Down the TBR Hole – #5

Hi everyone!

Down the TBR Hole is a meme hosted by Lia at Lost in a Story and is all about regaining control of your TBR. It is as simple as sorting your Goodreads to-read list into date order, starting with the oldest first, selecting the books and deciding whether to keep on your TBR or to remove.

I have had some success with this, as I have given away a few books. I also love being reminded of some of the books that I own – it certainly helps when selecting my next books for Off the Shelf!

So let’s get started…

The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair – Joël Dicker

Brief synopsis : The mysterious disappearance of a 15 year old girl is the subject of a cold-case investigation.

Why did I buy it? I remember this book being everywhere – it was so hyped. I enjoy trying out different genres, and remember that this was at a time when everyone was talking about crime and mystery thrillers. Having re-read the full Goodreads blurb this books still fascinates me.

Verdict : Keep

Room – Emma Donoghue

Brief synopsis : The heart-breaking story of Jack and his Ma who live in a single, locked room.

Why did I buy it? This was another book that seemed to be everywhere at the time that I bought it. I have managed to avoid watching the recent film adaptation as I did not want the book ruined.

Verdict : Keep

The Sealed Letter – Emma Donoghue

Brief synopsis : This book is based on a real life scandal from 1864. It is a tale of secrets, betrayal and secret love.

Why did I buy it? I have to be honest, I am not sure if this book really appeals any more. I will see how I get on with Room before I decide.

Verdict : Keep

Before I Die – Jenny Downham

Brief synopsis : Tessa has a few months to live and compiles a list of the ten things to do before she dies.

Why did I buy it? I am intrigued by this book. Sometimes it is nice to read a book and have a good cry (I am looking at you A Monster Calls!) so I will keep this one on hand for that.

Verdict : Keep

The Sixth Wife – Suzannah Dunn

Brief synopsis : Katherine Parr survived Henry VIII to find true love with Thomas Seymour – only to realise that her love was based on a lie.

Why did I buy it? I love historical fiction, particularly about the Tudors. I already have quite a few Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir on my list, so I am not sure that I would ever actually read this one.

Verdict : Giveaway

Two Brothers – Ben Elton

Brief synopsis : A heartrending story of two brothers growing up under the darkening shadow of the Nazis.

Why did I buy it? I have never read anything by Ben Elton and this caught my eye as it is so different to my memories of him as a comedian. This still looks like the sort of story that will keep you on the edge of tears throughout.

Verdict : Keep

Black Ice – Becca Fitzpatrick

Brief synopsis : A riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming.

Why did I buy it? This was given to me as a gift, largely based on the fact that I had read Hush, Hush a few years earlier. To be honest, I am not really sure about this one   any more, but I do not want to give away a gift without even trying.

Verdict : Keep

The Narrow Road to the Deep North – Richard Flanagan

Brief synopsis : One day in a Japanese slave labour camp in August 1943.

Why did I buy it? This was enormously hyped when it was published. A Booker Prize winner, it appears to be a harrowing story about the cruelty of war.

Verdict : Keep

We are all Completely Beside Ourselves – Karen Joy Fowler

Brief synopsis : What if you grew up to realise that your father had used your childhood as an experiment?

Why did I buy it? This is one of those books that captures your attention when you read the blurb. I am still keen to read this one and see what it is all about.

Verdict : Keep

The French Lieutenant’s Woman – John Fowles

Brief synopsis : A classic love triangle

Why did I buy it? As this is a classic, I will keep until I am ready to read. I will get round to it at some point 😊

Verdict : Keep

Have you read any of these books? Do you have any tips for getting your TBR under control? Let me know in the comments below.

See you soon

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