A few months ago I did a post where I looked at the books that I’ve collected over the years but haven’t yet got around to reading. Inspired by this, this year I really want to start making a dent in my backlist rather than constantly being seduced by shiny new books!
Last year I had the same goal, and so decided to take part in the Beat the Backlist challenge – where I aimed to read at least one book a month that I had owned since pre-2017 (it’s running again in 2018 if you’re interested). I didn’t do too well on this one, so this year I feel like I need to be more specific!
I’ve picked 8 specific books from my own backlist that I’m going to prioritise in 2018. I’m planning to review this after six months and see where I’m at with this list. Hopefully I’ll have made some good progress and will be able to add some more titles!
The books I’ve chosen are from all different genres, and there’s a good mix of page counts too – as I was conscious not to choose too many huge books that might feel intimidating! They’re all ones that I originally bought or acquired, in one form or another, because I really wanted to read them, so I’m really looking forward to starting to work through the list.
So, in 2018 I’m definitely going to read…
- A Little Life: I was desperate to read this book. Everyone I know that’s read it has told me how great it is. I originally downloaded it in audiobook form and struggled to get into it, but I’m really looking forward to giving it another go.
- The Stand: This one has been on my TBR for ages, but the size of it has been a bit off-putting! I’m sure I’ll enjoy it once I get started though.
- Notes from an Exhibition: I’ve actually had this one for years but haven’t yet read it. I recently read and loved Gale’s A Place Called Winter’, so that’s given me new motivation to pick this one up!
- Six of Crows: I really don’t know why I haven’t read this yet. I’ve heard only good things.
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: I picked this one up second hand a while back and I’ve heard so much about it. It sounds absolutely fascinating. I rarely read non-fiction and it’s one of my 2018 goals to read more in this genre, so this is a good place to start.
- The Blind Assassin: I love Margaret Atwood but I haven’t had a chance to get to this yet. Watching the TV adaption of The Handmaid’s Tale as well as Alias Grace on Netflix has made me really keen to read more of her works.
- Wrath: This is the final book in a series that I love. However, I left it too long and have forgotten so many details. I could really do with rereading the previous book to refresh my memory, but haven’t found the time. I’m going to have to find a summary online somewhere or a spoilery review before I start this one.
- All the Light We Cannot See: I’ve actually started this one a couple of times but never got further than the first chapter. I don’t know what’s been putting me off. It got so many great reviews though that I’m going to try again.
What are the books that you most want to read in 2018? Have you read any that are on my list?
The Stacked Shelf 
I really want to read some more Margaret Atwood this year too, especially The Blind Assassin and Alias Grace. Six of Crows is fantastic!
I studied Alias Grace at school and really enjoyed it despite that – always a sign of a good book! And I know, I really need to bump Six of Crows up my TBR – I have no idea why I haven’t read it yet as I know I’ll love it!
I would love to read Six of Crows and A Little Life this year as well! I hope you get to all of these and you enjoy them!
Thanks! I’m going to start Six of Crows next, hopefully I’ll love it as much as everyone else seems to! Hope you also have a good reading year!
I’m also doing Beat the Backlist this year & am on team Dewey Dragons 🙂
It’s such a good way to tick off some books that have been on your TBR for a while! Good luck with your list!
Six of Crows is on my list, too! I also really want to start Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series. Happy reading!
The Red Rising series is so good – I loved it! I binge read all three one after the other last year! Hope you enjoy it and also get to Six of Crows soon! Let me know what you think!
I saw Stephen King in the header and clicked instantly. Oh wow, I literally just finished The Stand the other day! I really liked it. I read it on a few train journeys and got absorbed quickly. It does look weighty – like It is – but is worth it, for the enjoyable read! 🙂
Ah that’s so great to hear! I need to just start it, as I’m sure I’ll be hooked! I’ve read a couple of Stephen King books and always enjoyed them – are there any others you’d recommend?
SIX OF CROWS IS AMAZING, Emma you must read it!! 🙈 I really need to pick up All the Light We Cannot See, as well, I’ve heard nothing but good things. Lovely post!
Thank you! 🙂 Yes I know – Six of Crows is next on my list – I don’t know why I haven’t read it yet as I’m sure I’ll love it! There are too many books I need to read though!!
Six of Crows is on my list, as well, and I’ve heard such good things about it. And if I like it (which I’m sure I will), then I’ll be reading Crooked Kingdom, too. 🙂 I look forward to seeing what you think about it!
Nice selection!
The Stand is one of my favourite reads of all times.
I found A Little Life super depressing though.
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This is such a great idea! I’ve accidentally made a bit of a dent in my older kindle books. It’s really hard to stay up with my digital books but shocking harder to get through all my physical books. Thanks for the inspiration!