I have a terrible habit of spreading myself too thin. Usually, this involves me working on a handful of projects at once, under-estimating how long something will take, and stuff like that. Although, it appears this habit I’m trying to shake has found its way into my reading life.

At the start of the year, I had the “wonderful” idea to read at least three books each month while aiming for five. Some months that was possible. Other months, especially in the past few when I’ve been focusing on getting my next book ready for release, I’ve hardly had the time to read one book. That, in turn, means a backlog of “In Progress” books in my Goodreads that continues to grow each month.

While I have so many wonderful books waiting to be read on my shelf, I’ve decided to spend the last two months of 2021 marking these “In Progress” books complete. That’s why my November & December TBR list only includes “second chance” books.

What Counts as A “Second Chance” Book?

The books I’m reading for the remainder of the year are the books I’ve previously started and didn’t complete for whatever reason. Many of these books weren’t completed when I first started them for reasons like:

• Difficuly vibing with the book the first time around
• Getting too excited about another book in my TBR pile to finish
• Running out of time that month

“Second chance” books also include those I planned to read during a certain month but didn’t, mostly because of lack of time.

So now that you’re all caught up, let’s see what I’m reading for the remainder of the year!

1). Conjure Women

Original TBR month: January

Current completion percentage: 29%

Reason for not completing: I have a pretty difficult time with reading non-linear timeline novels. With three different POVs and various years in which the story takes place, I found myself struggling to get through this novel the first time around. I’m hoping with less on my plate now, I can better focus on the non-linear timeline.

2). Midnight in Chernobyl

Original TBR month: February

Current completion percentage: 25%

Reason for not completing: I’ve always had a very interesting relationship with non-fiction. My hope was to branch out of my usual reading habits this year and expand into genres I normally don’t touch, hence why non-fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy were included in my reading this list year. While I chose a non-fiction novel on a topic I’m very interested in, I struggled with the highly scientific information. I’m hoping with more time on my hands, I’ll have an easier time understanding things that previously confused me.

3). Arsenic and Adobo

Original TBR month: April

Current completion percentage: 18%

Reason for not completing: With this one, I honestly don’t have a good reason. I was immediately drawn in when I first started. With this novel, it really was a case of running out of time. I’ve been wanting to pick this novel up again for months, and I’m excited I finally have the chance again.

4). People We Meet on Vacation

Original TBR month: April

Current completion percentage: 40%

Reason for not completing: As previously mentioned, I have a hard time with non-linear timelines. I got nearly halfway finished when my brain decided it needed a break. Although, like Arsenic and Adobo, I’ve been thinking about this novel for months. I’m hoping that the second time around I’ll have an easier time.

5). Misery

Original TBR month: September

Current completion percentage: 0%

Reason for not completing: I, unfortunately, didn’t get the chance to start Misery back in September. I was extremely busy editing my manuscript that I didn’t get to read any of it!

6). The Twisted Ones

Original TBR month: September

Current completion percentage: 43%

Reason for not completing: The first time around, I couldn’t get into this novel. It was a bit slow for my liking. I think having limited characters in the novel, at least from what I’ve read so far, added to my initial difficulties. I’m hoping that with some time away, I’ll return recharged.

7). The Haunting of Hill House

Original TBR month: October

Current completion percentage: 0%

Reason for not completing: Another case of, “I just didn’t have enough time.” I didn’t get to start this in October, but I’m eager to start it at the end of this year.

8). ‘Salem’s Lot

Original TBR month: October

Current completion percentage: 40%

Reason for not completing: I had a challenging time getting into this novel the first time around because of its slow start. I decided to take a short break and return with a clear head, which I’m excited to do.

9). The Amityville Horror

Original TBR month: October

Current completion percentage: 0%

Reason for not completing: Honestly, October flew by. While I didn’t get to read this during prime spooky time, I’m just as excited to mark this off my TBR list.

10). Home Before Dark

Original TBR month: October

Current completion percentage: 41%

Reason for not completing: Same thing with my other October TBR books: I just didn’t have the time to finish this in October.

What Are You Reading?

My plan is to finish as many of these novels as possible over the next two months. What about you?

As someone who’s always on the hunt for my next favorite book, please share what you’re reading so I can continue to expand my little library.