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Post by Claire on Jun 4, 2024 23:39:17 GMT 1
Hi all, welcome to the official thread for the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge. For newbies to the forum/challenge, the aim is for those of us taking part to pick a number of books (usually from from 3 to 10) and then challenge ourselves to read them all by the end of Summer. We use this thread to discuss the books, how we are getting on with the challenge (or not - any distractions are usually noted!) and give each other encouragement. We rate books with smiley (good), frownie (bad) or neutral (average) faces or a question mark for an undecided/conflicted opinion on a book. We then win 'virtual' rosettes and of course the coveted Challenge Trophy for completing our lists by the end of Summer! There are a number of suggested categories to choose your books from or you can have total free choice. Non-pony books are also allowed. It's also perfectly fine to choose a book which is in more than one category, or more than one from the same category. Please use this thread to post your lists of chosen books and make any comments. I will also use this opening post in the thread to update everyone's book lists and add smilies/frownies/rewards rosettes, etc. NON-FORUM MEMBERS - Also welome to join in. If you don't want to join the forum please feel free to join in as a guest, pick your books and discuss and rate them on this thread. Or if you don't want to post anything, then why not just pick your own list and challenge yourself to read it by the closing date. START DATE: 21st June 2024 END DATE: 30th September 2024 SUGGESTED CATEGORIES: *********************
A BOOK FEATURING A CAT (PONY OR NON-PONY)
AN AUSTRALIAN (OR NZ) PONY BOOK
A RE-READ OF A PREVIOUS CHALLENGE BOOK
A BOOK FROM A PREVIOUS GROUP READ WHICH YOU DIDN'T JOIN IN WITH
A BOOK FEATURING THE OLYMPICS
A PONY BOOK AUTHOR'S FIRST EVER PONY BOOKA NEW (2020-24) PONY BOOKRULES - There are no 'rules' as such in that the challenge is supposed to be just for fun - but can I please make the same request I did last year. Please can you try not to change your lists after you have started the challenge, other than adding an extra book or two. I do feel it kind of negates the idea of the challenge if books are chopped and changed and can also sometimes cause confusion if I miss changes etc. Not set in stone of course, but it will make my life easier if you can try and limit any changes after you start. Thanks folks! And my main message....as always ENJOY AND HAVE FUN!READING LISTS *************
CLAIRE ******
Gobbolino the Witch's Cat by Ursula Moray Williams (Cat)
The Thunderbolt Pony by Stacy Gregg (Cat)
Kit Hunter - Mystery of the Mine by Peter Grey (Australian)
International Velvet by Bryan Forbes (Olympic)
Three Day Adventure by Elinore Havers (Pony author's first book)
The October Horses by Genevieve McKay (New book)
Susannah of the Mounties by Muriel Denison
Ponies in Secret by D. A. Young
Blue Skies and Gunfire by K M Peyton (Non pony)
DARKHORSE COMPLETED CHALLENGE! **********Coming Home by Jane Ayres (Cat) Summer on Wild Horse Island by Mary E. Patchett (Australian) Who Sir Me Sir by K. M. Peyton (Previous group read) Trial Run by Dick Francis (Olympics) Timber by Judith M. Berrisford (Pony author's first book) The October Horses by Genevieve McKay (New book) GAREJ ***** Second Chance Cats edited by Callie Smith Grant (Cat) A Star for Starlight by Gladys Lister (Australian) Three Jay's in Rome by Pat Smythe (Olympic / Re-read of previous challenge book) It Began with Picotee by Josephine, Diana and Christine PT (Pony author's first book) HAFFY ***** Varjak Paw (Cat) International Velvet by Bryan Forbes (Olympics) Project Horse by Natalie Keller Reinert (New Book) The Sweetheart Horse by Natalie Keller Reinert The Regift Horse by Natalie Keller Reinert The Hollywood Horse by Natalie Keller Reinert [/b] The Makeover Horse by Natalie Keller Reinert ODONNA ******* Ponies and Holidays by Mary Gervaise (Cat)
