#TalkAboutYourTBR
Next book you’re going to read?
I don’t know, to be honest! I am currently reading about 5 books, which is very unusual for me. Normally, I’m a one book at a time gal, so this is taking me out of my depth. I’m excited to finish Cereus Blooms at Night. The writing is gorgeous and although I’ve cried multiple times, the characters are written so well. This and The Mermaid of Black Conch are both library books that are due soon. Does anyone else get a copy of a book from the library and then put off reading it until its due? Both are author’s I’ve been wanting to read and both fit into the ‘Storygraph Reads the World’ book challenge I’m trying to complete for the second year.
Latest addition to your TBR?
Hmm, I think one that first comes to mind is The Gilda Stories. This was recommended in a video essay on Youtube (I can’t find it now, of course!) I watched. It’s billed as a “speculative fiction vampire novel (that) follows the experiences of a black lesbian heroine whose power and morality challenge assumptions about the vampire myth.” It sounds great.
Another book I just added to my TBR is The Book of Delights. I found this one after looking at an old professor of mine's new syllabus. Looking at the “small joys we often overlook in our busy lives,” this collection of essays sound lyrical and insightful.
Honorable mentions: Heavenly Tyrant, Tinkers, The White Boy Shuffle, and Pageboy.
Most hyped book on your TBR?
I don’t know! Hyped for me would be Bliss Montage by Ling Ma. I’ve been waiting for this one since I read (and loved) Severance.
Hyped by other people would maybe be Priory of the Orange Tree or Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.
I’ve had the urge to read a thick book recently and Priory certainly fits that.
Prettiest cover on your TBR?
I love the FSG cover of Everything that Rises Must Converge. The blue and green tones swirled together are just gorgeous. I’ve also seen so many wonderful photos with Almond in them. Again, the colors are amazing!
The Japanese Vintage classics also are so vibrant. The Housekeeper and the Professor especially grab my attention. And lastly, I love the UK cover of Venomous Lumpsucker.
Most daunting book on your TBR?
Probably Les Miserables or A Wretched Earth. The former for its length and the latter for how complex it is (so I’ve heard). I’ve been saying I wanted to read Les Mis since I saw it for the first time and put it off continuously because of how long it is. I need to learn how to pace read, but as of now, I can’t.
I read Black Skin White Masks and really enjoyed it. There were such interesting insights and conversations in a way that felt more accessible than not. Fanon has a way with words that I can’t wait to read more from him. I think my hesitance is mostly with me wanting to do the book justice while reading.
Also, The Overstory is one I’m daunted by. I’m not sure why, but every time I pick it up I get nervous. When I picked up a copy the pages were bible-page thin, which doesn’t help the cause.