Down the TBR Hole #201

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment
Image: hjl

How it works:

  • Go to your Goodreads want-to-read shelf.
  • Order on ascending date added.
  • Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
  • Read the synopses of the books
  • Decide: keep it or should it go?

My want-to-read shelf is up a couple of books to 1186. I finished a couple of books, but I also discovered that several books were missing from my TBR.

This week’s books:

Njuta by Niki Brantmark – KEEP. First there was “Hygge,” then “Lagom.” After that, I learned about “Lillordag.” Now, I want to read about “Njuta.”

The Black House by Peter May – KEEP. This is a Scottish crime novel. Since I’m more into Cozy Mysteries, I’m not sure I will like it. However, it’s set in Scotland, so I’m still interested.

The Paris Secret by Karen Swan – GO. I used to be just as obsessed with any book set in France as I am with books set in Scotland, but this really doesn’t seem to be anything I will enjoy reading. I don’t even know why I got it in the first place.

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum – KEEP. I feel like everyone has already read this book. I bought it because I loved living in South Korea, and I would like to take an armchair trip back there since it will probably be a very long time before I’m able to go back in real life.

Murder at the Book Club by Betsy Reavley – KEEP.  I’m skeptical about this Cozy Mystery because there are only two books in the series, and both were published in 2018. I’ll give it the 50 page test.

My want-to-read shelf is down one to 1185 books. It has been quite a while since I’ve decided to let go of a book. I’m not sure my want-to-read list is going to get any shorter for a while since I haven’t been reading much lately.

#FitReaders Check-In

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment

  • This check-in is for May 4th – 10th.
  • The weather has gotten much nicer, and I had a couple of vacation days this week, so I’m feeling much better than I have in the past few weeks, both physically and mentally.
  • I’ve been mostly relaxing with my cats while my boyfriend has been out of town, but I’ve done a little bit of gardening (mostly weeding). I plan to do some more today once I’ve got some chores done.
  • Active Days: 1/5
  • Steps: 28,529
  • Miles: 11.54/16.31
  • Total Miles: 269.61/850
  • Zone Minutes: 52/150

Building the Book Fort

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment

“Building the Book Fort” is a weekly post where I track my bookish life.

Currently Reading:

  • Friends with Bunny Feets by Andrew Seiple
  • Disenchanted by Robert Kroese
  • Shady Hollow by Juneau Black
  • Life’s Short, Talk Fast ed. by Ann Hood

Finished:

  • The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
  • Feral Self-Care by Mandi Em

Total pages read this week: 350

Total books read: 52 of 75

TBR (goal is -24): -4

#ShelfLove Challenge: 29 of 51

I haven’t really felt much like reading books this week. Instead I’ve been reading articles online and watching TV. I don’t know if it’s the beginning of a book slump or that I’m feeling burnt out from work. It could also be that I have the house to myself and the cats this week and can watch whatever I want. Maybe it’s a little bit of all of the above, but regardless of the reason, I’m not reading as much right now.

What are you reading? Let me know in the comments!

Down the TBR Hole #200

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment
Image: hjl

How it works:

  • Go to your Goodreads want-to-read shelf.
  • Order on ascending date added.
  • Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
  • Read the synopses of the books
  • Decide: keep it or should it go?

My want-to-read shelf is down a few books to 1184. I finished several books this past week thanks to the weather keeping me indoors instead of out in my garden.

This week’s books:

The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane – KEEP. I supposedly own a physical copy of this book, but I don’t remember buying it or where it is on my bookshelves. I’m still interested in reading it, though, so it’s staying on my want-to-read list.

Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White – KEEP. This is supposed to be a slower approach to decluttering, and while I’ve decluttered my home multiple times over the years with more traditional strategies, whenever I read a decluttering book, I’m inspired to let go of even more stuff.

Midsummer by Deborah Blake – KEEP. I like the “Llewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials” series of books because they help me reconnect to the seasons in a meaningful way while also providing a bit of history. I hope to get to this one before the end of the month so that I have some time to plan any of the traditions I want to try.

Tales from the Perilous Realm by J.R.R. Tolkien – KEEP. I got this so that I would have several of the stories covered in an at-your-own-pace class I signed up for several years ago. Now that I’m getting the hang of screen-free days, I’ll probably get back into studying Tolkien’s work.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame – KEEP.  I somehow made it through my entire childhood without reading this book! This is another one I’m hoping to get to this month.

My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1184 books. I was feeling a bit stressed from work last week and checked out a couple more books from the library, but I’m balancing those with books from my own TBR, so I’m hoping that number will continue to go down.

#FitReaders Check-In

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment

  • This check-in is for April 27th – May 3rd.
  • I’m still having some issues with my back, and it’s definitely the weather.
  • There has been more craziness at work this past week, and it feels like the insane changes are to try to push people to quit. I wish I could afford to do that like I had planned before current events gave me reason to stick around, and every day I have to remind myself why I am staying.
  • Thanks to all of the above, I was filling a little bit overwhelmed and like I had information overload, so I did another screen-free 24 hours. I’m definitely feeling much better, and if the rain doesn’t start up again this afternoon, I’m going to try to do some gardening today.
  • Active Days: 0/5
  • Steps: 35,228
  • Miles: 14.16/16.31
  • Total Miles: 258.07/850
  • Zone Minutes: 9/150

Building the Book Fort

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment

“Building the Book Fort” is a weekly post where I track my bookish life.