The Silver Brumby (Australian)
Internatonal Velvet (Olympic)
The Right-Hand Man by K. M. Peyton (Previous group read)
Horses and Heather by Gillian Baxter (Pony author's first book)
SUSAN COMPLETED CHALLENGE! ******
The Cat and Mrs. Cary by Doris Gates (Cat)
Starlight Belongs to Me by Gladys Lister (Australia)
International Velvet by Bryan Forbes (Olympic)
Sawdust in His Shoes/Eloise Jarvis McGraw (Re-read of previous challenge book)
Four Pentires and Jimmy by Kathleen MacKenzie (Pony author's first book)
Pony Trek by Hilda Boden (Pony author's first book)
Mystery of the Locked Room by Carolyn Keene (Non-pony)
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Post by garej on Jun 5, 2024 0:30:50 GMT 1
My choices are
Second Chance Cats - edited by Callie Smith Grant (cat book) Three Jay's in Rome by Pat Smythe (re- read of previous Challenge book. I chose that one as it's an Olympic Games set book and this year's an Olympic Games year) It Began with Picotee by Josephine, Diana and Christine PT (author's first book) A Star for Starlight by Gladys Lister (Australian book)
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Post by susanb on Jun 5, 2024 1:36:04 GMT 1
1. The Cat and Mrs. Cary/Doris Gates - cat 2. Starlight Belongs to Me/Gladys Lister - Australia 3. Sawdust in His Shoes/Eloise Jarvis McGraw - reread of previous challenge book - 4. Four Pentires and Jimmy/Kathleen MacKenzie - 1st pony book by author - 5. Pony Trek/Hilda Boden - 1st pony book by author - 6. International Velvet/Bryan Forbes - Olympic - 7. Mystery of the Locked Room/Carolyn Keene - non pony - I’d love to add a new book and an Olympic book too, would it be ok to add in later? Trying to avoid biting off more than I can chew 🙄 Weirdly, I realized that both Boden’s Pony Trek and McKenzie’s Four Pentires and Jimmy are first pony books by the authors
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Post by Claire on Jun 6, 2024 1:07:39 GMT 1
I’d love to add a new book and an Olympic book too, would it be ok to add in later? Trying to avoid biting off more than I can chew 🙄 Weirdly, I realized that both Boden’s Pony Trek and McKenzie’s Four Pentires and Jimmy are first pony books by the authors Well I did actually get the idea for the 'first book' from your list. The Olympic book is a good idea for a category too - I think I'll shoe-horn that one in!
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Post by susanb on Jun 10, 2024 14:24:55 GMT 1
LOL, well then, not so much of a coincidence
Posting a recently published book, in case anyone is looking for one that fits that category...this won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historic Fiction (a US children's book award) this year:
I ordered it yesterday, if I manage to add a few books to the list, this will be my "new" one
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Post by darkhorse on Jun 13, 2024 22:12:49 GMT 1
My book list so far:
A BOOK FEATURING A CAT - Coming Home by Jane Ayres
AN AUSTRALIAN (OR NZ) PONY BOOK - Summer on Wild Horse Island by Mary E. Patchett
A BOOK FROM A PREVIOUS GROUP READ WHICH YOU DIDN'T JOIN IN WITH - Who Sir Me Sir by K. M. Peyton
A BOOK FEATURING THE OLYMPICS - Trial Run by Dick Francis
A PONY BOOK AUTHOR'S FIRST EVER PONY BOOK - Timber by Judith M. Berrisford
A NEW (2023-24) PONY BOOK - TBA
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Post by Claire on Jun 16, 2024 13:58:29 GMT 1
Thanks for the lists so far. Haven't done mine yet as have been a bit under the weather.
