Top Ten Tuesday – My Summer TBR List 2015

By Rachel

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR List 2015

This week’s list includes new titles and backlist titles that I’m looking forward to reading over the summer months. I’m working full-time, so I don’t get any extra time off as such, but I don’t have any studying or courses planned for the rest of the year, so hopefully that means I get a little more reading time? As long as I can stay away from Netflix that is. In the past (you can check out my TTT for summer 2014 here) I’ve based my summer TBR on new releases only, and I therefore suck at getting around to reading them all. The perils of being a mood reader.

TTT TBR Summer Reads 2015

1. Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee: I only just read To Kill A Mockingbird recently, and in case you haven’t already heard me gush about it, I LOVED it. I’m so, so glad I finally got around to reading it, and I can’t wait for the sequel. I had such a soft spot for Scout, her inquisitive and tomboyish nature just spoke to me. I can’t imagine why…

2. A Game of Thrones by George R R Martin:

The Money Pit Gif

This gif is from The Money Pit, if you haven’t seen The Money Pit, what have you done with your life?!

Yea, I know. This one is ambitious. It was ambitious before I became a blogger, but more so now because it’s going to take a while to read. The Song of Ice and Fire series is huge, and I went on a sale-binge and bought 7 of them. And I’ve yet to read any of them. I’m so afraid of epic fantasy. All of my friends love the TV show, and I’ve held off watching it for so long wanting to read them first (and being afraid of the TV show too if I’m honest). Loads of spoilers last night on social media though, so yea, thanks for that.

3. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi: I’ve had this trilogy for the longest time already and I’ve never picked them up, even though I hear nothing but good things about it. This summer. It is time.

4. I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson: I’ve just finished The Sky Is Everywhere (review to follow) after being recommended it LOADS, and I have some mixed feelings about it. I did enjoy how the story was told, and its nuances (it’s the only way I can think of describing it, it was… different). I’ve heard equally great things about I’ll Give You The Sun, if not better, so I’m looking forward to this one.

5. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell: I was going through my Goodreads TBR list when I was compiling my TTT post, and this one jumped out at me. It’ll be my first David Mitchell, but this book was so outstandingly beautiful that I paid full price for it in hardback. And I NEVER do that. Here’s hoping it’s worth it!

TTT TBR Summer 2015 Reads

6. This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales: I picked this up in a sale The Book People were doing, and then heard the rave reviews. I didn’t have high expectations for it, and now I do, so I’m hoping the hype doesn’t kill it for me. I’ve also seen Sales’ new release, Tonight The Streets Are Ours, doing the rounds, and with titles like that she’ll suck me in every time.

7. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: I can whole-heartedly blame Brandie for this purchase. There’s not many historical fiction I’ve seen her love, but she LOVED this. And, yes, OK I’ve seen some other rave reviews too… But it’s all her fault, I’m telling you! I wouldn’t have ordinarily picked this one up, so I’m curious to see what it’s like.

8. Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder: I’ve seen a lot of bloggers rave about this series, and they usually say if you like Throne of Glass then you’ll love this. Well. I LOVE Throne of Glass, so this has become a series I have to get to, and soon.

9. Anything by Katie McGarry: I’ve only read two McGarry books so far, Pushing the Limits and Dare You To, and I really, really enjoyed them. Which means it makes no sense that I own three more books by her but I haven’t picked them up yet… I keep threatening to (I’m in the middle of one as we speak!), and this summer is when it’ll happen. I can feel it!

10. The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger: Another thing I keep threatening to do is reread. This really is wishful thinking. But I’m ever hopeful.

Do you think the fact I already own these books (except #1), will mean I’m more likely to actually read my planned TBR? Probably not… Which books are you looking forward to this summer?

About Rachel

Avid reader & #bookblogger. Lover of all things business. A fan of drinks & dancing. Ever optimistic. Feminist.

34 Responses

  1. Becky @ A Fool's Ingenuity

    Some good books on here this week, and some that I need to read and just haven’t. I agree with you about Game of Thrones it’s a hard book to commit to because it does take a while to read, it is a fantastic book though, I’ve only gotten halfway through book 3 of the series and I stalled though. I may have to try again, but there is so much going on with all the storylines going on.

