ON MY RADAR | February 2016

This is essentially a TBR but I wanted to give it a new name. With TBRs, I usually end up reading a couple of books on the list and then reading a bunch that weren't on the list or I spend so much time making it that I follow it religiously and feel horrible if I don't get to all of the titles. With this new On My Radar heading, I'm removing the weight that the words "to be read" carry. I don't want there to be any pressure with my reading; instead, this list will serve as suggestions for how my month will look. I will still be utilizing the New Releases, On My Shelf (randomly plucked from my unread titles basket [or if something on my shelf is standing out to me]), and Popsugar Challenge subheadings, but I will try not to be so strict in having to get to all of those titles each month.

I have still been enjoying reading but, as of late, it has been feeling very mechanical. I finish one book, rate it, review it, pick up another book. Repeat. I feel like this will only lead to a slump if I keep picking names off of a list with no regard to what I actually feel like reading at that moment. So, yeah, this is pretty much a TBR but with a different name and a different expectation. Who knows if it will actually change anything!

New Releases

• A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly This concept just sounds so cool. Magic and the prohibition of magic and a gorgeous cover and ugh, give it to me now.
• Where Futures End by Parker Peevyhouse Another awesome concept. What else can I say?

Popsugar Challenge

• Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta I first heard of this book only a few weeks ago. I will be reading it for the prompt regarding an unfamiliar culture. 
• White Oleander by Janet Fitch I have watched this film, like, a long time ago, but I never read the book. This is for the "a book on Oprah's Book Club" prompt.

On My Shelf

• Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel by Sara Farizan Even though both of these books were picked via random draw, a Books and Balks reading month wouldn't be complete without at least one book dealing with LGBT+ themes. While I wasn't overly impressed with the first book I read by this author, I'm sure this one will be enjoyable enough.
• What I Had Before I Had You by Sarah Cornwell I have no particular feelings towards this one yet. The cover is gorgeous, I think, and the premise sounds interesting enough, but I think it will take something special to wow me.