Right now, I have 20 books checked out from my local library. I’m in a busy creative period right now and that means I’m focused more output than input. Given that, my reading pile is a little bit of a pipe dream and the majority of these books will probably go back unread… but a girl can dream, right?
Here’s the current pile and a little about what made each book strike my fancy:
- Just mercy: a story of justice and redemption by Bryan Stevenson (2014)
This is one that I keep hearing about in all kinds of places. I’ve gotten through the first chapter so far and love the writing — it sucks you right in.
- I need your love — is that true?: how to stop seeking love, approval, and appreciation and start finding them instead by Byron Katie (2005)
I heard of Byron Katie a couple years ago and was intrigued by her argument that everything we think should be interrogated as a lie. This is one of several of her books I’ve been dipping into.
- A mind at home with itself: how asking four questions can free your mind, open your heart, and turn your world around by Byron Katie (2017)
See above.
- The long run: a memoir of loss and life in motion by Catriona Menzies-Pike (2017)
This is absolutely an attempt to get my running groove back after falling off the wagon when I had the flu back in February.
- The story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg (2017)
Berg is an old favorite. Solid fiction and nothing too heavy.
- Bored and brilliant: how spacing out can unlock your most productive and creative self (2017) by Manoush Zomorodi
This one’s based on a podcast (Note to Self), so how could I refuse? About 1/3 of the way through and liking it so far.
- Happy all the time by Laurie Colwin (2010)
Recommended by Gretchen Rubin as one of her favorite romances. I’m in.
- The long run by Matt Long (2010)
See above about falling off the running wagon.
- Missing, presumed by Susie Steiner (2016)
Missing person mystery novels are some of my favorites, so I jumped on this one.
- The physics of Star Wars: the science behind a galaxy far, far away by Patrick Johnson (2017)
Checked out on behalf of my partner who likes all things Star Wars and has been complaining — a lot — about the faulty science in the most recent movie.
- Launch: an Internet millionaire’s secret formula to sell almost anything online, build a business you love, and live the life of your dreams by Jeff Walker (2014)
Because entrepreneurship is a thing for me right now.
- California by Edan Lepucki (2014)
Post-apocalyptic books are my jam.
- Crossing to safety by Wallace Earle Stegner (2002)
Another romance recommendation from Rubin.
- And every morning the way home gets longer and longer: a novella by Fredrik Backman (2016)
Listened to one of Backman’s novels last year on audio (Britt-Marie Was Here) and so am looking forward to this. I might actually finish this one because it’s short.
- The folded clock: a diary by Heidi Julavits (2015)
I’ve never been able to keep a regular journal (unless you count my podcasts), but I always love to read about journaling and diaries.
- The family next door by Sally Hepworth (2018)
Read about this new mystery in my Shelf Awareness daily email subscription and ordered it immediately.
- The things that keep us here by Carla Buckley (2010)
Another post-apocalyptic novel I couldn’t refuse.
- Look for me by Lisa Gardner (2018)
I read everything by Lisa Gardner since she’s one of my favorite mystery authors, so her most recent book was a must grab.
- Educated: a memoir by Tara Westover (2018)
This book is everywhere — especially in airports when I’m traveling — so I added it to my reserve list and it just came in. I’m hoping it lives up to the hype.
- Beyond the body farm: a legendary bone detective explores murders, mysteries, and the revolution in forensic science by William M. Bass (2007)
Forensic science fascinates me, so this one is right up my alley. I learned about it through a blog post on Book Riot.
I’ll be carving out some time for reading in the coming weeks to see which of these I can finish. Looking at this pile, I can already tell it will be tough to choose where to begin.
To think on:
- What’s on your to-read pile?
- What does your to-read pile say about you?