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Post by Claire on Jun 16, 2024 21:15:34 GMT 1
Have edited the new book category to include books from 2020 to present, as a quick check shows that there haven't been many published in the last 2 years. Hopefully this will make it easier to find one.
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Post by susanb on Jun 17, 2024 21:19:25 GMT 1
So sorry you’ve been under the weather, Claire, hope you’re on the mend now!!!
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Post by Claire on Jun 18, 2024 11:47:26 GMT 1
Thank you susan, hopefully I am on the mend.
Here is my list so far, may add a couple more.
International Velvet by Bryan Forbes (Olympic)
Gobbolino the Witch's Cat by Ursula Moray Williams (Cat)
Three Day Adventure by Elinore Havers (First book and I think from an earlier challenge too - don't think I read the full book)
The October Horses by Genevieve McKay (New book)
Kit Hunter - Mystery of the Mine by Peter Grey (Book set in Australia)
I'll get the lists on-line shortly.
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Post by Claire on Jun 18, 2024 11:56:31 GMT 1
FORUM MEMBERS PLEASE READOn a slightly less up-beat note, I notice that we unfortunately seem to have significantly less people signed up this year. I hope others will join in because do need a certain number to take part each year to make it worthwhile organising. o if you would like to ensure the future of the Challenge please consider joining in. I realise everyone has busy lives but you don't need to have a long list of books, 3 or 4 would be fine. I love the challenge and I know it's been important to a lot of people over the years so I'd hate it to fizzle out through waning interest.
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Post by darkhorse on Jun 20, 2024 12:31:15 GMT 1
I hope you continue with the challenge Claire. I have taken part almost every year. It would be sad to see it go after all this time.
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Post by susanb on Jun 21, 2024 22:49:36 GMT 1
Chiming in too, it would be terrible to see the end of our summer challenge....I always look forward to it, and it has kick started me out of reading slumps a number of times Beginning this years challenge tomorrow .... it's going to be hot and stormy here, but I will be in front of the air conditioner with a good book and a glass of iced tea
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Post by haffyfan on Jun 22, 2024 15:50:58 GMT 1
I would like to join in please, although I never seem to finish/stick to my list. Will have to have a good think in regards my books as I just bought 3 bundles of books that would count for new but probably non of the other categories.
Are there any ideas for Olympics? I don't like Pat Smythe and although I have the film version, I'm not sure I have International Velvet as a book.
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Post by susanb on Jun 22, 2024 21:28:09 GMT 1
There are a number of Olympic books, but unfortunately many seem to be awfully expensive and hard to find 🙁
Smoke Rings by Dorothy Lyons Olympic Horseman by John Richard Young Five Rings by Barbara May
Deadfall by Lyndon Stacey The Blue Mare at the Olympic Trials by Alice O’Connell
I think International Velvet is the cheapest and easiest to find…I actually have a copy on order. Had it in my eBay cart and was debating, then saw it on Claire’s list and thought “it’s a sign “ 😊
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Post by Claire on Jun 23, 2024 14:08:48 GMT 1
Thanks for the feedback and words of support. I would love to keep the Challenge going if I can. Glad to hear you would like to join in Haffy. No worries on not finishing, I haven't finished myself quite a few times. I'd hate to think people don't want to join in through worry of not completing. I think the key is to pick a modest number of books. Also remember if you start a book and can't finish it for any reason, whether it's too dull or just because you haven't got the time, you can still mark it off on your list as a frowny face.
I would recommend International Velvet for the Olympic read. As susan says, it's quite easy to find. It's a good story and very well written. I was actually quite surprised when I did a search on my website for Olympics, that there aren't all that many books actually featuring the Olympics, although quite a few about training for them and having Olympic aspirations.
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Post by garej on Jun 23, 2024 14:27:57 GMT 1
Sorry I haven't been around as I have caught covid. Trying to finish off an non pony book that I started before the challenge but it's not going too well. My biggest problem is breathlessness as even walking to the loo has me gasping for air but that's easing off slowly.
