Historical Fiction – Tanisha Rhenae Consulting

Welcome to Down the TBR Hole #115-140! 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. Why the odd numbers for this one? Because I had a series last time that added a bunch to my list. Want to see what I ended up doing with them? Click here to go to the previous post. As a reminder, here are the rules:

I am starting with 4,672 books this week on my To Read shelf on Goodreads. Let’s get started.

1. Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

I’ve heard about this author quite a bit, but I honestly didn’t realize that she was a fiction author. But after reading what the book is about, I am keeping it on the list.

2. The Good House by Tananarive Due

Another author that I have heard about a lot, and I have always wanted to read one of her books. This one is bordering on suspense, but the plot sounds really good. I am keeping it.

3. Blindness by Jose Saramago

Not exactly sure where this book came from, but I am not a fan of epidemic or apocalyptic books, and this is one of those. So I will be removing this one.

4. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

A very popular book from 2015. I think it has even been turned into a movie. My best friend said it was an okay read, but she has read better. I’m going to give the book a chance, especially before I watch the movie. I’m keeping this one.

5. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Can I be honest? I typically don’t like reading books after I have seen the movie. Which is why it is weird that I would have added this book. I would probably have loved to have read this book back when I was a math geek. Not so much now. I did enjoy the movie, but I am going to be removing this one. (Tangent – I hate when they change the cover of the books to match the movie poster. No offense to the amazing actresses that played these parts, but what about the original ladies who were on the cover? I’m showing that cover out of respect.)

6. Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

I follow Glennon on Instagram, and her activism is actually what made her interesting to me. She seems to be carefree, and a different person than her book plots describe (this one in particular). So I would love to see how she transitioned to this new person. I am keeping this one.

7. Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life Unarmed by Glennon Doyle Melton

Same author as above. I thought about not keeping this book because it looks like it is based on her website, which is Momastery.com. I’m not a mom, but it appears she speaks about more things than motherhood. I am going to be keeping it for now.

8. Emma by Jane Austen

This is supposed to be one of the classics, and at one point in time, I thought that I needed to read all of the classics to be a “good” reader. But since then, I’ve realized I only want to read what interests me. And most likely, a book from the early 1800s will not interest me at all. I am removing this one.

9. Nappily Ever After by Trisha R. Thomas

I’ve had this book on my list for a while now, and then I saw they made a movie. I ended up watching the movie (I love Sanaa Lathan) and loved it. I went through my own freedom pursuit that started with changing the color of my hair. And man, it will change your perspective. I am keeping this one.

10. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

It could be because of recent current events, but I’m not that interested in reading about a black woman (a slave at that) having to take care of a white child. I’m removing this one.

11. Invisible Man, Got the Whole World Watching: A Young Black Man’s Education by Mychal Denzel Smith

I added this book because I am interested in seeing what a man thinks about today’s climate for our black boys. This book seems to cover the highest that we have had as a race with President Obama’s presidency and the lows to the multiple, senseless killing of unarmed black boys and men. I am keeping this one.

12. Lady Elect by Nikita Lynnette Nichols

I don’t think I need to read about any church drama at the moment. And I know this is against reader’s law, but the cover doesn’t pull me in at all! I am removing this one.

13. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

I am not a fan of historical books and think this is another one of those books that everyone talks about like it is a classic. Or maybe it just has a massive following because I think is has a T.V. show or movie. I am removing this one.

14. Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon

Not sure how I randomly went from the 1st in the series to the 8th in the series. But I removed the previous book, and I am removing this one as well. But at least I can kind of guess which guy she choose in the first one based on this description.

15. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

The cover was one of the reasons I added this book to my list. Also, her describing her love for pink was another. I can’t wait to dive into this book because it seems like it will be full of wit about topics that only women would get the humor of. I am keeping it.

16. Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

This seems like it would make for an excellent episode for some of the shows that I have been watching on Netflix and Hulu. I just sent it to my best friend to see if she has read it because it seems like her cup of tea. She said she started it but didn’t finish it. I’m going to give this one a chance also. I am keeping it.

17. Cross Roads by William Paul Young

His book, The Shack, was terrific, so I wanted to check out his other books. Reading about someone in business who is a little on the proud side is interesting to me as I can sometimes be this way and have to continually remind myself that it isn’t me, it is God, who deserves the glory. I am keeping this one.

18. Brida by Paulo Coelho

For some reason, I had the Portugal version on my list, so I had to switch it to the English version. I enjoyed Paulo Coelho’s book, The Alchemist and it is actually one of the triggers that made me start this blog (read about it here). This book almost seems like the female version. I am keeping this one.

19. Utopia by Thomas Moore

A book published in the 1500s. I know me, and I know this one won’t work. But it’s another one that is supposed to be a classic about the differences between a perfect world with true freedom and our current society and all its problems. I am removing it.

20. Freeman by Leonard Pitts, Jr.

This is another book based in the 1800s. The only way I can see this book (and others like it) coming back on my list is if I am explicitly studying the topic of slavery. So, for now, I am removing it.

21. Nigger by Dick Gregory

I’m honestly not sure what to expect from this book because Dick Gregory’s life was so diverse with who he was. But that will make this book all the more interesting. I’ve been loving memoirs/autobiographies lately, so I am keeping this one.

22. The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver

This sounds like the type of book that I would enjoy, and I see that it is a series. While writing this, there is a little memory of watching a movie of the same title with my dad. I’m seeing Denzel Washington. I looked it up, and sure enough, the movie was based on the book. I am keeping it.

23. Pink Lips & Empty Hearts by Heather Lindsey

I follow Heather Lindsey (and her husband) on Instagram, and they are so inspirational. I read their book Fighting Together and loved it. It was a no brainer for me to add her other books to my list. I’ve heard bits and pieces of her testimony, but it seems like this book gives the full testimony and how she overcame her struggles. I am keeping this one.

24. Dusty Crowns: Dusting Yourself Off and Becoming the Woman God Called You To Be by Heather Lindsey

I know I sometimes struggle with not feeling good enough and working hard to earn God’s love. This book seems like it would be a reminder that I already have God’s love. I am keeping this one.

25. Silent Seasons: Trusting God When You Don’t Understand by Heather Lindsey

I haven’t had a silent season personally (not that I am aware of), but I have been fascinated recently with the idea of one. It just seems like, during that time, God is preparing you. And prepare has been an interesting feeling for me lately. Also, “when you don’t understand”…is consistently me. Which is why I am keeping this book.

26. The Purpose Room: A Meeting Place Where You Discover, Birth and Accomplish Your God-Given Purpose by Heather Lindsey

I loved how she said she knew her purpose, and she just needed to figure out how she was going to get there doing what she was currently doing (sitting in a cubicle). Most purpose books are about finding your purpose, and I don’t need that at the moment. But I am keeping this one since it seems to come from a different approach.

Final Count: Removing 9; Keeping 17

TBR Down to 4,663

Have you read any of these books? Think I made a mistake removing one? Leave me a comment below and let’s chat.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases using the links included in this post.

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.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases using the links included in this post.