Books currently on my library hold list
We’re approaching summer reading season and at that point, my library hold list is completely ruled by the Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide (which comes out in just a couple of weeks). Right now, however, my hold list is full of a steady trickle of additions gleaned from podcasts, newsletters, and personal recommendations.
Personally, I love seeing other readers’ TBRs both because I’m nosey and because it often introduces me to authors and books I’d previously never heard of. Since I enjoy it from other writers and bloggers so much, I figured I’d put together a quick list of all the books I currently have on hold at the library along with the reason I added them in the first place.
As of the time of this post’s publishing, I have nine books on hold either in paperback or audio. Without further ado, those books are:
11/22/63 by Stephen King: Until this month, I had never read any of King’s novels because I thought they’d be too scary for me. After enjoying Billy Summers thoroughly, though, I wanted more. This time travel/JFK assassination novel fits the bill of my not-too-scary requirement. The fact that Laura Tremaine also recommended it helped put me over the edge.
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan: A couple of months ago, my husband made an offhand comment that “wouldn’t it be cool to read all the Pulitzer-winning novels from your lifetime” and now I have made that my mission. This novel won the prize in 2011 and I’m mostly going in blind, hoping to be delighted, as I have been by several other Pulitzer winners I’ve recently crossed off my list.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman: I’ve loved every Backman book I’ve read and I’m working toward being a completist in his work. Though I’ve heard it’s a bit different from what’s become known as Backman’s MO (which is perfectly encapsulated in Anxious People, in my opinion), I’m still looking forward to revisiting his wonderful writing.
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot: Growing up, we had a children’s illustrated copy of this collection and after seeing a friend post about the new PBS adaptation, I decided I wanted to revisit the stories. Though it didn’t come to fruition, I think Herriot’s writing was the reason I wanted to be a veterinarian as a kid.
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green: I’m in the minority in that I haven’t loved any of Green’s novels I’ve read thus far, but I’ve seen enough people recommend this book of essays/reviews of everyday things, that I want to give it a try. I love a quirky delightful collection, so I’m hoping this will be a joyful experience.
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel: Station Eleven was one of my top reads last year and though I didn’t love The Glass Hotel as much, I’m still excited to read St. John Mandel’s newest novel. Because her novels often have unforeseen connections between storylines, I’m not reading anything about the plot before this hold comes in.
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow: One of my favorite genres is multi-generational family saga, so when I saw this debut start to show up on “most anticipated release” lists, I added it to my holds immediately. I’m hoping this will be a perfect fit for me and then I can follow Stringfellow’s career over what I hope will be lots more novels.
Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Zhang: This one came from another debut list and it piqued my interest for a couple of reasons. First, the description says that Zhang weaves in little-known Chinese folklore, which sounds fascinating (I love the opportunity for an internet rabbit hole). Second, I’ve loved several books that deal with cultures clashing and colliding and this seems to be exactly that type of story.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry: I don’t read much romance, but I will read anything Henry writes. She just brings such great writing chops to the equation that the characters and their tension sing. This book comes out in May and I’m hoping it’ll get to me in time for our vacation in June if I’m lucky (I got on the hold list early).
What’s on your hold list right now? How do you decide which books to put on hold at the library versus buying outright?
Comments