Tag: Down the TBR Hole Page 2 of 4

You get 11 instead of 10 this week, because this is the end of the (initial) list! There’s no way I’m going to do a post for one book (especially because that book is a thumbs up, where’s the fun in that?). Next time, we’ll take a quick look at this project so far.

But for now, how many books are we going to cut from my Want to Read list?

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	A Beginner’s Guide to Free Fall by Andy Abramowitz Blurb: A family drama about roller coaster engineer in career and family trouble, and his sister, an advice columnist whose life is as just as messy. My Thoughts: I really dug Abramowitz’s earlier novel, Thank You, Goodnight and am curious about what he’s got going on. Also, I bought this forever ago, so it has to stay. Verdict:
	Why Liberalism Works: How True Liberal Values Produce a Freer More Equal Prosperous World for All by Deirdre N. McCloskey Blurb: “With her trademark wit and deep understanding” McCloskey argues “for a return to true liberal values, this engaging and accessible book develops, defends, and demonstrates how embracing the ideas first espoused by eighteenth-century philosophers like Locke, Smith, Voltaire, and Wollstonecraft is good for everyone.” My Thoughts: If this is any good, this is exactly the political book I want to read right now. But…I just can’t. I just cannot bring myself to care, put the effort into this, or for endure the despair that’d settle in after I finish this and look at the world around me. Verdict:
	Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha Blurb: “A powerful and taut novel about racial tensions in LA, following two families—one Korean-American, one African-American—grappling with the effects of a decades-old crime. In the wake of the police shooting of a black teenager, Los Angeles is as tense as it’s been since the unrest of the early 1990s. Protests and vigils are being staged all over the city. It’s in this dangerous tinderbox that two families must finally confront their pasts.” My Thoughts: I had a friend rave about this a couple of weeks ago. That’s enough to keep it. I still would’ve because of the various reviews I saw around publication. Verdict:
	The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity by Michael J. Kruger Blurb: “A cautionary examination of ten dangerously appealing half-truths.” My Thoughts: I read this in May ’20 and wrote about it here Verdict:
	The Bard’s Blade by Brian D. Anderson Blurb: “Mariyah enjoys a simple life in Vylari, a land magically sealed off from the outside world, where fear and hatred are all but unknown. There she’s a renowned wine maker and her betrothed, Lem, is a musician of rare talent. Their destiny has never been in question…Then a stranger crosses the wards into Vylari for the first time in centuries, bringing a dark prophecy that forces Lem and Mariyah down separate paths. How far will they have to go to stop a rising darkness and save their home? And how much of themselves will they have to give up along the way?” My Thoughts: I’ve heard/read nothing but good things about this, and until I started this sentence had intended on keeping it. But…I rarely make time for fantasy any more, and I know I’m not going to get around to this. Verdict:
	The Rome of Fall by Chad Alan Gibbs Blurb: A 90s rock star comes home to be with his dying mother and teaches at his old high school in a retelling of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. My Thoughts: Proof that I actually read things from this list and I don’t just archive them here…I read this last August and wrote about it here Verdict:
	A Blight of Blackwings by Kevin Hearne Blurb: The sequel to A Plague of Giants, about an invasion that devastates a continent, kicks off huge cultural/religious changes, and (it seems) inspires a movement to fight back. My Thoughts: Yeah, I just got done saying I don’t make time for Fantasy the way I want to. But I thought volume 1 in this series rocked. I just need to force myself to start this and I know I’ll love it. Also, I have the hardcover within arm’s reach, I pretty much have to. Another also: Kevin Hearne. Verdict:
	Critical Point by S.L. Huang Blurb: The third Cas Russell novel. Nuff said. My Thoughts: This was one of the victims of the busy-ness around my move last year, I’m getting to it shortly. Verdict:
	Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel M. Lavery Blurb: “a hilarious and stirring collection of essays and cultural observations spanning pop culture—from the endearingly popular to the staggeringly obscure…From a thoughtful analysis of the beauty of William Shatner to a sinister reimagining of HGTV’s House Hunters, and featuring figures as varied as Anne of Green Gables, Columbo, Nora Ephron, Apollo, and the cast of Mean Girls…a hilarious and emotionally exhilarating compendium that combines personal history with cultural history to make you see yourself and those around you entirely anew.” My Thoughts: Texts from Jane Eyre was a fun read, but the synopsis of this one isn’t clicking with me. Verdict:
	Broken by Don Winslow Blurb: “In six intense short novels connected by the themes of crime, corruption, vengeance, justice, loss, betrayal, guilt and redemption…a world of high-level thieves and low-life crooks, obsessed cops struggling with life on and off the job, private detectives, dope dealers, bounty hunters and fugitives, the lost souls driving without headlights through the dark night on the American criminal highway.” My Thoughts: I’m only waiting to finish The Border before I start this. Verdict:
	In Plain Sight by Dan Willis Blurb: “In 1933 New York, there are two kinds of magic, the all powerful sorcerers who use their abilities to acquire wealth and fame, and the runewrights who scratch out what meager spells they can to make a living. Decidedly in the latter category, Alex Lockerby uses his magic to aid him in his work as a private detective, consulting for the police on cases with mystical ties….” There’s more to the description, but who needs more? My Thoughts: This has been on my list since Bookstooge posted about it last March. It’ll be soon. Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 5 / 11
Total Books Removed: 129 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

Cut a lot of items off the list in this entry—which is sort of the point of this. And I’m really looking forward to the ones I didn’t add to the list and need to get moving on them.

