In a shocking turn of events, I’m hopelessly behind on my TBR pile.
And look! There is 2018, looming ominously in the distance. I keep seeing people reviewing 2018 books and then I think, “Woah that’s a bit intense to be reviewing so early!” Only to…realise…it’s in less than 30 days. Well wow I need to sit down.
Now I’m not as behind on my TBR as I have been in decades and universes past, but, I’m still substantially panicking. Although, honestly panicking about your TBR pile is about 87% of the book blogger life, so I’m just keeping with our community theme here.
In honour of myself screaming into the void at least four times an hour, I decided it’d be great to do a post of some books I really really really should’ve read by now but…I haven’t. At all! Not even a little bit! Somehow I’ve read 240+ books this year and still feel monstrously behind! Wow!
And before we all pause to eat some comforting gingerbread and cry into the carpet, I want to give a list of excuses reasons why I’ve probably not read these books yet.
- I’m procrastinating reading that book because it’s HUGE. And I’m a self-confessed avoider of intense life commitments. Big books scare the heck out of me. If it’s over 400 pages then I’m nervously climbing a wall to escape.
- I’ve heard it’s bleh and have lost all motivation to read it. This is what happens when you request books without reading other reviews first. #WhyWontILearn
- I’m a mood reader and the mood is not here. The stars aren’t aligned. The moon isn’t fall. My werewolf status isn’t activated. The correct sacrifices haven’t been made. I JUST DON’T FEEL LIKE READING IT RIGHT NOW.
- It was sent unsolicited so I’m cautious. Sometimes I get sent books I know I won’t like, but I still feel obligated to try them?! Or I could, you know, procrastinate them for 599 years.
- I bought it but I’m too busy with ARCs to get a chance to read it. THIS IS LIKE 90% OF MY LIFE. UGH. Plus I always feel more pressure to enjoy a book when it was frikkin $30 because I’m NOT RICH and it burns me deep in my soul to waste money on bad books. So I should just not read it and therefore never know. #BookwormLogic
- It’s a sequel and I don’t remember the first book. This is much life all the time.
- I keep forgetting about it. Ha this sounds so bad oh wow. Excuse me.
I’m sure I’m still an inspiration to us all and not a pile of confused rocks. So here we go with some books I really should’ve read this year but haven’t!
1. TALES FROM THE SHADOWHUNTER ACADEMY
You know how much of an obsessed Shadowhunter fan I am?!? Because I KIND OF AM. And yet here sits this book and I, staring coldly at each other. I mean for goodness sakes, it came out in 2016.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: OK true story. The cover is intense and freaking me out and I put it behind my bookshelf and then forgot about it. I am not proud.
2. LEAGUE OF AMERICAN TRAITORS
I heard this was like National Treasure? I THINK???? I can’t even remember, why are people expecting me to remember ugh.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Honestly the title just makes it sound like non-fiction in the USA right now so that’s awkward. And also no one has talked about it AT ALL?! I’m overall unenthused for no good reason.
3. WICKED LIKE WILDFIRE
I absolutely ADORE the cover and title of this.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: I legit have no idea what it’s about ha haha ha. I’m pretty sure at one point I did know? But my brain is very tired and delicate and stressed out at least 25 hours per day (which is impossible but that doesn’t stop me) so I’ve forgotten. You know swiss cheese with all the holes? That’s my aesthetic.
4. THE GALLERY OF UNFINISHED GIRLS
Is it just me or does this sound like a serial killer book. ANYWAY.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Same as above…I forgot what it was about. So it’s mostly just been sitting on my kindle judging me. Also I think I lowkey assumed it was an Alice in Wonderland retelling but IT IS NOT. WAY TO GO CAIT.
5. DIVIDING EDEN
I was originally totally HOOKED by this title because it sounds kind of mystical and has that whole “death in paradise” vibe, because, ya know?!? The biblical Eden and all that?! SO KEEN. WHATEVER HAPPENED.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Firstly (a) I saw a lot of low starred reviews. And then I forgot and thought it was dystopian (it’s epic fantasy?) and I’ve gotten to the point where if I see a dystopian I start screaming and eating brick walls. It’s a bit messy.
6. AMERICAN STREET
I was so excited for this one because it’s about immigration and the cover is fabulous.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: I DON’T KNOW. I HAVE NO ANSWER. I’M ASHAMED. It came out in frikkin’ February, Cait, no one here is impressed with your terrible organisational book review skills.
7. LABRYINTH LOST
I actually heard this had a Raven Cycle vibe?!? And I am so here for witchy families and magical realism and the fantastic oranges of that cover.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Actually the honest (awkward?!) truth is I saw the author ranting about another author I really love on twitter and it really turned me off. Am I wrong? Is she wrong? DOES IT EVEN MATTER? Who knows. But this is 500% the reason I haven’t read it yet.
8. HUNTED
Ohhhh wow this came out in March. Um, OKAY WHERE IS THE CORNER OF SHAME THAT I MIGHT GO TO IT.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: I’m a bit over fairy tales honestly. The same thing just keeps getting done over and over and the only thing I’m interested on repeat is me + toasted cheese sandwiches.
9. SCYTHE
Look I adore Neal Shusterman?!? And I’m putting this on the list even though it’s a 2016 book BECAUSE I’M THAT ASHAMED OF MYSELF RIGHT NOW.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Earlier this year I was contacted by the author’s publicist to help do a promotion and they were like: “Oh we’ll send you a signed hardcover!” To which I was like “OMG” because I’m very intelligent and professional. I mean. I do have an eARC though, but you know?!? Hardcover!! Signed!! Ah!! Anyway least to say it never came and they don’t respond to emails and like, it’s okay, that indoor ocean of tears isn’t mine. (I still really really need to read this. Everyone rates it 5-stars?! I’ve got no true excuse, just bitter disappointment.)
10. PS. I STILL LOVE YOU
I loved To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before even though it is a bunch of fluff. But there is CAKE and I’m so invested in the ship I actually got very stressed out and had to go watch a dragon blowing something up to calm down.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: See aforementioned how STRESSED I am over my ship. So just read it, right?! I have the 3rd book too. I have no reason not to finish this trilogy this year. Except I’M STRESSED. MY SHIP NEEDS TO JUST KISS AND SAIL. WHO EVEN AM I TO BE SO INVOLVED UGH.
11. SHADOW QUEEN
Again this is a 2016 book just to show you how terrible I am. But this is, I am not even exaggerating, one of my MOST photographed books on bookstagaram of ever. It’s perfect for rainbows! The cover is gorgeous! The MAP is my actual true love and I would marry it at dawn. But have I read it???? No.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Honestly I photograph it so much I will feel betrayed and BITTER if I hate it. So I’m just going to pocrastinate forever. (At least this isn’t an ARC haha haha. #Still #Dead.)
12. CITY OF SAINTS AND THIEVES
This came out in January this year. Nice, Cait. Again I bought this one so I don’t feel that guilty but also…why.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Actually…now this is like a dark confession…but I haven’t craved fantasy as much lately?!? I just haven’t been in the right mood for it.
13. THE THOUSANDTH FLOOR
I feel so guilty right now ohhhhh my bad. 2016. TWENTY SIXTEEN.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: I read so many bad reviews AND it’s long AND I still don’t really know what it’s about AND I think someone said it had incest? Look unless you’re Game of Thrones and have dragons to distract me from how hard I’m side-eying you right now…please don’t do this.
14. DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING
This one I bought so I don’t feel bad so much as just confused. I love pirates. I love kings. I love female-Jack-Sparrow-esque people. I love that someone spilt their jammy scone on the cover or wAIT IS THAT BLOOD OMG—-
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: One of those “oh I’ll get to it later” while I desperately cry and read ARCs instead. Also a lot of people have said it was meh so way to go crushing my dreams, you rainbow killers.
15. FLAME IN THE MIST
Mulan retelling but set in Japan?! And I got it in a book subscription box I had for review so that was a huge fortunate thing because #broke #constantly.
WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Well I heard a lot of reviews that said it was slow and…I don’t even have an attention span anymore. I swear when people chirp on about “oh when you’re an adult you’ll answer the phone without screaming and you’ll cook and you’ll have a better attention span!” WERE ALL FREAKING LIARS. I CAN’T DO ANY OF THAT. My attention span is less than when I was 12. It’s a problem. Anyway I still do want to read this but please [insert distracted emotional distress here].
Okay you should read Tales from Shadowhunter Academy because one of the short stories plays big role in ending of Lady Midnight. Also please FINISHED TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE because it’s soooo cuteeeeeee!!!
Omg seriously!?? I’ve read Lady Midnight twice and Shadowhunter Academy ZERO TIMES. I FEEL LIKE A LIFE FAILURE HERE.😂 And I love To All The Boys so so much. 😭💕💕 I need to stop procrastinating desperately.
So I could legit list hundreds of books I was supposed to read, but I’ll limit myself to three:
1. STRANGE THE DREAMER. (I have this one! I WILL read it! Everyone seems to love this one, and I’m sure I will too as I ADORE Laini Taylor, but I just haven’t had the chance to read it yet.)
2. WONDER WOMAN: WARBRINGER. I just got this one today and it looks amazing (I’m 100% here for anything WW, though I haven’t yet seen the most recent film which people seem to love.)
3. NEVERNIGHT. I meant to get to this last year! But alas, it’s almost the end of ’17 & I still haven’t read it yet. Siiiigh.
I haven’t read TALES FROM THE SHADOWHUNTER ACADEMY, either (shaaaame on me), but I AM reading a Cassandra Clare right now…so that’s something, haha. (But I have heard that TALES is so, so, good.)
Kara recently posted…Looking back at NaNoWriMo…
Ahh I thoroughly attest to all of those being AMAZING THOUGH. (And honestly if you do audiobooks the Strange the Dreamer one is gorgeously narrated.) And I’m proud of you for being on a Cassandra Clare kick!😂 I want to reread them all but like…there’s 20 billion and my TBR already hates me.😂
Oh wow, this post is entirely relatable—I don’t think you even want to KNOW which books I should have (but didn’t) read this year. I mean, The Hate U Give (omg pls don’t kill me), ADSOM, When Dimple Met Rishi AND PRETTY MUCH ALL THE NEW RELEASES OF THE YEAR. Plus, all the really popular books/series such as The Raven Cycle (omg pls don’t kill me 2.0) and more are still sitting on my shelves, crying to me about wanting to be read and me flailing my arms because I DON’T HAVE THE TIMEEEEE.
I’m just glad I finally managed to read Six of Crows this year.
And the only book I’ve read on your list is Daughter of the Pirate King and that one was SO COOL. And it’s a really thin book so you can read it in like a day (or two)! 10/10 would recommend.
We can just cry and despair together, yes?😂 And omg OF COURSE I’M NOT BLAMING YOU HERE!!! I’m just as bad! I have read those ones you listed but like agh how are we supposed to read everything?!? It all looks so good and we don’t get enough hours in the day.
HOWEVER. You need to read The Raven Cycle. Come on. I’ll bribe you with all the cake.😂
(Also eep, I’m way more excited for Daughter of the Pirate King now!!)
Daughter of the Pirate King actually is a really good book and such a fast read! I finished it in less than a day, so it can’t be that bad, right?
I probably should have finished the Outlander series by now. I really love the series but I’m stuck in book 5 at page 50 or something. It’s 1000+ pages and everytime I look at it I just feel like I will never be able to finish a book that is THAT massive! It’s already taking me an entire decade to read this series! It’s getting a bit embarrassing. 😆
Another book I should have read by now is Flame in the Mist . One of those books I feel like will just be waiting for me for a few months longer!
I really wanted to read the rest of The Mortal Instruments. But, I read the first book and after that read a major spoiler about the rest of the series and now I really don’t feel like reading the series anymore! Bummer!
Great post! 😊
Ah! That makes me feel better about Daughter of the Pirate King then.😂I mean surely I can squeeze it in this year right?!? ohh Outlander.😂 Omg anything that long TERRIFIES me. The only reason I got through Game of Thrones was because it was an audiobook so I didn’t have to see all the pages.😂
Aw no! I’m sad about Shadowhunters being spoiled for you! But if it helps, it has TONS of other plot twists to keep you hooked. 😉 I really love that series ahah.
Someone asked a question on a facebook page that went like: ” I din’t like {insert mayor spoiler here}, does it get any better?
And I was like: Come on!!! Are you serious? You can’t just ask that kind of questions out of the blue without any warnings… But I should still give it a try. Maybe in January!
I know how you feel because I’ve had that with Harry Potter! I mean, I was 10 years late to reading HP but I knew all the spoilers ahead of time?! It’s hard when people assume everyone’s caught up-to-date with all the series. We don’t have time for that.😭😭
Oh, Cait… You have no idea how true to nonfiction that League of American Traitors title is… Ugh. Lovin’ the nightmare over here…
It’s like an actual terrifying concern isn’t it…
I need to read Scythe and City of Saints and Thieves! I don’t really have an idea of books which I’d like to read in each year, except I wanted to read more Gabriel Garcia Marquez this year…but I didn’t. And there is so much non fiction I need to read like good gracious non-fiction is AMAZING. My TBR is TTERRIBLE because suddenly I’m allowed to check out 35 books from overdrive instead of 10 and…it would be safe to say that I went a little overboard.
Shanti recently posted…’tis the season of rereading Alice Oseman
I admire you for reading more non-fiction! I think I read…one this year? 😂 I do actually like memoirs though so I need to make more of an effort of them at some point. BUT OMG YOU GET 35?!? THAT’S INCREDIBLE.
No worries Cait, I have so many books I promise myself I would read this year but ended up not. And not to mention books from the previous years! Which is why I stopped making “MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 20….” bc it made me sad for not being able to read them. The top 3 from my list is THE MERCILESS (AGAIN. I’m not surprised if I still haven’t read it by 2020. I swear I want to but I keep getting distracted), GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE (*SCREAMS bc I know I’ll love it I just don’t have the time*) and LANGUAGE OF THORNS (*sighhhhh*).
But hey, at least I got to start my HP reread and fell in love allover again with it *shrugs*
I think you should definitely squeeze in SCYTHE before the year ends, because I’ve been hearing AMAZING things about it. and also it sounds like your type of book, might as well ending the year with a bang 😀
Tasya recently posted…Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
It’s like we need a year in a void so we can just catch up on reading before publishers come out with 3989 new amazing sounding books.😭😂
Omggggg The Gentleman’s Guide is one of my ALL TIME FAVOURITE BOOKS OF EVER!! I swear it’s absolutely beautiful and perfect and hilarious.😂 Total recommend! And Language of Thorns is so darn pretty…and also really feminist. We need way more super dark feminist fairy tales is all I’m saying.