I would be sad to see the demise of the Summer Reading Challenge. Half the time it's the only time of year my PT blog gets updated. This year I discovered that you can set a goal on good reads which has helped too.
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Post by garej on Jun 27, 2024 1:06:20 GMT 1
I am mostly over the covid now. Just got minor symptoms which I won't bore you with as it's a little tmi for this forum. Thankfully my breathlessness has gone and my breathing is normal for me. That's what alerted me to test for covid as I had been feeling unwell for a few days prior to testing but put it down to hay-fever as the symptoms fitted. I do suffer from hay-fever anyway. Like I said my breathlessness was pretty bad even to the point where walking from one room to another had me gasping for air. As previously mentioned i am classified as clinically vulnerable to covid and its effects due to a preexisting medical condition. The biggest problem was boredom rather than the symptoms as I realised how dire afternoon telly was. At one point there was nothing but sport on telly which is not my cup of tea. Unless it's a horsey sport.
Anyway I have finished my non pony book and started on my cat book: Second Chance Cats. I haven't read much so far. It is a bit of a poignant read for me as I lost my cat in March. He wasn't terribly old (only 5) but all my cats that i have owned have been rescues.
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Post by susanb on Jun 28, 2024 23:21:29 GMT 1
I'm so sorry you've been under the weather, garej....covid can really knock you for a loop Glad you're on the road to recovery. I read Sawdust in His Shoes last weekend... .big cheesy grin, please, Claire Loved it the first time around, and it very much holds up. Oddly, it is ALSO a first pony book by author....actually the only one Eloise Jarvis McGraw wrote, and her first book period!
I began Hilda Boden's Pony Trek, mostly going well.....seriously freaked out by a word in the first chapter though..."I expect you all to work like n**** getting ready for the trip" the mother says. Eeek.
Awaiting arrival of International Velvet, due tomorrow. I seem to have jinxed myself, the first order I placed was cancelled by the seller as they couldn't find the book. Found another copy, so back in business.
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Post by haffyfan on Jun 29, 2024 21:10:39 GMT 1
My list - sorry for the delay
Varjak Paw - A BOOK FEATURING A CAT (PONY OR NON-PONY)
International Velvet - A BOOK FEATURING THE OLYMPICS
Project Horse - Natalie Keller Reinert - A NEW (2020-24) PONY BOOK
I bought a few of her bundles recently so I'm also planning to read The rest of the Ocoala Horse girls books:
The Sweetheart Horse The Regift Horse The Hollywood Horse The Makeover Horse
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Post by Claire on Jun 30, 2024 16:19:40 GMT 1
Hi all well I’m doing quite well on the Challenge as I’m away for a few days to Spain so have had a chance to read on plane and beach etc. Read 2 from my list and haft way through number 3. Unfortunately for some reason I can’t get the forum to load on my tablet only my phone and I struggle to post on here as text is very small. So I will post about the books themselves when I get back home in couple of days time. (Will also add your list Haffy).
Sorry to hear about your cat Garej. Mine have all been rescues too and it’s a sad fact that many of them have had a bad start in life and have health problems and live a shorter than average life. It’s not an easy thing to go through. Glad you are feeling better health wise now. There are a lot of germs doing the rounds at the moment. I had a bad cold which set off my chronic bronchitis and a lot of my family and friends caught the bug too. Takes a while to get back to full strength!