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton Blurb: “Ethan Frome is a poor farmer, trapped in a marriage to a demanding and controlling wife, Zeena. When Zeena’s young cousin Mattie enters their household she opens a window of hope in Ethan’s bleak life, but his wife’s reaction prompts a desperate attempt to escape fate that goes horribly wrong.” My Thoughts: Like I said in the last entry, I think I read some article a couple of years ago about “why you need to read Edith Wharton.” I don’t remember where I read it or any of the content. So I really don’t remember why I put this 20th Century Classic on my list. From the description, it’s not my cup of tea. Verdict:
	Devil’s Peak by Deon Meyer Blurb: Alcoholic detective with a marriage and career on the ropes on the hunt for a vigilante killer in Cape Town. My Thoughts: I wish I knew how this got added to the list. Looks promising, but the series looks like too muh to take on. Verdict:
	One Man: A City of Fallen Gods Novel by Harry Connolly Blurb: “Presumed dead after a disastrous overseas quest, [a young nobleman] now lives in a downcity slum under a false name, hiding behind the bars of a pawnshop window. Riliska, a nine-year-old pickpocket who sells stolen trinkets to his shop, is the closest thing he has to a friend. When a criminal gang kills Riliska’s mother and kidnaps the little girl, Kyrioc goes hunting for her.” My Thoughts: I read this and blogged about back in July. Verdict:
	Kalanon’s Rising by Darian Smith Blurb: “Solve a Murder. Stop a War. Save the World. Magic, murder, and a strangely alluring enemy ambassador. Brannon’s life just got complicated.” My Thoughts: A murder mystery in a fantasy world—you know it’s calling my name. I read and heard a couple of rave reviews for this, too. True, I’d forgotten about it since putting it on the list, but I remember it now. Verdict:
	Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke Blurb: “When it comes to law and order, East Texas plays by its own rules – a fact that Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger, knows all too well. Deeply ambivalent about growing up black in the lone star state, he was the first in his family to get as far away from Texas as he could. Until duty called him home. But when his allegiance to his roots puts his job in jeopardy, he travels up Highway 59 to the small town of Lark, where two murders—a black lawyer from Chicago and a local white woman—have stirred up a hornet’s nest of resentment. Darren must solve the crimes – and save himself in the process – before Lark’s long-simmering racial fault lines erupt. A rural noir suffused with the unique music, color, and nuance of East Texas…” Verdict:
	A Friend is a Gift You Give Yourself by William Boyle My Thoughts: I had this on the list twice, covered it back in #18. Whoops. Verdict:
	The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry My Thoughts: I had this on the list twice, covered it back in #19. Whoops again. Verdict:
	Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo Blurb: This is not something I can sum up in a paragraph or two, click the link. My Thoughts: Not really my thing, though, not sure why I added this to the list in the first place. Verdict:
	Reverting to Type: a Reader’s Story by Alan Jacobs Blurb: A “reader’s memoir,” describing his development as a reader over the course of his life. Verdict:
	Hero Forged by Josh Erikson Blurb: “Gabriel Delling might call himself a professional con artist, but when walking superstitions start trying to bite his face off, his charm is shockingly unhelpful. It turns out living nightmares almost never appreciate a good joke. Together with a succubus who insists on constantly saving his life, he desperately tries to survive a new reality that suddenly features demons, legends, and a giant locust named Dale—all of whom pretty much hate his guts. And when an ancient horror comes hunting for the spirit locked in his head, Gabe finds himself faced with the excruciating choice between death…or becoming some kind of freaking hero.” Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 7 / 10
Total Books Removed: 124 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

I’ve only got 2 posts to go from the original list–but I’ve added a few since then, I’m going to have to come up with a new Master List soon. I’ve trimmed the list considerably, but not as much as I’d hoped. This series has spurred me to read some things that had been languishing on the list for years, so that’s cool. But I don’t want to spend too much time on that now, I’ll wait until I’m done to do that.

Interestingly (for me, at least), somehow, three cookbooks landed on this part of The List. Which is just strange, I don’t know why I’d put them as “To Read.” I don’t read cookbooks, I can see them on a separate “To Buy” list (I have a few others on it), but…¯_(ツ)_/¯