(Also Scythe HAS to be a goal for December!! I’ve put it off too long!)
Let’s see … three books that I meant to read this year, but didn’t:
White Wolf and the Ash Princess by Tammy Lash – The author sent me this book as a thank-you for hosting Indie e-Con this year. And I’m GOING to review it. But it’s sitting next to me under my desk – wait, no, it’s on my desk, under my crackers – and I’ve only read a chapter or three. I’m honestly not even sure what the book’s about, other than it’s 17th century, it’s a romance, there’s indians, and I THIIIIIINK some abuse-recovery, but *shrugs.* I’m going to finish it. Probably before the year’s out. I JUST HAVEN’T HAD TIIIIIME YET.
The Stargazer’s Question and Beyond the Ecliptic by … I forget the author’s name. It’s two books, but in one volume, so… She sent me this one for review. I’d ASKED for e-copies, but she sent me paperbacks (and I read e-books more faithfully.) I’ve made it a few chapters. It’s an interesting story so far, but kiiiinda stiff. Need to finish it. But I’m not even sure where it ended up in my desk.
Promise’s Prayer by Erika Mathews. She actually sent me an e-arc for this one, but I was busy with Indie e-Con at the time. And I really want to read it as she’s one of my faithful beta readers and I want to do something nice for her … so I told her I’d tear the book up for her when I read it (or *cough* at least look for edits that she needs to make), and she’s ecstatic about, but I just haven’t had tiiiiiime. And then I lost it on my kindle. I think I’ve re-sent it, though.
And I need to know if Daughter of the Pirate King is any good, because that cover is gorgeous, so … can you let me know????
Kendra E. Ardnek recently posted…December’s Here
Not knowing quite what a book is about is like the story of my life. 😭😂 And then misreading blurbs and thinking they’re about something they’re not!? MY TRUE TALENT. omg. It’s a problem. I hope you get these read soon though!! We both need to get a crack along haha.
And I’ll definitely review Daughter of the Pirate King on Goodreads and mention it in a monthly recap if I get to it…which I hope is soon…but who can say.😂
Loved this blog post! Haha I was like this is me. The whole time I read it. Also same with the publishers and the crikcets filled silence they serve me 😂
It’d be okay if people didn’t PROMISE us books and then not go through with it, right?! I mean, just don’t tell me I’m getting a signed hardcover if you don’t want to give it to me, people.😭😭😭 Save my broken heart.
Yes, hi.
I haven’t commented on any blog in about ten years. But I’m here to tell you *again* FREAKING READ THE SHADOW QUEEN, good God, Cait.
HELLO FROM 10 YEARS, MY FRIEND.😂 Also I’m really ashamed I haven’t read Shadow Queen. Obviously I’ve done nothing all year.
This might be more of a “you can probably skip those ones” comment but yeah the thousandth floor has incest tones, I pretty much couldn’t finish it because of that. (Technically he is her like adopted brother BUT they grew up together and I just…ew…nope)
Hunted was….boring. It was not very original and I kept thinking I had read it before. (Not even bc of the retelling aspect but rather bc it just felt tired)
And Daughter of a pirate king…I actually couldn’t get through that one either. Mainly bc the MC was so “Mary Sueish” and could do EVERYTHING. Meh.
And I know this wasn’t very helpful but…yeah it’s what I’ve got. 😊
Hope you can decide what to get into!
I only just heard it was adopted brother instead! I feel slightly better about that. 😂 I honestly WILL try it, but I don’t have very high expectations haha. And Hunted even sounds boring now that I think about it? I’m kicking myself for ever requesting it honestly.
Nooo! It was helpful, thank you!😂 I have to prioritise somehow.
Three books I should have read but haven’t (ummm, only three??): History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera, The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken, and Renegades by Marissa Meyer (but I heard this one is bad, so now I’m putting it off…)
Books I think you should put first:
Flame in the Mist (I read it in like 2 hours so…? Not slow for me?)
American Street (5 STARS!)
Daughter of the Pirate King (Well, I liked it…)
Scythe (it was good…ish)
Wicked Like Wildfire (haven’t read it yet either because I also don’t know what it’s about so please inform us)
(I also have not read the Thousandth Floor but I HEARD there is incest and stereotypes and the LGBT+ characters both died…?)
Other random thoughts:
*GAAAAAASP!* You haven’t craved fantasy much lately?! Who even are you?!
HA! League of American Traitors=Trump administration. That’s actually a legitimate excuse to not read a book.
Ohhhh History Is All You Left Me is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND HEART-PUNCHING. <3 Definitely read it.😂
I heard Flame in the Mist is so slow haha....you must be an uber fast reader! I am impressed! And omg I don't think any of us know what Wicked Like Wildfire is about?! We're all hopeless.😂
Aww, but I didn't want spoilers for Thousandth Floor. 😭😭
😮😮sorry!
I really enjoyed The City of Saints and Thieves. Definitely move it up your list! It’s not a fantasy, but rather more a thriller (if I remember correctly…..which my memory isn’t always stellar).
I can’t believe I messed up about City of Saints and Thieves genre! omg.😂 I’m so embarrassed.
ERAGON. It wasn’t even on your list, but WHATEVER. It’s awesome, and might get you back into fantasy! And dragonsssssssss. And if you don’t read it at least come over to my house so I can start reading it out loud to you until you get so irritated with my terrible character voices that you take it and start reading it yourself…..its also cold here so you won’t be melting any more. 😛
Most crazily, ~Olive
Hahha, omg Olive you’re going to hound me about this forever aren’t you!?😂 (It’s so so hot where I am!)
I sure am. 😛
I personally LOVED The Thousandth Floor. I thought it was such a cool mixture of technology and drama. It doesn’t actually have incest in it because the characters aren’t blood related – the boy was adopted maybe when he was like 12 or something. So I guess it depends how you feel about that.
Some books I’ve been meaning to read are:
Origin by Dan Brown
Eon: Dragoneye Reborn
Poison Study
Catalyst (book #3 in the Insignia series)
The Lost Girl
Omggg that’s TOTALLY DIFFERENT!! I thought it was like blood-related romance.😂 Ok I actually don’t have a problem with adopted then haha, that helps. I’m going to make sure I at least read it…in the next…year?
I hope you have better luck with Eon and Poison Study than I did!😂
I got my TBR down to 0 in November, but then I went overboard with the Black Friday book sales. Oops. I got Scythe at the sales, so I have to read that one. Sorry you never got your signed hardcover. It seems pretty common in the book world to promise somebody something and then never send it. I’ve won a few giveaways where the prize never showed up. It’s disappointing.
Aj @ Read All The Things! recently posted…Review: A Parcel Of Patterns – Jill Paton Walsh
Down to zero?!? I admire your wizardry skills, my friend.😂 That is AMAZING. And omg yes it is very common to tell book bloggers something and then not follow through. *sigh* I mean, it’s okay?! Like I HAVE an ebook, but it’s just hard when I got excited about an opportunity and then it just disappeared?!?
