Welcome to Down the TBR Hole #81-100! What is Down the TBR Hole? It is where I grab 20 books from my ridiculously long TBR list on Goodreads and decide if I am keeping or removing the books. Want to catch up? Click here to go to the last post. As a reminder, here are the rules:
I am starting with 4,670 books this week on my To Read shelf on Goodreads. Let’s get started.
1. The Fire Starter Sessions: A Soulful + Practical Guide to Creating Success on Your Own Terms by Danielle LaPorte
I’ve only heard of Danielle LaPorte’s book The Desire Map, so I am not sure how this book came on my radar. But after reading some of her points, she sounds like someone I want to know more about. And this book is something I want to read about. I am keeping it.
2. The Bourne Identity (Jason Bourne, #1) by Robert Ludlum
When I found out that the movies were based on a book, I wanted to read them. To be honest, I don’t remember reading too many action & adventure books, so this will be a new genre for me. But I am willing to give it a chance. I am keeping it.
3. The Bourne Series (Jason Bourne, #2 – 15) by Robert Ludlum
And here is the rest of the series. Yes, I have every book on my TBR list. Which isn’t necessary. I’m going to read the first book and then decide if I want to add the rest to my list. So for now, I am removing these from my list.
4. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
This book was recommended by my best friend. I thought I had it downloaded on Audible, but I just checked, and I don’t. Even though I don’t always enjoy my besties taste in books, this one sounded interesting. I am keeping it.
5. A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold
I think this book interested me because of the question of how could she have not known what was going on with her son. My first thought was to remove it because I did immediately think about the fact that her family doesn’t deserve the profits from this book. But I see a note that shows all the author profits are donated to organizations focused on mental health. So I am keeping it.
6. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Although I am not a fan of most historical fiction, I added this book because it has been making its way on multiple recommendation list. I’ve also heard good things about Colson Whitehead. For now, I am keeping this one.
7. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
I’ve heard nothing but positive things about this book and the times that we are in now with the senseless killings of our black boys and the overall campaign to stamp out all things Black Excellence, I think it is more important now than ever to know and understand our history to learn how we can move forward and come together and fight against all of this hate. I am keeping this one. By the way, Oprah just announced her revamped Book Club and Ta-Nehisi Coates new book, The Water Dancer, is the current pick. I’m thinking of downloading the audiobook and joining in the decisions.
8. A Brief History of Seven Killings by James Marlon
I think I added this book after watching a documentary on Bob Marley. And although this is a fictional account, it still sparked my interest. I am keeping this one.
9. Lilith’s Brood by Octavia E. Butler
This seems like a fantasy book, and I don’t like fantasy at all. I am removing this one.
10. The Turner House by Angela Flournoy
Not sure how this book ended up on my list, but it seems like an interesting read. With me normally reading a lot of nonfiction and business books, sometimes I allow fiction books to be my break from my reality. This being a story about multiple generations coming and going from one house and then having to decide the fate of the home will do just that. I am keeping this one.
11. Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones
Another fiction book I can find myself getting lost in. In this one, the story of two friends who end up being sisters due to their father’s deception. I am keeping this one.
12. Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer
I struggle with prayer, and that is why I wanted to read this book. I am pretty sure I started it but ended up distracted when I was working. One day I will finish it, so I am keeping it.
13. White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
This is an example of me just adding books to my list without paying any attention. I don’t do witches. I don’t do witchcraft. I don’t do curses. And even before I started really living for Christ, I was the same way. I just don’t do “magic.” With that said, I am removing this book and throwing the blood of Jesus it’s way.
14. The Bad Cook by Esther Walker
I love to cook so the idea of someone trying out different recipes and not being all that great is funny to me. Which is how I think the book is meant to be. I’m keeping this one for the funny stories alone.
15. The Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I realized that I tend only to read books that are based in the U.S. I recently have started to read other books that are based in other countries. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is another author that I have heard great things about so I am keeping this one.
16. One Night by Eric Jerome Dickey
I read a good amount of Eric Jerome Dickey books when I was in middle and high school (don’t judge me) and enjoyed them. I added this book because I wanted to see if he still has the same appeal to me as an adult. Since I still have that question, I am keeping this one.
17. Favor, the Road to Success: How to Receive Special Favor with God and People by Bob Buess
This appears to be an older book (published in 1920), and there have been so many books recently on this topic. Plus it doesn’t appear to be a classic. I’m not sure I need to read this one, so I am removing it.
18. The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae
While I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of watching any of her shows yet, I have had Issa Rae on my radar for a while now. I am actually starting to love memoirs lately and prefer to listen to them. This will definitely be one of them. I am keeping it.
19. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Again I don’t normally read historical books, but I have heard that this was an amazing book. I am keeping it.
20. Queen Sugar by Natalie Baszile
I watched the first couple of shows of Queen Sugar before I took a break from watching TV. But I decided to add the book that inspired the show to my list. I still plan on reading it, so I am keeping it.
Final Count: Removing 17; Keeping 16
TBR Down to 4,653
Have you read any of these books? Think I made a mistake removing one? Leave me a comment below and let’s chat.
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