    I can say that Nowhere But Here, This Song Will Save Your Life and Spy Glass are all great books, though. If you’re reading Spy Glass have you read the Study Series, that’s sort of a prequel series to it but follows different characters. It’s one of my favourites.

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    1. Rachel

      I’ve heard book 3 is a tough one to get through though. I WILL at least attempt it this summer. It’s happening!

      Ah. I thought one of the series was a prequel, but I thought I was collecting the prequel series, not the sequel. Does that make sense? I hope it does. I’ve just gone and checked what I picked up. I have book 2 from the Study series, and books 4, 5 and 6 from the Glass series. Brilliant lol I got them all in a 6 for £10 deal at The Works though (with discount, free shipping and 18% cashback 😉 lol) but I guess I’m gonna have to hunt for the rest of them now. R x

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  2. Josephine

    Netflix is a killer of reading time! I spent probably three hours last night on Netflix instead of reading and work. I have yet to read To Kill A Mockingbird, but I think I may pick it up in conjunction with Go Set a Watchman to read them one after another instantly.
    Under The Never Sky is one I need to get too soon also, because I was so desperate to read it during the time when the hype was buzzing around it!
    I need to get onto the Jandy Nelson bandwagon. I enjoyed Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry and I am planning on re-reading it!
    Great list. xoxo

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    1. Rachel

      It really is! But I love my TV Shows too. I mix it up a bit, but with the size of my TBR I could do with reading more. You definitely should, I can’t rave about TKAMB any more than I already do. One of my favourite books ever. I liked The Sky Is Everywhere, but I’m struggling with the writing style in I’ll Give You The Sun. They’re OK reads to me, definitely don’t love them as much as a lot of other people. Thanks for commenting, Josephine! R x

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Rachel

      I’m hearing great things! I didn’t know one series was a prequel to the other though, so I’ll want to read them in order. And I don’t own book 1 from either series. Le sigh. I picked up the books I do have on an offer and intended to collect the rest of them so I could binge read them, but so far I haven’t found the others anywhere cheaply, and I think there’s been a cover change recently… I’ll get this sorted soon, Alicia, I’ll not rest until I do!! Lol R x

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Rachel

        I’ve seen the site before, but I’ve never bought from it. I tend to do The Book People, The Works, Waterstones and Amazon. I’ve bought once or twice from The Book Depository or Wordery, but never Abe. Are they expensive? HAHA I’m meant to be curbing my book buying, but this community enables me!! (And, yes, I’m including you in that! :D) R x

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Rachel

      I tried it the other day, and I’m struggling with the writing style! I was saying to Stef from Caught Read Handed, who also loved it, that it’s like a stream of conscience type thing, and that I can struggle with that type of writing where metaphors are dropped into the text along with reality. It’s hard to explain, but it’s not straight-forward story-telling. I’m a very literal person lol I’ve put it on hold, but I will get back to it. R x

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      1. joyousreads

        I see where you’re coming from. Her writing is a bit daunting sometimes, and it doesn’t work for some. I am a fan of pretty proses, but I can smell the trying hards from a mile away. Lol.

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  5. Kathy

    I am so excited about Watchman that I’m terrified I’ll be disappointed; I’ve really built it up in my mind. I LOVE The Time Traveler’s Wife – one of my all time favorites.

    That scene from Money Pit cracks me up every time. That must be one of the longest laughs in history! lol

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  6. Brandie

    Bahahahaha *evil laugh*. I don’t feel bad in the least bit because you’re going to LOVE The Nightingale. I can’t wait for you to read it!!

    I started Nowhere But Here but got distracted. I need to revisit it sometime.

    YES TO I’ll GIVE YOU THE SUN!!! Babes and Books feature!!!

    Good luck with Game of Thrones. I cringe at that page count. LOL. 😉

    xx

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    1. Rachel

      Ahhhh, you have me all *excited*!

