Aussie Author Challenge 2015

The Aussie Author Challenge is back for its sixth year!

Whether you are a patriotic Australian, an aspiring or armchair tourist or simply an international reader wanting to discover some talented new authors and interact with like-minded readers, the Aussie Author Challenge could be for you!

The objective of this challenge is to showcase the wonderful diversity of the work being produced by Australian authors.

This dedicated page here at Booklover Book Reviews will be your one-stop shop for the challenge.

In addition to 3 different challenge levels, this year we have a few new features.

• Firstly, these wonderful publishers will be joining in and showing their support for Aussie authors, and the readers that support them, by offering new release titles for giveaway throughout the year: Scribe Publications, Transit Lounge, Text Publishing, Random House, Fremantle Press

• The book giveaways will be open to all (although there may be restrictions on the countries the prizes can be mailed to) but Aussie Author Challenge Participants will be eligible for extra entries into the random draws (1 extra entry for challenge registration + 1 extra entry for each book review link accepted at that time).

• There will be opportunities to hear more from both established and up and coming Aussie authors in our interview series.

• There is a new, simpler way to submit links to your challenge commitment, book reviews and completion posts. And this year, don’t worry if you don’t have your own website, you can participate via your facebook or google+ page.

• And, this year a link to every book review published as part of this challenge will be featured in a special fortnightly Aussie Author Challenge Update in our Booklover Book Reviews Weekly Newsletter (350+ subscribers and growing by the day). You can sign-up to receive this newsletter at the top of this page (right sidebar).

Read on to decide which challenge level suits you and how you can get involved!

Challenge Period: 1 January 2015 – 31 December 2015

WALLABY
– Read and review 3 titles written by Australian authors, of which at least 1 of those authors are female, at least 1 of those authors are male, and at least 1 of those authors are new to you;
– Fiction or non-fiction, any genre.

WALLAROO
– Read and review 6 titles written by Australian authors, of which at least 2 of those authors are female, at least 2 of those authors are male, and at least 2 of those authors are new to you;
– Fiction or non-fiction, at least 2 genres.

KANGAROO
– Read and review 12 titles written by Australian Authors of which at least 4 of those authors are female, at least 4 of those authors are male, and at least 4 of those authors are new to you;
– At least 6 fiction and at least 2 non-fiction, and at least 2 titles first published in 2014 or 2015.

 

How to Join:

1. Tell the world you are committing to this challenge and at what level – you can do that either on your own website, facebook or google+, or any other form of social media that will allow you to convey your feelings about each book after reading them. In that commitment provide a link to this page and display the Aussie Author Challenge 2015 button to show your support for the initiative.

2. After doing that, register for the challenge using the multi-purpose form at the bottom of this page – you must provide a link to where you’ve published your commitment to the challenge. I will routinely update the official list of participants on this page with a link to your commitment.

3. Each time you read and review a book please provide a link back to this challenge page. Then simply submit the web link to where your book review is published using the form below. I will routinely update the official list of books reviewed by participants (also providing participant name and link to your review) on this page so that others can easily find them.

4. When you have completed this challenge tell the world about the achievement, and submit a link to that completion announcement via the form below. I will then add a link to the official completion list on this page.

When sharing your reviews via twitter, or more generally discussing this challenge, use the hashtag #aussieauthor. If you ever have any difficulties using the form below don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected]

Resources you may find useful:

• Links to 750+ reviews of titles by Aussie Authors written by participants of the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Aussie Author Challenge
• Australian literary award winners: Miles Franklin Award, The Age Book of the Year, Prime Minister’s Literary Award, Patrick White Award, Ned Kelly Awards, The Stella Prize, Aurealis Awards

Aussie Author Challenge 2015 Participants

Kathryn White @ Kathryn’s Inbox Sally @ Sally from Oz Kathryn @ The Book Date Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews Tracey @ Carpe Librum May Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out Jess @ Jess Resides Here Susan @ Reading Upside Down Carol @ Reading Writing and Riesling Kerrie @ Mysteries in Paradise Sarah @ The Happy Hobbit’s Bookshelf Marcia @ Book Muster Down Under Teddyree @ The Eclectic Reader

Justine Liddy Yvann @ Reading With Tea Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand Laura @ Can I Do 52 Raewyn Whyte Eleanor Beresford @ Not Quite Cricket Yvonne @ A Darn Good Read Sandy Fussell legolegislegimus Sheree @ 26 Letters Elizabeth Lhuede @ Devoted Eclectic Mary @ The Challenges of Reading Carol @ Journey and Destination Who will be the next to join us?