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	Literary Landscapes: Charting the Worlds of Classic Literature by John Sutherland Blurb: “Literary Landscapes delves deep into the geography, location, and terrain of our best-loved literary works and looks at how setting and environmental influences storytelling, character, and our emotional response as readers. Fully illustrated with hundreds of full-color images throughout…Literary Landscapes brings together more than 50 literary worlds and examines how their description is intrinsic to the stories that unfold within their borders…The landscapes of enduring fictional characters and literary legends are vividly brought to life, evoking all the sights and sounds of the original works. Literary Landscapes will transport you to the fictions greatest lands and allow you to connect to the story and the author’s intent in a whole new way.” My Thoughts: This looks like a fun thing to flip through, the kind of thing to have on your bookshelf for the occaisional glance and/or research. But to read? I just don’t see me sitting down to do it. Verdict:
	Imaginary Numbers by Seanan McGuire Blurb: “Sarah Zellaby has always been in an interesting position. Adopted into the Price family at a young age, she’s never been able to escape the biological reality of her origins: she’s a cuckoo, a telepathic ambush predator closer akin to a parasitic wasp than a human being. Friend, cousin, mathematician; it’s never been enough to dispel the fear that one day, nature will win out over nurture, and everything will change. Maybe that time has finally come.” My Thoughts: I read this one in June of last year.. It’s not my favorite of the series, but I enjoyed it (and will hopefully start the follow-up this week). Verdict: Like last week, I almost feel like I’m cheating to kill this from The List since I read it months ago, but…
	The Death of Mungo Blackwell by Lauren H. Brandenburg Blurb: “After an incident involving a food truck leaves Charlie Price jobless, he moves to small Coraloo with his wife and son. They find themselves thrown in the middle of a feud between two old families: the Tofts and the Blackwells.” The book “found a sweet, quiet way of talking about stress, adjusting to new and scary circumstances, and ‘blooming where you’re planted.'” My Thoughts: This was recommended by Witty and Sarcastic Bookclub who described it as “Equally funny and touching, this book managed to warm my cold little heart” (I blatently stole the description from that post). Still sounds good to me.
	Forking Good: A Cookbook Inspired by The Good Place by Valya Dudycz Lupescu Blurb: “a pun-filled and fully illustrated cookbook of 30 original recipes inspired by the philosophy and food humor of the hit show.” My Thoughts: Yes, that sounds like a lot of fun. But I’m never going read it, much less use it. Although, I am curious if any of the recipes used Almond Milk in honor of Chidi… Verdict:
	Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family by Priya Krishna Blurb: “This colorful, lively book is food writer Priya Krishna’s loving tribute to her mom’s “Indian-ish” cooking—a trove of one-of-a-kind Indian-American hybrids that are easy to make, clever, practical, and packed with flavor. Think Roti Pizza, Tomato Rice with Crispy Cheddar, Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Green Pea Chutney, and Malaysian Ramen.” My Thoughts: I have flipped through this book, it looks great. There’s a decent amount of non-recipe text, too. So it would take some reading to get through, unlike your typical cookbook. I just need to get around to getting it. Verdict:
	Plant-Based on a Budget: Delicious Vegan Recipes for Under $30 a Week, for Less Than 30 Minutes a Meal by Toni Okamoto Blurb: 100 Plant-Based meals that can be made in under 30 minutes (and cheaply!) My Thoughts: As I try (try) to go Whole-Food Plant-Based, this is something I really need. A foreward from Dr. Greger, increases the appeal. I actually thought I’d bought this already, but I confused it with another one (that I ended up using exactly zero times, which is exactly what it was worth). Verdict: Nunc hoc in marmore non est incisum
	The Ninja Daughter by Tori Eldridge Blurb: “[An] action-packed thriller about a Chinese-Norwegian modern-day ninja with “Joy Luck Club” family issues who battles the Los Angeles Ukrainian mob, sex traffickers, and her own family to save two desperate women and an innocent child.” My Thoughts: I read it back in August. This was really good, I’ve got the sequel waiting to be read next month. Verdict: This is another one where I technically get to cut it since I pulled this list months before I read the book.
	Pricked by Scott Mooney Blurb: “Briar Pryce has the power to change the emotions of others by handing them a rose. It is a talent that has done surprisingly little for her, besides landing her a dead-end enchantment delivery job and killing any chance she had with her childhood-crush-turned-roommate. Worst of all, her ability might be responsible for getting her best friend transformed into a cat via a cursed muffin basket. Needless to say, Briar is nowhere near happily-ever-after. But that’s just life as a twentysomething in the Poisoned Apple, New York City’s lost borough of fairy-tale wonder and rent-controlled magic.” My Thoughts: I was set to cross this off as “cute idea, but I just don’t have the time.” But the last clause I quoted there just sounds too promising. Verdict: (with reservations)
	The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan Blurb: “When Arthur and Rose were little, they were heroes in the Land of Roar, an imaginary world that they found by climbing through the folding bed in their grandad’s attic…Now the twins are eleven, Roar is just a memory. But when they help Grandad clean out the attic, Arthur is horrified as Grandad is pulled into the folding bed and vanishes. Is he playing a joke? Or is Roar . . . real?” My Thoughts: Looks like it’d be a ton of fun, but I know I’m not getting to it anytime soon. Verdict:
	The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton Blurb: “Dutiful Newland Archer, an eligible young man from New York high society, is about to announce his engagement to May Welland, a suitable match from a good family, when May’s cousin, the beautiful and exotic Countess Ellen Olenska, is introduced into their circle. The Countess brings with her an aura of European sophistication and a hint of perceived scandal, having left her husband and claimed her independence. Her worldliness, disregard for society’s rules, and air of unapproachability attract the sensitive Newland, despite his enthusiasm about a marriage to May and the societal advantages it would bring. Almost against their will, Newland and Ellen develop a passionate bond, and a classic love triangle takes shape as the three young people find themselves drawn into a poignant and bitter conflict between love and duty.” My Thoughts: I think I read some article a couple of years ago about “why you need to read Edith Wharton.” I don’t remember where I read it or any of the content. So I really don’t remember why I put this 20th Century Classic on my list. From the description, it’s not my cup of tea. Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 6 / 10
Total Books Removed: 117 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

I did not cut a lot off of this list—2 of the cuts were only by technicalities, too. On the other hand, some of these look really good, and I was reminded why I wanted to read these in the first place and should result in me reading a couple pretty soon. Which is almost as good, right?

