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 jumped up again to 1178 books. I finished several books this past week, but I added several Cozy books to my wishlist.
This week’s books:
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher – KEEP. This book keeps coming up in Fantasy recommendation lists of all kinds. My hope is to get to it sooner rather than later.
Live Your Best Life by Dr. Stuart Farrimond – GO. I tried listening to this audiobook during my morning commute as part of my Miracle Morning routine, but I just couldn’t get into it, and I stopped listening. I meant to come back to it and give it another chance at some point, but every time I see it in the Chirp app, I’m reminded of how boring I thought it was.
A Book of Bosh by Edward Lear – GO. I don’t remember where I learned about this “book of nonsense”, but it’s been on my wishlist for two years, is out of print, and I haven’t bothered to try finding a copy.
Miss Peregrine’s Museum of Wonders by Ransom Riggs- KEEP. I love this world and want to read more about it.
Murder at the Bookstore by Sue Minix – KEEP. I wonder how many Cozy Mystery books have this exact same title? I also wonder how many other Cozy Mystery books have a main character who inherits a bookstore after the owner is murdered. Will this book be predictable? Oh, most certainly, but I need more predictableness in my life right now.
My want-to-read shelf is down a little bit to 1176 books. These posts are a reminder of how many great books I already have waiting for me to pick up while allowing me the chance to weed out the ones that I’m no longer interested in reading. Though I’ve been checking out a lot of books from the library lately, I have been mixing those in with the books I own so I can get my “new” book fix while slowly chipping away at my TBR. It may not look like it, but that system is working, even if the number of books on my want-to-read shelf expands more than it contracts.
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 jumped up to 1175 books. While I finished a few books this past week, only one of them was from my TBR. The rest were library books that hadn’t been on my want-to-read shelf, and I added several more books to my wishlist.
This week’s books:
Curiosity Thrilled the Cat by Sofie Kelly – KEEP. A Cozy Mystery in which the main character is a librarian and she has cats? Yes, please!
Dodger by Terry Pratchett – KEEP. I’m keeping this book on my wishlist because it’s by Sir Terry Pratchett, but I’m not going to buy it until after I finally get around to reading Oliver Twist.
Monster’s Bones by David K. Randall – KEEP. Anyone who knows me knows that I love Dinosaurs! On my Birthday, I visited COSI and got to see their exhibit dedicated to T. Rex. I learned a little bit about the man who discovered the first T. Rex, and this book goes more into the details about that story as well as the other people involved.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett- KEEP. Not only is this one of the books Jenny Lawson selected for the Fantastic Strangelings book club, but it also shows up on every Cozy Fantasy book recommendation list I’ve come across.
The Binding by Bridget Collins – KEEP. A book-related Fantasy set in an alternate 19th century England? I’m intrigued.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1175 books. If you’ve read my most recent “Building the Book Fort” post, you’ll know that times have been rough for me. Through all of it, I’ve been sticking to my #ShelfLove goal of limiting how many books I buy. Instead of binging on new books from the bookstore, I’ve been soothing myself with books from the library and taking any Cozy book recommendations sent my way. While I know my want-to-read shelf will eventually go down, for now, I’m more concerned with how I’m coping than the number of books I own or have on my wishlist.
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 still at 1163 books. I finished a couple of books this past week, but I got a couple of free audiobooks. I’m ok with breaking even for now.
This week’s books:
Lute by Jennifer Thorne – KEEP. All of this week’s books are picks for the Fantastic Strangelings book club. I’m looking forward to reading this #RIP worthy book.
The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh – GO. While I generally have a lot of faith in the books Jenny Lawson selects for her book club, I’m really not into Contemporary Fiction. I also think that if I were to read this book, I would need it to be in audiobook format. Otherwise, I would constantly be stumbling over names, which would take me out of the story.
Florida Woman by Deb Rogers – KEEP. I have a feeling this one is going to be extremely strange and I will find myself saying, “WTF did I just read?!” by the end of it. I am totally onboard with that.
Hurricane Girl by Marcy Dermansky- KEEP. I think this might end up being just as mind-bending as Florida Woman. I’ll give it a chance.
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel – KEEP. I’m not sure I will enjoy this one, but it is a Fantasy novel, so I’m going to give it a try.
My want-to-read shelf is down one book to 1162. It’s been quite a while since I’ve let go of a book. If I can get myself to read or get rid of more books than I add to my wishlist, I just might be able to keep my want-to-read shelf moving in a downward direction. We shall see.
