Sunday 21 January 2018

Waiting On The Bookshelf

The number of books I've got in my 'Waiting To Be Read' pile is growing steadily.


Read all the Harry Potter books is number 32 on my 50 Before 50 list and I've only read the first four so far, I've still got another three to read. This challenge finishes at the beginning of September so I've still got quite a few months in which to read them.


I'm currently reading all the Agatha Christie murder/mystery books in chronological order. I started this in my 2015 Challenges and since then I've read thirty seven of the sixty six which she wrote. I'm reading one each month and if I continue in this way I should complete this challenge in June 2020.


I didn't get round to reading as many Christmas themed books as I'd hoped over the festive period so I've decided that I shall work my way through them over the course of the year. There's a few on my Kindle as well as the two shown here. I've grown to enjoy reading Christmas books at Christmas time, however, I just never have as much time to read when there's so much going on.


I've got a number of books which I've been bought for birthdays or Christmas, some over a year old now, so I'd like to get those read. They've been on my wish list so they're books that I've asked for and which I'm looking forward to reading.


My Kindle holds books which I've downloaded but haven't yet read, there's nine in total. I'm a big fan of my Kindle. Even though I enjoy proper books, I love my Kindle because it means that I'm able to read during the night when I can't sleep. The light on the device means that I don't have to disturb Mick by putting on the bedroom light.

I'm certainly not short of reading material. I'd like to get some of these books read before I think about buying any more, though I do still look out for some titles which are on my wish list whenever I visit the charity shops.

Do you have a pile of books waiting to be read?

60 comments:

  1. It looks like you have much to keep you busy reading Jo. I'm not a big reader myself but on the occasion I do get into a book I find I can't put it down. X

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    1. It's great when you find a book which is so good that you can't put it down. I tend to read in bed but I do occasionally pick up a book during a day when it's one I'm particularly enjoying.

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  2. I do have loads to read and plan to work my way through them this year. I love reading but have got out of the habit atm.

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    1. I went for many years, mainly when my kids were young, when I didn't tend to read much. I'm so pleased that I've got right back into reading again as I really do enjoy it.

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  3. I always have books, they are part of my makeup along with sewing. Today is a good day for reading.

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    1. I'm never without a book on the go these days, I tend to start a new one just as soon as I finish one. I usually just read in bed as I have other hobbies which I do during the day.

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  4. I'm a Kindle fan too. I am currently using it to read 'A Gentleman in Moscow' by Amor Towles and have 'Cartes Postales From Greece' by Victoria Hyslop queuing.
    I keep it under my pillow (in case I wake in the night). Embarassingly, though, I've found myself pressing my finger against a word in a paper book, expecting to be given its definition.

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    1. I wasn't sure if I'd ever get used to reading on a Kindle as I do love proper books, but I think they definitely have their place and I really enjoy using it. It's especially good for reading in bed. I did chuckle at you pressing your finger against a word in a book, that's most definitely something I'd do.

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  5. I do indeed have a pile, I managed to read a book last week but there is at least 7 stacked on the bookcase and 3 more in the bedroom. I have to be in the right frame of mind to sit still, otherwise I jiffle and fidget and lose the thread of the story. I still keep my eyes open for more to read though.

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    1. I think that's probably why I read mostly in bed, I can always find something else to do during the day, including other hobbies. I keep a wish list of books I want and I try to only buy the books on there, but I do get tempted by others sometimes.

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  6. Yes! Some months ago, I bought the complete set of the Lincoln Rhyme crime series by Jeffery Deaver (bought individually from Amazon or charity shops). So far I'm only on No. 4 (there are 13 in the series, with a 14th due out soon, if not already). And that's after abandoning No. 3 a quarter of the way through as I just couldn't get into it. I used to love reading - well, still do - just don't seem to find the time for mammoth reading sessions now.

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    1. There are a couple of series which I follow. I enjoy having a whole set of books to work my way through, or eagerly await the next release. I tend to just read a few chapters at a time when I go to bed, unless the book's so good that I can't put it down.

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  7. I'm a big fan of audiobooks and yes, I have books waiting to be listened to. I'm also re-listening to Dame Agatha's offerings.

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    1. I've never listened to an audio book in my life, I don't know why as they seem such a good idea. You can listen to them whilst getting on with something else. I really must give them a go.

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  8. I too have a pile of books to be read but still pick them up when I see them at the charity shop. Work on the cottage and crafts seems to be on the agenda more than reading of late.

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    1. I find it so hard to resist books, I always look on the bookshelves in the charity shops and I could spend hours in a book shop. Reading is my bed time hobby, I usually read a few chapters before nodding off.

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  9. I didn't do any reading over Christmas but I'm off to the library tomorrow to see what they have. I'm on a low spend month so I'll avoid the charity shop that does 4 for £1.50.

