Tag Archives: tbr

Oct 31 2017
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Tackling the TBR [28]: November 2017

tackling the TBR

It’s once again time for my favorite feature: Tackling the TBR! There’s nothing I love more than picking out which books to read next, and this slightly organized method of reading has really amped my enjoyment to the next level. Bring on the mantras!

Read the best books first.
&
Life is too short to read books you’re not enjoying.

However you put together your TBR for the next month, the goal is to reduce the amount of obligation in reading and increase the fun.

Here’s a look at how the system works:

1. Identify the titles that take top priority in your TBR.
2. Combine them all in your own Tackling the TBR post.
3. Throughout the month pick from that pile as the mood strikes you. <-November 2017 I’m trying something new and reading them in a specific, carefully pre-determined order.

Here’s what mine looks like:

November 2017 TBR Tackler Shelf:

Last month I finished all but two titles on my list, one of which I’m halfway through… win. I’m organizing my TBR Tackler shelves with a bit more structure this month. You see, I was inspired by the Bookstooge’s TBR Organization post and decided to adapt it using my Incomplete Series High Priority shelf on Goodreads. When enabled, the GR shelves let you rank titles, which I’ve used to list them out by priority. My TBR Tackler shelf here reflects the top 15 books from that list in descending order. Cool, eh? What I was hoping to achieve was a stronger focus on these high-priority titles, and scheduling them out more evenly so that I’m not reading too many similar ones back to back.

I haven’t been able to stick to a set reading scheduling the past, but with my current focus on getting through series I’ve already started (meaning they are ALL high priorities), I think this structure is exactly what I need, if only for a little while. It will also help me plan ahead a little better in regard to library reserves. I have 5 series-enders on here I’m hoping to get through this month, so wish me luck! Realistically with my WoR reread and with Oathbringer, I’ll only get through about 7 of these books, but with this new system, the ones I don’t get to will just move up on the list for next month. Let’s see how it goes. :)

Niki’s Incomplete Series Challenge [Via Fantasy Buddy Reads]

October 2017 Titles Tackled:

Series Finished: 4
 Within the Sanctuary of Wings – Marie Brennan
Arcade Catastrophe – Brandon Mull
To Guard Against the Dark – Julie E. Czerneda
Into the Bright Unknown – Rae Carson

 Series Brought UTD: 2
An Echo Of Things To Come – James Islington
Strange Dogs – James S.A. Corey

Series Progressed: 3
Dragonsinger – Anne McCaffrey
Magic Breaks – Ilona Andrews
The Great Hunt – Robert Jordan

New Series Started: 1
Dragonmaster – Chris Bunch

Abandoned: 2
 Dragonmaster [DNF] – Chris Bunch
Guilty Pleasures [10/25] – Laurell K. Hamilton

YTD Totals:
Finished Series: 13
Up To Date Series: 21
Series Progressed: 44
New Series Started: 18
Abandoned: 8

What books are you Tackling this month? Even if you don’t specifically use my system, feel free to share your versions of how you manage your TBR pile (and the links to your posts if applicable) in the comments. :)

by Niki Hawkes

Sep 5 2017
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Tackling the TBR [27]: September 2017

tackling the TBR

It’s once again time for my favorite feature: Tackling the TBR! There’s nothing I love more than picking out which books to read next, and this slightly organized method of reading has really amped my enjoyment to the next level. Bring on the mantras!

Read the best books first.
&
Life is too short to read books you’re not enjoying.

However you put together your TBR for the next month, the goal is to reduce the amount of obligation in reading and increase the fun.

Here’s a look at how the system works:

1. Identify the titles that take top priority in your TBR.
2. Combine them all in your own Tackling the TBR post.
3. Throughout the month pick from that pile as the mood strikes you.

Here’s what mine looks like:

September 2017 TBR Tackler Shelf:

Just looking at my Tackler list this month makes me happy. It really highlights in my mind why it’s important for me to prioritize and read the best books first. I’m no longer wasting time on books I’m not enjoying, and that is a truly liberating feeling. :) I have been waiting on Apex for what feels like ages (though it’s only been a year since Elite), but the one that has me chomping at the bit most this month is the conclusion to the Memoirs of Lady Trent series.

Tackler Carry-Overs

Niki’s Incomplete Series Challenge [Via Fantasy Buddy Reads]

August 2017 Titles Tackled:

The Last Colony by John Scalzi
The Churn by James S.A. Corey
Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi
The Fall of the Dagger by Glenda Larke
In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan
The Butcher of A.S. by James S.A. Corey
First Lord’s Fury by Jim Butcher
Rise of Empire by Michael J. Sullivan
Buried Heart by Kate Elliott
An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock
Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews
The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin

Niki’s August 2017 Progress Update:

Series Finished: 4
First Lord’s Fury – Jim Butcher
The Stone Sky – N.K. Jemisin
Buried Heart – Kate Elliott
The Fall of the Dagger – Glenda Larke

 Series Brought UTD: 1
An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors – Curtis Craddock

Series Progressed: 8
The Ghost Brigades – John Scalzi
Magic Rises – Ilona Andrews
An Ill-Advised Rescue – Ilona Andrews
Rise of Empire – Michael J. Sullivan
The Churn – James S. A. Corey
The Last Colony – John Scalzi
In the Labyrinth of Drakes – Marie Brennan
The Butcher of Anderson Station – James S. A. Corey

New Series Started: 2
An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors – Curtis Craddock

Abandoned: 0

YTD Totals:
Finished Series: 12
Up To Date Series: 17
Series Progressed: 40
New Series Started: 17
Abandoned: 4

Here’s my full Incomplete Series list, in case anyone is curious.
My Goal is to be under 20 series by July 1, 2018.

