If you like to read, or if you strive to be someone who likes to read, you probably have a TBR list. TBR stands for “To Be Read”, and the name is pretty self explanatory… It’s a list of books that you want to read. There’s different ways to organize these lists, such as alphabetically, by genre, or by lineup of what to read next. These lists can also be made in lots of different ways. I personally use the app StoryGraph to track my reads, but lots of people use GoodReads, and many use a specific notebook for logging their books by hand. Here are a few of the books on my TBR list that I am most excited about reading soon!
- The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Recently published in 2021, this YA fiction thriller follows Daunis Fontaine, a biracial native teen whose whole life is put on pause to take care of her mother, on her reservation. Daunis is thrown into a life of going undercover when she witnesses something she shouldn’t, and uses her knowledge of medical studies to help protect her community. Reviews of this book describe it as having incredible plot twists, and commend author Boulley on her ability to handle writing about certain triggering subjects*. This book is high up on my list and I am super excited to get into it!
- At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen
Set in 1942, this historical fiction surrounds Maddie and Ellis Hyde’s journey to
Scotland in the middle of a foreign war. Much to Maddie’s dismay, for Ellis to follow in his fathers once-failed footsteps and hunt the Loch Ness monster in order to repair their broken relationship. While Ellis and their good friend Hank are off on their endeavors, Maddie is left to figure out her new life and experience harsh social and romantic awakenings. I discovered Sara Gruen a few years ago when I read her book Water for Elephants, and it quickly became one of my favorites! I’m a huge fan of her writing style and how well she incorporates historical elements into her books.
- My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
For this story we follow a young woman, who remains unnamed throughout the story, who seems to have it all: peak beauty standards, a successful academic life, and an inheritance that pays for everything. However, there is just something missing, and our protagonist knows just the way to fix it, by taking a year to rest from the world under heavy sedation. Obtaining pills from the world’s worst psychiatrist, the woman is able to live her life throughout the next year only conscious every few days to sustain herself, but finds that she is often unconsciously living her life and going out with no memory of doing so. I’ve heard amazing reviews for this book and its dark humor for a while now, so it is definitely up there on my TBR list.
*Like any other form of media, certain books may contain mentions of triggering subjects. Looking up trigger warnings for a book before you start it is advised!