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 has skyrocketed up to 1163 books. I finished several books this week, but I discovered Meg’s Tea Room on Instagram and she has tons of Cozy Fantasy recommendations that I added to my wishlist.
This week’s books:
Guidebook to Murder by Lynn Cahoon – KEEP. Here is another first book in a Cozy Mystery series involving the owner of a bookstore. It seems to be quite popular with 16 books, multiple short stories, and the 17th book expected to be published sometime this year.
Mortal Monarchs by Suzie Edge – KEEP. I think this might have been a recommendation by Jenny Lawson, but my memory is fuzzy on that. Regardless, it sounds like a morbidly fun read.
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean – KEEP. Now this one I know is one of Jenny Lawson’s recommendations since it’s one of her picks for the Fantastic Strangelings book club. It is one of my goals this year to get caught up with the book club, even though I recently canceled my membership to cut down on expenses.
Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion by Bushra Rehman- KEEP. This is another of the books picked for the Fantastic Strangelings book club, and though I don’t think it’s going to be my thing, I’m going to give it a try.
White Horse by Erika T. Wurth – KEEP. Here is another book pick for the Fantastic Strangelings book club. Again, I’m not sure it’s going to be my thing, but it is Horror, and I trust Jenny Lawson’s recommendations 99% of the time.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1163 books. I said in the last post that I probably need to stay off of social media for awhile because I keep seeing books that I then add to my wishlist. I added more than 20 books in the past week alone, mostly thanks to Bookstagram. Last month, I began limiting my scrolling to 15 minutes a day, and while that is certainly keeping me from wasting hours of time, it apparently isn’t helping me keep my want-to-read shelf under control. I might do a month-long social media ban in February, but I’m not sure about that yet.
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 few books to 1141. I finished a couple of books, but added several to my wishlist.
This week’s books:
Banned Books by D.K. Publishing – KEEP. I bought this audiobook with the intention of listening to it during Banned Books Week, but then forgot about it. Hopefully I’ll get to it this September.
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin – KEEP. My sister recommended this one, and my boyfriend bought if for me a couple of years ago. I’m going to try to get to this one this year.
Gallows Hill by Darcy Coates – KEEP. How could I pass up a Gothic Horror novel by Coates?!
An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor- KEEP. I’m going to give this one a chance since it sounds like it will be cozy.
Buried in a Good Book by Tamara Berry – KEEP. This is yet another first book in a cozy mystery series that I want to try out. However, the main character in this one is a Thriller writer, instead of a librarian or bookstore owner.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1141 books. I probably need to stay off of social media for awhile to avoid seeing books that I then add to my wishlist. Lately, many of the books I’ve added aren’t available at my library which means they’ll probably still be on my wishlist next year.
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 1139. I finished a book, but I added a couple to my wishlist.
This week’s books:
The Twelve Even Stranger Days of Christmas by Syd Moore – KEEP. This is the last book in the “Essex Witch Museum” mystery series, but supposedly there will be more in the future. I’m planning to read this one this year around the holidays.
A Tomb With a View by Peter Ross – KEEP. I’ve always loved cemeteries. They’re quiet and peaceful, and full of so much history. Reading about them usually brings the same sense of calm I feel when I’m visiting one.
Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany – KEEP. This is the first book in yet another cozy mystery series that I want to read.
Books Promiscuously Read by Heather Cass White- KEEP. I want to read this one soon as I think it will help me remember why I love reading so much and get me out of the post-Christmas blahs.
Mindfulness for Anger Management by Stephen Dansiger – KEEP. I think I got this book as part of a Humble Bundle. I mostly want to read it because it seems to be more of a practical application for Mindfulness than the usual general “it’s good for you.”
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1139 books for now. I’m hoping to get myself out of this weird reading slump I seem to be in and start finishing some books soon.
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 several books to 1138. I added several books to my wishlist. Luckily, most of those books are available at my local public library.
This week’s books:
Investing 101 by Michele Cagan – KEEP. I bought this a couple of years ago, and I plan of finally reading it this year as I’m getting much more serious about how I invest the money in my retirement accounts.
The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser – KEEP. This is a Romance, which apparently wasn’t immediately obvious to me when I picked it up. Probably because it has “Bookshop” in the title and it’s set in Scotland so I didn’t look any closer. I rarely ever read Romance, but I will give this one a chance.
