Welcome to another TTT! This week’s topic was submitted by Caitlin @ Caitlin Althea through the TTT top suggestions form, and is about the books on my to-read list that I’m avoiding reading for one reason or another. Perhaps I’m intimidated by the page length or the hype surrounding the book. Maybe it’s a book I know I should read, but am not really excited about. Or maybe it’s a book I’ve hyped up so much in my own head that I’m scared of disappointing myself. lol. Whatever the case may be, I know we can all think of a book or two that’s book on our to-read list forever and it might just stay there indefinitely. I’m excited to see which books those are for you!
1. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
My mom loved this book, and it’s a classic that I’ve heard about so much over the years. I watched the miniseries based on the book and enjoyed it (and the music), but this thing is huge and I’m really worried it’s not going to have enough going on to keep me interested.
2. The Botticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato
I feel like I got this from Costco eons ago because I love Italy and the back of the book says this is super exciting and suspenseful, but I never pick it up! I’ve gone through my books multiple times over the last few years, and I always get to this one and think I’m for sure going to get rid of it and then I read the back of the book and I’m excited about it all over again. It’s a cycle I can’t break, so maybe I should just bite the bullet. I don’t know what I’m waiting for.
3. Into Thin Air by Cindy Miles
This is another book I keep coming across on my shelves that I consider getting rid of until I read the back. It sounds like so much fun and like something I’d really enjoy, but I guess I worry it’ll be too cheesy or hokey because of the cover.
4. Beauty by Robin McKinley
I know I haven’t read this one because of the hype. People love this book, and I love Beauty and the Beast retellings so this should be a no-brainer. But what if I don’t like it? It’s happened to me before.
5. Juliet by Anne Fortier
This thing is HUGE. But it sounds so good! I love historical mysteries and Italy and I’ve heard great things. But it’s a really big book.
6. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
This is another hyped book I bought LONG ago because it was recommended to me. I LOVE spy books and historical fiction. And it mentions the Scarlet Pimpernel, which I love. So I should love this. Maybe I’m just never in the right mood?
7. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I really, really want to read this! I love the BBC adaptation, and I’ve read multiple retellings. I love the story, so I should read the original. I even have the pretty Barnes & Noble leatherbound, so I have no reason not to read it. I think I’m scared it’ll be hard to get through and then I’ll be a fraud for loving everything about this book but the book. lol.
8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
I’ve never read this series before (only the first book), and you’d have to be living under a rock to not know the spoilers for the series so now I’m scared to continue. I don’t want to get attached to anyone!
9. My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
Ah, the oldest unreviewed book on my Netgalley account (sheesh I’ve been reviewing forever). It sounds adorable, I’m just never in the mood. No idea why.
10. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Everyone loves this and what if I don’t? And what if I do!? It’s a big series to commit to!
Talk me into (or out of) reading these please!!
Heh, I’ve been avoiding reading “Beauty” for THIRTEEN SOLID YEARS NOW. I took a pretty copy from the “free books” table at college and just…never was quite in the right mood for it, while also stubbornly refusing to give in and donate it to a home that might love it. ONE DAY! *shakes fist*
In my opinion, Pride and Prejudice is super readable. Knowing how the story goes as well as you do helps a lot. I had trouble with it when I tried to read it at 17, going off basically just the Wishbone episode and maybe part of the BBC version, but when I tried again at 22, after I’d seen the Keira Knightley movie and full BBC version? No problemo.
I have Rachel Harris’ on my actual shelf, but never read it, which I think is quite telling. :D Someday I should give “Beauty” a chance though because BATB, plus I hear it’s amazing! Hope you enjoy these if you read them, Jana.
Rissi @ Finding Wonderland recently posted…Good Books I Seem to be Avoiding the Question is: WHY?
I finally read P & P by Austen this past January! It took me 40+ years to read it! But I’m glad I did. Now I just need to read her other books!
I have read all of the Potter books – and loved them. Such imaginative books.
I love Marina Fiorato’s books so I hope you don’t avoid reading The Botticelli Secret for too long and enjoy it when you get to it.
I don’t consciously avoid reading books I own but I certainly have plenty I haven’t got around to reading. My TTT https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/2019/09/10/top-ten-tuesday-unread-books-on-my-summer-2019-tbr/
I read Beauty such a long time ago…and yet, I barely remember it. I don’t think I thought as highly of it as everyone else seems to. It wasn’t even a book I kept when I did one of my first ever book clean outs. Ironically, it was this particular edition/cover that I had too! I hope you someday read all of these and end up loving them!
