Since I started reading through categories of the Goodreads Choice Awards, November TBRs have proven difficult to create. Goodreads does not announce the nominees until about halfway through the month. (I will have a post up then about my plans.) Once they release those lists, I drop everything and focus on finishing as many of the nominees as possible before the voting window closes. Each year, I’ve gotten closer to accomplishing that goal. This year, I’m interested to see if my year long focus on reading new releases has paid off. (I’ll save more thoughts on that for the aforementioned Choice Awards focused post.)
With the latter two weeks consumed by as yet undeterminable content, that leaves two weeks for the other books I want to read, with a focus on any books I have remaining for my year long goals.
Here are the ones I have planned thus far:
Buzzwordathon:
The buzzword for November is “only” but I’m stretching this one because the series is named Only a Monster. This also helps with my ongoing series completion maintenance goal.
24 in 24
I almost read Guns of the Dawn last month but did not end up getting to it. Am I a little out of my mind to try to squeeze in a book this long in the first two weeks of this month? Of course. I would expect nothing less of myself.
by Emily X. R. Pan
Nonfiction
by Timothy Egan
I have not decided if I am going to read the memoir category of the Goodreads Choice Awards this year like I did last year so I chose two nonfiction books from my owned TBR that I really want to read, one of which – A Little Less Broken – may end up on the memoir list.
Clearing Old Series
Originally, I had book two of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy on the TBR. Then I saw that I already had The Raven King audiobook checked out. Not only is it shorter but it will also help me complete that series. (Look forward to an update on this in December.)
Series to Start
by Josiah Bancroft
I have two left from my original list of ten to start this year. (I’m not sure if I’m going to do this list again next year.) Since Senlin Ascends has an audiobook available I chose that over The Theft of Swords. That will have to wait until the end of October likely.
That leaves two more categories – ones I want to read and ones I think might be on one of the Goodreads Choice Awards Lists that I may choose to read.
“Random” ones I want to read:
1. The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
At the time of writing this entry, I have about 40% left of the book. I love this series so much that when my hold (placed months ago) came available, I could not pass it up.
2. The River of Silver by S. A. Chakraborty
Reading this short story collection will help me finish a series.
3. Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner
While this book was published this year, I do not think that it will make the fantasy list. I just want to get caught up with the series.
4. Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B. B. Alston
If Goodreads reinstated the middle grade category (doubtful) I’m pretty sure this would make the cut. I just want to read it and stay caught up with the series.
The Goodreads Choice Awards Possibilities
If, when the lists are announced, any of these books do not appear, these books will go back in the TBR closet for now.
1. The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
I would not have put this on my list but then I found out that it was a Hoopla book club – didn’t know they had that – selection. This means that the book has gotten a lot of shelves. This also means that I have access to the audiobook through Hoopla which is generally unusual for new release books.
2. Vilest Things by Chloe Gong
I am nervous about this conclusion to the duology but I really enjoyed the first book. (I have heard reviews from people disappointed by the conclusion who also enjoyed the first book like I did.) Chloe Gong is fairly popular so this one definitely stands a chance.
3. The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller
Ugh. Tricia Levenseller’s writing is not for me. However, she is a fairly popular young adult author. This book is also the sequel to a previous nominee.
4. The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
I really want to read this one but I do not know whether it will show up on the romantasy or fantasy list – if it makes a list. If it makes the romantasy list (provided that Goodreads maintains that category this year) I will postpone my read of this book.
5. The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow
I have seen this book listed on just one prediction video so I do not think thais has a high likelihood. However, I also have a Netgalley eARC so reading this would help me get a smidgeon of a step closer to getting caught up.
6. The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence
While I did not fall head over heels for the first book which I read last year for the fantasy category, I have heard good things about the second installment. I do not know, though, if it has enough momentum to make it onto the list.
7. I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle
I have heard a lot about this book in the niche fantasy BookTube space, especially after the mistreatment of the author (disclaimer – at the time of writing, I do not remember the specifics) came to light earlier this year. That recognition, along with the beloved nature of his earlier work, The Last Unicorn, may be enough to put it on the list. I plan to read it anyway.
This list, as always, seems ambitious. I think I can do it though. I issued a challenge to myself of getting in at least three hours of audiobook time before I watch any YouTube. With my audiobook speed, that should definitely help me get through all of these books (and more if need be!). We shall see how successful my plans end up being.