Exploring My TBR: Ten Books I Had To Have But Still Haven't Read

Greetings, fellow book lovers! Though I missed my usual Tuesday post, I’m back with another edition of Top Ten Tuesday, courtesy of Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s intended theme was “Books That Live Rent Free In My Head,” but I decided to pivot to a topic I found more engaging: “Books I HAD To Have Immediately But Still Haven’t Read.” In reflecting on my unfilled TBR, I was surprised to find I could easily list ten titles, even with my recent trend of slowing down my physical book buying. Here’s what I’ve got:

1. Hell Bent (Ninth House #2) - Leigh Bardugo (Bought in 2023)
   I picked this up shortly after its release in 2023, likely during the London tour stop. Despite my initial anticipation, my enthusiasm for Ninth House hasn’t matched my love for Bardugo’s other works, leading to it lingering on my shelf for too long.
2. The Familiar - Leigh Bardugo (Bought in 2024)
   I had high hopes for this novel due to my passion for historical fantasy and the Elizabethan era. Unfortunately, like many books that get lost in the shuffle, it hasn’t made its way to my reading list. I’m still considering tackling the audiobook as I hope to enjoy this title.
3. Ace of Spades - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (Bought in 2021)
   This title piqued my interest with its Gossip Girl-esque premise; however, my waning fascination with YA novels caused it to drift down my reading list. Although it shares elements of crime and mystery that I enjoy, it’s been overshadowed by newer publications.
4. Spectacular - Stephanie Garber (Bought in 2024)
   Honestly, this struggle reflects my relationship with most of Garber’s recent publications. I bought several of her titles last year, but my reading habits shifted away from YA, making it a challenge to prioritize these books. However, since this is a shorter read, I still hold hope for fitting it in this year.
5. The Reappearance of Rachel Price - Holly Jackson (Bought in 2024)
   After loving A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, I was eager to explore more of Holly Jackson’s work. Yet, as my interest in YA took a dive, this book didn’t get the attention it deserved. Still, Jackson's recent release has Rekindled my interest in her books, so I might just pick up the audiobook soon.
6. A Lesson In Vengeance - Victoria Lee (Bought in 2022?)
   I recall being excited about this title when I purchased it, drawn in by the elements of dark academia and magic. But with so many enticing options available, it slipped through the cracks. I genuinely hope to immerse myself in it as I still find the premise intriguing.
7. By Any Other Name - Jodi Picoult (Bought in 2024)
   At an event where Jodi Picoult discussed this book, I couldn’t resist adding it to my collection. I have a love for historical narratives centered around underrepresented women, so this should be right up my alley. Unfortunately, it's another book I’ve failed to read due to my preference for digital formats.
8. Femina - Janina Ramírez (Bought in 2023)
   This fascinating exploration of forgotten women in history captivated me when I bought it, but I’ve let it stagnate in physical form for too long. Thankfully, Ramírez’s compelling narrative should translate well to audio, so I'm hopeful for a future engagement with it.
9. A Kingdom For A Stage - Heidi Heilig (Bought in 2019)
   I picked this book up soon after enjoying For A Muse of Fire and was eager to continue the series. Yet, my aversion to physical books has delayed my reading, and I’m keen to find an audio version to finally explore this story.
10. The Paris Library - Janet Skeslien Charles (Bought in ??)
    I can’t pinpoint exactly when I bought this novel, but it was during its hardback release, signaling my eagerness to read it. Months later, it remains untouched on my shelf, even though it has appeared on multiple TBR lists, reflecting my enduring love for historical fiction.

So there you have it: a roundup of ten titles that I had to have but still find myself unable to read. If you’ve tackled any of these, do weigh in with your thoughts. I’m eager to hear your recommendations and whether these books deserve a spot on my list!

While this was originally slated for next week’s topic, I’m excited to see what I’ll tackle next. Stay tuned!

Don't forget, if you want to share your thoughts, let me know in the comments!