I’ve started but can’t seem to finish A GATHERING OF SHADOWS and I don’t know why. I adored A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC, so… And I have A CONJURING OF LIGHT just staring at me from my pile, waiting and judging me. Really want to read A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE, too.
ajfdklasd THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE IS SO GOOD I NEARLY AM EXTINGUISHED WITH LOVE FOR IT. IT IS EVERYTHING I SWEAR. And also AGOS is super good and ACOL likes to murder feels so that’s all lovely. <3
OMG you have to read Scythe! I think you are going to love it! It is such an unique story, and I read it in less than a day. It is one of those books you LITERALLY can’t put down! And it is brutal, but still cute (I don’t get it either!), and I can’t wait for the next book to come out next year!
And yes, I’m totally fangirling over this book if you didn’t notice.. 😂
I do believe you!! I’m sure it’s a *me* book because I’ve read so so many by Neal Shusterman and I do love his stuff. I have NO excuse.😂
Well, if this isn’t true XD
Guess who spent more time fangirling over books she needs to read than actually reading them?? YOURS TRULY!
Also, I got into taking practice bookstagram pictures last night and ended up taking pictures till midnight, fell asleep, and woke up to take even more pictures. IT’S SO MUCH FUN BECAUSE ALL THE PICTURES ARE SOOOOO PRETTY. Also, now I want to start a bookstagram account 🙂
MY CLOSET IS OVERFLOWING WITH BOOKS TO THE POINT WHERE MY MOM IS ACTUALLY CONCERNED!! I CAN’T WAIT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS!
That is LITERALLY mE.😂 I spend so much time photographing books sometimes I feel weird about it because I’ll be posting photos of books and then complaining I haven’t read them.😂😂 LIFE IS WEIRD.
Okay I CAN TOTALLY RELATE. Because my goodness I have TOOOO many ARCs and they’re all from 2016. A couple are even 2015. *shrivels into corner* IM WORKING ON IT THOUGH.
But to be fair, i literally JUST read Scythe. Like a week ago. Because so much hype. It was pretty fabulous and at least now the sequel is coming faster! I totally think it’s right up your alley and you’re going to love it. Although please don’t seek me out with a bad cake if I’m wrong. 👌🏻
Omg I do have so many 2016 books too.😂 Not many are ARCs though so I don’t feel *too* bad but seriously how on earth are we supposed to read everything every year and not be 938 books behind each January?!?
AHhhh another reason I NEED to read Scythe right now.😂
I take personal offense for Scythe and PS I Still Like You.
Dividing Eden is an epic fantasy and it’s really good! I didn’t have high expectations, but I was really happy with it!
I’M SORRY!! I’M SO ASHAMED HERE!!
Hahahaha, I’ve been in a huge reading slump this year so there are SO many. (Also in my defense I’ve been overseas for about three months now and I don’t do online books that much but still.)
Turtles All The Way Down – I’ve heard it’s good and I’m mostly just afraid it will rip out my feelings and I don’t really want downer books right now because meh depression
Here Lies Daniel Tate – Also heard it’s good and I like the dude on the cover, but again…feelings. Also I’m afraid it’ll just be kind of a meh contemporary and I’m not really down for that
The First Third – I started reading this months ago, but I only own it on Amazon Kindle which is a shortcut to me never finishing it ever because how am I supposed to remember it exists if it’s not on my bedside table? It’s always something I keep meaning to get back to, but I never do.
And about a million more.
(Also is it just me or do I leave a different form of my name with each comment I put here? I can never decide what I want to call myself…gah, maybe I should just get a secret identity and become a superhero)
That is a REALLY good reason to not have time to read.😂I don’t blame you haha. And omg Turtles is REALLY good but it could be triggering? So yes do be cautious of that. I have severe anxiety and it DID trigger me but, at the same time I absolutely loved it and felt really good about the ending. <3
OH Here Lies Daniel Tate is AMAZING. I swear it's not like the average contemporary! It's more of a thriller too and it's SO twisty. The ending is fjadkls *mind blown*
Hah I hear you about the kindle books. Half the time I forget they exist.😂I did like The First Third but it didn't blow me away.
(Obviously you just have multiple identities.😂)
There’s so many that I can’t even think of one. I feel pressured now. And ashamed. The last few months though, I’ve been saving up all the Aussie young adult novels to be able to read throughout December for the bingo challenge, but have now realised that there’s no way I’ll be able to get through them all so been reading the ones that are review copies first and just hoping for the best.
If I could read a book with each eyeball I’d be fine.
We’re basically all living in a book inspired PRESSURE COOKER. *melts and has a crisis* And honestly just hoping for the best is generally my life method for most things.😂 (Can we just read in our sleep maybe??)
I am *also* still working on my 2016 TBR list – solidarity!
I know exactly the rant you’re talking about re: Zoraida Cordova, and yeah, it also turned me off from reading LABYRINTH LOST. I’m glad I finally got around to it, because it’s legit one of my favorite books that’s come out in the past few years, but I don’t blame you for giving it a miss. (Do read it, though.)
CITY OF SAINTS AND THIEVES is a thriller about criminal games in Kenya – I don’t think it has any fantasy elements. I’ve heard amazing things about it, but I just haven’t been in a thriller mood this year.
I adored THE THOUSANDTH FLOOR and all its sleazy soap-opera-tasticness, but it’s very much a YMMV kind of book. If the idea of a cyberpunk Pretty Little Liars appeals to you, though, do yourself a favor and read it.
My Shame-List:
1. THE HATE U GIVE: Look, living in the US in 2017 is insanely stressful, and I just can’t deal with any contemporary books that have a political or social justice bent to them right now. Like, this ish isn’t fiction, it’s the news. And considering that most days I can’t even deal with the news….
2. HISTORY IS ALL YOUR LEFT ME + THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END: I know these books would wreck me and I just do not have the emotional energy for that right now. Not today, Satan.
3. THE GENTEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE: I was super excited for this book, and all the reviews I’ve read have gushed over it. After reading the first couple of chapters, though, I was left with some mixed feelings. Loved the humor and voice, but…the MC has a TON of casual sex, often for not very emotionally-healthy reasons, and while I can roll with that in an adult book, in a teen character I just find it really off-putting. Maybe that makes me a prude, I dunno. But I was kind of squicked out.
Bonus “I Can’t Believe I Haven’t Read That Yet” books are FLAME IN THE MIST (meh reviews + I know way too much about that time period and would just nitpick any historical inaccuracies), WONDER WOMAN: WARBRINGER (haven’t seen the movie yet), HERE LIES DANIEL TATE (too stressful), and RENEGADES (sounds too much like a superhero WIP of mine and I’m worried about being influenced + vaguely resentful this book even exists).
I actually had a kind of love/hate with The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue. If you stick with him, the MC does manage to grow up some – it’s worth hanging in for!!
Ahh I’m glad I wasn’t alone with the rant from that author…I thought it was so so unfair because it had NO basis at all and it was entire lives (turned out the other author DID have sensitivity readers…*sigh*) But anyway I will read it and try to leave my disgruntled feelings behind.
And I just got told I was wrong about City of Saints and Thieves too!😂How did I mess up so badly ahahah. I will need to START READING BLURBS, CAIT. *facepalm*
So I do understand how you’d feel that way about THUG, but honestly I think it’s such an important narrative and brings to life the voices that keep getting squashed amongst all this nonsense going on in the USA. And I don’t think the racism is going to stop without books like this, so I’m so glad Angie Thomas is writing!! I hope you do get a chance to read it someday. 😀
Omg Adam Silvera WILL WRECK YOU.😂 I love him but afjkdslad I’m in pain.
