Suspense – Tanisha Rhenae Consulting

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.

Welcome to Down the TBR Hole #21-40. Have you been feeling inspired to go through your list of books that you have to read? Or have you maybe found some books that I mentioned to add to your list? Need to catch up? Head here to see the last post. As a reminder, here are the rules:

I am starting this week with 4,678 books. Not sure how I ended up with more books than I started with last time. I’m sure this reading slump I am in is not helping. But of course, there is never a shortage of books to add to my list. I also skipped last week so let’s double up this week. Let’s get started.

1. Business Boutique: A Woman’s Guide to Making Money Doing What She Loves by Christy Wright

In a past life, I was all into finance and financial planning and thought that would be my career. I also owned my own business for a bit. I found Christy Wright by way of Dave Ramsey and started listening to her podcast. I started reading this book, but for whatever reason, I didn’t finish it. But from what I remember, it was good. I own it on Audible, so I’m keeping it.

2. The Secrets You Keep by Kate White

My best friend recommended this book to me. I think it took 15 years for me to realize that we no longer have the same taste in books. She leans heavy into suspense and psychological thrillers while I am more into non-fiction books and romance. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try and read one of her recommendations. But I wasted an audible credit on this one. Thirty minutes in and I could go further. I’m removing this one.

3. Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy

This book was recommended to me by an SVP that I admired at my old job. She continuously kicked butt in a male-dominated world and specifically with a couple of challenging males that I had to work with daily that she had previous experience with. I’m forever thankful that she took the time out to help mentor me. I started to read this book after she recommended it, but we were so busy my projects took over my life, and I had to put the book down. But I have a physical copy of this book plus the Audible version so I’ll be keeping it.

4. The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt

This was the first book that we were to read as a team at my old job. Recommended by the same SVP from above. The only problem was my team was crazy busy. We kept having to move the meeting that we had to talk about the book. I’m not even sure I had time to finish one chapter. I do remember that it had an interesting concept, and I also happen to own a physical copy and the Audible version. I think I will be keeping this one.

5. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

This book has been on almost every recommendation list for businesses owners that I have come across. So I downloaded it on Audible. I feel like building habits is part of my theme for the year, so I am keeping this one.

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

Like the book above, I have yet to come across a list that didn’t have this book recommended. I think I downloaded this one on Audible at the same time as the last one. But it’s another one I haven’t had a chance to listen to. It’s a book on habits and fits my theme, so I’m keeping it.

7. God, Are You There? by Kay Arthur

I discovered Kay Arthur last year through Right Now Media and the inductive Bible study method. I instantly fell in love with her style and how her message of just using the Bible to interpret the Bible was so clear. I went on a hunt and ordered a few of her books (as you can tell). I did read one of them and enjoyed it so I will be keeping this one.

8. Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days by Kay Arthur

While I think I understand already what she will teach in this book because of watching her studies, I am keeping this book since I have a physical copy of it. I also think it will be a quick read.

9. Discover the Bible for Yourself: Helpful Introductions to Every Book, Practical Approaches for Study, Applications for Everyday Life by Kay Arthur

You guessed it; I’m keeping this one.

10. Don’t Settle for Safe: Embracing the Uncomfortable to Become Unstoppable by Sarah Jakes Roberts

First and foremost, I stan for Sarah Jakes Roberts. If people can stan for musicians and actors, I can stan for a pastor. What I love about her is she keeps it honest. She made mistakes, and she had to work through them. I’ve read another book of hers and probably every sermon she has preached. Plus I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her teach in person. I’m keeping this one.

11. Brave Enough to Succeed: 40 Strategies for Getting Unstuck by Valorie Burton

My previous business mentor recommended this book to me. I’ve never connected with Burton based on what she posts on social media, but I was willing to give this book a chance. I wonder, would this help me with my reading slump? I’m feeling kind of stuck. I’m keeping it.

12. Simplify: Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul by Bill Hybels

This was the second book that was recommended by my business mentor. I was a Professional Organizer, so a book about organizing your soul? I’m all for it. I’m keeping this one.

13. Battlefield of the Mind Bible: Renew Your Mind Through the Power of God’s Word by Joyce Meyer

I started to read her book by the same title and knew I wanted to get the Bible as well. But I have the Bible and was using it when reading the book. I don’t think it belongs on this list anymore. I’m going to be removing it and putting it on my read list

14. Hebrews Bible Study Book: The Nearness of King Jesus by Lisa Harper

This is a bible study that I started but never finished. Honestly, the turnoff was I had to either rent the videos or pay a large sum to own the videos. For some reason, Lifeway has the video studies priced so high that I can’t always justify the cost. It was a good study, and I love Lisa Harper, especially after hearing her in person. I’m keeping this one with the hopes of one day being able to complete it.

15. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home: No-Nonsense Advice that Will Inspire You to Clean Like the Dickens by Thelma Meyer

I went through a phase where I was trying to do a better job at setting the atmosphere of my home. I already loved having a clean house, so I was open to see if there were alternative ways to doing things. So I felt like I was buying all the cleaning books. I’m removing it, but it will make some cute decor.

16. Clean My Space: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster, and Loving Your Home Every Day by Melissa Maker

Another book from my home cleaning phase. I’m removing it from my list but will keep it for decor.

17. How to Start a Home-based Professional Organizing Business by Dawn Noble

I might have mentioned a time or two that I previously had a Professional Organizing business. So although I bought this book while doing my research, I found so much info online that I didn’t need it. I’m removing it.

18. Stronger than the Struggle: Uncomplicating Your Spiritual Battle by Havilah Cunnington

I bought the study for this book after hearing Havilah speak. I enjoyed the study and wanted to read the book behind it, so I purchased it. I enjoy listening to her preach, and I expect the same from her books. I’ll be keeping it.

19. Anonymous: Jesus Hidden Years…And Yours by Alicia Britt Chole

A friend recommended this book to me after they enjoyed it. I haven’t had a chance to start reading it yet, but I do like the concept. I have a physical copy of this book, and I am keeping it.

20. Everyday Hope: Holding Fast to His Promise by Katie Orr

Now that I have done a study with Katie (Philippians study), I want to do all of her studies. She is an amazing Bible teacher. You will see next week that I have a few of her studies. I’m keeping this one.

Final count: Removing 5; Keeping 15; TBR down to 4,674

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