Though I gave up on this year's TBR Dare, exactly half-way through, in favor of re-reading, I did refrain from reading any of the new books I've acquired since January 1st. My total of books cleared off the TBR stacks is 45. But I added 23 more, so it's really only a decrease of 22 books. Still, the TBR total is the lowest it's been in years, and I'm happy about that.
I have been donating the books cleared off to my branch of the county library system. (I was trading some of them on Paperback Swap, until I realized that the books I wanted were rarely available, so I was pretty much just giving my books away. Which is fine, but if that's the case, I prefer to give them to the library.) Last week at the annual library sale, I spotted at least six of my donations on the tables. And I only bought two this time, so I think the balance is in my favor!
From the 23 new-to-me books, these are the ones I'm most looking forward to:
Bubbly on Your Budget, by Marjorie Hillis - thanks to Claire's review (My version would be "Books on your budget")
A Thousand Miles up the Nile, by Amelia B. Edwards - while I wait for the last (sob) Amelia Peabody adventure
Cluny Brown, by Margery Sharp - from Jane's birthday party, and Simon's review
Girl in a Green Gown, by Carola Hicks - about one of my favorite painters, Jan van Eyck, and his "Arnolfini Portrait"
Miss Miles, by Mary Taylor - "A Tale of Yorkshire Life Sixty Years Ago," published in 1890
Together Tea, by Marjan Kamali - a mother & daughter, at odds over the mother's match-making, take a trip back to their native Iran
P.G. Wodehouse, by David Jasen - this will be my third attempt at a Wodehouse biography; the first two fell into the "throw across the room" category.
And I just know that someday my copy of the Laura Ingalls Wilder autobiography, originally ordered back in October, will actually arrive. No thanks to Barnes & Noble, which canceled my order without notice.
Whoa, what? You never find books you want on PaperbackSwap? Even when you employ the wish list feature? I have gotten SO MANY amazing books on PBS.
ReplyDeleteI found a few, some of the Patricia Wentworth mysteries, but generally titles sat on my wish list for months unmatched. I currently have 18 points sitting there unused.
DeletePioneer Girl was published by South Dakota Historical Society Press, and it's pretty clear the first printing wasn't NEARLY enough copies to meet the demand. I would guess that there will be another this year . . . .
ReplyDeleteThe Painted Queen, Elizabeth Peters, is currently predicted to be released 2 Feb 2016. Amazon hasn't caught up to this, assuming it isn't vapor.
And if you want to add it to your list, there is a new Vorkosigan book, Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen, scheduled for February 2016 release. NOT vapor.
I've read about of articles about how overwhelmed the publishers were at the response. More copies were supposed to ship in March, but Amazon is saying April now - and since my original order was cancelled, my new order will be at the bottom of the list.
DeleteI had seen an April 2015 date for the Elizabeth Peters, which I figured wasn't going to be, but it's still on my list. And the Bujold is already on my list :)
I love Cluny Brown, though I wonder if her Something Light is now my favourite Hmmm. And the Carola Hicks' book is on my wishlist - currently reading her book on the Bayeux tapestry.
ReplyDeleteI am trying very hard not to buy more Margery Sharp until I've read some Margery Sharp - but I am noting that title :) And I have the Bayeux tapestry book in mind too.
DeleteClearing off 45 books from your TBR shelves is awesome. Good for you!! My TBR progress is much slower...but I'm still reading away at it. :) Hope you enjoy all your new books. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteYes, but it's 45 minus the new books I bought - that brings the number right down :)
DeleteManaging your TBR shelf is the real goal, and you met that admirably!
ReplyDeleteI also have Miss Miles and am eager to read it.
I haven't yet ordered by LIW Pioneer Girl--I'm waiting for it to show up as actually available on Amazon.
I am a big fan of paperbackswap.com - did you know that you can donate your book credits if you don't actually use them? I believe they go to schools and other worthy institutions.
Thank you, Jane - I do feel like I've got a handle on it, at least for now. It could all break down though with a great haul from a bookstore, or a big binge buying online :)
DeleteI did not know that I could donate points, so thank you for that information! I'll be happy to do that.
Looking forward to your thoughts on Cluny Brown!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm looking forward to meeting Lady Carmel as well as Cluny!
DeleteI did really poorly on the TBR dare this year. I think I gave up after a week or two. I love Cluny Brown but for some reason haven't moved on to the 3 or 4 other Margery Sharpe books I have on my shelves.
ReplyDeleteThis was certainly the worst I've ever done, but I couldn't resist the urge to re-read. Sometimes I just want familiar stories and characters.
DeleteI am looking forward to Margery Sharp - and still trying not to buy more until I read something of hers first.