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Post by susanb on Jul 1, 2024 17:12:45 GMT 1
Glad you're getting a break, Claire, congrats on making such progress on your list! Moving along more slowly, I finished Pony Trek by Hilda Boden over the weekend. A smiley, with a strong caveat regarding the racial slur at the beginning. As I've read a lot of her work, and never seen anything like it before in any of it, I'm going to put it down to her not understanding that that term has never been anything but an insult
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Post by Claire on Jul 5, 2024 15:09:22 GMT 1
I finished Pony Trek by Hilda Boden over the weekend. A smiley, with a strong caveat regarding the racial slur at the beginning. As I've read a lot of her work, and never seen anything like it before in any of it, I'm going to put it down to her not understanding that that term has never been anything but an insult Regarding this, it seems shocking to our modern ears but this was actually a common saying here in the UK back in those days. Even in the 1970s it was still being used, as I heard it myself from older people!! So Hilda Boden wasn't seeing it as an insult. Thankfully the phrase was edited out of books not long after that. Otherwise on the general subject of the book, I'm glad you enjoyed it; I found it a bit slo and dull compared to her other books.
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Post by Claire on Jul 5, 2024 17:33:16 GMT 1
I've awarded smilies to The Thunderbolt Pony by Stacey Gregg and International Velvet.
The Thunderbolt Pony was an adventure type book which I'm not usually massively keen on, but the adventure element was interspered with flashbacks to other parts of the heroine's life. There was an interesting sub-plot looking at mental health issues, in particular OCD. There was also a bow to various Greek myths and characters, which I have always been interested in. The adventure element, in which our heroine makes a perilous journey with a horse, dog and cat, owed more than a little to Sheila Burford's Incredible Journey. Although it wasn't solely a cat story, the cat was an important character and she had bags of personality. Definitely worth a read - I do find Stacey Gregg's stand-alone books more compellng than her Pony Club Secrets series.
I'll post about International Velvet in a day or two, as I'm a little strapped for time!
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Post by susanb on Jul 5, 2024 20:39:07 GMT 1
Finished two more: Four Pentires and Jimmie and The Mystery of the Locked Room, can I get a pair of neutrals? Not awful by any means, but a bit dull 😐
On The Cat and Mrs. Cary now, just begun, but enjoying so far!
May I slide International Velvet into my list, please Claire? My copy finally arrived!
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Post by susanb on Jul 5, 2024 20:42:13 GMT 1
Thanks for clarifying, Claire, on Hilda Boden…I really do generally enjoy her work 😊
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Post by Claire on Jul 7, 2024 13:41:11 GMT 1
Finished two more: Four Pentires and Jimmie and The Mystery of the Locked Room, can I get a pair of neutrals? Not awful by any means, but a bit dull 😐 On The Cat and Mrs. Cary now, just begun, but enjoying so far! May I slide International Velvet into my list, please Claire? My copy finally arrived! I'll get that updated for you Susan, hope you enjoy it.
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Post by Claire on Jul 7, 2024 13:58:32 GMT 1
International Velvet gets a smiley. It's a re-read for me.
On the plus side, the book is very well written and the characters are very well-portrayed and believable. The character of the trainer (sorry forgot his name already - senior moment), in particular, is excellent. The book shows the sometimes hard realities of the Olympic Dream, especially the punishing training and the brutal nature of the 3 day event - and is a very realistic portrayal. The cross country scenes are very well handled. I liked the links to International Velvet, this being a kind of sequel, featuring a middle-aged Velvet and her niece and it's great that The Pie makes a few appearances. Negatives - a couple of over-dramatic and not very pleasant episodes which, in my opinion, didnt add much to the story. Perhaps when more people have read it we can discuss these. Also there was a long (and non-horsy) preamble up the horsy/Olympic elements. I didn't mind but some readers may find it a tad tedious. Lastly, if you liked International Velvet for it's quirkiness and humour, you won't find that in this book, which is fairly dark and serious.
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Post by darkhorse on Jul 8, 2024 17:09:24 GMT 1
Smiley please for Summer on Wild Horse Island. Started on Coming Home and enjoying it so far.
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Post by susanb on Jul 8, 2024 19:47:58 GMT 1
I really liked Summer on Wild Horse Island when I (finally) read it for the challenge a year or so ago. The ugly cover (US edition) had been putting me off, and it had lingered in my tbr pile for years 🙄
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