Down the TBR Hole #51

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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.

My TBR pile is down to 692.  My TBR goal for the remainder of the year is 690.  With only one more “Down the TBR Hole” posts for 2018, it might be a close call unless I finish reading 2 more books.

This week’s books:

This is the Night by Jonah C. Sirott – KEEP.  I don’t remember when or why I got this ebook, but the synopsis sounds like it might be an interesting read so I’ll keep it for now.

The Girl from Krakow by Alex Rosenberg- GO.  I’m pretty sure this was a freebie.  I got it based on the assumption that it had to do with WWII.  While a large part of it does, I can’t get past the line in the synopsis, “…Rita is armed with a secret so enormous that it could cost the Allies everything, even as it gives her the will to live.” I just don’t find that plausible at all.  Even worse, the book is explained again in the author’s bio, but this time as a “thriller” and mentions the main character’s “lover.”  Nope.  Can’t do it.

Sleepless by Michael Omer – KEEP.  This book will either be absolutely horrible or totally awesome.  I am determined to find out, probably next October.

The Einstein Prophecy by Robert Masello – GO.  The synopsis makes this book sound like The Da Vinci Code minus the religious aspects.  Just No.

Sit. Stay. Heal. by Spike Gillespie – KEEP.  Spike Gillespie is from Austin, Texas, and if I remember correctly, I came across her and her book on Twitter.  As someone who has suffered from mental illness, I look forward to reading what she has to say.

My to-read shelf is down to 690 books!!!  Yay, I did it!!!  I’m not going to dare to try to get it down to 685 by New Year’s Day, but there is one more “Down the TBR Hole” post before then, and I’m on vacation. Let’s see if I can knock a few more off the mountain before the end of the year.

Down the TBR Hole #50

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.

My TBR pile is down to 694.  My new TBR goal for the remainder of the year is 690.  It’s looking more and more achievable as I finish books and start new ones.  I’m nearly done with Christmas with Anne by L.M. Montgomery, and I’m planning to finish it before the end of the day. So let’s see where I end up with this week’s trip down the TBR hole.

This week’s books:

 

The Stranger’s Magic and The Stranger’s Shadow by Max Frei – KEEP.  I put these two together since they’re the 3rd and 4th book of a series I love.  There’s no way I would get rid of these and never find out what happens to The Unequaled Sir Max.

Harmony Black by Craig Schaefer- GO.  The synopsis makes it abundantly clear that this is yet another formulaic Paranormal Romance.  No, thank you.

The Holly Tree by Charles Dickens – KEEP.  I’m hoping I’ll have time to read this before the end of the month.

Geek Anthropology of Loki’s Army by Pepi Valderrama – KEEP.  This probably won’t be nearly as interesting as I thought when I got it, but I’m still willing to give it a chance.

The Priest Hole by Amy Cross – KEEP.  This is another one that probably won’t be as good as I originally thought it would be when I got it.  Like the book above, it was a freebie, and the title was what caught my interest.

My to-read shelf is down to 693 books.  I think I can knock off or read 3 books by the end of 2018; especially since Friday is my last day of work until January 3rd.

Down the TBR Hole #49

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.

My TBR pile is still sitting at 696.  I only have one book to either read or remove to reach my goal of 695 books before the end of the year.

This week’s books:

The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher – KEEP.  I got this book as a gift for the Boyfriend.  He devours anything written by Butcher and got me hooked on “The Dresden Files” series.  I want to read this one so badly, but I’m waiting until I get caught up on “The Dresden Files.”

The Shelf Life of Happiness by David Machado- GO.  I think this was one of the Kindle First Reads books, but I can’t remember.  All I know is that I chose it because of the cover and the title.  I didn’t even read the synopsis, but assumed the story would involve a road trip.  Now that I have read the synopsis, I’m no longer interested, but it’s still a cool cover and title.

Emotional Rescue by Ben Greenman – KEEP.  Besides stories about road trips, books involving music or a playlist/soundtrack are in my wheel house; personal essays even more so.

The Last Woman Standing by Thelma Davis – KEEP.  I have no idea how I came across this book, but I know from reading the synopsis why I chose to get it.  It is the story of Josephine Marcus, the daughter of Jewish immigrants and Wyatt Earp’s common-law wife.  I want to know her story.

Virgins by Diana Gabaldon – KEEP.  I will auto-buy just about anything involving Jamie Fraser. End of story.

My to-read shelf is still at 695 books!!! Should I try for 690 by the end of the month?  I’ve got the last 10 days of the year off from work, and I intend to spend most of that time with my nose in a book. I’m also halfway through The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly, and I’m hoping to finish it this weekend.

