The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair

I don’t read a ton of non-fiction, but this one certainly caught my interest. It’s about how certain hues came to be and it sounds fascinating! Who knows when I’ll actually pick this one up… we all know I’m easily distracted by fiction. Still, I want to keep this one on my radar, so it gets to stay.

Verdict: Keep

The Huntress by Kate Quinn

Historical fiction is another genre that I don’t read often, though I tend to enjoy it when I do. This one follows several people in the aftermath of WWII, one of whom may be a Nazi murderess called the Huntress. The synopsis makes me think there will be thrills and tears involved with this one. It definitely keeps me interested in the book!

Verdict: Keep

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

Now we’re back in my wheelhouse, haha. This YA fantasy sounds like something that would be right up my alley. It has politics, reluctant allies, and, clearly, quite a few murderous plots. The premise is certainly interesting and the fact that it’s a standalone makes it less intimidating. I really don’t need to be starting another series.

Verdict: Keep

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

I’ve had an interesting relationship with Ruth Ware’s books. I started reading them when she published The Woman in Cabin 10 and, with each subsequent book, I liked her writing more and more. So that makes me think that, if I go back to her first book, I may not like it as much, haha. Besides, I have so many other books to read 🤷🏾‍♀️

Verdict: Remove

The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson

Oh, this will definitely be staying. I’ve also been curious about the case of Lizzie Borden. A book about her actual trial seems like it would be fascinating. I’m hoping that this is a non-fiction that doesn’t read like a textbook… that tends to be the reason I avoid the genre in the first place. This seems like it will be a good read, though.

Verdict: Keep

The Black Witch by Laurie Forest

This book comes with a bit of controversy. I’ve heard that this book has a healthy dose of fantasy racism woven into it. But I’ve also heard that it deals with the topic well. I’m curious to see for myself and the synopsis makes me even more eager to read it. It is the start to yet another fantasy series, but I can’t resist this witchy novel!

Verdict: Keep

The Making of a Manger by Julie Zhuo

I put this book on my TBR awhile ago, when I was offered a supervisory position at an old job. Clearly, I never read it, but I still think it would be worthwhile to pick it up. After all, I think there is always room for improvement when it comes to being in charge of others. This also has a pretty high rating for this type of book, so I’m definitely curious.

Verdict: Keep

The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen

Hmm. The synopsis for this book sounds like something I would not enjoy. I dunno… I just don’t like when a slave falls in love with one of their oppressors. This book has a lot of rave reviews, but that aspect alone gets a no from me. It may be that it’s not what it sounds like, but there are too many books and too little time already for me to want to find out.

Verdict: Remove

His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik

This is definitely staying on the TBR! I’m honestly surprised that I haven’t read it yet. I’m a big fan of Naomi Novik’s writing and it has dragons! Seems like a win-win to me. It also sounds like an action-packed, thrill ride of book since it’s set during the Napoleonic Wars. But with dragons! That has to be a good time.

Verdict: Keep

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This is another book I’m surprised I haven’t read yet. It’s a classic contemporary that has been on the periphery of my reading life for years. I know so much about this book and, yet, have never picked it up! I still want to read it, though, and, one day, I will. I swear!

Verdict: Keep