Keeping Things in Order

As I organize myself in preparation of tackling the ever-growing, never-ending TBR pile, I am struck by how people organize their home libraries, especially after my journey between minimalism and maximalism. As much as the trend is to organize by colour right now, I would be even more mixed up in trying to locate titles. Since my preference is to keep books in publication order for each author, this helps series to remain together (for the most part). I also enjoy seeing the evolution of how authors write as their books progress.

Furthermore, there seems to be more attention paid to how spines can look, thus leading to some of my favourite series depicting complete scenes when placed next to each other in order—a real visual feast! My absolute favourite to date is the Hope and Glory series from Elizabeth Camden for both the spine art and the cover art which all links together. I couldn't imagine breaking those titles up for aesthetic value when it already exists. A visual cacophony of colours, if you will, is still eye-catching to regard.

With my books already categorized by genre and then sorted alphabetically by author, it shouldn't be too difficult to locate the next read. While I have a LibraryThing account that catalogues everything I have, it is not fully accurate as there remain some titles that I have donated and not tracked accordingly. However, I am grateful for this service as it's a handy reminder of what books I need to read, including the ARCs I received from the Early Reviewers program.

There are several methods that I am thinking of utilizing to sort out which books I should tackle first. The first is to go back to my LibraryThing account and compile a list of my oldest TBR books. I started doing this recently and was amazed at how many books remain on the list from when I was in college several decades ago. The second is to randomize the books to read in which I have written down the authors' names and placed them on scrap pieces of paper to be drawn at whim.

While my Christian non-fiction list really reflects the genres I have been interested in over time, telling its own story, I cannot say the same for Christian fiction. Therefore, I believe I will approach the non-fiction titles a little more systematically and the fiction titles with a little more surprise. I wish I had the time or capability of wrapping up my TBRs nicely in kraft paper as some Bookstagrammers are doing, but I am content to draw names for now. Although I have joked with my husband that he can re-gift me the books I have not yet read, I may prefer the element of surprise to come a different way 😄

Comments

Review: The Trials of the Title - The Royals of Andelar #2

With Chinese and Lunar New Year taking place this month, I've been excited to share about this book as it's written by Asian author, Joy Crain , and features Asian main characters. The Trials of the Title is the second book in The Royals of Andelar series and is a royal adventure that combines amnesia and God's sovereignty in a beautiful cultural story (while making you want to travel!). Content to be aware of : a few beach scenes where touch is involved, a kiss while betrothed Book Synopsis Three years ago, Princess Saraphina’s life changed forever when her older sister was stripped of her title and banished for daring to love a man their abusive father didn’t approve of. Unwilling to make the same mistake, or any mistakes at all, Sara fades into the role of heir thrust upon her. The last thing she wants to do is make her abusive father angrier. But now he’s dead, and she is determined to be a very different kind of ruler. With one month before she’s crowned and forced i...

Diverse Stories

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ann J. David Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Vida Li Sik Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Amanda Deed Jenny Glazebrook Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur ...

Review: Surprised by Faith

This book review was long overdue, and though it took longer than it should have, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to read this book recently. I'd like to thank Aneko Press and LibraryThing for providing a complimentary copy of Surprised by Faith by Dr. Don Bierle for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Thoughts content is also posted on LibraryThing. Book Synopsis The world is changing so rapidly that many are shaken with uncertainties. This is compounded by an erosion of confidence in absolute truth and traditional values. The result is a floundering search for a reliable source of purpose and meaning in life. Fear, not anticipation, fills some hearts as people think about the future. Some contend that turning to faith is anti-intellectual. “God is about religion,” they say, “a crutch for the weak.” These are mere caricatures resulting from ignorance. This book confronts false stereotypes and examines the astonishing body of scientific and histori...