Isn’t there something wonderfully comforting about a TBR pile. Mine sits patiently on a bookshelf. Calling to me, and to my good intentions. But every time I promise myself I’ll make progress, I immediately add in another one. Or if I’ve gone to the fabulous Barter Books, there’s usually a few. It’s a habit, like trying to reduce my chocolate intake, I’ve stopped trying to break.
The ever growing TBR pile
Today, I pulled them all off the shelf and took a proper look at the teetering stack. Right at the top is The Summer of the Bear by Bella Pollen, promising Scottish island secrets. Beneath it, The Voyage of the Narwhal by Andrea Barrett waits with its icy landscapes and historical intrigue.
The Truth About Melody Browne is there with its layers of memory and mystery. Having read other books by Lisa Jewell, I’m keen to see how this compares. And then there’s The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. A book, judging by the reviews I’ve read, that’ll break my heart. Further down is Foul Play at the Seaview Hotel by Glenda Young returning me to a cosy mystery full of Scarborough charm. And The Witching Hour by Syd Moore sits waiting to cast its spell.
What I’m currently reading
Right now, though, I’m wandering through the Italian sunshine with The Temptation of Gracie by Santa Montefiore. A few chapters in and I’m already transported. Warm stone streets, soft light, and that gentle sense of escape only a good book can offer. And isn’t that the joy of great stories. They can take you somewhere you’ve never been and all from the comfort of a cosy reading spot.
My TBR is a love story in disguise
That’s the quiet magic of a TBR list. It isn’t just a stack of books waiting to be read. It’s a collection of moods, seasons, and small adventures. A murder mystery like Dead on Dartmoor by Stephanie Austin for when I want something slightly sinister. A historical drama like If the Dead Rise Not by Philip Kerr to step into the past. And a particular favourite of mine – dual timeline sagas like Homecoming by Kate Morton. Each book waits patiently, knowing its moment will come.
And maybe that’s why I don’t mind the slow progress. A TBR isn’t meant to be conquered. It’s meant to be lived with, added to, reshuffled and rediscovered. If your own pile is threatening to topple, you’re in good company. Let it be a reminder that there will always be another story waiting to sweep you somewhere new.
If you’d like to browse my recent reviews for inspiration check out my website. But I must confess I do have a slight backlog to catch up on.