WHAT??!?! NOOOOOOO. GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE IS MY FAVOURITE OF THE YEAR!! I’ve read it twice! I can’t even with how much I love it and how precious it is and it’s like one of the most healthy and positive books about disabilities I’ve read in AGES. <3 <3 Honestly pleeease read it?!😂Hahah. It's right up with The Raven Cycle for me!
Yeah, sometimes I just gotta side eye YA Twitter. Folks are too quick to attack when they don’t have all the facts. This particular author bugs because she wrote a self-congratulatory essay on Bustle about how dog piling other authors is somehow noble. It is a testament to how great LABYRINTH is that I still unreservedly recommend it.
For sure THUG is a hugely important book and I’m so, so glad it exists (and wish it had been around when I was a teen). It makes me really happy to see it on the bestseller lists every week. (And in my defense I’ve been reading a lot of nonfiction that covers the same ground THUG does, which is partly why my fiction choices have skewed so escapist).
I will fully admit that my “meh” reaction to GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE is a personal problem. In addition to being sensitive wrt how sex is handled in YA, part of the issue is I went in assuming it was very much One Thing, when it was really Something Else Entirely. The jacket copy made me think it was going to be a lighthearted, YA Regency Romance (like a queer Georgette Heyer), but it turned out to be much darker and more complicated, imo. That’s not a bad thing! Just not what I expected. I’m sure I’ll read it eventually.
Omg twitter is usually a trashfire, let’s just be real here. *sighs deeply* I also hate how people use the #ownvoices hashtag like a weapon and are really quick to slam down non-ownvoices authors before their books are out and the facts are there! It’s completely disappointing. Authors are kind of like my heroes and when I see them trashing each other, my respect is just GONE.
Honestly – SAME! A bunch on the books you mentioned, I haven’t read except my list is at least five times longer because I’ve only read 30 books this year? *nervous sweating* And my tbr of 2018 releases is already past 100 in GR. 😂 As for this year, I still haven’t read Wonder Woman, Strange the Dreamer, The Language of Thorns, The Hate U Give…Somebody save me. I have, on the other hand, read The Daughter of the Pirate King and while it took a while to get into, I ended up rather enjoying it!
It’s an honest to goodness problem when the books we WANT to read stretch to fit about 3 lifetimes.😂😂 The Hate U Give is SO SO good though!! If you only read one from that list, that’s totally what I’d recommend. (Although I adore Strange too. <3)
I haven’t finished the second Magnus Chase yet and I haven’t even picked up A Gathering of Shadows.
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Omg that reminds me that I haven’t read the last Magnus Chase. YIKES WHERE HAS THIS YEAR GONE.
Oooooohhh. . . My TBR is in pathetic shape. Don’t worry, I have Dividing Eden on my list too and I just haven’t got it read yet. . . In fact if I look far enough to the left I can see the library copy that I checked out staring at me reproachfully. I think sometimes people just don’t read books because they honestly don’t jive anymore. I don’t read YA much because I’m more of a Classics person; so it’s not about length. lol Mainly I get bored and after reading a classic and coming back to Ever The Hunted and it’s just kinda. . . bleh because the plot is weak and the characters are cliche annnnnd the romance is cliche. . . Yeah. So I totally understand not reading something because a) it is no longer your thing and b) you don’t have any time in the day to read and write and go shower yourself and c) you’ve lost the regard for it that you once had. (are b and c the same?? I can’t tell) So I can say I have deep sympathy for you because I have a Mount Everest-sized TBR pile and I really just wanna write my original novel instead *sheepish smile*
Ever the Hunted did NOT work for me either haha, and I love YA! It was just really mediocre and kind of ridiculous by the end.😂 And sometimes, weirdly, I can just not feeling like reading a book I previously thought I’d like?! It’s hard but it happens!!
My TBR is stupid bonkers, and I just started blogging in the past month and got hooked up with half a dozen different ARC sites, so now I’m reading these ARCs instead of what I want to be reading (Daughter of the Pirate King, hollah!) and I feel like I SHOULD be reading the ARCs or at least new releases to review on my blog… and not regency romance novels that have been out for 10 years already! BLEH.
It’s hard trying to balance reading!! I always end up neglecting books I buy myself which is ridiculous because I REALLY want to read them!!
OH YOU NEED TO READ THE LARA JEAN BOOK RIGHT NOW. All the cake and fluff and you will love it, you should love it. It’s the perfect, bittersweet yet adorable ending to this series. I hope you’ll love it! <3 <3
I have Wicked Like a Wildfire on my TBR as well, but… I have no idea what it's about 😅😅 I just loved the cover and I added it I don't know why and now I don't know what to do. 😅 The Gallery of Unfinished Girls is on my TBR as well, I can't wait to read that one, it sounds so good! Also FLAME IN THE MIST ahhh. I loved the wrath and the dawn and was soooooooo impatient to read that one, but the bad reviews made me put it off. I hope you'll enjoy it 🙂
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I KNOW, RIGHT?! I’M SO ASHAMED OF ME. I adored the first one so much so why haven’t I!! But omggg bittersweet?! I’m going to die if Peter and Lara Jean don’t get together, ok. Just putting it out there.😂
And SAME about Wicked Like A Wildfire. I don’t feel so bad now hahaha. Ahem.
The books you haven’t read are also the books I haven’t read if that makes you feel any better! Except Dividing Eden, which I’m reading now and is extremely underwhelming. UGH. If that one perilously falls off your tbr it won’t be a big loss. Overall though, I’d say my tbr is terrible and I’m doomed! But It’s fine right?? IT’S FINE. HAHAHAHAHA *Manic laughter*
Three books I haven’t read yet:
Lady Midnight and Lord of Shadows – I DON’T KNOW WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME. WHY HAVEN’T I READ THESE?!?! I’ve been procrastinating because A) fear of large books you mentioned earlier is a very real thing. B) It’s been so long since I read TMI that I’m worried I forgot everything. C) I know once I start I won’t be coming back up for air for a long time. GOODBYE WORLD!
Throne of Glass – Yes, I am in fact the last person in the world who hasn’t read this yet. Why? GOOD QUESTION FRIEND. No idea. I always manage to find something else to read and it’s a real problem now.
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Omg good we can be TBR failures together, then?! *hi fives* 😂😂 And honestly I’ve heard NOTHING about Dividing Eden so it obviously can’t be great haha. Oh dear. I still always feel so bad if I don’t read an ARC though?! But I mean, surely we’re expected to fail sometimes??
LADY MIDNIGHT IS BRILLIANT AND LORD OF SHADOWS IS BEAUTIFUL PAIN. But they’re huge!! They’re like over 600 pages and that’s a life commitment to read that right there.😂 Baha but I totally think you’re missing out on nothing by not reading Throne of Glass. I’m not a fan.😂
I SHOULD have read The Empty Grave, The Way of Kings and The Name of the Wind. But to be honest, so may books qualify for this.
I haven’t read any of the books on your list except Flame in the Mist, and I ended up not really liking that one.