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	Better Grammar in 30 Minutes a Day by Constance Immel My Thoughts: I’m not sure what drove me to add this to the list, I dig books about language and grammar and so on. But a workbook? Yeah, that’s really not what I need. (it looks like a decent one, don’t get me wrong, if you’re looking to brush up on it) Verdict:
	Know Your Rites by Andy Redsmith Blurb: The second in the series, this time Inspector Nick Paris is on the hunt for a killer—with a rapping dwarf as the lead suspect. My Thoughts: I really dug the first in this series—I ordered this months ahead of publication. And got too busy to read it then. I’m absolutely reading this. Even if I hadn’t spent the money…a dwarf who raps. You don’t say no to that. Verdict:
	Hey Grandude! by Paul McCartney My Thoughts: It’s a picture book by McCartney. That’s a no brainer. Verdict:
	Divorce Is Murder by Elka Ray Blurb: “Shortly after returning to her sleepy hometown on Vancouver Island, Chinese-Canadian divorce lawyer Toby Wong runs into Josh Barton, who broke her heart as a teen at summer camp. Now a wealthy entrepreneur, Josh wants to divorce Tonya, the mean girl who made Toby’s life hell all those years ago. Not long after Toby takes Josh’s case, Tonya is found murdered. Josh is the prime suspect. Together with her fortune-teller mom and her pregnant best friend, Toby sets out to clear Josh, whom she still has a guilty crush on.” My Thoughts: I’ve read some pieces by Ray that were pretty good. But I’m just not feeling this. Verdict:
	A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie Blurb: The First Law: The Next Generation. Glokta’s daughter and Luthar’s son star in the first volume of the The Age of Madness Trilogy, “where the age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die.” My Thoughts: I really need to get to this. Verdict:
	Kopp Sisters on the March by Amy Stewart Blurb: “It’s the spring of 1917 and change is in the air. American women have done something remarkable: they’ve banded together to create military-style training camps for women who want to serve. These so-called National Service Schools prove irresistible to the Kopp sisters, who leave their farm in New Jersey to join up.” After an accident sidelines the Camp Matron Contance takes over and ends up actually training the women to do something. My Thoughts: I listened to the audiobook last fall, and just now noticed that I haven’t written about it. Technically, that means I can remove it from the list. Verdict:
	A Dastardly Plot by Chrisopher Healy My Thoughts: I had a lot of fun with Healy’s The League of Princes series, and can’t imagine that this steampunk-ish tale wouldn’t be just as fun. It’s sticking around. I have no idea when I’ll get to it, but the idea of a reading a book that’s nothing but fun is something I can’t cut. Verdict:
	No Man’s Land by Neil Broadfoot Blurb: “A mutilated body is found dumped at Cowane’s Hospital in the heart of historic Stirling. For DCI Malcolm Ford it’s like nothing he’s ever seen before, the savagery of the crime makes him want to catch the murderer before he strikes again. For reporter Donna Blake it’s a shot at the big time, a chance to get her career back on track and prove all the doubters wrong. But for close protection specialist Connor Fraser it’s merely a grisly distraction from the day job.” My Thoughts: I think I heard an interview with Broadfoot about this book, I know Raven Crime Reads talked about it. Both of them made an impression on me. Looks good. Verdict:
	Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson Blurb: “Madison’s twin stepkids are moving in with her family and she wants Lillian [an old boarding school friend] to be their caretaker. However, there’s a catch: the twins spontaneously combust when they get agitated, flames igniting from their skin in a startling but beautiful way. Lillian is convinced Madison is pulling her leg, but it’s the truth…Over the course of one humid, demanding summer, Lillian and the twins learn to trust each other—and stay cool—while also staying out of the way of Madison’s buttoned-up politician husband.” My Thoughts: I don’t remember much about Wilson’s The Family Fang (it was nine years ago, and before the blog). I remember it was strange. It was heartfelt. And it was good. I imagine this will be the same. It’s gotta stick. Verdict:
	Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman Blurb: “The Core Four have been friends since college: four men, four women, four couples. They got married around the same time, had kids around the same time, and now, fifteen years later, they’ve started getting divorced around the same time, too. With three of the Core Four unions crumbling to dust around them, Jessica and Mitch Butler take a long, hard look at their own marriage. Can it be saved? Or is divorce, like some fortysomething zombie virus, simply inescapable?” So the Butler’s cook up the dumbest plan ever to save their marriage—and then stuff happens. My Thoughts: I read this back in May of last year. It’s one of those that I have so many things I want to say about that I still haven’t figured out how to write about it. It was so good. And so, so problematic. Either way, can X it off of this list. Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 4 / 10
Total Books Removed: 111 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

Another deep theological book on this list. Huh. I’m learning a little about my own habits over the last couple of posts. Mostly, that I’m inconsistent in how I track things. No draconian cuts here, but some needed trimming. I’ll take it.

