7 To-Read Lists to Help You Read More Books This Year
Our TBR (to-be-read) lists are enormous. In fact, they’re so gargantuan that sometimes we get overwhelmed by merely looking at them. It’s times like these when we turn to reap the efforts of anonymous book loving strangers.
We’re talking about Goodreads, of course. If you don’t know what Goodreads is... it’s an online site that lets you track your reading progress, write and read reviews for titles, and compile both public and private book-themed lists. Some of the most popular lists on Goodreads are “TBR” lists, and it’s here that we turn to when in need of some quick TBR fatigue relief. Because even though we make book inspired candles and bookish merch, choosing our favorites when it comes to what to read next can be nearly impossible. So without further ado, here are some of our favorite TBR lists.
Books That Everyone Should Read At Least Once
Top five on the list: To Kill a Mockingbird, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1), 1984, Pride and Prejudice, The Diary of a Young Girl
If you get overwhelmed by the number of suggestions that get thrown your way when you say that you want to read the classics, then this list’s for you. Make your way through this list at your own pace and ignore the dozens of well-meant suggestions of your friends and family. Because honestly, you can only have so many people give you their favorite classic novel recommendations before you begin to lose track of all the titles.
Best "Strong Female" Fantasy Novels
Top five on the list: Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1), Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1), Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1), Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness, #1), Poison Study (Study, #1).
To quote the creator of this list, “This DOES NOT include: Science-Fiction (including Dystopian, Apocalyptic, or Post-Apocalyptic).” What it does include is some of the best women-lead fantasy novels. These novels tend to skew a little towards the YA side, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
Best for Book Clubs
Top five on the list: The Help, The Kite Runner, Water for Elephants, The Book Thief, To Kill a Mockingbird
Looking for a book to read in your book club? Then look no further! This list is full of novels that any group can enjoy. Plus, since these books are so well known and received, there are ample online resources to turn to when it comes to discussion prompts and reading guides.
Best ADULT Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Paranormal Romance
Top five on the list: Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, #1), Darkfever (Fever, #1), Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, #1), Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1), Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1).
Making our way through the genres, here’s a great list for all of those adult paranormal romance lovers. If bodice rippers aren’t your style, but you’re still looking for a good book that’ll add some heat and spice to your evening, then this is the list you need. Being an adult-themed list, you won’t find any young adult novels amongst the titles, instead, you’ll find some series that’ll send you howling at the moon in one way or another. Too much? Sometimes we get carried away by a good pun.
100 Books to Read in a Lifetime
Top five on the list: To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, The Diary of a Young Girl, 1984, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1).
If the “Books That Everyone Should Read At Least Once” list is too long for you, then take a look at this condensed version. Pared down to 100 titles, this list contains some solid recommendations. This list spans most genres and is a great place to turn to when you’re looking for a book recommendation that will help to expand your literary appreciation.
Best Twists
Top five on the list: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7), And Then There Were None, My Sister's Keeper, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6), The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, #2).
Looking for a book that’ll completely shock you in the last thirty pages, or will have so many twists and turns throughout that you’ll continuously be letting out unbridled gasps of surprise? Enter the aptly named “Best Twists” list. Full of classic twisty authors like Agatha Christie and lesser-known authors like Ellen Raskin. You should pay close attention to the intended audience for each title if that’s a concern of yours. These recommendations span from YA to adult.
Books That Make You Think
Top five on the list: Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart, 1984, Siddhartha, Animal Farm, The Man Without Qualities
Sometimes you need a good thought-provoking novel to break up the monotony of your everyday life. When such a time comes, turn the Books That Make You Think list. This list is comprised of novels that will ensnare your mind and stay with you long after you’ve completed the story.
Read What You Love with Frostbeard
We love reading; it’s why we spend our days creating imaginative book themed candles and creative merch. Having a list that you can turn to when you just need a quick recommendation is awesome, and that’s why we love these lists so much. If you want to see what we’re currently reading, you can always check out Tom and Roxie’s Goodreads pages or follow our Books We Read board on Pinterest.