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    1. I'm always surprised when I hear how cheap some charity shops are. Some of the charity shops here charge more than £1.50 for one book! I'm a huge fan of the library though and we should all use them as some people aren't as lucky as to have one nearby, so many have closed down just lately.

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  10. I didn't realize that Agatha Christie had written that many books - it boggles the mind that you won't finish for another 2 years!

    And the answer to your question is a resounding yes! In fact, one of my gift requests over Christmas was a tall, narrow bookcase for the bedroom which will be for knitting books as well as books that are waiting to be read (there is a 2' tall stack of unread gardening books on the floor right now - some of which are over 2 years old!). After a few months of not reading (books) at all, I'm finally getting back to it.

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    1. Agatha Christie also wrote plays and books of short stories as well as novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. It was certainly a long term challenge that I set myself back in 2015. It's so easy to keep buying books when you have so many yet to read, isn't it? If only we had more hours in the day for all our hobbies.

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  11. I have a whole bookcase of reads to read or re-read. Once I read I pass them in then add to my bookcase so I always have lots to choose from. I have joined a challenge to read two book a month, which I am really enjoying xx

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    1. It's good to have a choice of books to read. It's very rare that I reread a book, there's usually plenty of things I haven't yet read that I'm itching to get started on.

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  12. WOW! So many great books waiting for you. I really must look into Harry Potter 😁

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    1. I've read the first four Harry Potter books before but didn't get any further with them so I've decided to refresh my memory by reading them again before starting on the final three. I've seen all the films so I know what happens but I don't think you can beat a book, there's usually lots of things that are missed out of a movie.

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  13. I have a lot of books on my Kindle, having succumbed to quite a few that were only 99p!

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    1. I always look at the offers, I've picked up quite a few books for 99p, and the odd free one too.

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  14. All the best with your reading Jo, maybe you might like the talking book CD's from the library or Amazon audio book scheme. That way you can listen during the day whilst knitting etc. I've listened to the ABC murders on CD from the library. Cathy x

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    1. I think audio books could work really well for me, I could get loads listened to whilst I'm doing other things. I don't know why I've never given them a go before.

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  15. I have so many books to read it's a bit scary. It's a good job books aren't fattening - well, I suppose cookery books could be! LOL

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    1. You're such a prolific reader that I suppose you need plenty of books at the ready. I've streamlined my cookery book library, I used to have so many cookery books but rarely made anything out of them, they're lovely to look at though.

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  16. I'd love to read more like I used to, but just don't seem to have times these days since hubby retired. I'm always busy, but it's mostly mundane stuff, crafting, gardening, preparing meals, our car club commitments & not sure what I else I actually do to fill in time, but, alas it's not much reading. I think I also need new glasses. Enjoy your books & I love hearing about what you are reading. Take care.

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    1. I rarely read during the day but I try to get myself to bed a little earlier than I usually would in order to read, it's a little bit of me time which I really enjoy. I can lose myself in a book.

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  17. It's nice to have a few challenges on the go. The Harry Potters get longer and longer through the series. I wonder if you'll remember whodunit in the Agatha Christies, I always get them muddled up!

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    1. My Agatha Christie challenge is long term but I like knowing exactly what one of my reads is going to be each month. I read a few of the books before when I was in my teens but I don't remember anything about them now and I struggle to remember the first ones I read during this challenge now.

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  18. That's better than having too few unread books, especially at this time of year. You're doing well with the Agatha Christie ones. I've got a few books on my ereader which I keep in reserve, as well as plenty of library and second-hand paperbacks. Happy reading. xx

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    1. It's good having plenty to read, I like having a choice when it comes to picking up a new book. I haven't visited the library for a while, I haven't really needed to, but I think I'll call in this week and see if they've got anything on my wish list as I do like to use it and support it as often as I can.

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  19. I have a whole shelf of books to read! I've put myself on a book buying ban until they're read, but I doubt I'll stick to it. Books are just so enticing!
    I like the idea of reading Agatha Christie in order, June 2020 sounds so far away doesn't it, but it'll be here before we can blink!
    I always thought I read more in the winter than any other month but keeping track last year made me realise that this is not the case at all. I read hardly anything, but I did read a Christmas story in December and it felt wonderfully festive :)
    I read P.D James for the first time this year - Death Comes to Pemberley and really enjoyed it. I might have to try The Mistletoe Murders this Christmas. I'll keep my eyes peeled in charity shops for a copy.

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    1. I find it very hard to resist a book, especially if it's one I particularly want. It doesn't seem that long since I started my Agatha Christie challenge yet more time has passed in the challenge than what's left of it. I think my reading is pretty even the whole year round, though I always read more when I go away on holiday. I don't think I've read anything by PD James before but I'm looking forward to reading The Mistletoe Murders, it was one of the books I received in my Twelve Days of Christmas swap.