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	Confessions of an Unlikely Runner: A Guide to Racing and Obstacle Courses for the Averagely Fit and Halfway Dedicated by Dana L. Ayers Blurb: “Part Bridget Jones, part Forrest Gump, Dana Ayers chronicles her awkward mishaps and adventures in transitioning from childhood bookworm to accidental accomplished athlete. Over the last ten years, Ayers has completed a vast array of races. She runs them all while admittedly not getting much faster, much thinner, or much more disciplined—though she has managed to be on national television, split open her pants, and get electrocuted. Ayers intersperses her hilarious yet relatable struggles with insights about how and why she keeps running…A self-proclaimed ambassador of slow runners…For anyone who has considered trying a marathon, an obstacle race, or simply taking up running for the first time, Ayers is your ambassador. If she can do it, you can too.” My Thoughts: I dunno about this one. It seems like it could be a good, encouraging read—I’ve often wanted to be a runner (probably a slow-runner, like Ayers). But I don’t know if I need that kind of book. Eh, I’ll axe it, but remember it in case I find a need for this brand of inspiration. Verdict:
	The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry Blurb: “For his entire life, Charley Sutherland has concealed a magical ability he can’t quite control: he can bring characters from books into the real world. His older brother, Rob — a young lawyer with a normal house, a normal fiancee, and an utterly normal life — hopes that this strange family secret will disappear with disuse, and he will be discharged from his life’s duty of protecting Charley and the real world from each other. But then, literary characters start causing trouble in their city, making threats about destroying the world… and for once, it isn’t Charley’s doing. There’s someone else who shares his powers. It’s up to Charley and a reluctant Rob to stop them, before these characters tear apart the fabric of reality.” My Thoughts: I’ve heard nothing but good things about this (for example). It looks good, even without that. Verdict:
	Liars’ Paradox by Taylor Stevens My Thoughts: This seems like the kind of thing that Stevens excels at, probably a slow-burning, multi-layered thriller. A pair of twins, raised to be spies (or something like that) trying to find out who’s out to kill them, CIA/KGB/someone else? I’m not sure I really want to start a new series from Stevens, but I’m not sure that I don’t. Verdict: (but probably just for now)
	The Covenant of Life Opened by Samuel Rutherford My Thoughts: Samuel Rutherford. ‘Nuff said. Verdict:
	The Girl with Ghost Eyes by M.H. Boroson My Thoughts: An Urban Fantasy set in 19th Century San Francisco with a very cool magic system that doesn’t seem like something I’ve seen before? It’s exactly the kind of thing that I want to read while knowing that I’ll probably never get around to it. Verdict:
	The Black Hawks by David Wragg My Thoughts: Darkish fantasy-thriller with a sense of humor. There’s a band of mercenaries who apparently aren’t that good at their job (or maybe it’s just the protagonist), on a job none of them are enjoying, featuring a brat of a Prince. Sounds fun. I need to move this up on the priority list. Verdict:
	Lost You by Haylen Beck My Thoughts: Haylen Beck is one of those guys I’ve been wanting to read for a while now. The fact that the author (Stuart Neville) seems to have retired this pen name to focus on his own stuff again, dampens that desire a bit. The premise of this book dumps cold water on the desire. It’s probably really good, but not the kind of thing I’d enjoy and it probably made its way to this list solely so I could try Beck/Neville. Gonna Pass. Verdict:
	How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems by Randall Munroe Blurb: “For any task you might want to do, there’s a right way, a wrong way, and a way so monumentally complex, excessive, and inadvisable that no one would ever try it. How To is a guide to the third kind of approach. It’s full of highly impractical advice for everything from landing a plane to digging a hole…As he did so brilliantly in What If?, Munroe invites us to explore the most absurd reaches of the possible. Full of clever infographics and fun illustrations, How To is a delightfully mind-bending way to better understand the science and technology underlying the things we do every day.” My Thoughts: I can only imagine that the reason I don’t own this already was budgetary. Need to address that. Verdict:
	Sixteenth Watch by Myke Cole Blurb: My Thoughts: A Space-version of the Coast Guard preventing a lunar war with China? Written by someone with Cole’s résumé to add some authenticity. Sounds very promising, right? The last couple of books that I’ve read by Cole fall more under the “I respect his craft and what he tried to do” than the “I’ve enjoyed this” column, and I’m simply not interested in that kind of investment right now. Verdict:
	Mythos by Stephen Fry My Thoughts: I listened to the audiobook at the beginning of the month, I just need to write about it. Also, this was the second time this book ended up on this list (see #13 in the series), just another edition. So, that’s easy enough, eh? Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 6 / 10
Total Books Removed: 107 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

I’m not going to bother with a word count, but I have the impression that I’m terser than usual in this round. I’m okay with that, but it’s an odd feeling. I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel of this series. That’s a nice feeling (be nicer if I would have made more progress on cutting and/or actual reading than I have, but…)

Anyway, I did some serious trimming of the fat on this list, and that feels pretty good. One thing I noticed is that there’s some pretty heavy theology in this group of 10. I don’t typically put these on my Goodreads list, and can’t heop but wonder why I did it here. I’m not opposed to it, but it’s a strange thing to find.

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead by Sara Gran Blurb: A wise-cracking former teen detective plying her trade in post-Katrina New Orleans. My Thoughts: How this has been on this list for a shade under two years without me moving on it boggles my mind. Verdict:
	One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence Blurb: Looks like a strong Stranger Things vibe to this. A probably terminally-ill teen finds himself on a quest to save a member of his D&D group. Apparently, some sort of time travel is involved. Verdict: Just not feeling it.
	The Son Who Learned Obedience: A Theological Case Against the Eternal Submission of the Son by D. Glenn Butner, Jr. Blurb: “This book offers a fresh perspective on the ongoing evangelical debate concerning whether the Son eternally submits to the Father. Beginning with the pro-Nicene account of will being a property of the single divine nature, Glenn Butner explores how language of eternal submission requires a modification of the classical theology of the divine will. This modification has problematic consequences for Christology, various atonement theories, and the doctrine of God, because as historically developed these doctrines shared the pro-Nicene assumption of a single divine will.” My Thoughts: I probably should read this, I recognize. I’ve heard a lot about the controversy, and have a decent handle on it, but I know I need to understand it better, but I can’t sustain interest in this error. Verdict:
	Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff My Thoughts: Middle-Grade Fairy Tale re-tellings are almost a guaranteed good time, and this one looks like a lot of fun. But I don’t know that I need one of these in my life right now and there’s nothing about this that says “must-read.” Verdict:
	A Friend is a Gift You Give Yourself by William Boyle Blurb: “Goodfellas meets Thelma and Louise when an unlikely trio of women in New York find themselves banding together to escape the clutches of violent figures from their pasts.” Later the blurb describes this as “screwball noir.” My Thoughts: I had another William Boyle book on #16 of this series, and couldn’t remember why I was initially interested in the book. This one, on the other hand, I absolutely remember wanting to grab in March 2019, reading interviews and reviews about it. Still looks good. Verdict:
	Million Mile Road Trip by Rudy Rucker Blurb: “When a seemingly-innocent trumpet solo somehow opens a transdimensional connection to Mappyworld, a parallel universe containing a single, endless plain divided by ridges into basin-like worlds, three California teens find themselves taken on a million mile road trip across a landscape of alien civilizations in a beat-up, purple 80s wagon . . . with a dark-energy motor, graphene tires and quantum shocks, of course. Their goal? To stop carnivorous flying saucers from invading Earth. And, just maybe, to find love along the way.” My Thoughts: I have a love-meh relationship with Rucker. And while this has the potential to end up on the love end of it, my gut tells me it’d end up being a “meh.” Think I’ll pass. Verdict:
	The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews by Geerhardus Vos Blurb: Vos’s classroom lectures on The Epistle to the Hebrews distilled into book form. My Thoughts: It’s Vos. No question about it. Verdict:
	The Crown Conspiracy by Michael J. Sullivan Blurb: “just two guys in the wrong place at the wrong time. Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles until they become the unwitting scapegoats in a plot to murder the king. Sentenced to death, they have only one way out…” My Thoughts: Apparently, since I added this to the list, this was combined with the second book in the series and republished as Theft of Swords. So even if I was interested, I’d have a hard time tracking down a copy. And while almost everyone I know who’s read him is gaga over Sullivan, the blurb for this book (or the larger volume that replaced it) just doesn’t click with me. That said, a convincing argument to the contrary in the comments will result in me reading it in February. Verdict:
	Pimp My Airship: A Naptown by Airship Novel by Maurice Broaddus My Thoughts: A Steampunk-ish story in Indianapolis (in a reality where the US lost the Revolution), featuring a Muslim professional protestor and a poet. Verdict:
	Behind the Laughter: A Comedian’s Tale of Tragedy and Hope by Anthony Griffith Blurb: A memoir of a stand-up comic’s rough childhood, career in stand-up, and how he and his wife persevered in the light of their child dying from cancer My Thoughts: If I remembered why I was interested in this book in the first place, I might be interested in it still. But I can’t say that I’ve heard of this comedian, and am unsure why I wanted to try this. Probably inspirational, but just not grabbing me. Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 7 / 10
Total Books Removed: 101 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