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THe Name Of the Wind is REALLY good but so so long, and kind of slow.😂 Honestly the audiobook was amazing though!! (And most people I’ve heard have said Flame in the Mist really wasn’t good. *cries*)
is it bad i haven’t read any of these books…either? ahhahhahhahahahahahahahah *drowns in TBR*
I won Daughter of The Pirate King in a giveaway but it hasn’t arrived just yet so I’m looking forward to that. I am really reallllllyyyyyyyyyy dying to read Flame In The mIst and Scythe. AND THAT SCYTHE THINE SUCKS. WHY DIDN’T THEY SEND U THE BOOK???!??!? LIARS.
ahem
and oops i got an e-arc of the dazzling heights and i haven’t read the first book. i oversestimated how good @ reading i was lol
Well it better not be bad BECAUSE YOU AND I ARE IN THE SAME BOAT THEN.😂😂 But omg how do we read so much and yet achieve nothing?! That’s the real question.😂
I still haven’t read any Cassandra Clare, Leigh Bardugo, or Marissa Meyers. I’m getting there. One tiny step at a time.
There’s just too many good books out there, right?!
I think my top three “should have read this year, but somehow didn’t get around to it” would be Winter by Marissa Meyer, To catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough (?) and The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge. I have had the Lie Tree sat on my shelf since some time early last year… and I just haven’t gotten to it yet? Even though it sounds amazing? I also loved the rest of the Lunar Chronicles – I think it’s mostly the size of winter that really puts me off! And I am ashamed to say I haven’t read To Catch a Killer because it was a highly anticipated read for me when I first saw it and I just completely forgot about it till a couple of weeks ago… and I still haven’t picked it up! 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
I really enjoyed Flame in the Mist, but It definitely got mixed reviews. I did dnf The Thousandth floor, though. I was just so bored and t really felt like the book was a bit of waffle and wasn’t going anywhere all that fast… I read The Shadow Queen as well, which was ok, but didn’t completely blow me away.
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I totally hear you with Winter! The size TERRIFIED me last year too. 😂 I ended up listening to an audiobook so I wouldn’t scare myself hahah. *cries*
Most people say The Thousandth Floor is terrible so I’m honestly not keen for it.😂 And I kind of DON’T want to read Shadow Queen in case I hate it because I photograph it so much?! I know! I’m terrible!
Audiobook might be something to look into for Winter 🤔😂😂 I will get to it… if I chant that enough, it’ll come true. Right?
I personally didn’t enjoy it, but I hope you do… if you eventually get to it! And that’s totally understandable with Shadow queen!
Books I should’ve read this year and haven’t? Ramona Blue, Girls in Pieces, Under Rose Tainted Skies, How to make a wish, oh just 3? Oops, i’ll stop now :p I’m sure I could go on and on. But there is always next year! 😀 I also have American Street and The Shadow Queen but haven’t read them yet. *goes to corner of shame*
Haha there are SO many right?! I mean we bookworms read so much and yet we’re just constantly behind.😂 I’m pretty sure I just get further back each year haha. Ramona Blue is really good! And I’d love to read Under Rose Tainted Skies but I don’t have a copy yet so THAT is on the to-do list for next year.😂
I’m assuming it’s the flamingos on Gallery of Unfinished Girls that gave the impression of Alice in Wonderland? *shakes head* Obviously flamingos just scream Wonderland. Who made that choice.
I enjoyed Scythe! (it was an interesting look at ‘what if science overcame death’.) Hunted and Daughter of the Pirate King are on my TBR! And I found Flame in the Mist super-disappointing and I had no idea what was going on with the politics. Which I was not happy about because I LOVED The Wrath and the Dawn.
And can I just say, that as someone who knows nothing about Supernatural beyond what I’ve seen on Pinterest, that gif is REALLY confusing me??
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I know right?! How dare anyone use flamingos and NOT references Alice in Wonderland. What is this world coming to.
And honestly everyone has told me Scythe is amazing so please someone explain to me why I haven’t read it yet.😂 I am 89% ashamed. And agh I hear more disappointing things about Flame in the Mist than good things so I’m so unenthused. And agreed! I rated TW&TD like 5-stars so I have really high expectations.
HAHAHAHA omg okay that gif is a blooper!! Don’t worry.😂😂
Great post! I’d name books I meant to read and didn’t but then I’d be really sTrEsSeD oUt and start throwing books. And that would damage them and we don’t want that so I’ll stay quiet. 😂 I loooved the rest of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy! I thought that the last one was the best one. And Lara Jean and Peter… SHIPSHIPSHIPSHIPSHIPSHIP. I want to tell you so bad if the ship sails or not but that would be bad so I’m sealing my lips and ending my comment here.
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Omg I hEAR YOU. 😂 It’s stressful starting to list them all like this….and this is like a tiny tiny array of books I should’ve read by now.😂 BUT DUDE DON’T TORTURE ME ABOUT LARA JEAN AND PETER I’M DYING. I SHOULDN’T BE THIS INVESTED BUT I AM. I NEED THE CHILDREN TO LOVE EACH OTHER FOREVER.
Ok, Flame in the Mist is definitely one but I have to say…the ONLY thing that it has in common with Mulan is that the two MCs dress as men. That is it, really, so a Mulan retelling sets up expectations when it really isn’t.
Ugh seriously? That’s so depressing! I hate when books get compared with something they’re not. 🙁
so many books I should’ve read but I still haven’t read Secrets for the Mad by Dodie, because my library doesn’t have it yet…arghhhh. Also haven’t gotten to Starfall for the same reason (Srsly it came out in february???) and Artemis by Andy Weir but i MIGHT get to that one before the end of the year.
There’s soooo much to do before the end of the year! *flaps about and achieves nothing*
Huh, now I am curious about the twitter incident with the Labrynth Lost author.
As for The Thousandth Floor, the incest is adopted siblings, some might be okay with it. I didn’t like it, but then I thought the girl was just a really unlikeable character in general, and she’s kind of the centre of the book..
Actually, pretty much all the characters have some pretty unlikable moments, though Avery (the one in love with her brother) is the worst. And while the other characters are better in the sequel, she stays the same and makes her sections hard to get through.
Okay I actually feel a bit better that it’s adopted siblings and not like BLOOD siblings for the “incest” thing.😂 I might be okay with that hahaha…I mean I’m still not okay with it in Game of Thrones SO YEAH.
1. We Were Liars- I PROMISE I’M ABOUT TO READ IT I’VE HEARD IT’S GREAT BUT THE BOOK THIEF COMES FIRST.
2. Game Of Thrones- I got 500 pages into book one before getting distracted by shorter reads and have been meaning to go back and start over but SO MANY BOOKS NOT ENOUGH TIME
3. The Raven Cycle Series- You’ve said so much about them but I NEVER HAVE TIME TO GO TO THE LIBRARY I’M A STUDENT OKAY I’M TOO BUSY WATCHING YOUTUBE UNTIL MIDNIGHT
I NEED TO READ THESE. WHICH SHOULD I DO FIRST?
Omg Game of Thrones is like a LIFE commitment.😂 I totally hear you there! But come onnnnn pleeeease read The Raven Cycle!! *begs*
I finished We Were Liars so if I get to a library I will check them out!
I have SO MANY books on my TBR that I’ve been neglecting for years. I mostly blame lack of time with uni (a lot of the books I wanted to read this year are in series I love and I want to binge them) and also mood.
Some of the books I’ve been neglecting include Tower of Dawn, ACOWAR, Crooked Kingdom, Windwitch, and all those books that have been there for over 5 years oops.
Ohh Crooked Kingdom is AMAZING and also leaves me bitter because why was it only a duology?! I need more Kaz.😂 (ALSO CONGRATS ON BEING A VET NOW, YOU GENIUS YOU!!)