Reviews of Books by Aussie Authors

COME WHAT MAY by Sherryl Caulfield – Kathryn @ The Book Date THE SUNNYVALE GIRLS by Fiona Palmer – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling LAURINDA by Alice Pung – Laura @ Can I Do 52 NIGHT GAMES by Anna Krien – Laura @ Can I Do 52 JASPER JONES by Craig Silvey – Laura @ Can I Do 52 THE ROSIE EFFECT by Graeme Simsion – Kathryn @ The Book Date CLOUDSTREET by Tim Winton – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews BAD ROMEO by Leisa Rayven – Kathryn White @ Kathryn’s Inbox GOOD MORNING MR SARRA by Chris Sarra – Laura @ Can I Do 52 MINDFULNESS FOR LIFE by Stephen McKenzie & Craig Hassed – Sarah @ The Happy Hobbit’s Bookshelf EMERGENCE by John Birmingham – Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out THE LOST DOG by Michelle de Kretser – Sarah @ The Happy Hobbit’s Bookshelf WARNING, THE STORY OF CYCLONE TRACY by Sophie Cunningham – Laura @ Can I Do 52 HEAD OF THE RIVER by Pip Harry – Laura @ Can I Do 52 SPRINGTIME, A Ghost Story by Michelle de Kretser – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE GREAT ZOO OF CHINA by Matthew Reilly – Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out ME AND MY SISTERS by Sinead Moriarty – Laura @ Can I Do 52 GUN STREET GIRL by Adrian McKinty – Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out THE INTERROGATION OF ASHALA WOLF by Ambelin Kwaymullina – Laura @ Can I Do 52 PAST THE SHALLOWS by Favel Parrett – Sarah @ The Happy Hobbit’s Bookshelf GOOD ON PAPER by Andrew Morgan – Laura @ Can I Do 52 USEFUL by Debra Oswald – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling FOREIGN SOIL by Maxine Beneba Clarke – Laura @ Can I Do 52 ONLY THE ANIMALS by Ceridwen Dovey – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews THIS HOUSE OF GRIEF by Helen Garner – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THEODORE THOMSON FLYNN, Not Just Errol’s Father by T & V Harrison – May A LONG WAY HOME by Saroo Brierley – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand CAIRO by Chris Womersley – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews THE MISOGYNY FACTOR by Anne Summers – Laura @ Can I Do 52 SIX SACRED STONES by Matthew Reilly – May FOREIGN SOIL by Maxine Beneba Clarke – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling BLACKLIGHT by K A Bedford – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews THE MAXWELL SISTERS by Loretta Hill – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling NANOPARTICLES by Charlotte Wood – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews STONE CASTLES by Trish Morey – Kathryn White @ Kathryn’s Inbox EUCALYPTUS by Murray Bail – Sarah @ The Happy Hobbit’s Bookshelf TRIO by Geraldine Wooller – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews STOLEN by Lucy Christopher – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand SHE’S HAVING HER BABY by Lauren Sams – Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out AMNESIA by Peter Carey – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling PRESENT DARKNESS by Malla Nunn – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews THE HOLIDAY MURDERS by Robert Gott – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE ROSIE EFFECT by Graeme Simsion – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE ANCHORESS by Robyn Cadwallader – Sandy Fussell BURIAL RITES by Hannah Kent – May THE NARROW ROAD TO THE DEEP NORTH by Richard Flanagan – Laura @ Can I Do 52 USEFUL by Debra Oswald – Jess @ Jess Resides Here WILD WOOD by Posie Graeme-Evans – Tracey @ Carpe Librum MISSING YOU by Kylie Kaden – Sandy Fussell TURTLE REEF by Jennifer Scoullar – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE BOAT by Nam Le – Sarah @ The Happy Hobbit’s Bookshelf ALL THAT I AM by Anna Funder – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand SOLO by Alyssa Brugman – Sheree @ 26 Letters STRANGE PLACES by Will Elliot – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand GRAFFITI MOON by Cath Crowley – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand FRANTIC by Katherine Howell – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand PAST