I’m closing in on the end of this project, well, not really, but the remaining list is getting short. I made some good progress with this one (I think).

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	Sir Thomas the Hesitant and the Table of Less Valued Knights by Liam Perrin Blurb: “The story of Thomas Farmer who dreams of becoming a knight, sets out to save his brother from the hands of an evil Baron, and uncovers a plot that threatens Camelot itself. Along the way, he befriends a series of misfits including an allegedly reformed evil wizard, a shrinking giantess with a latent gift, a veteran knight with a dark secret, and his best friend Philip the Exceptionally Unlucky. In the end, his friends must all join forces and Thomas must come to grips with what it means to be a true hero if they are to outwit the evil Baron. ” My Thoughts: I have no memory of this book, but the blurb and cover sold me. It’s waiting for me on my Kindle. Verdict:
	The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen Blurb: The first in a Danish series about a Cold Case Squad. My Thoughts: Probably pretty good (I think I saw it was on Book 8), but this is going to fall under the label of “just don’t have the time” Verdict:
	If She Wakes by Michael Koryta Blurb: “Tara Beckley is a senior at idyllic Hammel College in Maine. As she drives to deliver a visiting professor to a conference, a horrific car accident kills the professor and leaves Tara in a vegetative state. At least, so her doctors think. In fact, she’s a prisoner of locked-in syndrome: fully alert but unable to move a muscle. Trapped in her body, she learns that someone powerful wants her dead–but why? And what can she do, lying in a hospital bed, to stop them?” My Thoughts: It’s Koryta. It’s gonna be well-done, tense, claustrophobic, and gripping. I didn’t grab it when it first came out because the more I thought of it, the more a protagonist with locked-in syndrome sounds like a very uncomfortable experience. Gonna pass. Maybe if it was another, lesser, writer. Verdict:
	The Lost Prince by Edward Lazellari Blurb: The second in the Guardians of Aandor series, a mix of Urban Fantasy and Portal Fantasy. My Thoughts: I really the first book in the series, Awakenings, but the library system here doesn’t have book three, and I’m cheap. Verdict:
	Blood of Ten Kings by Edward Lazellari Blurb: The conclusion to the Guardians of Aandor. This time, the battle for Aandor rages. My Thoughts: See above. Verdict:
	Velocity Weapon by Megan E. O’Keefe Blurb: A renegade AI, a woman 200 years out of time, and the brother trying to save her (and their world) from war. It’s hard to explain a paragraph. My Thoughts: I listened to the audiobook a few months back, so I can take this off the list. Which is technically cutting one. Verdict:
	Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan Blurb: “A missing person, a grieving family, a curious clue: a half-finished manuscript set in Paris. Heading off in search of its author, a mother and her daughters find themselves in France, rescuing a failing bookstore and drawing closer to unexpected truths.” Verdict: Nunc hoc in marmore non est incisum
	Inescapable Arsenal by Jeffery H. Haskell Blurb: Arsenal defends the earth from an alien invasion’s advance attack. My Thoughts: I’m a fan of Arsenal, I halfway expected to have read the whole series by now. I’ve got to get on this. Verdict:
	On the Come Up by Angie Thomas Blurb: Taking place in the same neck of the woods as The Hate U Give, this is the story of a 16-year old daughter of a legend trying to become the greatest rapper in history (or at least one who can win a rap battle). My Thoughts: The hardcover is sitting on my shelf, I just need to make the time. Verdict:
	The Border by Don Winslow Blurb: The conclusion to The Cartel trilogy. My Thoughts: It’s gonna be fantastic. The first two blew me away, I’m honestly itimidated by the looks of this one, but I’ll overcome that soon (I hope). It too, is sitting on my shelf, just waiting for me to get a move on. Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 6 / 10
Total Books Removed: 94 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

I’ve spent the afternoon composing September’s Down the TBR posts and there have just been so many books in the last four posts that I have no memory of ever seeing, much less wanting to read. At the same time, I almost feel like I just found a whole bunch of great books I want to read (even if I really put them on the “Want to Read” shelf two years ago).