Currently Reading:

  • Feral Self-Care by Mandi Em
  • The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
  • Friends with Bunny Feets by Andrew Seiple

Finished:

  • Anais of Brightshire by Jamie Wilson
  • Rebel in the Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander
  • Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass
  • Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
  • Mission to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

Total pages read this week: 1,128

Total books read: 50 of 75

TBR (goal is -24): -4

#ShelfLove Challenge: 28 of 51

I only managed to finish two books for the #Readathon, but I made up for it over the week with lots of reading. I plan to do a lot of reading this weekend as well, since it’s supposed to rain a lot and I’m doing another screen-free 24 hours starting in a couple of hours.

What are you reading? Let me know in the comments!

Down the TBR Hole #199

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment
Image: hjl

How it works:

  • Go to your Goodreads want-to-read shelf.
  • Order on ascending date added.
  • Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
  • Read the synopses of the books
  • Decide: keep it or should it go?
My want-to-read shelf is up down several books to 1187. I finished several books this past week while I was stuck at home thanks to my back, and then I read a couple more books over the weekend.
This week’s books:

The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Eva Jurczyk – KEEP. I’m a bit skeptical about this one, but because it is definitely in my wheel house, I’m going to give it a chance.

Murder in the Bookshop by Anita Davison – KEEP. This is another first-in-series Cozy Mystery, but it’s set during 1915 in London.

Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell – KEEP. This is the second book by a Scottish bookstore owner, and I recently moved it from my wishlist to my physical TBR, though I don’t remember where I finally found it.

Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan- KEEP. I never seem to be able to find enough good Christmas-related books when I want them, so I snatched this audiobook up as soon as I saw it.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – KEEP.  I got this as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago before I knew that EVERYONE was reading and raving about “The Empyrean” series. I’m moving it up my TBR so I can finally find out what the hype is all about.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1187 books. I only have one library book checked out right now while I get through my current reads, so I’m hoping that number will continue to drop.

#FitReaders Check-In

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment

  • This check-in is for April 20th – 26th.
  • On Sunday, my back began to bother me, so I took it easy. However, it turned out to be another flare up, and I was stuck home for most of the week unable to do much of anything.
  • I did work on my “book blanket.” The problem is that I also listened to several audiobooks while I crocheted, and along with the #Readathon on Saturday, I’m now even more behind, having finished 47 books so far this year.
  • Despite me taking it easy and doing my best to not aggravate my back, I’m still having some issues, and even though I didn’t stay up much later than I usually do on the weekends, I’m exhausted. I think a lot of that has to do with the up and down weather. It was 80 degrees on Friday, and dropped down into the 30s Saturday night. Hopefully the daily temperatures will get more consistent soon.
  • Active Days: 0/5
  • Steps: 24,691
  • Miles: 9.96/16.31
  • Total Miles: 243.91/850
  • Zone Minutes: 14/150

Building the Book Fort

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment

“Building the Book Fort” is a weekly post where I track my bookish life.

Currently Reading:

  • Feral Self-Care by Mandi Em
  • Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
  • The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
  • Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass

Finished:

  • Bored and Brilliant by Manoush Zomorodi
  • In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honoré
  • The Gardener’s Plot by Deborah J. Benoit
  • The Vampire Book Club by Nancy Warren
  • A Secret History of Brands by Matt MacNabb

Total pages read this week: 1,393

Total books read: 45 of 75

TBR (goal is -24): +3

#ShelfLove Challenge: 24 of 51

I got a ton of reading done this week thanks to my back flaring up yet again and I was stuck at home from work for three days. Today is Dewey’s 24-Hour #Readathon, but since I’ve done so much reading, I’m going to chill a bit. I’m meeting up with a friend for brunch and then she’ll be joining me for part of the readathon. After that, I might go to an indy bookstore since today is Independent Bookstore Day as well, but that depends on how I’m feeling. I might take a nap instead.

Tea is a must-have for #Readathon

Since I have someone joining me for the readathon for the first time, I went snack shopping yesterday and bought way more than either of us will be able to eat. I wanted us to have options, though, and whatever we don’t nom today will get put into work lunches for the foreseeable future.

What are you reading? Let me know in the comments!

Down the TBR Hole #198

Published on by RachelleLeave a comment
Image: hjl

How it works:

  • Go to your Goodreads want-to-read shelf.
  • Order on ascending date added.
  • Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
  • Read the synopses of the books
  • Decide: keep it or should it go?
My want-to-read shelf is up one book to 1194. I finished several books this past week, but all but one were library books that weren’t already on my want-to-read shelf, and I discovered some more books to add to my wishlist.
This week’s books:

The Book of Death by Jack Treby – KEEP. The synopsis makes me think this might be a Cursed Object story involving a book, and I’m very interested.

Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue – KEEP. I’m trying to venture further into Cozy Mysteries, and since this one involves a tea shop and witchcraft, I figured I would give it a shot. It’s also a newer series with only three books so far, but the most recent one was published in September of last year, and seems to be popular.

Fated by Benedict Jacka – KEEP. This is supposed to be an Urban Fantasy involving mages in London and they’re possibly also spies? I’m not sure, but it sounded different enough when I first came across it that I got the audiobook.

The Familiar by Jesse Leigh Bardugo- KEEP. Historical Fantasy involving a vampire and set in Spain? Jenny Lawson loved it? Yes, please, and thank you very much!

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden – KEEP.  I absolutely loved the “Winternight” trilogy and the first book in the “Small Spaces” series, so Arden is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. Since this story is Historical Fiction and involves the supernatural, I didn’t even hesitate. I’m also bumping it up my TBR for #RIP.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1194 books. However, that might change today or tomorrow. I’m in the middle of a flare-up with my back and following doctor’s orders to rest for two days. I will likely finish at least a couple of physical books and an audiobook so I might be down a couple of books in the next post.