THE SHALLOWS by Favel Parrett – Sheree @ 26 Letters CLARIEL by Garth Nix – Sheree @ 26 Letters BAD BEHAVIOUR by Rebecca Starford – Kathryn White @ Kathryn’s Inbox THE PORT FAIRY MURDERS by Robert Gott – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling CLAIMING NOAH by Amanda Ortlepp – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling A MAN MADE ENTIRELY OF BATS by Patrick Lenton – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews WHISKEY & CHARLIE by Annabel Smith – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling MISSING YOU by Kylie Kaden – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling RELUCTANT HERO by John Hickman – May THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty – Elizabeth @ Devoted Eclectic The Best Of Gretta Anna with Martin Teplitzky – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling SAVING FRANCESCA by Melina Marchetta – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand GOLDEN BOYS by Sonya Hartnett – Elizabeth @ Devoted Eclectic JUST A QUEEN by Jane Caro – Sandy Fussell FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN by Lily Malone – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling CLAIMING NOAH by Amanda Ortlepp – Elizabeth @ Devoted Eclectic WATCHING YOU by Michael Robotham – Elizabeth @ Devoted Eclectic THE RED THREAD by Nicholas Jose – Sarah @ The Happy Hobbit’s Bookshelf CLAIMING NOAH by Amanda Ortlepp – Kathryn White @ Kathryn’s Inbox CHALLENGE by Paul Daley – Sheree @ 26 Letters THE INVISIBLE HISTORY OF THE HUMAN RACE by Christine Kenneally – legolegislegimus BAD SEED by Alan Carter – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling SHADOWFELL by Juliet Marillier – Sheree @ 26 Letters SEASON OF SHADOW AND LIGHT by Jenn McLeod – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling BURIAL RITES by Hannah Kent – legolegislegimus THE ROSIE PROJECT by Graeme Simsion – Kathryn White @ Kathryn’s Inbox THE EXIT by Helen Fitzgerald – Jess @ Jess Resides Here POSTER GIRL by Beccy Cole – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT’S SHOE by Prudence Black – legolegislegimus THE EMBROIDERER by Kathryn Gauci – Tracey @ Carpe Librum I, MIGRANT by Sami Shah – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling MUSING FROM THE INNER DUCK by Michael Leunig – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling GONE FISHING by Susan Duncan – May THE BURIAL by Courtney Collins – Sheree @ 26 Letters THE TEA CHEST by Josephine Moon – Yvonne @ A Darn Good Read LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI by Melina Marchetta – Tracey @ Carpe Librum ALMOST DEAD by Kaz Delaney – Sheree @ 26 Letters THE FIRST THIRD by Will Kostakis – Sandy Fussell HOW TO WRITE YOUR BLOCKBUSTER by Fiona McIntosh – Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out THE LOST SWIMMER by Ann Turner – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews THE FICTIONAL WOMAN by Tara Moss – legolegislegimus THREE DOG NIGHT by Peter Goldsworthy – Sarah @ The Happy Hobbit’s Bookshelf IN THE MORNING I’LL BE GONE by Adrian McKinty – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews LOST & FOUND by Brooke Davis – Sheree @ 26 Letters PALACE OF TEARS by Julian Leatherdale – Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out LION ATTACK! by Oliver Mol – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews ZARKORA: The Fyrelit Tragedy by Nicholas and Alison Lochel – Sheree @ 26 Letters WHERE SONG BEGAN by Tim Low – legolegislegimus THE TRIVIA MAN by Deborah O’Brien – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews YEAR OF WONDERS by Geraldine Brooks – legolegislegimus THE BLACKMAIL BLEND by Livia Day – Sheree @ 26 Letters THE LOST SWIMMER by Ann Turner – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling ZAC & MIA by A J Betts – Kathryn @ The Book Date NORTHERN HEAT by Helene Young – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE SOLDIER’S WIFE by Pamela Hart – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling RISK by Fleur Ferris – Sheree @ 26 Letters THE LOST BOYS & OTHER STORIES by Estelle Tang (Edited) – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE HORSES