      I’m halfway through – I have to say, it started slow for me, and I have/had a few issues with it, but from about 30% the romance kicks in more and I’m speeding through it now.

      I need to add my thoughts on The Sky Is Everywhere on Goodreads. S is reading it now too, so we can do that one. Then I’ll play catch-up with Sun.

      Hahaha – those books will still be there when I’m 90 gathering dust! R xoxo

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Rachel

        Hmmm. I started it. But I didn’t last long before I put it on hold. I will pick it up again soon, but I’m struggling with that writing style. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s kind of like stream of conscience mixed with constant metaphor or something? I’m on a reading roll at the minute and don’t want to slump, so I’ll pick it up again when I slow down a little. R x

        Liked by 1 person

  8. susanblogginboutbooks

    Netflix is so addicting, isn’t it? I’ve pretty much stopped watching tv at all –it’s such a time suck. I’d rather read 🙂

    Like you, I’m super stoked for GO SET A WATCHMAN. I also love the Never Sky series and THE NIGHTINGALE. I’ve read THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE, but it’s been a loooonnnnggg time. Probably due for a re-read.

    Happy TTT (on a Wednesday)!

    Susan
    http://www.blogginboutbooks.com

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    1. Rachel

      It REALLY is. I’ll stay away for weeks at a time, and then BAM. I’m addicted to something and can’t turn it off until I’ve gobbled the whole series. I tend to get addicted to binge watching TV shows as opposed to movies. Really looking forward to reading all of these, all I need now are a few months off work and I’m set! Lol R x

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  9. Jackie

    The only one on your TBR I’ve read is Under the Never Sky. Which, by the way, is one of the BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ IN ALL MY YEARS. Also, I’ve heard soo many good things about This Song Will Save Your Life…I hope you love them all to pieces 😀
    Jackie @ No Bent Spines

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    1. Rachel

      That’s the first time I’ve seen that book get an OK. I don’t know if that makes me feel better, because less hype, or worse, because I might not like it! Thanks for commenting, Erica! R x

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    1. Rachel

      Hmmm. I don’t want anyone to read this and get spoiled, I’ll DM you on Twitter. I have read Time Traveler’s Wife, I want to reread it. R x

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  12. mradic01

    I started the Song of Ice and Fire series last year, and am really enjoying it so far! I’m not a hugely confident fantasy reader (I get confused easily, especially when the premise is too far-fetched and complex). I have watched the TV show, and I found that having the visual image of the character and the storyline in my head really helped. George R.R. Martin’s world is very complex with a HUGE cast of characters. I found that I understood more about the intricacy of the plot after reading the books. It was almost like watching a movie, or reading a book, a second time through — you pick up on things that you missed the first time. When you do embark on this journey, I hope that you enjoy the ride!

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    1. Rachel

      I struggle with overly complex worlds and stories too, so I always avoided Fantasy, and the words “epic” and “high” as a prefix only intimidated me further. But I read and LOVED Throne of Glass, and while I’m not comparing it to Song of Ice and Fire, I was told that Throne of Glass is High Fantasy, so if I can wrap my head around it and love it, I’m ready to branch out. Well, I tell myself that until I see the tomes that are the Song of Ice and Fire series, and then I shy away again lol I found Pride and Prejudice easier to digest after watching the BBC adaptation, so I know what you mean. I found it difficult to follow the language style used in the original text, but the show helped put it into context. You have definitely persuaded me to begin it sooner rather than later, thank you! R x

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  13. Charnell @ Reviews from a Bookworm

    I did the exact same thing with A Song of Ice and Fire, I bought every single book and I have still only read one of them. They are just so big, and the writing is so tiny and they are just so DAUNTING!!!!!!!!! I loved This Song Will Save Your Life and the Under the Never Sky series. I REALLY NEED TO REREAD THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE! I LOVE THAT BOOK!!!!

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    1. Rachel

      You’re one ahead of me! Good to see you about the web though, I know things have been crazy for you. How’s the new job going??
      I need to reread in general. I SO want to, but time is such an issue!! R x

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