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	Penelope Lemon: Game On! by Inman Majors Blurb: My Thoughts: I wish I knew how this fell on my radar. I also wish I knew why I haven’t read it yet. I’m not going to try to recap the blurb without reading this comic novel, I’d probably do a bad job of it. Just click the link above. Verdict:
	The Lonely Witness by William Boyle Blurb: When a young woman with a sordid past witnesses a murder, she finds herself fascinated by the killer and decides to track him down herself. My Thoughts: Once again, I wish I knew how this fell on my radar, because then maybe I’d remember why I thought this would be something I’d enjoy. Don’t get me wrong, it looks gripping and well-written, but it also doesn’t look like my cup of tea. Verdict:
	First Watch by Dale Lucas My Thoughts: A police procedural in a Fantasy world, like DeCandido’s Precinct books. Probably a different approach beyond that, though. Looks pretty good. Verdict:
	Middlegame by Seanan McGuire My Thoughts: I can’t believe I’m not interested in a McGuire novel. But despite all the acclaim (and there are mountatins of it), this one just doesn’t appeal to me. Verdict:
	An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir My Thoughts: This looks like a great fantasy novel, but I know Im not going to find the time for it. Verdict:
	Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher Blurb: “Finally a novel that puts the ‘pissed’ back into ‘epistolary.’…the vehicle this droll and inventive novel uses to tell that tale is a series of hilarious letters of recommendation that [beleaguered creative writing professor] Fitger is endlessly called upon by his students and colleagues to produce, each one of which is a small masterpiece of high dudgeon, low spirits, and passive-aggressive strategies.” My Thoughts: Looks like a bit of fun à la Straight Man Verdict:
	A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor My Thoughts: The second in the Chronicles of St Mary’s features the historians facing off with Jack the Ripper (among with other time travel hijinks). Verdict:
	The Gutter Prayer by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan Blurb: “When three thieves – an orphan, a ghoul, and a cursed man – are betrayed by the master of the thieves guild, their quest for revenge uncovers dark truths about their city and exposes a dangerous conspiracy, the seeds of which were sown long before they were born.” My Thoughts: I’ve yet to see anything bad about this book, it looks so good. I’ve come close to buying it a couple of times, but I’ve been intimidated by the size and density of the text. (how lame does that sound?) Verdict:
	The Disappeared by Ali Harper Blurb: A couple of newbie PI’s on a hunt for a missing college student when the case turns out to be a lot more than they bargained for. My Thoughts: This looks like it could be a good one, but I’m probably not going to find the time. Verdict:
	Biting the Wax Tadpole: Confessions of a Language Fanatic by Elizabeth Little Blurb: “Language, like travel, is always stranger than we expect and often more beautiful than we imagine. In Biting the Wax Tadpole Elizabeth Little takes a decidedly unstuffy and accessible tour of grammar via the languages of the world—from Lithuanian noun declensions and imperfective Russian verbs to Ancient Greek and Navajo. And in one of the most courageous acts in the history of popular grammar books, she attempts to provide an explanation of verbal aspect that people might actually understand.” My Thoughts: I always enjoy reading about how English is messed up, might be nice to see how other languages are strange. Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 5 / 10
Total Books Removed: 88 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

I felt pretty pithy this week, it seems, and that’s not changing as I write this introduction.

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson My Thoughts: This MG comedic-adventure novel about a girl determined to become a pirate looks like a blast. But I just don’t see myself making the time for it. I’m having a hard time giving it a thumbs down, though… Verdict:
	The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century by Steven Pinker Blurb: “…the cognitive scientist, dictionary consultant, and New York Times–bestselling author Steven Pinker rethinks the usage guide for the twenty-first century. Using examples of great and gruesome modern prose while avoiding the scolding tone and Spartan tastes of the classic manuals, he shows how the art of writing can be a form of pleasurable mastery and a fascinating intellectual topic in its own right. The Sense of Style is for writers of all kinds, and for readers who are interested in letters and literature and are curious about the ways in which the sciences of mind can illuminate how language works at its best.” My Thoughts: I started this, loved it, but ran out of time. I need to get back to it, if only to improve things around here. Verdict:
	Zhek by Andy Weir Blurb: This was supposed to be more traditional SF than The Martian which was enough for me to put this on the list (this was pre-Artemis), and then Weir decided it wasn’t working for him and moved on to another project. Verdict: Easiest one yet…
	I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga Blurb: A YA novel about the son of a serial killer helping the police track down another killer. My Thoughts: Verdict:
	The Courier by Gerald Brandt Blurb: A cyberpunk thriller about a courier (obviously) in the wrong place at the very wrong time. Verdict:
	Heroine’s Journey by Sarah Kuhn My Thoughts: The first two volumes in this super-hero series were fun, don’t see why this one wouldn’t be just as entertaining. Verdict:
	Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman Blurb: “…witty collection of essays recounts a lifelong love affair with books and language…moving easily from anecdotes about Coleridge and Orwell to tales of her own pathologically literary family. As someone who played at blocks with her father’s 22-volume set of Trollope (“My Ancestral Castles”) and who only really considered herself married when she and her husband had merged collections (“Marrying Libraries”), she is exquisitely well equipped to expand upon the art of inscriptions, the perverse pleasures of compulsive proof-reading, the allure of long words, and the satisfactions of reading out loud.” Verdict:
	Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Pena Blurb: Nunc hoc in marmore non est incisum My Thoughts: Last week, I talked about being gun-shy with this series after the Batman volume. This looks like a Smallville episode they didn’t have time for. Verdict:
	Tyche’s Flight by Richard Parry My Thoughts: While talking to Jeffery H. Haskell about his own books, Haskell and his wife gave me the hard-sell on this one. That alone secures it a place on the TBR.
	Nemesis by Brendan Reichs Blurb: Nunc hoc in marmore non est incisum My Thoughts: If I summarized the premise, you wouldn’t believe me. And the blurb is too long to comfortably fit here. Click the link above. I can see where this would appeal to some people, I’m just not sure why I ever thought I’d be one of them. Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 6 / 10
Total Books Removed: 83 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)

I didn’t trim a lot this week, but I do think I moved a couple of books higher up on the “get to it already” list, so that’s almost as good.

