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A reading challenge, that is.
I also love Aussie YA. So while I recently swore to myself that I'd only take on one book challenge for 2011 - the British Books Challenge, hosted by my blogger buddy The Bookette - I was clearly never going to be able to say no to the Aussie YA Reading Challenge.
I'm not even sure what it is about Aussie YA I love so much. While most of the Aussie-scribed books I've read fall into the category of contemporary YA, it's not as though they share a tangible quality that I can confidently describe as 'Australian'. It's more an intangible feeling of affinity with the characters and story and setting. It's the curious sensation of identifying with a voice that feels familiar and yet exotic at the same time. It's the fact that the characters might eat Tim Tams at any time. Okay, not so much that last one. But the point is, whatever it may be, I like it. A lot.
So, when I heard that Nic from Irresistible Reads and Nomes from Inkcrush had put their heads together to create the Aussie YA Reading Challenge 2011, all my promises not to take on any more book challenges basically flew out the window. I mean, I would be reading these books anyway. Why not make it official? And besides, I might just find out exactly what exactly that elusive Aussieness is along the way.
For 'international' readers, like moi, the challenge is to read 6 books by Aussie authors during 2011. The first potential choices that spring to mind are:
The Dead of the Night - John Marsden
Take My Word For It - John Marsden
Looking for Alibrandi - Melina Marchetta
Jellicoe Road - Melina Marchetta
Girl Saves Boy - Steph Bowe
The Anatomy of Wings - Karen Foxlee
A Little Wanting Song - Cath Crowley
Fury - Shirley Marr
Finding Cassie Crazy - Jaclyn Moriarty
Six Impossible Things - Fiona Wood
Kirsty Eagar - Raw Blue
The ones in italics are books currently in my TBR pile. As you can see, finding six will not be a problem for me. Incidentally, the Australian reader category requires participants to read twelve books by Aussie authors during 2011. What I'd like to know is, if I make it to twelve can I consider myself an honorary Aussie?
You can find out more about this challenge here at Irresistible Reads. Who's in?
9 comments:
Great list, I am reading the Tomorrow series by John Marsden, they're amazing. I would recommend any of Alexandra Adornetto's book, she is a very talented young writer.
Struth, that's a good looking list.
Thanks for signing up! Love your list of books.
And yes, if you read 12 books you will be considered an honorary Aussie. I will have to send some Tim Tams in a welcome pack :D
can i suggest any others? (though your list is already spectacular):
Feeling Sorry for Celia (Jaclyn Moriarty)
Secret Scribbled Notebooks (Joanne Horniman - her books are my favourite)
Loving Richard Feynman (Penny Tangey)
Beatle Meets Destiny (Gabrielle Williams)
and ANYTHING by Steven Herrick. He's wonderful.
oh! and Nick Earls! After January, 48 Shades of Brown, anything!
hooray! aussie books! maybe i should take the british challenge on?
OOOH - i am so pumped to see you taking the challenge and your little list on here :)
also excited about Kate O D's suggestions. They're fantastic (i've read them all!)
Definitely saying GO Jaclyn Morairty. Have you read any of hers? And Beatle meets Destiny - just wow :)
x
Have you not read Jellicoe Road yet? I thought you had... Maybe I just assumed you had because I'm sure you're going to love it.
Good luck with this fun challenge.
wonderful list. .I am looking forward to your reviews:)
I also signed up for this! I loved Jellicoe Road so I hope you enjoy reading that one (and any other Marchetta book). Also, Jaclyn Moriarty's books are a lot of fun.
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