What books are you Tackling this month? Even if you don’t specifically use my system, feel free to share your versions of how you manage your TBR pile (and the links to your posts if applicable) in the comments. :)

by Niki Hawkes

Aug 2 2017
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Tackling the TBR [26]: August 2017

tackling the TBR

It’s once again time for my favorite feature: Tackling the TBR! There’s nothing I love more than picking out which books to read next, and this slightly organized method of reading has really amped my enjoyment to the next level. Bring on the mantras!

Read the best books first.
&
Life is too short to read books you’re not enjoying.

However you put together your TBR for the next month, the goal is to reduce the amount of obligation in reading and increase the fun.

Here’s a look at how the system works:

1. Identify the titles that take top priority in your TBR.
2. Combine them all in your own Tackling the TBR post.
3. Throughout the month pick from that pile as the mood strikes you.

Here’s what mine looks like:

August 2017 TBR Tackler Shelf:

This month my focus is on progressing and finishing series that I’m really enjoying. All of these titles are from the “high priority” section of my Incomplete Series list, so I know I am in for a lot of good reading. The one I am most excited to get into is the conclusion to Jemisin’s Fifth Season trilogy… It should be good!

Tackler Carry-Overs

Niki’s Incomplete Series Challenge [Via Fantasy Buddy Reads]

June 2017 Titles Tackled:

Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
The Operator by Kim Harrison
Firebrand by A.J. Hartley
The Rose Society by Marie Lu
A Kingdom Besieged by Raymond E. Feist
Traitor’s Blade by Sebastian De Castell
The Drive by James S.A. Corey
Obsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh
Waylaid by Kim Harrison
Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead
Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

Niki’s July 2017 Progress Update:

Series Finished: 0

 Series Brought UTD: 4
Firebrand – A.J. Hartley
Obsidian and Stars – Julie Eshbaugh
The Operator & Waylaid – Kim Harrison
Midnight Jewel – Richelle Mead

Series Progressed: 4
A Kingdom Besieged – Raymond E. Feist
Gunmetal Magic Ilona Andrews
The Rose Society – Marie Lu
Drive – James S.A. Corey

New Series Started: 2
Traitor’s Blade – Sebastien de Castille [started in March, just finished]
Old Man’s War – John Scalzi

Abandoned: 0
The Young Elites – Marie Lu
The Darkest Minds – Alexandra Bracken
Daughter of Smoke & Bone – Laini Taylor

YTD Totals:
Finished Series: 8
Up To Date Series: 16
Series Progressed: 32
New Series Started: 16
Abandoned: 4

Here’s my full Incomplete Series list, in case anyone is curious.

What books are you Tackling this month? Even if you don’t specifically use my system, feel free to share your versions of how you manage your TBR pile (and the links to your posts if applicable) in the comments. :)

by Niki Hawkes

Jan 2 2017
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Tackling the TBR [19]: January 2017

tackling the TBR

It’s once again time for my favorite feature: Tackling the TBR! There’s nothing I love more than picking out which books to read next, and this slightly organized method of reading has really amped my enjoyment to the next level. Bring on the mantras!

Read the best books first.
&
Life is too short to read books you’re not enjoying.

However you put together your TBR for the next month, the goal is to reduce the amount of obligation in reading and increase the fun.

Here’s a look at how the system works:

1. Identify the titles that take top priority in your TBR.
2. Combine them all in your own Tackling the TBR post.
3. Throughout the month pick from that pile as the mood strikes you.

Here’s what mine looks like:

January 2017 TBR Tackler Shelf:

Surprisingly, I made my way through a lot more titles in December than I thought I would, which frees up plenty of space for more books in January! Initially, I was going to dedicate 2017 to books I already own but haven’t yet read. Sadly, my family is in transition as our new house is being built and all of my books are in storage… So, until July or August when I get to pop open 1000 boxes and hug all of my books, I’ll just continue to focus on high priority titles in general. From this list, I am most excited to read the Hollows (The Turn) prequel by Kim Harrison!