Down the TBR Hole #48

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.

My TBR pile is down one from last week, which means I only have one book to knock off of the mountain to reach my goal of 695 books before the end of the year.

This week’s books:

Déjà Dead by Kathy Reichs – KEEP.  I loved “Bones” and though I’m sure there are quite a few differences between the show and the book series, I have to try out the first book.

Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin- KEEP.  Tuf is “…an honest space-trader who likes cats.”  How could I pass that up?!

Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs – KEEP.  I picked up this absolutely beautiful hardcover book soon after it was published and there is no way I’m getting rid of it.  It has become a part of my permanent library.

Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet by Charlie N. Holmberg – KEEP.  I auto-buy anything by Holmberg, usually as a pre-order since I’m subscribed to her newsletter.

The Unbroken Line of the Moon by Johanne Hildebrandt – KEEP.  This is the 4th book in the “Sagan om Valhalla” series, but the 1st book in the translated “Valhalla” series.  The first 3 books in the original series haven’t been translated into English, which is a bit disappointing.  Since I got the ebook for free, I’m going to go ahead and give it a try.

My to-read shelf is still at 696 books. I’m sticking to my goal of 695 for now. With only a month left before 2019, I highly doubt I’ll be able to get it as low as 690, but who knows?  I’ve got the last 10 days of the year off from work, and I intend to spend most of that time with my nose in a book.

Down the TBR Hole #47

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.

My TBR pile is holding steady at 698 books.  I’m hoping it will decrease by Monday since I’m currently in the middle of the #ThanksgivingReadathon.

This week’s books:

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness – KEEP.  Every time I see this book on my wish list, I decide I’m not ready for the heartbreak.  I will eventually read it, but not right now.

Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass- KEEP.  I <3 cozy mysteries involving books and cats.  I especially enjoy listening to them on audiobook while I’m crocheting.

The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco by Laura DiSilverio – KEEP.  This cozy mystery involves a book club.  Yes, please!

Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill – KEEP.  I added this book to my TBR after reading a review from one of the many book blogs I follow.  The story involves a princess, a dragon, and a forbidden book.  The illustrations are amazing, and I hope to read it soon.

The Princess Bride and Philosophy ed. by Richard Green and Rachel Robison-Green – KEEP.  The Princess Bride is one of my all-time favorite movies and books, so of course I need to add this book to my collection.

My to-read shelf is still at 698 books. I only have 2 more days until I’m back to work.  I’m hoping to finish at least one more book before then, so hopefully my TBR will be at 697 by next weekend.

Down the TBR Hole #46

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.

My TBR pile is back down to 699 books!  I really hope I can keep it under 700 for the rest of the year.

This week’s books:

The Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams – KEEP.  This is considered to be the 3rd book in the “Dirk Gently” series, but it’s a collection of essays and short stories published after Adams passed away.  I’ve been saving it for after I finish the “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series since there’s supposed to be a story involving Zaphod Beeblebrox.

The Complete Tolkien Companion by J.E.A. Tyler- KEEP.  I have the first edition of this, but it’s prior to the publication of The Simarillion.  I wants it, my precious!

The Time Traders by Andre Norton – GO.  I’ve had this book ever since the Sword & Laser book club decided to read it a couple of years ago.  I never got around to reading it, probably because I was distracted by several other books.  It’s also possible that I got it simply because it was free. The path to my TBR mountain is paved with the good intentions of stocking up on free ebooks for the inevitable apocalypse.  Or, you know, for when I’m broke.

Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead – KEEP.  This is the final book in the “Georgina Kinkaid” series, as far as I know.  I haven’t read it yet because I’m saving it for a time when I really need some brain candy.

Goggles Gone Strong by S.M.W. Claw – KEEP.  I’m skeptical about this one, but I think it might be a fun Middle-Grade read, so I’ll give it a chance.

My to-read shelf is down to 698 books. I only have 2 days of work before I’m off for Thanksgiving, which means lots of time to read. Let’s see if I can get my TBR down to 695 by next weekend!

Down the TBR Hole #45

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.

My TBR pile is up another book to 702 books!  This time, I blame it on catching up on my favorite blogs.

This week’s books:

The Hobbit Companion by David Day – KEEP.  There’s no way I would ever get rid of this gem of a book.  I will always hold on to my Middle Earth or Hobbit-related books.

The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald- KEEP.  This is another one of those books with a story centered on a bookstore and the person who owns it.  Instead of a memoir, however, this one is fiction. Regardless, there’s no way I wouldn’t pick up this book in a bookstore, buy it, and add it to my collection.

Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan – KEEP.  This book was recommended by another blogger a couple of years ago.  I have the ebook, but I wish I had at least a paperback copy as long as it has this cover.  It’s so beautiful!

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman – KEEP.  This is a book that I bought at the bookstore after forgetting that I already had the audiobook.  While that’s not the first time I’ve accidentally bought a second copy of a book, it is a sign that I definitely want to keep it on my TBR.

11/22/63 by Stephen King – KEEP.  How could I get rid of a book tied to “The Dark Tower” series?  Not possible.

My to-read shelf is stuck at 702 books.  I’m hoping that changes over this three day weekend.

Down the TBR Hole #44

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.

I think I jinxed myself.  My TBR pile is back up to 701 books!  I blame it on my Goodreads feed and the people I have friended on there.  Why did they have to be reading so many great sounding books when I was finally whittling down my TBR?!  Don’t they know I have very little willpower when it comes to books?! *sigh*

This week’s books:

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith – KEEP.  I tried to read this a couple of year ago but it was too depressing so I put it down.  I will try again at some point.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke- KEEP.  This is one of those books that I’ve been meaning to read for what feels like forever but I always forget I own it because I have the ebook.

The Undays of Aralias Lyons by K.L. Horvath – KEEP.  This book was highly recommended by another blogger quite a while ago, so I bought the ebook.  Reading the synopsis makes me think this it is so much more than the average Time Travel story and I want to start reading it even though I’m in the middle of 3 other books right now.

The Butterfly Crest by Eva Vanrell – GO.  This was a book I got from the publisher through Netgalley quite a long time ago.  I’m never going to read it so I might as well let it go.

Titanborn by Rhett C. Bruno – KEEP.  I’m adding this book to my list for Sci-Fi Summer.  I’m not sure if it will be anything like “Firefly,” but it sounds too good to pass up.

My to-read shelf is back down to 700 books.  Hopefully I’ll get it back down to 698 by next weekend.

Down the TBR Hole #43

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. My TBR pile is officially under 700 books!  I owe it all to the #Readathon last weekend.

This week’s books:

  Bad Magic and Bad Luck by Pseudonymous Bosch – KEEP.  Both of these books sound like a lot of fun. A Blade of Black Steel by Alex Marshall- KEEP.  I absolutely loved A Crown for Cold Silver, so there’s no way I’m getting rid of this book. The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss by Max Wirestone – KEEP.  “Veronica Mars” meets “World of Warcraft”?!  Yep, I’ll give this cozy mystery series a chance. Acne, Asthma, and Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon by Rena Rochford – KEEP.  I absolutely love the title, and I’ve read several great reviews. The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub – KEEP.  I love King’s older books, but I’ve never read any of the one’s he co-authored.  I’ve had this particle story on my physical TBR for more years than I remember, but unfortunately it will probably still be on the shelf until next year.  I only read Horror during September and October, I’ve already read a King novel this year (‘Salem’s Lot) and I’m currently in the middle of Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt (highly recommended by King, BTW) with less than a week left until Halloween. My to-read shelf is down to 698 books.  It probably won’t decrease at all this week unless I miraculously finish the 4 books I’m reading right now, but at least it’s under 700.

Down the TBR Hole #42

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.

My TBR pile is still sitting at 706 books.  Even though I finished a couple of books, I also added a couple.  

This week’s books:

Girl Defective by Simmone Howell – KEEP.  The synopsis starts with “In the tradition of High Fidelity and Empire Records…”  There is no way I’m not reading this book.

Time and Again by Jack Finney- KEEP.  This story involves time travel and a romance.  If it is in any way comparable to Outlander, I’ll take it.

The Old Brown Suitcase by Lillian Boraks-Nemetz – KEEP.  This is the story of a young girl who lived in the Warsaw Ghetto and then immigrated to Canada.  I’m a little obsessed with books about WWII.

Imaginary Boy by Mark Eldrich – GO.  I don’t know why, but I’m no longer interested in reading this book. *Shrug*

The Song of the Quarkbeast by Jasper Fforde – GO.  I’m only removing this book because I haven’t read the first book in the series yet.  I’ll probably add it back to my TBR after I finish The Last Dragonslayer.  

My to-read shelf is down to 704 books.  Since I just started ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King,  that number isn’t likely to go down by next Saturday.  However, next weekend is the Dewey’s 24-Hour #Readathon!  There won’t be a “Down the TBR Hole” post until the weekend after that, and I’m hoping I’ll be down to 700 books by then.