If you’re anything like the writers here at Literally, Darling, then you probably know what it feels like to have a seemingly never-ending pile of books to be read. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been known to buy five new books for every single book I finish. I can’t help it… I love seeing my personal library bursting off the shelves in stacks around my bedroom. And I deserve a reward for finishing another book, right? My TBR book collection has pretty much taken over what used to be a collection of finished books. Some of our fabulous writers have pitched in to share which books are currently in their to-be-read piles and why they’re so excited to read them.
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
“I’m a huge Melanie Benjamin fan, as evidenced in my 5 biographical fiction books article. She writes powerful fictionalized accounts of real women that history has overlooked. This book is about Truman Capote and his relationship with Babe Paley, a New York Socialite in the 1950s.”
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
“As an aspiring writer, As I Lay Dying is one of the most meaningful books I’ve read. His style is appealing and his characters are compelling and flawed. I definitely want to get my hands on as many of his works as possible.”
The Girls by Emma Cline
“I think it’ll be one of my first purchases when I move and get settled in. One of my favorite writers has been raving about it, and says it has ‘a pulse’ so how could you not want to get your hands on something like that?”
Maybe In Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“I just bought this one as a belated birthday gift to myself because it sounds like it was written for me: the chronic ‘what if?’ thinker. I love the idea of a book that switches off between two possible outcomes—especially when the two outcomes result in two drastically different stories. Every little decision matters.”
A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock
“TheSkimm recommended this book months ago and it’s been on my to-read list ever since. It tells the story of a rich woman in the 1920s who is enduring a dull, empty marriage—until a mysterious painter enters the picture and grabs her attention. Sneaky passion? Color me intrigued.”
Dear Emma by Katie Heaney
“I put Dear Emma on my to-read list as soon as Katie Heaney announced on Twitter that she’d written a novel. Katie is a fantastic, funny writer and just so happens to be the author of one of my all-time favorite books (as well as a fellow Illinois Wesleyan alum!). This is her debut novel, so I’m especially excited to read this one.”
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
“I’ve been stuck in the actual longest rut and I’ve been meaning to read this book. Not only have fellow Literally, Darling writers found inspiration in it, but also a number of creative professionals I look up to have raved about it. As an aspiring writer/creative, I think Big Magic will give me the spark I seem to have lost.”
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
“I’m kind of late to the party on this, but The Girl on the Train has been on my to-read list for months! I haven’t read anything captivating in a long time and from what I’ve heard, this one has a Gone Girl vibe that makes it hard to put down. I also snuck a peek at the recently released movie trailer and was immediately sucked in (but I stopped before I got spoiled too much).”
Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick
“That’s right, Anna Kendrick—the wildly talented, sassy singer-slash-actress has written her first book. From what I’ve seen, homegirl has some hilarious thoughts, comments, and anecdotes. I can only imagine how great her book of autobiographical essays and personal stories will be. This one won’t be out until November, but I can’t wait!”
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
“I saw this movie during the height of Oscars season and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since then. It was beautifully directed and the cast was amazing. I can’t wait to dive into the book and see the differences. Perk of seeing the movie first on this one? I’ll know how to say Irish words and can hear the accents in my head as I read.”
The Martian by Andy Weir
“This is another movie I watched first instead of reading the book. A lot of people I’ve talked to said the book holds more science than the movie, and for the first time that might be a plus for me. I loved the science behind how you could live on mars. I also loved the snark of the main character trying to hold onto his sanity and I can’t wait to read more.”
What books are in your TBR pile? We’d love to see this list grow, so leave a comment below or tweet us @litdarling!
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