Tackler Carry-overs:

I decided to expand my TBR tackler selection list to include titles on previous Tackling the TBR posts that I either didn’t have a chance to get to or am currently part way through. It gives me a more accurate snapshot of my progress over time and more potential high-priority titles to choose from each month. I’m looking forward to all of them. :)

Niki’s Incomplete Series Challenge [Via Fantasy Buddy Reads]

2017 YTD Tracker:

Finished Series: 0
Up To Date Series: 0
Series Progressed: 0
New Series Started: 0
Abandoned: 0

Last year I had a goal to finish a lot of high-priority series, and I did just that with 14 series finished (some of them with 10+ books that I’d been working on for ages) and 18 brought up to date. I wanted to keep the momentum going in 2017 with this nifty little tracker added on to my monthly TBR. I might make it it’s own feature, but for now, let’s go team for 2017!!!!

bob

I am also participating in my favorite Read-a-thon in early January. Here’s a little more about it:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 2nd and runs through Sunday, January 8th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 18 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team

Instead of bombarding your feed with daily posts, I’m just going to update my progress as the week goes by. This is convenient because the books I’ll be reading through are the same ones as on my tackler shelf. I admit I don’t normally change my habits for the read-a-thon, finding amusement in tracking what I already do. But this time around, I’m actually going to make a concerted effort to read more books. Wish me luck!

Niki’s Goals:

– Finish 3 books

– Read 800 pages

Daily Updates:

 Monday:
Pages: 261 / Books Finished: 1

 Tuesday:
Pages: 176 / Books Finished: 1

Wednesday:
Pages: 87 / Books Finished: 0

 Thursday:
Pages: 52 / Books Finished: 0

Friday:
Pages: 139 / Books Finished: 0

Saturday:
Pages: 96 / Books Finished: 1

 Sunday:
Pages: 144 / Books Finished: 0

Total:
Pages: 955 / Books Finished: 3

CHALLENGE A SUCCESS!!!

Feel free to share your versions of how you manage your TBR pile (and the links to your posts if applicable) in the comments. Maybe we can help make each other’s systems even better. :)

What books are you Tackling this month?

by Niki Hawkes

Apr 5 2016
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Tackling the TBR [10]: April 2016

tackling the TBR

It’s once again time for my favorite feature: Tackling the TBR! There’s nothing I love more than picking out which books to read next, and this slightly organized method of reading has really amped my enjoyment to the next level. Bring on the mantras!

Read the best books first.
&
Life is too short to read books you’re not enjoying.

However you put together your TBR for the next month, the goal is to reduce the amount of obligation in reading and increase the fun.

Here’s a look at how the system works:

1. Identify the titles that take top priority in your TBR.
2. Combine them all in your own Tackling the TBR post.
3. Throughout the month pick from that pile as the mood strikes you.

Here’s what mine looks like:

April 2016 TBR Tackler Shelf:

I’m most excited about the Agent of Hel novels by Jacqueline Carey (which is why I included more than just the first book on my TBR). I loved her high fantasy series so, so much that I can’t wait to dive into her urban fantasy stuff. so excited! I am also stoked for the two new releases on the list – Glittering Court and The Fall of the Dagger, both of which have been on my highly anticipated list for months!

What I did last month:

Of the ten titles I had listed last month, I read 6 1/2 of them. :)

Now, I can tell you from experience that this Tackling the TBR experiment is so much more fun and rewarding when there’s more than one person (me) participating. Does anybody want to play along?

Even if you don’t specifically use my system, feel free to share your versions of how you manage your TBR pile (and the links to your posts if applicable) in the comments!

Maybe we can help make each other’s systems even better. :)

What books are you Tackling this month?

by Niki Hawkes

Feb 1 2016
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Tackling the TBR [8]: February 2016

tackling the TBR

It’s once again time for my favorite feature: Tackling the TBR! There’s nothing I love more than picking out which books to read next, and this slightly organized method of reading has really amped my enjoyment to the next level. Bring on the mantras!

Read the best books first.
&
Life is too short to read books you’re not enjoying.

However you put together your TBR for the next month, the goal is to reduce the amount of obligation in reading and increase the fun.

Here’s a look at how the system works:

1. Identify the titles that take top priority in your TBR.
2. Combine them all in your own Tackling the TBR post.
3. Throughout the month pick from that pile as the mood strikes you.

Here’s what mine looks like:

February 2016 TBR Tackler Shelf:

TWO new books from Brandon Sanderson almost back to back? Heck yeah I’m excited! I also was lucky enough to get approved for the new Mercy Thompson book by Patricia Briggs and I’m chomping at the bit to finish what I’m currently reading to start it. I love the rest of the authors on this list, so February is going to be an awesome month indeed!

What I did last month:

I only read 3 of the books on my TBR tackler shelf last month, but one of them was A Dance with Dragons (which is a 1000+ page book), so I’m actually kind of okay with that.

Now, I can tell you from experience that this Tackling the TBR experiment is so much more fun and rewarding when there’s more than one person (me) participating. Does anybody want to play along?

Even if you don’t specifically use my system, feel free to share your versions of how you manage your TBR pile (and the links to your posts if applicable) in the comments!

Maybe we can help make each other’s systems even better. :)

What books are you Tackling this month?

by Niki Hawkes