I’ve been meaning to read WICKED LIKE A WILDFIRE, too. I just haven’t gotten around to it. I have the ebook, but lately I’ve only been listening to audiobooks. It’s been easier to get to books that way instead of watching them stack up around my bookshelf. I can let one play in the background while I do things around the house. You should do a reading challenge and only add THESE book to the list, lol. I’m sure you’ll get through them quickly that way! Challenges inspire motivation.
Do You Dog-ear?
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I actually am super proud of me because I’ve read a few of these this week!! I’M ACTUALLY BEING MOTIVATED AND WORKING HARD.😂 Although still haven’t touched Wicked Like Wildfire hahaha. But omg I love audiobooks. I am much better at auditory learning too, so like audiobooks stick with me longer.😂
I really loved Labyrinth Lost…and Scythe, which I only read this year too, so it’s okay! LOL But serious, I have so many books I need to read. Not as many ARCs as the past but just books in general! I’m definitely one of those people who buy books and then never read them because of all the review books getting in the way!!
-Lauren
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Omg it’s a problem right?!? I have so many books I’ve bought because I’m SO EXCITED and then…I never read them because the ARCs are yelling at me.😂
First off, congratulations on reading lots of books this year! I read over 200 books too, so *high five* (even though I can’t really do an high five, as that usually hurts my hand).
I should have read tons of books this year but somehow I didn’t. In the beginning of the year I thought I’d use this year to read the Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices series. I’ve read 3 Mortal Instruments books and 0 Infernal Devices books. I re-read The Reality Dysfunction (book 1 in Peter F. Hamilton’s The Night’s Dawn series) earlier this year but I haven’t re-read books 2 and 3. I started the Magyk series by Angie Sage but have only read 2 books. I started re-reading Maria V. Snyder’s Study series but I only re-read the first 2 books (I have previously read the first 3 books but not the newest 3 books, I did read the Glass trilogy some years ago). I started reading the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series but I only read the first book. It’s like, in the beginning of the year I started several series but then I lost the mood to go on and instead I’ve been reading lots of other books.
I still haven’t read P.S. I Still Love you either, I read the 1rst book and own the 2nd and 3rd book but I haven’t started on the 2nd book yet. I haven’t read the rest of the books on your list either, I own Tales of Shadowhunter Academy but see the above paragraph for what happened with reading TMI this year. The rest of the books on your list I don’t own and I haven’t heard of some of them (that I remember, my memory can be like a sieve sometimes).
I’ve acquired a lot of books this year so my TBR is laughing hysterically at me as it is much bigger now than it was at the beginning of the year (and me following more and more blogs + BookTube channels certainly doesn’t help lol).
AHHH, I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE A VORACIOUS READER TOO!! I feel bad for reading so much sometimes😂 so it’s nice to know there’s other super hungry bookworms out there.😂
And SAME THO. I made like no dent on my TBR even though I read over 200 books. I mean what the heck. It’s magic. Although that’s really awesome all the series you started! I LOVE Percy Jackson, but prefer the second series to the first. It feels more YA.😂
I actually kind of need to reread the first Lara Jean book? And I don’t own it. So let’s blame my shame on that.😂
Strange the Dreamer, Starfish by Akemi Bowman? and Goodbye perfect by Sara Barnard
Strange the Dreamer and also Starfish are so so SO GOOD!!! ALL THE RECOMMEND!
Ok firstly I haven’t read Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy either, my mum has though, I haven’t which is bad but I keep meaning to get to it and then I’m like…nope we’ll read something else. The Thousandth Floor, I too have this book sat on my TBR shelf, I got maybe 100 or so pages in maybe less. MY GOD WAS IT SLOW AND I WANTED TO HIT THESE STUPID CHARACTERS. Seriously, I may have to get rid of that book somehow…but the UK cover is so pretty and like…I don’t wanna. #thestruggleisreal
You need to finish To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy (I still need to read the third book but my brain is dead and seems to have forgotten what actually happens in the first two books – thanks mind.) Also Tales of a Shadowhunter Academy, I’ll probably get round to reading it next year ha…maybe? *cries quietly*
I feel better about neglecting Shadowhunter Academy now then.😂 I LOVE that series?!? I have no idea why I haven’t read it. *shakes head sadly* And actually knowing The Thousandth Floor is slow is another reason I’ve been subtly procrastinating it.😂
Dude, why do we have so many in common? AND for basically the same reasons? Because… we do. I have read a couple of these, and I will help you! Okay, read Scythe NOW please and thank you. #WorthIt Dividing Eden definitely isn’t dystopian, and I liked it. I wasn’t like, blown away, but I do want to read the sequel. Skip Hunted, especially if you are over retellings because I was so bored. PSISLY is cute but like… you can read it in 2039 and it’ll probably have the same effect? DOotPK is good too- maybe read that one soonish, since the sequel will be out.
NOW. I need to read League of American Traitors, it was one of my most anticipated and… here we are. Ditto The Thousandth Floor, Wicked Like a Wildfire, and The Shadow Queen. Honestly, we are such fails. I actually am scared of Flame in the Mist for those same reasons. I even pre-ordered it, but…. I saw the reviews and was so scared so who even knows. Maybe it’ll just look pretty on my shelf forever, who can tell?
Okay, you want three of my biggest TBR sins, other than those aforementioned? Okay cool. Let’s see, there are SO many to choose from. Warcross. The Evaporation of Sofi Snow. Caraval. Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue. That’s 4, but they are 4 that have been highly recommended, so extra fails. Plus I have had Caraval since 2016, so that totally counts as ridiculous.
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I’m actually REALLY proud of me, because I’ve gone and read some of these this week.😂I tried Dividing Eden and everyone was horrible hahahaha…I mean are we supposed to care about Andreus?!? He’s such a jerk! Kind of interested in the sequel though. *nods* And omg I’m over retellings so bad, but I always feel terrible if I don’t read an ARC. So I’ll probably just try to burn through it.
We can be really wonderful failures together though. Stand in unison with our shame! Hurrah!
BUT PLS READ GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE. I SWEAR IT’S ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF MY LIFE.
You are literally me. You’re the Australian version of me. NO LIE. I have so many books I wanted to read this year, but then..??? Also, why do I have a massively long TBR, and then end up reading a series not even on it?! WHY CAIT HELP ME.
Three books I should have read this year:
#1 Scythe. I feel you.
#2 A List of Cages (came out in January and has amazing reviews and yet I appear to have shunned it)
#3 Warcross (this book sounds amazing and I know I will love it and here I am not reading it)
#4 Six of Crows (how have I not read this?!)
#5 A Darker Shade of Magic *hangs head in shame*
#6 Strange the Dreamer (yes, I’m awful)
So there’s the THREE books I should have read this year.. That’s three right? It’s like when you go to the bookstore to buy no more than three books and you come home with THREE books.
HELLO MY NEW TWIN.😂 Honestly I have read a gazillion books this year but apparently it’s like I read none. I have no idea what my TBR is doing. Clearly growing without my permission!?? *throws more books on it and then acts confused*
A LIST OF CAGES IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVOURITES BTW. YOU NEED IT.
I still have books I got in 2012 on my TBR because I’m so bad at keeping on top of it 😅 I actually only ended up reading one book from my November TBR because nothing was holding my interest and I was just too tired to read, which is horrendous and I have given myself many slaps on the back of the wrist.
Oh, and you reeaaallly should finish the Lara Jean books. They’re so cute and fluffy I can’t contain my squees!