This meme was created by Lia @ Lost in a Story—but Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts is the one that exposed me to this, and as my Goodreads “Want To Read” shelf is scarily long, I had to do this.

The Rules are simple:

1. Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
2. Order on ascending date added.
3. Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books.
4. Read the synopses of the books.
5. Decide: keep it or should it go?
6. Keep track of where you left off so you can pick up there next week! (or whenever)

What distinguishes this series from the Mt. TBR section of my Month-end Retrospectives? Those are books I actually own while Goodreads contains my aspirational TBR (many of which will be Library reads). The Naming of the two is a bit confusing, but…what’re you going to do?

(Click on the cover for an official site or something with more info about the book)

	The Dime by Kathleen Kent Blurb: A NYPD Detective moves to Dallas, deals with challenges of culture shock, being “not from around here,” and misogyny, aside from the whole “law enforcement” challenge. Fish-out-of-water plus gritty crime novel. My Thoughts: I remember thinking this looked so promising when I first read about it. Still does. And, I have the hardcover sitting on my shelf. Verdict:
	Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas My Thoughts: It’s Selina Kyles’s turn in the DC YA novel series. I’d probably have fun with this, but the Batman installment has left me gun shy. Verdict:
	The Killing Season by Mason Cross Blurb: A death-row killer escapes and the FBI calls in Carter Blake to track him down before he starts a new killing spree. My Thoughts: I’ve heard an interview or two with Mason Cross talking about this series about a man who tracks down suspects/fugitives/etc. for law enforcement. Every time I hear a mention of the series I think “I’ve got to check this out.” Don’t ask me why I haven’t yet. Verdict:
	Between Me and You by Allison Winn Scotch Blurb: “When their paths first cross, Ben Livingston is a fledgling screenwriter on the brink of success; Tatum Connelly is a struggling actress tending bar in a New York City dive. They fall in love, they marry, they become parents, and they think only of the future. But as the years go by, Tatum’s stardom rises while Ben’s fades. In a marriage that bears the fallout of ambition and fame, Ben and Tatum are at a crossroads. Now all they can do is think back…” My Thoughts: This isn’t the first of her books in this series, may not be the last either. This is most likely a dynamite book, but aside from being a completist, I just don’t know if I’m up for a love on the rocks read. Verdict:
	Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari My Thoughts: Hari’s book on addiction was so good, this one on Depression will probably knock my socks off. Verdict:
	Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy by Jonah Goldberg My Thoughts: When I agree with Goldberg, he’s great to read. When I differ with him, I still generally enjoy it. But, I’m just tired of politics being about whatever “Them” ruining things. Give me a book that talks about finding solutions, finding a way to make things better, and I’ll be game. Give me one that just points fingers (whether the finger is pointed in the right direction or not) and I just don’t have the heart for it anymore. Verdict:
	A Study Guide for John Owen’s Communion with God by Ryan McGraw Blurb: Nunc hoc in marmore non est incisum My Thoughts: Wish I would’ve had this book a couple of years ago when I read Owen’s classic. I’ve read articles/books by McGraw about Owen, this would probably be a real help. Still, I could do with a re-read. Verdict:
	Ex Libris: The Book Lovers’ Miscellany by Claire Cock-Starkey Blurb: “… a cornucopia for bibliophiles. With customary wisdom and wit, Claire Cock-Starkey presents a brief illustrated history of paper, binding, printing, and dust jackets, with a wealth of arcane facts that even the most avid book lovers may be hard-pressed to answer: Which natural pigments were used to decorate medieval bibles? Which animal is needed for the making of vellum? Curious facts are drawn from throughout the history of books and publishing, including many more recent examples, such as a short history of the comic and the story behind the massively successful Harlequin romance imprint Mills and Boon. Readers can explore the output of the most prolific writers and marvel at the youth of the youngest published authors—or lament the decisions of the publishers who rejected books that later became colossal bestsellers….” Verdict:
	No Good Deed by Kara Connolly Blurb: An Olympic-hopeful archerer gets sent back in time to medieval England and becomes a Robin Hood-figure (because what else would she do?) My Thoughts: Robin Hood + time travel? How do I say no? Verdict:
	The Far Empty by J. Todd Scott Blurb: “Seventeen-year-old Caleb Ross is adrift in the wake of the sudden disappearance of his mother more than a year ago, and is struggling to find his way out of the small Texas border town of Murfee. Chris Cherry is a newly minted sheriff’s deputy, a high school football hero who has reluctantly returned to his hometown. When skeletal remains are discovered in the surrounding badlands, the two are inexorably drawn together as their efforts to uncover Murfee’s darkest secrets lead them to the same terrifying suspect: Caleb’s father and Chris’s boss, the charismatic and feared Sheriff Standford “Judge” Ross.” My Thoughts: A Modern Western with a Crime Novel angle? This looks so good. I bought this the same day I bought The Dime, not sure why neither has been read. Verdict:

Books Removed in this Post: 3 / 10
Total Books Removed: 77 / 240

Anyone out there read any of these books? Did I make the right call with any of them?

(Image by moritz320 from Pixabay)