by William Lane – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews THE UNBROKEN LINE by Alex Hammond – Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out THE ROSIE EFFECT by Graeme Simsion – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand LIMBO by Amy Andrews – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling GOULD’S BOOK OF FISH by Richard Flanagan – Kathryn @ Kathryn’s Inbox A TIME TO RUN by J M Peace – Tracey @ Carpe Librum PIECES OF SKY by Trinity Doyle – Sheree @ 26 Letters WAVE by Hoa Pham – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews THE NIGHT FERRY by Michael Robotham – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST – Home Remedies by Bernadette Mercer – May SIX DEGREES by Honey Brown – Tracey @ Carpe Librum BITTER GREENS by Kate Forsyth – Kathryn @ The Book Date THE AITCH FACTOR by Susan Butler – Tracey @ Carpe Librum SOUTH OF DARKNESS by John Marsden – Yvonne @ A Darn Good Read THE ANCHORESS by Robyn Cadwallader – Tracey @ Carpe Librum ZAC & MIA by A J Betts – Sheree @ 26 Letters THE BIT IN BETWEEN by Claire Varley – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews A SHORT HISTORY OF STUPID by Bernard Keane & Helen Razer – legolegislegimus AFTERLIGHT by Rebecca Lim – Sheree @ 26 Letters WHAT MY DAUGHTERS TAUGHT ME by Joseph Wakim – Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out THE BEAST’S GARDEN by Kate Forsyth – Tracey @ Carpe Librum BIG LITTLE LIES by Liane Moriarty – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand THE INTERN by Gabrielle Tozer – Sheree @ 26 Letters THE BEAST’S GARDEN by Kate Forsyth – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews CLADE by James Bradley – legolegislegimus THE ROSIE PROJECT by Graeme Simsion – Elizabeth @ Devoted Eclectic THE PORT FAIRY MURDERS by Robert Gott – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews RUNNING LIKE CHINA by Sophie Hardcastle – Kathryn @ The Book Date GIRL DEFECTIVE by Simmone Howell – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand SUMMER’S GONE by Charles Hall – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE SECRET YEARS by Barbara Hannay – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling BEST HOME COOKING by David Herbert – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling HARRY MAC by Russell Eldridge – Kathryn @ Kathryn’s Inbox WATERFRONT by Duncan McNab – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling CLOSE YOUR EYES by Michael Robotham – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling LEAD by Kylie Scott – Kathryn @ Kathryn’s Inbox THE BIT IN BETWEEN by Claire Varley – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD by Stephanie Bishop – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling SIX DEGREES by Honey Brown – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling KINGDOM OF THE STRONG by Tony Cavanaugh – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling FEVER OF ANIMALS by Miles Allinson – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews RISK by Fleur Ferris – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE HUSH TREASURE BOOK by Hush Foundation – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling MULGA’S MAGICAL COLOURING BOOK by Mulga – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE HOMESTEAD GIRLS by Fiona McArthur – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling SWEET WATTLE CREEK by Kaye Dobbie – Tracey @ Carpe Librum RESURRECTION BAY by Emma Viskic – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews SWEET WATTLE CREEK by Kaye Dobbie – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling I CAN JUMP PUDDLES by Alan Marshall – Carol @ Journey and Destination DEADLY MESSENGERS by Susan May – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling APPLE BLOSSOM PIE by Kate McGhie – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling I AM THE MESSENGER by Markus Zusak – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand CLOUDWISH by Fiona Wood – Sheree @ 26 Letters THE BEAST’S GARDEN by Kate Forsyth – Sheree @ 26 Letters SWIMMING TO THE MOON by Robert Drewe – Tracey @ Carpe Librum TOWER OF THORNS by