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  20. I have so many books piled up in the bedroom on my to read list, I am slowly chipping away at them, but keep adding more! I read the HP books as they came out and did enjoy them xx

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    1. It's so easy to keep buying books, even when you've already got plenty to read. I started reading the Harry Potter books to Daniel but it got to the point where he started reading them himself and that's where I stopped. It'll be good to finally finish them.

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  21. I've not read any H Potter books or seen any of the films, only caught snatches of them by mistake when channel hopping, Jo! Fantasy not my bag, but if this is what people (including yourself) enjoy, then read the books. I only read what I really want to read unless I'm researching for a feature article, life's also too short to finish a book I've started and then find I don't like.
    Having read all the P D James novels as she wrote and published them, a few months ago I bought a paperback of one of her early novels but I only managed to read a few chapters. It had not stood the test of time. I wonder which books we praise today will be as praise-worthy in say three or four decades hence? On the contrary, I have been re-reading Rosamunde Pilcher's long novel, Coming Home, published 20 years ago and this really has lived up to expectations. Well plotted, excellent characters, and real history (WW2) woven into the story.
    I haven't a Kindle or e-reader of any kind, I still love the feel of a book.
    Margaret P

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    1. I'm not usually into fantasy either but I do enjoy Harry Potter and have loved the books I've read so far and enjoyed the films too. I've never read any Rosamunde Pilcher books nor any PD James before either so I'm looking forward to trying something new there. I enjoy the feel of a book too but I love my Kindle as it's so convenient and brilliant when I want to read during the night without disturbing Mick.

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  22. I always have a book on the go ...
    Books that I've read I often re-cycle through charity shops. The only problem, I often come back with more! Which can't be bad.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I'm exactly the same, I can't go into a charity shop without checking out the books they have on offer and the ones I buy, more often than not, end up back there.

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  23. Oh, like you Jo, I have a stack of unread books. So much to do and so little time to do it eh? Once I pick a book up I loathe to put it down and habitually speed read. I could happily spend my entire life reading.xxx

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    1. I have so many hobbies that I could easily fill a 48 hour day. I tend to limit my reading to bedtime as I have other things to do during the day but I sometimes find a book which I just can't put down and then my reading spills into the day too.

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  24. Hi,I Love books.You have some great books to read.I also love to read the Christmassy books.I have started one of the doggy blankets lol.xx Cuddles for the Gorgeous Archie,hope he is doing well.x

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    1. There's some great books in my pile which I'm really looking forward to getting to, it's going to be fun reading the Christmassy books too. Lucky doggy, I should really make Archie a new blanket, he's doing very well, thank you for asking.

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  25. I’m st the stage of needing to replenish my Kindle library.

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    1. I always look on the daily and monthly deals, there's always something which takes my fancy.

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  26. Have you read, 'The Keeper of Lost Things'/ It's wonderful. My husband insisted it was not 'his kind' of book, but I finally persuaded (nagged) him into reading it, and he says it's the best book he's ever read. Another favourite of mine is 'Neverland'. Completely different but brilliant in its own way. Blessings and good reading. PS Another favourite is 'A Long Walk In Winter' by Libby Purvis. It's set in my part of the world, and I loved it.

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    1. I haven't read any of the books you mention but I do keep seeing The Keeper of Lost Things popping up here and there so I'll watch out for it. I always enjoy having recommendations.

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  27. Well done on the Agatha Christie books, that's an achievement in itself. ...... more reading less knitting! lol
    xx

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    1. I'm really enjoying reading the Agatha Christie books, I read some of them in my teens but can't remember anything about them now. Knitting is one of my daytime hobbies, reading is for bedtime, unless I find a book that I can't put down.

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  28. I am trying to read more books from my Kindle as I have around 60 backed up and waiting. I am easily tempted by the daily deal but am also trying to declutter so have been avoiding buying actual books. Like you, I have several Christmas books waiting to be read and I don’t think I’ll save them but will read them when I fancy. Catriona

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    1. I like having a few books to choose from when it comes to starting a new one and, as you say, Kindles are great because you can store plenty on there without taking up actual space. I've got a few Christmas books to read and then I'll choose some new ones when Christmas comes around again.

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  29. I always have a pile of books on my to-read list! You've given me a couple more to add, I think.:) I've read all of the Harry Potter series, but it was so long ago (high school!) that I think I'd enjoy a whole new perspective on them.

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    1. I'm thoroughly enjoying reading the Harry Potter books, I read some of them to Daniel when he was young but stopped reading them myself when he decided he wanted to read the rest of them himself. I think they're great books for young or old.

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  30. oh i laughed!! I've a bookcase or 3 of books to read - not just a pile! I have read a lot this summer though. I just need to stay out of bookshops!

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    1. It's so easy to keep buying books even though you've already got plenty to read, I find books very tempting but I do try to restrain myself until the pile of books is getting quite low. I don't think it's a bad thing having plenty of choice where books are concerned though.

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