Here’s my Tuesday Post
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
I understand the hesitation over P & P. It took me years to finally go for it, as my Austenite friend continually shunned me. No worries though, it is an absolute delight to read.
Never heard of Juliet, but it’s sounding right up my street, thank you for the suggestion!
My TTT:
https://thecandleenthusiast.wordpress.com/?p=39228
Chamber of Secrets is on mine too, snap!!
https://riddellreads.wordpress.com/2019/09/10/top-ten-tuesday-books-on-my-tbr-im-avoiding-and-why/
Long books intimidate me, too.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
Astilbe recently posted…Cat’s Egg by Aparna Karthikeyan
I liked Beauty, but I totally understand worrying that a popular book won’t live up to the hype for you.
My TTT.
Lydia recently posted…Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Books That Deal Well with Tough Topics
I loved The Boticelli Secret, even own a copy myself! Definitely read it! So much fun!
The Harry Potter series would definitely be intimidating to read now because of all the hype surrounding it.
Kyla @ Kyla’s Library recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday- Books On My TBR I’m Avoiding Reading
You must, at some point, read the Harry Potter series. I have seen the movies multiple times, and I’m currently on my second read-through of the series. Technically, I’m starting my 3rd read-through with my daughter (we’re on the 1st) while I am finishing my 2nd time (I’m currently on the 6th). It’s one of the greatest series of books. :)
I recommend the audio book of Pride and Prejudice read by Rosamund Pike. I love the story but I had trouble with reading the actual book, however, I have listened to this audio version many times since!
Chamber of Secrets was my least favourite Harry Potter book, but I actually really enjoyed it during my last re-listen, so I do recommend that too.
Paein recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Books On Our TBR We’re Avoiding Reading and Why
Pink Carnation is so witty and swoony – prioritize that one!
Carrie @ Reading Is My SuperPower recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Diverse Reads
Great list! Juliet sounds really interesting, thanks for bringing it to my attention – I love Italy so I’m always looking for more books set there. The Thorn Birds! My mum loves the adaptation of that book – I watched it with her last time I visited my parents.
Jess @ Jessticulates recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday | The books I try not to make eye contact with
I think you’ll probably be fine with Beauty. I hadn’t heard any hype leading up to when I read it, and it’s a fairy standard version of Beauty and the Beast. It’s almost not even a re-telling, that’s how close I remember it sticking to the original story. If you like the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, you’ll probably like this book. It might not be a new favorite, but it shouldn’t be scary. :)
Nicole @ BookWyrmKnits recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday ~ Books On My TBR I’m Avoiding Reading
Just read the Thorn Birds!! It’s a lifetime favorite of mine.
I really enjoyed Beauty, it’s a book from my childhood I made a point of buying for myself, and I reread it every couple of years. It’s not a story that’s going to blow you away, necessarily, I found it comforting, a warm blanket or hot cup of tea sort of read.
As for Pride and Prejudice, Austin is incredibly readable, and if you’re paying attention, very funny. It helps if you’re good at creating mental images of scenes, because I think the physical humor aspect of her stories really help flesh out her characters.
As for Chamber of Secrets… it was my least favorite of the HP series, but it’s followed directly by the best book in the series, I’d say read ti so you can read Prisoner of Azkaban then call it good.
Jessica recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Books on my TBR I’m Avoiding (Like the Anxiety Riddled Rabbit Woman I am)
I haven’t read any of the HP books (watched the movies). I want to read them, but there are so many.
Okay…. First things first never read any Harry Potter book either! But Pride & Prejudice YESS You need to read it! Absolutely amazing I have like close to 10 copies of it because of the covers. Julia Quinns ones The Duke and I? YESSS!! As well.. I wasn’t to sure before I started the book how I’d feel BUT once I did? Well it threw me and made me love a whole new sense of books.
Beauty by Robin McKinley is one I want to read. O ;pve how I get there and the next few covers all have lovely flowers It made me smile.
Beauty was first published in 1978, so it was definitely one of the first fairy tale retellings I ever read. I loved it, but it’s possible more modern retellings may make it seem obvious or less impressive.
Regarding the HP books, I think it’s difficult to start a series that is so famous and about which you’ve heard so much. But they are SO GOOD!
I found all the Potter books were better on audio book. Too bad Hastings went out of business where you could rent the disks.
Your explanation for P&P totally made me laugh. It would be pretty terrible if you love all things P&P except the actual book—that’s a very reasonable fear! :-)
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction recently posted…Top Ten Books on My TBR that Terrify Me