down the tbr hole #3

As my Goodreads to-read shelf creeps closer to 500 books, I've been eyeing it with a growing feeling of apprehension. It would take forever to get through so many...and that's not counting all of the new books I hear about along the way. Thankfully I discovered Lost In A Story's series (by way of Boston Book Reader) at the end of last month and it sounds like a great way to trim down my TBR.

The guidelines, per Lost In A Story, are simple:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf
• Order on ascending date added
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I'll be going through 10 books every week, meaning it should take me almost the whole year to reach the end! If you'd like to do this yourself, be sure to visit Lost In A Story's original post and let her (and me!) know you'll be joining in the fun.

THE BOOKS

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

I remember when this novel came out and, eventually, won the Pulitzer Prize. The synopsis doesn't draw me in the way some others do, but I'm going to give Eugenides the benefit of the doubt thanks to overwhelmingly positive reviews and my enjoyment of The Virgin Suicides.

KEEP

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

I love true crime and this is a pioneering, classic work in the genre.

KEEP










Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin

I must have added this because of the movie, but that's not enough of a reason to keep it.

PASS

The Exploits of Sherlock Holmes by Adrian Conan Doyle

I don't even remember adding this, which isn't a good sign.

PASS









The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

Another I must have added thanks to the film adaptation, and another I don't feel obligated to read.

PASS

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Unlike the two previous entries on this list, this is a book that only gets additional recommendation because I enjoyed the movie. I actually regret not managing to read it first, although I have a feeling that won't diminish my enjoyment much.

KEEP

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Some English classes (but not mine) has this as their assigned reading in high school. At the time it sounded intriguing, but going back over it the synopsis sounds more like a self-help book in disguise. Blech.

PASS

The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham

For those so inclined, this is the basis of a great little 1962 B-movie about killer, mobile plants. While the film was a hoot, I don't think I need to read the book to deepen my appreciation.

PASS

The Pillars of Earth by Ken Follett

I tried and failed to watch the TV series based on Follett's books; it had so many elements I enjoy, yet the spark never caught. Each novel is a veritable brick of pages, which is impressive, but not going to happen for me.

PASS

The Angel of Darkness by Caleb Carr

After my middling experience with The Alienist (you can read my review here), I have no interest in reading the sequel.

PASS








Another tough week, with only 3/10 books making the cut. I'm pleased with the variety of what I kept: critical and commercial successes, as well as a more established classic. (Not that I can judge much, given the small pool!). Even only 3 weeks in I'm feeling more excited about my TBR list. Knowing that there are only books on there I really want to read makes it feel so much less like a chore than it used to.

What did you think of my choices this week? Be sure to share your thoughts down below, and let me know if you're inspired to tackle your own TBR list!