A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire – KEEP. I enjoyed the first book in the “October Daye” series, and I was able to get most of the books in a Humble Bundle last year, so I’m looking forward to diving further into this series and McGuire’s other books.
On Borrowed Crime by Kate Young- KEEP. I have so many first books of cozy mystery series. I’m keeping this one, but it will probably be a while before I get around to it.
Will Storr vs. The Supernatural by Will Storr – KEEP. This one was on my wishlist for years before I finally bought it online. I’m hoping to get to it during #RIP this year.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1138 books. I don’t foresee getting rid of any books any time soon, but since I’m doing the #ShelfLove challenge again this year, my TBR should decrease as I finish books.
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 several books to 1130. While I read a ton of books over the past couple of weeks, they were mostly free Audible books I came across. I also received a couple of books as Christmas gifts, and I bought several books while traveling and visiting family for the holidays. Thankfully, I’ve decided to do the #ShelfLove challenge again in 2025!
This week’s books:
Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg – KEEP. I’ve loved just about everything Holmberg has written so far.
The Lost Village by Camilla Sten – KEEP. The synopsis compares this to “The Blair Witch Project” and “Midsommar,” only one of which I’ve seen. While I’m a little skeptical because the synopsis doesn’t compare this Horror Thriller to other books, it sounds good enough to peak my interest.
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell – KEEP. This is supposed to be a “Victorian Ghost Story” according to the synopsis, and that sounds like the kind of Horror that is right up my alley.
Craven Manor by Darcy Coates- KEEP. There has only been one book by Coates that I thought was only OK.
The Big Book of Texas Ghost Stories by Alan Brown – KEEP. I’m not quite sure if the stories in this collection are Brown’s own or if he collected the stories and wrote versions of them. Either way, I’m looking forward to reading a bunch of ghost stories set throughout Texas.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1130 books. While I was hoping to have my TBR under 1118 books by January 1st, I didn’t plan for what would happen when I visited family for the holidays. Having a five-hour layover in the Denver airport, which has a Tattered Cover bookstore, along with extra space in my carryon didn’t help!
Have a happy New Year and I’ll see y’all in 2025!
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 several books to 1118. I finished a few books and I decided to not continue a series so I removed those books from my wishlist.
This week’s books:
The Midnight Club by Christopher Pike – KEEP. I haven’t read a Christopher Pike book since I was a kid, so I’m looking forward to this one.
Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard – KEEP. The synopsis looks too good to pass up this one.Twelve Nights at Rotter House by J.W. Ocker – KEEP. This looks like a classic horror house story that might actually scare me a little.
Slender Man by Anonymous- KEEP. This is another book that looks like it might scare me a bit.
Burnt Offerings by Robert Marasco – KEEP. I’ve been wanting to read more classic Horror after reading The Elementals by Michael McDowell, and I think this should be my next book. It’s supposedly the inspiration for The Shining by Stephen King.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1118 books. I’m not complaining, though since it’s the lowest it’s been in a few years. I’m hoping to have it even lower by January 1st when I start my year-long #ShelfLove challenge.
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 several books to 1131. I finished one book, but I bought A LOT of books over Thanksgiving weekend.
This week’s books:
Exile, Texas by Rachel Caine – KEEP. I love the “Great Library” series and bought this ebook because it’s set in Texas.
Sisters at the Edge of the World by Ailish Sinclair – KEEP. I’ve enjoyed Sinclair’s other books, so getting this one seemed like a no-brainer.
For Whom the Book Tolls by Laura Gail Black – KEEP. I’ve been striking out with many of the book-related cozy mystery series I’ve been reading this year, but I’m willing to give this first book in the “Antique Bookshop Mystery” series a try.
Of Wolves and Med by Barry Lopez- KEEP. Other than cats, my favorite animal is the wolf. This book was on my wishlist for years before I finally found it “in the wild.” I’m definitely going to prioritize reading it in 2025.
Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman – KEEP. This sounds like a very interesting take on the ghost story, and I’m willing to give it a chance.
My want-to-read shelf is staying at 1131 books. I’m not letting myself buy anymore books this year. Even though that won’t stop me from adding any to my wishlist, I’m hoping to get my Want to Read shelf down at least a couple of books before December 31st.
Twelve Nights at Rotter House by J.W. Ocker – KEEP. This looks like a classic horror house story that might actually scare me a little.
