Down the TBR Hole #128

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 shelf is down to 1138 books.  I’ve been reading a lot and not buying any books.
This week’s books:

The First City by Joe Hart – KEEP. This is the last book in “The Dominion” trilogy, and I would like to read it during next year’s #SciFiSummer.

Braving the Wilderness by Brené BrownGO.  I bought this when I was struggling greatly with my mental health and had read one of the author’s other books, which helped me quite a bit.  I’m sure it would be helpful to someone and that’s why I’m letting it go; otherwise, it will continue to sit on my shelf unread.  If I need it at some point, I can always buy another copy.

Outpost by Dan Richards – KEEP.  I don’t know when I’ll finally get around to reading this or if I’ll enjoy it, but I’m sure I’ll want to do a bit of armchair traveling at some point, maybe even this Winter.

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn – KEEP.  This book had been on my wishlist for years and I finally decided to buy the ebook.

Silence: In the Age of Noise by Erling Kagge – KEEP.  I love silence, especially after a long day at work, and I think reading this book will provide a bit of quiet hygge.
My want-to-read shelf is down one book to 1137. The next post will be more of the physical books I already own.

Down the TBR Hole #127

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 shelf is still sitting at 1142 books.
This week’s books:

The Devil’s Bible by Dana Chamblee Carpenter – KEEP. I loved Bohemian Gospel, and I’m going to end up having to buy this book online at some point because I have never come across it in any of my bookstore hunts.

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman – KEEP.  The “Practical Magic” series is one of my favorites, and I especially enjoy reading them during Autumn.  I will probably read this one sometime this month.

 

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson – KEEP.  I think I’m going to finally read this one before the end of the year.

Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game by Chris Grabenstein – KEEP.  This is the fourth book in the “Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” series.  They’re fun and light Middle-Grade books full of book-related puzzles.

Boundary Lines by Melissa F. Olson – KEEP.  This is the second book in the “Boundary Magic” series and the only reason I haven’t read it yet is because it’s an ebook, and I’ve been focused on reading my physical books.
My want-to-read shelf is holding steady at 1142 books. The next post will be a mix of genres and formats of books I already own.

Down the TBR Hole #126

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 shelf went back up to 1142 books. I finished a book but bought a couple of audiobooks.
This week’s books:

Disciples of Blood by Reece Bridger – KEEP. This is the second book in the “Buan” series, and it’s been so long since I read the first book that I’ll probably have to reread it before I read this one. I do remember that I enjoyed The Perfect Mortals so much I gave it 5 stars, but I don’t remember much more than that.

The Mad Apprentice by Django Wexler – KEEP.  This is the second book in “The Forbidden Library” series, and I absolutely loved the first book.

 

Blue Noon by Scott Westerfeld – KEEP.  This is the third book in the “Midnighters” series.  I haven’t read the second book, yet, so I’ll keep this one on my wishlist for now.

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley – KEEP.  This is the second book in “The Scottish” series.  As far as I can tell, the stories aren’t related beyond being set in Scotland, so I’m not sure why they’re a series. The first book, The Winter Sea, helped me get through a bit of “Droughtlander.” I’m hoping this one will be just as good.

City of Thirst by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis – KEEP.  This is the second book in the “Map to Everywhere” series and another one in which I will probably have to reread the first book to jog my memory.
My want-to-read shelf is holding steady at 1142 books. The next post will be more books from various series that I have already started.

Down the TBR Hole #125

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 shelf is up a couple of books to 1143. I added a couple of audiobooks to my TBR.
This week’s books:

The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher – KEEP. This sounds like a perfect book for #RIP.

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy – KEEP.  I have no idea if I will enjoy this, but it is set during the French Revolution, so I’ll give it a chance.

Machine Learning by Hugh Howey – KEEP.  I loved Wool, so I’m interested to read this short story collection.

The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King – KEEP.  This might be the next book I read.  It’s a part of the “Dark Tower” series, which I need to continue sooner rather than later.

Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier – KEEP.  This is the fourth book in the “Sevenwaters” series, another one that I really need to pick up again before I completely forget what happened in the previous books.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1143 books. The next post will be a mix of physical books and ebooks I already own.

Down the TBR Hole #124

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 shelf went back up to 1141 books.  I finished a book but added a few to my wishlist.
This week’s books:

Ink and Shadows by Ellery Adams – KEEP. This is the 4th book in the “Secret, Book, and Scone Society” series, of which I’ve read the first 3 books. I will probably read this one sometime before the end of the year.

The Complete Poems of Walt Whitman by Walt Whitman – GO.  I got this book to read as part of a free class that I started during the pandemic, but never finished, and now can’t even remember what the course was called or what website it was on.  I’ve never been much of a poetry reader anyway, so I’m not likely to ever get around to reading this one.

Turtle Recall by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs – KEEP.  One of my long-term reading goals is to read every “Discworld” book that Sir Pratchett ever wrote.

All I Ever Wanted by Kathy Valentine – KEEP.  A memoir by the bassist of the Go-Go’s, one of my favorite bands.  I have the audiobook since she also narrated it, and music memoirs narrated by the musician usually end up being some of my favorite books.

Donn’s Hill by Caryn Larrinaga – KEEP.  This book sounds like perfect reading during #RIP.
My want-to-read shelf is one book to 1140. The next post will be mostly physical books I already own.

Down the TBR Hole #123

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 shelf skyrocketed to 1141 books.  I bought a Humble Bundle ebook bundle of Seanan McGuire’s “October Daye” and “InCryptid” series.
This week’s books:

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire – KEEP.  This is the first book in yet another series, “Wayward Children,” by McGuire that I want to read.

Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes – KEEP.  I was hoping to get to this book for this year’s #SciFiSummer, but with less than 3 weeks to go, I doubt that will happen.  I’ll have to make it a priority for next year.

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells – KEEP.  This is another book I want to read for the Sci-Fi Summer reading challenge this year, and it’s short enough that I might get to it.

Inconspicious Consumption by Tatiana Schlossberg – GO.  I don’t know why, but I originally thought this was a book more about how to be a Minimalist than anything else, but its focus is on the horrible consequences of consumerism, which I already know more than enough about.

No Man’s Land by Simon Tolkien – GO.  If I remember correctly, the author is J.R.R. Tolkien’s grandson, so, of course, I was immediately intrigued; however, I don’t think I can take on such a dark and heart-breaking story as the synopsis makes this book out to be.
My want-to-read shelf is back down a couple of books to 1139. The next post will be mostly ebooks I already own.

Down the TBR Hole #122

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 shelf is up by one book to 1127.  I finished a few books this week.
This week’s books:

The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie – KEEP.  Cat meditations?!  Yes, please!

A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr. – KEEP.  I’ve read several reviews from other bloggers that this book is awesome, so it will stay on my wish list until I get around to buying it or checking it out from the library.

Peace Talks by Jim Butcher – KEEP.  I absolutely love “The Dresden Files” series.  This is the 16th book, and I’m on book 12, so it will be a while before I get to this one.

Bookshop Memories by George Orwell – KEEP.  I don’t know where I will find a copy of this book, but I will hopefully find it someday.

The Faceless Old Woman Who Lives In Your Home by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor – KEEP.  Even though it’s not necessary to keep up with the “Welcome to Night Vale” podcast to read the books, I prefer to do that.  Unfortunately, I got really bad about listening to any podcasts thanks to all of the audiobooks I have, but I’m now catching up on “Welcome to Night Vale” in the hopes that I’ll get to this book before the end of the year.
My want-to-read shelf remains at 1127 books. The next post will have a couple of books that at first glance I’m not sure I’ll be keeping.

Down the TBR Hole #121

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 shelf is up by one book to 1130.  I finished a book this week, but added a couple of books to my wishlist.
This week’s books:

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern – KEEP.  I absolutely loved The Night Circus, and even though I’ve heard this isn’t as good, I’m still going to give it a chance.

Bone Key by Keith R.A. DeCandido – KEEP.  This is the 3rd book in the “Supernatural” series, and I found it in a Half-Price Books store at some point.  The first book, Nevermore, is still on my wish list, and I’m probably going to have to cave to ordering it online since I may never get lucky enough to find it in a store.

Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg – KEEP.  This might be my next Holmberg book to read since I’ve been wanting to read it for a while but didn’t want to start another series while I was still reading “The Paper Magician” series.

Ulysses by James Joyce – KEEP.  Everyone is supposed to try (and probably fail) to read this brick of a novel at least once, right?  I think it’s some kind of literary rite of passage or something.  If I ever do get around to reading and finishing it, I will display it on one of my bookshelves like a trophy.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe – KEEP.  I’ve been struggling through the past couple of Classics I’ve read on the Serial Reader app, but I’m hoping this one won’t be as tedious.
My want-to-read shelf remains at 1130 books. The next post will be a mix of books that I own or that are on my wishlist.

Down the TBR Hole #120

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 shelf is still holding steady at 1129 books.  I finished a couple of books this week but added a couple of books to my wishlist.
This week’s books:

The Thief Knot by Kate Milford – KEEP.  I absolutely love the “Greenglass House” series.  This is the 4th book in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading it this Winter.

Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater – KEEP.  Stiefvater is an auto-buy author for me, especially anything related to “The Raven Cycle” series.

The Brightfount Diaries by Brian W. Aldiss – KEEP.  I’m not sure I’ll enjoy this as much as I hope, but it’s about life working in a bookshop, which is in my wheelhouse house so I’ll keep it on my wishlist for now.

A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit – KEEP.  I have a couple of Solnit’s other books that I also haven’t read yet, so I’m not sure why I bought this one beyond the title piquing my interest.  I’ll keep it for now.

I Am a Cat by Sōseki Natsume – KEEP.  I will try this one again at some point, but it’s less about the cat than about Japanese society.  I didn’t pay attention to that part of the book blurb when I bought it, which is not surprising, given the title and my love of cats.
My want-to-read shelf remains at 1129 books. The next post will again be mostly books I already own.

Down the TBR Hole #119

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 shelf is up 1 book to 1129.  I finished a book this week, but I also added a couple of books to my wishlist.
This week’s books:

Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver – KEEP.  The synopsis had me at “a large manor house” and “gothic.”

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon – KEEP.  Another haunted house ghost story that might be right up my alley.  

The Plague Stones and The Hollow Tree by James Brogden – KEEP.  I usually don’t buy a second book by an author I’ve never read before until I’ve finished the first one, but these were both a bit of a “cover buy,” and the synopses for both sound like Brogden might quickly become a favorite.  I hope that turns out to be true.

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix – KEEP.  I’m looking forward to finally reading this one for this year’s #RIP.

Soon by Lois Murphy – KEEP.  I’m going to give this one a try, but the reviews give me the impression that I’ll either love it or hate it.  I think a 50/50 chance is worth the 50-page test.
My want-to-read shelf is holding steady at 1129 books. The next post will be mostly physical books I own.