 ★★★
✅ 2. The Dragon Man - Garry Disher 26/1/18 ★★★
✅ 3. Under the Cold Bright Lights - Garry Disher 10/3/18 ★★★★
Female Authors
✅ 1. Sofie Laguna - The Choke 22/2/18 ★★★★
✅ 2. Emma Viskic - And Fire Came Down 8/5/18 ★★★★
✅ 3. Jane Harper - Force of Nature 4/2/18 ★★★★
2018 New Releases
✅ 1. Heather Morris - The Tattooist of Auschwitz] 9/5/18 ★★★★
✅ 2. Jack Heath - Hangman 1/6/18 ★★★★
✅ 3. Dervla McTiernan - The Ruin 18/5/18 ★★★★
Favourite Genre - YA
✅ 1. Jessica Townsend - The Trials of Morrigan Crow 11/2/18 ★★★★★
✅ 2. John Marsden - While I Live 15/5/18 ★★★
✅ 3. Melina Marchetta - Saving Francesca 25/3/18 ★★★★
Average of 4 stars. 6 authors new to me. And ♥ The Trials of Morrigan Crow .
Great challenge, thinking about signing up for a second round!
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A 2018 release.Helen Garner is one of Australia's best writers, whether it's long or short, fiction or non-, and she's a firm favourite of mine. This volume comprises 3 previous books in one, plus some. Love it!
True Stories: The Collected Short Non-Fiction
5★ Link to my review
I have completed my New Releases with The Lace Weaver by Lauren Chater. An enjoyable, if sometimes harrowing story about two women from vastly different backgrounds struggling to survive during the occupation of Estonia during WW2. 4*New Releases and Favourite Genre (history) are now complete, with one down from both Male Authors and Female Authors. I have started The Thornbirds, which I have previously balked at due its insane length. It's an Aussie classic so I am going to make a sustained effort this time.
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Brenda wrote: "Well done on the NR Carol! And although that Aussie classic is dated now, I still love it!"You give me hope. Haha!
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PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Just over my halfway, #13/24A terrific read for anyone interested in old Australia - and I mean OLD. Academic, but easy reading.
Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Ancient Australia b..."
oo! That one looks really exciting. Five stars you say? Might have to see if my library has it.
Deborah wrote: "PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Just over my halfway, #13/24A terrific read for anyone interested in old Australia - and I mean OLD. Academic, but easy reading.
[book:Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Anci..."
I reckon it’s worth a look, Deborah. It’s interesting to see how ignorant we’ve been and for how long.
Just read The Choke by Aussie author Sofie Laguna, who wins prizes with her work. 
4.5★/review/show...
Finished the 6th in my challenge so now halfway through.This one was A Long Way From Home byPeter Carey
Disappointed overall in this one. My review is here:-
/review/show...
Finished my tenth of twenty-four earlier today. :) And, surprise surprise... it's another crossed off my favourite genre category of Historical Fiction. I only have one left to complete that section. A Letter from Italy by Pamela Hart. This lady has fast become one of my most favourite authors! Cannot wait to read both The War Bride and her upcoming release, The Desert Nurse!
It perhaps took me a little longer to get into this than The Soldier's Wife, but Pamela's beautiful, seamless storytelling with characters you grow to care about deeply soon had me captivated. 5 stars!
I haven't even looked at this challenge since February (sorry) but somehow I have read quite a few AA's!17/36
Male Authors
✓ The First Third by Will Kostakis ★★★★
✓ Sabriel by Garth Nix ★★★★★
✓ Lirael by Garth Nix ★★★★
✓ Abhorsen by Garth Nix ★★★★★
✓ Clariel by Garth Nix ★★★★
✓ Goldenhand by Garth Nix ★★★★
✓ Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff ★★★★★
8.
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Female Authors
✓ Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier ★★★★
✓ Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier ★★★☆
✓ Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier ★★★★
✓ Prickle Moon by Juliet Marillier ★★★★
✓ Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier ★★★★★
✓ Sound of Silence by Elaine Saunders ★★★☆
✓ Reading Magic by Mem Fox ★★★★★
8. The Naturalist's Daughter by Tea Cooper
9. The Book That Made Me by Judith Ridge
2018 New Releases
1. A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G. Drews
2. The Brightsiders by Jen Wilde
3. Between Us by Clare Atkins
4. The Botanist's Daughter by Kayte Nunn
5. Tin Heart by Shivaun Plozza
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Favourite Genre (#LoveOzYA/#LoveOzMG)
✓ Wormwood Mire by Judith Rossell ★★★★
✓ Diamond Spirit by Karen Wood ★★★☆
✓ Olive of Groves by Katrina Nannestad ★★★★
4. Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars by Martine Murray
5. Marsh and Me by Martine Murray
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Nearly halfway through; 11 of 24 now completed. :)My third from the Female Authors category.
Malicious Intent by Kathryn Fox. Completed 20/06 - 5 stars.