Juliet Marillier – Sheree @ 26 Letters THE SECRET RIVER by Kate Grenville – Carol @ Journey and Destination THE PATTERSON GIRLS by Rachel Johns – Tracey @ Carpe Librum THE VENUS ISLAND FETISH by Tim Flannery – legolegislegimus GOOD MONEY by J M Green – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews THE COLD COLD GROUND by Adrian McKinty – Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand THE LAKE HOUSE by Kate Morton – Tracey @ Carpe Librum CLADE by James Bradley – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME HEAR by Tania Chandler – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling GUN CONTROL by Peter Corris – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling FALL by Sean Williams – Kathryn @ Kathryn’s Inbox GRAFFITI MOON by Cath Crowley – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling GOOD MONEY by JM Green – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE PATTERSON GIRLS by Rachel Johns – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling OLMEC OBITUARY by LJM Owen – Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews LEAP by Myfanwy Jones – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling CRUCIFIXION CREEK by Barry Maitland – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE LIFE OF I by Anne Manne – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling SPIRITS OF THE GHAN by Judy Nunn – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling OLMEC OBITUARY by LJM Owen – Tracey @ Carpe Librum MY BRILLIANT CAREER by Miles Franklin – Carol @ Journey and Destination THE SADDLER BOYS by Fiona Palmer – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling SIX SQUARE METRES by Margaret Simons – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE STING by Kate Kyriacou – Tracey @ Carpe Librum THE SINGING BONES by Shaun Tan – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling A NEW ERA FOR MANNY YOUNGMAN by Mike Murphy – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE SILVER BRUMBY by Elyne Mitchell – Carol @ Journey and Destination GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUE by Sulari Gentill – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling MUSINGS FROM THE INNER DUCK by Michael Leunig – Tracey @ Carpe Librum OUR DOG KNOWS WORDS by Peter & Lucy Gouldthorpe – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling HOMEMADE TAKEAWAY by Julie Goodwin – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak – Kathryn @ The Book Date THE MESSENGER by Markus Zusak – Tracey @ Carpe Librum THE BUTTERFLY ENIGMA by Lorraine Campbell – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE SIMPLEST WORDS by Alex Miller – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling RESURRECTION BAY by Emma Viskic – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling ENTITLEMENT by Jessica White – Elizabeth @ Devoted Eclectic THE LOST SWIMMER by Ann Turner – Elizabeth @ Devoted Eclectic THINGS YOUR DOG WANTS YOU TO KNOW by Laura Vissaritis – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling GOOD LIFE GREAT FOOD by Judy Phillips – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THREE LIVES DOWN by Rachel Amphlett – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE ANCHORESS by Robyn Cadwallader – Elizabeth @ Devoted Eclectic SUMMER HARVEST RECIPES by Maggie Beer – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE WAITING ROOM by Leah Kaminsky – Carol @ Reading, Writing & Riesling THE NATURAL WAY OF THINGS by Charlotte Wood – Elizabeth @ Devoted Eclectic A FORTUNATE LIFE by A B Facey – Carol @ Journey and Destination I FIND AUSTRALIA by William Hatfield – Carol @ Journey and Destination AUSTRALIA’S MOST MURDEROUS PRISON by James Phelps – Tracey @ Carpe Librum

Challenge Achievements

Laura @ Can I Do 52 (Wallaroo) Laura @ Can I Do 52 (Kangaroo) Kathryn White @ Kathryn’s Inbox (Wallaroo) May (Wallaroo) Erin @ TexErin in SydneyLand (Kangaroo) Kathryn @ The Book Date (Wallaroo) Mary @ The Challenges of Reading (Wallaby) Carol @ Reading, Writing and Reisling (Kangaroo+) Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews (Kangaroo) Carol @ Journey and Destination (Wallaroo)