I’m going to let you in on a little secret: there are a LOT of published books out there.
And for some reason, I haven’t read all of them yet? Wow, I’ve dropped the ball somewhere. If you find it, please let me know.
There are fantastic new books published every single day at this point … but there were also fantastic new books being published five years ago, and I am only one person (for now).
Do you kind of see my dilemma? At this point, my options really are either:
- Start adding backlist books to my TBR (and maybe actually read them? Crazy, I know.)
- Learn kage bunshin no jutsu.
I’m kind of starting to think number two would be the easiest way …
This week’s Top Ten Tuesday is dedicated to backlist books we still want to read.
Because it’s Top Ten Tuesday, this is limited to ten books, which was insanely hard, because who only has ten backlist books on their TBR? No, seriously, who?! Asking for a friend who needs to learn the ways of the master.
1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Okay, first, I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING. And gosh, don’t be so judgmental. I had, like, things going on, and there were those years I lived under a rock, before I moved into my nice spacious cave, and I just haven’t gotten to it yet. Yes, I realize that probably makes me a horrible person, but I own it and I will read it. Eventually.
2. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
This was actually recommended to me due to my love for a good mystery and also sarcasm. Preferably at the same time. I’m excited to read the whole series, because I need more of this in my life to fill the Sherlock-shaped hole in my heart.
3. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
I am just reaaaally in the mood for Nigerian-based literature at this point in time. Children of Blood and Bone ended up being a little underwhelming for me, and this came highly recommended as similar to that but maybe something I’d prefer more. So I’m going to try it. Worst case scenario, I’ve read two Nigerian-based books and supported two authors of color and I have no regrets.
4. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This is another book that’s come highly recommended. I was not overly impressed with The Inexplicable Logic of My Life, but Saenz has an absolutely gorgeous writing style, so I’m willing to give it another shot. I’ve heard that this was better, too, so that gives me hope.
5. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
I have heard SO MUCH GOOD about this, and yet I still haven’t read it? I mean … I don’t even have any excuses. Go ahead and judge away on this one. Throw rotten fruit. Boo. You do what you need to. I deserve it. I’ll be over here in the corner, hanging my head in shame and thinking about what I’ve done … or, in this case, haven’t done.
6. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
I mean, this book had me at Jinni, because I’m a very simple creature. I actually bought it last year and still haven’t read it for … unknown reasons? Even though I’m ridiculously excited about actually reading it. Obviously, I’m bad at prioritizing my reading …
7. And I Darken by Kiersten White
In my defense, I’ve only recently started reading Kiersten White’s work, and I only bought this series a couple of months ago, so really, given the general timeline of my TBR pile, I’m doing pretty good with this. I’m not officially behind on reading it for another year or two.
8. All The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice
I started the series, but it was so long ago that I need to go back and re-read those and then go forward. It’s something where I’ll need to set time aside and read the whole series at once. I own them. Sort of. My mother-in-law owns them, but they reside in my house currently, and possession is 9/10 of the law. Though, I should probably read them while the law is still on my side.
9. The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu
A little comedy, a little aliens, a little doom on the human race. It all sounds fantastic to me. I only recently discovered this book, so I don’t feel too bad for not having read it yet.
10. The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Clarke
Pirates? Check. Assassins? Check. Magic? Check. This book pretty much has it all, according to the summary, so I don’t see how I could possibly resist it. I am only human, after all. Well, mostly.
The Book Thief was on my backlist last year and I made it a goal to finish it this year, and I was not disappointed! It is one of my favorite books and I hope you decide to pick it up one day!
I’m hoping to read it by the end of this year, or maybe in January! I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it. 🙂 Everyone I’ve spoken to seems to have really liked it.
I only got to The Book Thief last year, and (as I’m sure you’ve heard a million times already) it’s wonderful!
Ha, I’m always happy to hear that people like it, though. Makes me all the more excited to read it. 🙂
*raises hand* I also haven’t read The Book Thief…… or The Raven Cycle *sits with you in the corner of shame*
There are so many good books out though!! So many “old” ones, and so many new shiny ones that are practically SCREAMING TO BE READ!!! It’s worse when the books are exactly what you want to read and are everything you love in a book…. but then you have so many of them and discover (shockingly) that it’s apparently impossible to read 100 things at once. ; _ ;
Happy Reading!! 😀
YES! I’m so glad I’m not alone. It’s okay. Our corner of shame has coffee and tea and chocolate and other things to make our shame more bearable. 😉
Ahhh, right?! Someone should find a way to fix that. It’s totally not unreasonable to want to read 100 books at a time.
It took me a while to jump on The Book Thief ship, but I am glad I did. 😉
I really enjoyed Aristotle and Dante but the author isn’t so nice (attacking reviewers who left negative reviews on his books) so I’ve given up on his books.
I saw that! Which makes me sad as both a reader and a writer because gosh, what a way to behave. D:
I’m thinking maybe I’ll read The Book Thief during the Christmas holidays. 🙂 I should have some time then, and everyone should be a bit distracted so I can get some good quiet time. 😉 I actually have Bridge of Clay from my library, so that’ll be my first Zusak book lol.
I’m really curious about The Book Thief! I think I’ve put off reading it because I’m scared to death it may be a tearjerker! LOL! Happy reading!
Oh, but some of the best books are tear-jearkers! I agree that you have to sort of be in a certain mood for them, though. xD Nothing kills your good mood faster!
If you want to explore the world of Nigerian Literature, it’s actually very prevalent. Also, when you read And I Darken, I hope you love it!
It is! I just … haven’t looked into it yet? Where I live, it’s something I have to actively seek out. This year, because of something I was writing and a friend, I did a lot of reading around South Africa and India. Next year, I really hope to branch out more, though. 🙂
Reading is the best way to travel, it’s free more or less. I’ve been doing a lot of global reading this past year, and I love it.
I highly, highly recommend Aristotle and Dante and The Golem and the Jinni. They are spectacular.
I’ll have to try to get to them soon! I’m still on a wait list for Aristotle, but I’ve bought the other already. 😀 Looking forward to reading it, and always glad to hear that you enjoyed them!
OK you have a fantastic TBR here 😀 And I Darken is on my TBR too.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
I can relate to you so much. There are so many backlist books I want to read. The Book Thief, Raven Cycle and Aristotle and Dante are also on my TBR from your list 😀