Down the TBR Hole #33

Published on by Rachelle

Image: hjl

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

  • Go to your Goodreads 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?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.
Its been a couple of weeks since my last “Down the TBR Hole” post,  thanks to TWO amazing readathons, the #24in48 and the #ReverseReadathon.  My TBR pile is just a little bit lighter at 717 books.

This week’s five books:


Aster Wood and the Lost Maps of Almara by J.B. Cantwell – KEEP.  I’m a little skeptical about this one.  The synopsis makes me feel like the story will be full of some of Fantasy’s most ridiculous tropes.  However, I’m a sucker for Middle-Grade Fantasy, so I’ll give it a chance.

The Last Dragon Slayer by Martyn Stanley – KEEP.  This is another one making me feel a bit skeptical, but what made me decide to keep it is this line from the synopsis: “…he sets out with two…dock-workers and a homeless dwarf.”  That makes me think it will either be hilarious or horrible; either way, I need to find out.

Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher – GO.  The synopsis consists of 5 short sentences that are full of suspense and don’t give anything away.  Sometimes that can be a great thing, but sometimes that signals a disaster of a story from page one.  Since this would be the 3rd book in a row I feel iffy about, I decided to read some of the reviews.  I’m glad I did.  Apparently the story isn’t much of a story at all, but a giant cliff-hanger.  I seriously can’t stand that sort of thing unless it’s a comic or very specifically labeled as a serial.

The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley- KEEP.  A Robin Hood retelling by Robin McKinley?!  Yes, please and thank you!

The Bogside Boys by Eoin Dempsey – GO.  The synopsis tells the entire story and also gives me the impression of a book that is trying too hard.  I got it because I haven’t read much about life in Northern Ireland during the 1970’s and I would love to know more.  If you have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments, because I don’t think this book is what I’m looking for.
My to-read shelf is down to 715 books.  With the NEWTs Readathon going on this month, along with Bout of Books, I might just break 700 by September.

#FitReaders Check-In

Published on by Rachelle

  • This check-in is for July 27th -August 2nd.
  • I was sick earlier this week and had a job interview yesterday.  I’ve also had quite a bit of trouble sleeping lately.  So, I’m a little surprised that I managed to get in 4 workouts this week along with 308 active minutes!
  • If you have a FitBit, you can find me HERE.

 

  • Workouts: 4/6
  • Steps: 28,143
  • Miles: 11.69
  • Total Miles: 416.44
  • Active Minutes: 308/210

N.E.W.T.s Readathon

Published on by Rachelle

Starting tomorrow, August 1st through the 31st, those of us joining Gintare over at Book Roast will be taking our N.E.W.T.s.  I spent quite a bit of time planning out a tentative TBR based on the requirements for each subject that I will be trying to complete on my path to becoming a Librarian.  I couldn’t find anything about the necessary grades to become a Librarian, but since most of the magical careers require at least an ‘E’ for “Exceeds Expectations” in most, if not all of the required subjects, that’s what I’m going to try for first.  However, I have to achieve an ‘O’ for Outstanding in at least one subject to pass my N.E.W.T.s in general.  That means, at a minimum, I’ll be attempting to read 11 books in August!
Ancient Runes:

  • Jackaby by William Ritter
  • The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble
  • Rose of Fire by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Charms:

  • Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
  • The Thickety by J.A. White
  • Get in Trouble by Kelly Link

Defense Against the Dark Arts:

  • The Sons of Macha by John Lenahan
  • Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman

History of Magic:

  • Magyk by Angie Sage
  • Wanderlust by Rebecca Solnit
  • Anywhere But Here by Jason D. Morrow

Muggle Studies:

  • The Space Between by Diana Gabaldon
  • Chasing the Flame by Samantha Power
  • Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley


 

Monday's Minutes

Published on by Rachelle

“Monday’s Minutes” is a weekly post in which I track my bookish life.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.
Currently Reading:

  • The Glorious Cause by Robert Middlekauff
  • The Evolution of God by Robert Wright
  • A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

 
DNF:

  • The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale


Finished:

  • The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
  • The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
  • The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

  
Challenges:

Total pages read this week: 1149
Total books for the year: 59 of 90.  I won’t be starting any new books until August 1st, when the N.E.W.T.s reading challenge starts.  I just realized that I never wrote a post for that, but I did plan everything out so I’ll be able to getting something posted either today or tomorrow.  Until Wednesday, I’m only reading books that have been on my Current Reads for awhile now.
What are you reading this week?

#ReverseReadathon – Final Update

Published on by Rachelle



We’ve made it through the Dewey’s 24-Hour #ReverseReadathon!

  • Total Pages Read: 506
  1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Midnight (Hour 7) when I started to get really sleepy and had trouble keeping my eyes focused on the page.  It didn’t help that Dresden, my Feline Overlord, snuggled up in my lap and went to sleep.
  2. Tell us ALLLLL the books you read! The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry and The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness.
  3. Which books would you recommend to other Read-a-thoners? The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry and The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness.
  4. How did you feel about this first-ever Reverse Readathon? Should we do it again? I think I’ve got a pretty good idea of what the rest of the World feels like when it comes to the 24-hour #readathon.  I definitely prefer it starting in the morning instead of the evening. I did really like the more laid back feel, though.
  5. How likely are you to participate in the Readathon again? I will definitely be participating again.

