As readers, I find that one of the experiences that unifies us as a group is a growing TBR list. I think it’s a thing to celebrate – that endless optimism and a yearning for more couple to create a magpie-like collection compulsion in us readers, who pile our books higher and higher, saying “someday I’ll read them all”.
Here is the remainder of my TBR list of books published in 2017. I loved reading so many books as they were published, and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the discussion as we readers experienced their stories fresh off the presses. No matter how I tried, I couldn’t get to everything – but I will, someday!
Sea of Rust
Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill appears to offer me everything I’m usually looking for in a good ol’ scifi read: robots, artificial intelligence, a dystopian setting, adventure, intrigue, high stakes, and a solid battle between good and evil. I don’t know quite why I haven’t gobbled it up yet, other than out of a clearly vain attempt to break outside my scifi comfort zone. I’m really looking forward to getting into this one.
Six Wakes
Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty presents such an interesting concept, I know it’ll be a thrill to read – when I can get to it. Reading the description, of a “… space adventure set on a lone ship where the clones of a murdered crew must find their murderer — before they kill again,” I’m reminded for some reason of some of the most enjoyable scifi films and tv of the last few years, particularly the show “Dark Matter”. I love it when I’m firmly minded of another product I enjoy but don’t know why. It’s always fun seeing what similarities there end up being – and how off-base I might have been!
Edit: Read my review here.
Provenance
Ann Leckie’s Provenance has been on my radar since the beginning of my 2017 challenge. I was already aware of Ann Leckie’s “Imperial Radch” series but all I knew was that it was popular. When Provenance was announced, it seemed like the perfect “in” to Leckie’s universe and her writing. Since then, Provenance has earned its own accolades, and I’m more interested than ever to see what all the hype is about.
Exit West
Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West is one of the first books that made it onto my “to read” list this past year, and I am ready for it. Particularly considering just how explosive the positive reactions to it have been over time, I can only expect a thrill.
The Space Between the Stars
The Space Between the Stars by Anne Corlett is one of the last debuts on my “to read” list. One of the true highlights of my 2017 journey has been seeking out debuts, and by-and-large I’ve been amazed by what I’ve encountered. I fully expect Corlett’s book to ice that cake, and I’m thrilled to get started. I’ll confess, I tried to start it once but unthinkingly confused it with the Stars are Legion. Boy, was that like reaching for Sprite and getting lemon juice!
The Will to Battle
I’ve been waiting with bated breath for Ada Palmer’s next installment of her “Terra Ignota” series since I was about 1/2-way through the last one. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of her work, and The Will to Battle is sure to deliver on every one of Seven Surrenders‘s promises. Her work does take a little extra attention, though, so I’ve been saving this one for a nice, long, rainy weekend.
Who Fears Death
I forget how I first heard about Nnedi Okorafor’s Who Fears Death, but I’ve had my eye on this one for a while. With the story optioned by HBO for an adaptation with George R.R. Martin at the helm, it’s clear I’m not alone in my excitement for this story. I’m sure Who Fears Death and I have a wonderful future ahead of us, and I am really looking forward to it.
The Power
The Power by Naomi Alderman is definitely one of the more surprising entries on this list, as far as personal interests go. The premise is great, but I typically don’t enjoy stories set in alternate realities that are close mirrors of our own but with *that one little thing* changed around. The “a world run by women would think of a world run by men as kinder, more caring, and sexier” bit (and ones like it) just falls a little flat with me. However, I read The Power’s prologue when it first hit stores and I knew it was destined for my shelves. I’m still not sure I’ll appreciate it for its universe, but I know I owe it my time.
Edit: Read my review here.
The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.
The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. is the first Neal Stephenson book I’ve ever struggled with, and I really can’t explain why. It’s the one book I tried last year, over and over again, but I just couldn’t get past the first few pages. I’m keeping this one on my “to read” list for two reasons only: 1) it’s Neal Stephenson, and 2) Byron really enjoyed it. Here’s hoping that 2018 is the year for me and Neal!
Tomorrow’s Kin
Tomorrow’s Kin by Nebula Award winner Nancy Kress was the very last addition to my 2017 “to read” list. Byron gave it to me as a Christmas gift, and it’s evidence that sometimes our friends know us better than we know ourselves. It’s a classic “first contact” story, that looks as though it starts out a lot like Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang before taking a hard left toward “the Earth is doomed” territory. I have no idea how I missed this book when it came out, but I’m making up for lost time in the anticipation department now.
2017 brought us some absolutely incredible books, particularly in the science fiction and fantasy genres. It truly was a banner year for us readers, and 2018 is shaping up to be even better!
What 2017 books are still on your TBR shelves? What books did I miss? Did you read any of the books on my list? Let me know in the comments!