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I have just finished The Thornbirds by Colleen McCulloch, second on my female authors list. It was a bit of a marathon at more than 700 pages, and reading it now, the priest's love for a child seemed too sensual by far. But her descriptions of Australia and her characterisation were spot on. She drew you into the story and wouldn't let you go until, exhausted and emotionally wrung out, you arrived at the end. I have to give it five stars. Completed 9 from 12.
My 9th read for this challenge was Black Sun Light My Way by Jo Spurrier, which is from my favourite genre, Fantasy.
Review here: /review/show...
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Well done Carol! Yes it's a bit dated but still a fabulous classic of its time :)
Carol wrote: "I have just finished The Thornbirds by Colleen McCulloch, second on my female authors list. It was a bit of a marathon at more than 700 pages, and reading it now, the priest's love f..."I've had that on my to-read shelf for a while but I'm daunted by the size!
Krystal wrote: "Carol wrote: "I have just finished The Thornbirds by Colleen McCulloch, second on my female authors list. It was a bit of a marathon at more than 700 pages, and reading it now, the p..."Yes, I'm keen to read that one too, but it'll need to be when I have quite a bit of time up my sleeve! Well done Carol, you're going along very well! :)
As everyone is, so many of you are at least, if not over halfway through your chosen level for this challenge! :)
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I'm now officially halfway through this challenge, having just finished number 12. :)
My third from the Male Authors category: Working Class Boy by Jimmy Barnes. A most fascinating listen to what had already been rather well documented traumatic childhood. It was a lovely bonus that Jimmy narrated it also! 4 stars for me. :)
I'm halfway through Level 3 and have discovered I don't read enough male authors or new releases18/36
Male Authors
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Female Authors
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2018 New Releases
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Favourite Genre Contemporary
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I'm like you Clare, the male author and especially new release categories are looking rather incomplete compared to female author and favourite genre categories. :) They will have to be more of a focus for me in the last 6 months. :)
You're doing well, keep it up! :)
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Male authors are my problem too Clare!
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Krystal wrote: "Carol wrote: "I have just finished The Thornbirds by Colleen McCulloch, second on my female authors list. It was a bit of a marathon at more than 700 pages, and reading it now, the p..."Yes, its reeeeaaaallly long! But worth it, I think, especially since it's an Oz classic.
2 completedFemale Authors
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Favourite Genre: Mystery
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Have finished the easy level of 12 books!Male Authors
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Mele Kalikimaka Mr Walker: A Les Norton Novel 8 / Robert G. Barrett2.
Bet Your Life / Evan Green3.
Burn / David IrelandFemale Authors
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Crimson Lake / Candice Fox2.
Mercenary Mum: My Journey from Young Mother to Baghdad Bodyguard / Neryl Joyce3.
The Husband's Secret / Liane MoriartyNew Release
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Two Steps Forward / Graeme Simsion2.
Rebel with a Cause / Jacqui Lambie3.
The Agency / James PhelanGenre SciFi/Fan
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Designated Targets / John Birmingham2.
A Shadow on the Glass / Ian Irvine 4*3.
Time Machines Repaired While-U-Wait / K.A. BedfordI might be able to go another 12, just depends on the study!
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Carol wrote: "I have just finished The Thornbirds by Colleen McCulloch, second on my female authors list. It was a bit of a marathon at more than 700 pages, and reading it now, the priest's love f..."I felt exactly the same about the priest Carol.
Brenda wrote: "Part 2 of this challenge finished :)"Wow Brenda, great work as usual you inspire us all.
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Drumroll please as I hardly ever finish what I start but here is my completed challenge!!!!!Annual Aussie Authors Challenge 2018
Level One
12/12
Female Authors
✔ 1. Elizabeth Foster - Esme's Wish
✔ 2. Magda Szubanski - Reckoning: A Memoir
✔ 3. Josephine Rowe - A Loving, Faithful Animal
Male Authors
✔ 1. Tim Winton - Cloudstreet
✔ 2. A.H. Chisholm - Mateship with Birds
✔ 3. Alan Carter - Marlborough Man
2018 New Releases
✔ 1. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Published January 11th 2018
✔ 2. The Rules of Backyard Croquet by Sunni Overend
Published February 19th 2018
✔ 3. The Shepherd's Hut by Tim Winton
Published March 2018
Favourite Genre (Historical Fiction)
✔ 1. HF - Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
✔ 2. HF - Fiona McIntosh - The Tea Gardens
✔ 3. HF - The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Aussie Readers
Books mentioned in this topic
A Fringe of Leaves (other topics)Gilgamesh: A Novel (other topics)
The Dry (other topics)
Taboo (other topics)
A Fringe of Leaves (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Michelle Scott Tucker (other topics)Evan McHugh (other topics)
Joan London (other topics)
Jane Harper (other topics)
Kim Scott (other topics)
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