I miss readathoning in Texas, since 7 am Central Time is a much more reasonable hour.  I’m really looking forward to the next readathon in October, but 5 am PST will come way too early that day, that’s for sure!

#ReverseReadathon – Update 2

Published on by Rachelle



We’ve made it through 16 hours of Dewey’s 24-Hour #ReverseReadathon and I spent most of the last 8 of it sleeping.

  • Pages Read: 17
  • Books Read: The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale (DNF’ed after 7 pages) and The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness.
  • Yummy in my Tummy: The Boyfriend made omelets for breakfast so I could keep reading!

Until my final update, at 5 pm PST, I’ll continue reading The Rest of Us Just Live Here and the remaining books on my list:

  • The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
  • Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
  • The Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams
  • The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
  • The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon
  • Shift by Hugh Howey
  • Press Start to Play ed. by Daniel H. Wilson and John Joseph Adams
  • It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis

Whether you’re participating in the readathon or not, what book(s) are you currently reading?

#ReverseReadathon – Update 1

Published on by Rachelle



I’ve survived the first 8 hours of Dewey’s 24-Hour #ReverseReadathon and I haven’t fallen asleep in my chair yet!  This is a little surprising since I’m usually ready for bed by 10 pm, even on Friday nights, but then again, it IS a readathon!  Naturally, I’m feeling like a kid staying up past my bedtime by reading my book by the warm glow of a flashlight under the blanket. Shh! Don’t tattle!

  • Pages Read: 153
  • Books Read: The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
  • Yummy in my Tummy: The Boyfriend and I had hot dogs for dinner and then guava popsicles for dessert.

Until my 2nd update, at 9 am PST, I’ll continue reading the books on my list:

  • The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale
  • The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
  • Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
  • The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
  • The Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams
  • The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
  • The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon
  • Shift by Hugh Howey
  • Press Start to Play ed. by Daniel H. Wilson and John Joseph Adams
  • It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis

Whether you’re participating in the readathon or not, what book(s) are you currently reading?

Dewey's 24-Hour #ReverseReadathon

Published on by Rachelle


Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon has officially started!  Wait? What?!  Yep, that’s right.  It’s a bit different this time around.  Not only is it in the middle of the Summer instead of April or October, but it’s starting at 8 PM EST instead of the usual 8 AM EST.  Since I’m in California, it’s 5 PM, and I’ve been up since 7 AM so I already know I won’t be staying awake the entire 24 hours.
I don’t know if the wonderful hosts of this Reverse Readathon will be doing the opening survey, since I’m writing this in advance, but here are my answers anyway:

  • What fine part of the world are you reading from today? I’m in Emeryville, CA.
  • Which book in your stack are you looking forward to the most?  The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale.
  • Which snack are you looking forward to the most? I made popsicles out of guava juice and they are the perfect Summer treat.  I’ve also got fresh mango for making smoothies.  I can’t decide which I’m looking forward to more.
  • Tell us a little something about yourself!  Here are 20 somethings about myself.  Also, I’m the leader of a questing party on Habitica called The Acorns.
  • If you participated in the last readathon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today?  Since this is a more laid back readathon, I’m not going to try to stay awake for the entire 24 hours.  Instead, I’ll read until at least my 1st update and then head to bed for some shut eye.  That way I can read all day without getting stabby.

Here’s my TBR:

  • The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale
  • The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
  • Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
  • The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
  • The Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams
  • The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
  • The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon
  • Shift by Hugh Howey
  • Press Start to Play ed. by Daniel H. Wilson and John Joseph Adams
  • It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis

I’m also going to finish The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry before it’s due back at the library.
My first update will be at 1 AM PST.  I’ll be tracking how many pages I read and any books I finish.  I’ll also include snacks I’ve nommed, and any musical earworms that have gotten into my head.
Whether you’re participating in the readathon or not, what book(s) are you currently reading? 

#FitReaders Check-In

Published on by Rachelle

  • This check-in is for July 20th -26th.
  • I haven’t lost any weight since starting my new workout routine.  However, I had to get rid of 3 shirts for being way too big on me, and an older, much smaller pair of yoga pants now fits me after spending over a year in the drawer because they were too tight.  I might throw out the scale, but for now I will just stop using it.
  • If you have a FitBit, you can find me HERE.

 

  • Workouts: 6/6
  • Steps: 21,574
  • Miles: 8.92
  • Total Miles: 404.75
  • Active Minutes: 121/210

Monday's Minutes

Published on by Rachelle

“Monday’s Minutes” is a weekly post in which I track my bookish life.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.
Currently Reading:

  • The Glorious Cause by Robert Middlekauff
  • The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
  • A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

  
Finished:

  • To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
  • I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) by Brené Brown
  • Walden by Henry David Thoreau
  • The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

  

Challenges:

Total pages read this week: 730
Total books for the year: 56 of 90.  
What are you reading this week?