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Noo I hate being too tired to read, but I dO HEAR YOU. I’ve been exhausted all November and now in December too.😂 Blaming it on the end fo the year. I really need to finish off the Lara Jean books!! The first one was my FAVOURITE.
HAHAHA OMG CAIT I GOT THAT SAME EMAIL FROM THE SCYTHE person and I was so excited and yes. No love for us.
ANYWAY just read Scythe because it is one of my fav books I’ve read all year! And PS I love you. But I’m hearing you so hard about the library and the ARCs and what are even the books that we own, aside from wonderful decorations
YES the person that said The Thousandth floor had incest was meee because it does! But like between step siblings.
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OMG ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? Do you think it was a spam thing then? 😳 I’m so annoyed. Like I’m not being entitled or anything, it’s just when someone says they’re going to give you something and DON’T, I can’t help but be disappointed!! Anyway I think Walker is publishing it next year so I’m excited for that. 😂😂
And yes I do think you said that about the incest.😂 Although I thought it was like BLOOD siblings, so that’s marginally better?!?
Yeah it was more between step siblings (BUT STILL, THEY GREW UP TOGETHER SINCE THEY WERE 10 YEARS OLD).
I don’t know, I actually thought it was a real thing because of the email and everything? I cry because I loved Scythe so much.
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence recently posted…Goodreads Reading Challenge: In Which We All Fail, Except Aila
I CRY WITH YOU. WE DESERVED BETTER. *sobbing*
Well, to your question ‘What should you read asap?’ I would have to say American Street. I read that and loved it.
I vowed in 2018 to tackle my TBR because right now I’m shaking my head with all the books I’ve bought and have added to the pile. And, there are so many books I should have read this year but didn’t (i.e. Americanah, Norwegian Wood, The Kite Runner and 12 ARCs I procured from work).
Good luck with your end of year reading dash!
Actually I am SUPER PROUD OF ME RIGHT NOW but I just read American Street!! I loved it. ❤️💔
And ohhh your goal for 2018 sounds very good. Best of luck! I have delusional dreams of actually making a dent in my TBR one of these years but ahhaha..hm.
Okay, so the only book on this list I can actually speak with some authority about is The Thousandth Floor. (although American Traitors I’d say just read, because it’s either going to be less terrible than things are or it’s going to be more terrible and you’ll be like, “Whoo, things aren’t as bad as they COULD be.”)
SO, THOUSANDTH FLOOR. … um, is it incest if the brother is adopted? Like they’re not biologically related or anything, and they were both an actual age when he was adopted, so it’s not like they’ve been together since infancy, but still, you don’t have to squint too hard to see it. It is interesting, the concept of all the good parts of New York being uprooted and moved inside this massive tower, but not in a dystopian kind of way. Like Paris is still kicking in its normal form, so basically New York was feeling salty and had to build a massive tower JUST BECAUSE. And it seems really unrealistic that the penthouse suite goes to a really generic couple from like the freaking midwest, but they somehow found enough money to buy the penthouse and have their daughter genetically modified so she’d be THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL OF ALL TIME. Really, it’s basically Gossip Girl, in the future, with some interesting tech, some POCs, out gay peoples, lower class vs. upper class, and oh yeah, THE BEST FREAKING CHARACTER IS THE ONE WHO DIES.
Honestly, it was interesting for maybe the first half (I’m saying this only because I don’t know what comes between a quarter and a half, and a third seems too much), but I eventually got tired of the Gossip Girl level drama and speed red my way to the end and was thoroughly peeved that the one character who actually did any growing was the one who died an extremely horrific death.
The second book is shorter. I will eventually work my way up to reading it. But yeah, it’s a pretty cover and all, but feel free to let it sink to the bottom of the pile. You’re not missing anything five star. (the author herself is very sweet- she liked my datefictionaldudes handle).
I really should read American Traitors and not just make assumptions hahhaha.😂
And I didn’t know they were adopted in The Thousandth Floor! I actually feel better about that and curious to read it now.😂 IDK if that’s even incest haha. Don’t tell me about the deaths though noooo.😂 I will eventually read it because I feel guilty if I don’t at least try an eARC but honestly I’m not holding my breath at all.😂
Omg I still need to read Gallery of Unfinished Girls and Wicked Like a Wildfire as well!! Those were two books I was really looking forward to reading this year and yet… here I am. 😂 Ooh, Scythe was really good, and I hope you like it if you end up reading it! Neal Shusterman is such a great writer. And oh yes, I’m not really interested in Renee Ahdieh’s books anymore?? I used to be, because they were hyped, but now that I ACTUALLY READ THE SYNOPSIS (oops 😂) I realize that I don’t really want to read them anymore.
Great post!!
May @ Forever and Everly recently posted…May’s Moments of the Month: November // Birthday Haul!! + NaNoWriMo (Will I Win????) + 1000 FOLLOWERS OMGGGG
Haha I feel like sometimes the titles/covers seem awesome AND THEN WE FORGET COMPLETELY WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT. 😂 AT least I do. Epic fail, Cait!😂 And omg I do love Neal Shusterman’s other books so I have no idea why I’m procrastinating Scythe.😂
hahahahaha guess how many books I’v read this year? 21. YUP I’M DYING AND MY TBR PILE IS CRUSHING ME AND WOW THIS WASN’T A GREAT READING YEAR FOR ME. But to be fair, I had quite a few hurdles to get over. a) School was being annoying and giving homework about about Marbury v Madison, and how the motochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. and b) EVERYONE SEEMS INTENT ON MAKING MY READING LIFE HARDER BY HIDING BOOKS OR GIVING ME READING BANS. LIKE WUT???
anyways, I’m also trying to make the raven cycle last longer by not finishing the Raven king in a day so that’s sort of on me. I havn’t went past chapter 55 in 6 days. WOW I HAVE BAD LIFE DECISIONS DON’T I???? hahahahaha *cries in a corner*
Hey I think getting any reading done plus having a hugely busy life with school and everything is really admirable!! I CHEER FOR YOU!!!
I also understand the pain of finishing The Raven King. 😭😭 Like you want to know BUT ALSO YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW. MAKE IT NEVER END.
This is a super interesting post! I enjoyed reading all your reasons 🙂 I too haven’t read Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy either and I’m such a failure… Would you mind if I wrote a similar post and credited you for the idea?
Also, as for The Thousandth Floor: is it really incest is your sibling is adopted? That’s all I’m saying.
Cas @ Lovely Paranormal Books recently posted…Stacking the Shelves (91)
WHERE IS WOLF BY WOLF ON HERE?!?! Come on Cait! 😉
And to be honest I felt Hunted was kind of meh. It didn’t really blow my mind or anything, so I don’t know if you’d be missing much if you decided to pass on it.
And haha I’m not even going to try to lie that I’ve been waiting for you to read Flame in the Mist and Daughter of the Pirate King to know if I should give them a try or not. xD Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous post! <3
Zoe @ Stories on Stage recently posted…Predictability in Mysteries
BECAUSE I’VE PRACTICALLY GIVEN UP IN MY SHAME.🙈😂 No but really I *will* read that this year. I promise. Or come after me and yell a bit haha.
I kind of have to read Hunted because I have an ARC but I don’t wanna. *cries* And I will keep fingers crossed for Daughter and also Flame in the Mist. I basically hear good and bad about both?!