TBR stands for “To Be Read” and is a big deal in the book world. New Years is the perfect time to plan your TBR in 2020. Planning a TBR is no easy task. You may wonder what books should you be reading? How do you select books for your TBR? Should you read outside your favorite genre? Should you read best sellers, classics, or indie books? What authors have books coming out in 2020 that you should be planning for? Let us help you answer these questions.
Tips for creating your TBR in 2020
There is no right or wrong way to build your TBR. An easy way to create your TBR is to write down books as you hear about them, but keeping track of that list all year long might be difficult. Some may spend some time researching the best books of their favorite author or genre, spiderwebbing from there. It doesn’t have to be difficult, you may just want to write down books as they come to mind. However, you make your TBR in 2020, here are a few tips to consider:
- Start with a goal. How many books do you want to read this year? If you read an average of one book per month, then make a list of 12 books. Make sure you consider hot times of the year for reading. Maybe you read more in the summer because you’re off school or take vacation. In that case, add more beach books to your list.
- List your must-reads first, then those books that you just HAVE to read. Maybe you really want to read a couple classics this year. Or a friend has been pestering you to start her favorite book and you know you’ll need that added in your list. Be sure you include your must reads first, then add in your obligatory reads.
- Mix it up! Just because you love mystery books doesn’t mean your list cant include a memoir!
- Get some recommendations from friends and other book lovers.
- Book clubs are a great way to get a steady stream of new books every few weeks. If you’re not a social butterfly consider joining an online book group. Either way, you will often have great bookish conversations and find new friends in book clubs.
- Visit the Books That Make You Website. We’re always discovering new authors and talking about books. There is a monthly book list so you always have current reading suggestions, and there are many stories and articles for you to explore. Check it out as you write up your TBR in 2020.
This year is going to be a great year for books! Not to mention, books that have been out for a couple years that should not slip by you again. Here are some to consider for your list:
Sara Winokur – Double Blind
Coming March of 2020, get ready for this hot Nordic Thriller. A boy disappears in the chill of North Iceland. Twenty years later, a mysterious poem lands on the desk of his twin sister, a forensic geneticist, and rekindles her hopes that her brother is alive. As she unravels the clues, more poems arrive, however each bear dire consequences for those who receive them. If you like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Da Vinci Code this book is for you.
Sheryl Benko – The Last of Will
This award-winning coming of age story is fun for any age. Sarcastic teenager Greer must travel across country with her cemetery-worker dad to deliver the ashen remains of a client, Will. Along the way she realizes what’s important and has a lot of laughs and tears. You will adore this page-turner.
NJ Ayuk – Billions at Play: The Future of African Energy and Doing Deals
Building on the success of his first book Big Barrels: African Oil & Gas and the Quest for Prosperity, NJ Ayuk in Billions at Play: The Future of African Oil and Doing Deals gives reveals his unique take on what leaders and investors should be doing to build success in energy. Political junkies, anyone interested in energy, or the environment should read this eye-opening book. Learn the shocking truth about how China and Russia are already taking advantage of African energy, and the US is left behind. Billions at Play hit number one spots on Amazon Best-Sellers List in African Politics and Oil and Energy.
David Ruggerio – A Wistful Tale of Gods, Men and Monsters
Can a village be inherently evil? Welcome to small town Brunswick NY, Population 4,941. There, a young boy named William Willowsby must battle evil forces that have been shielded by the locals for generations. On the outskirts of the town is the abandoned Forest Park Cemetery. Locations in the story are based on real life places in NY. This book has a classic scary-story vibe that would be a fun read for the whole family.
J.M. Kelly – Monster on the Moors
Perfect for middle school, highs chool and YA fans, Monster on the Moors is the second by J. M. Kelly. The mystery is an homage to Sherlock Holmes. In it, Bobby Holmes, his cousin Brenda Watson and friends are embroiled in a deadly mystery in the North York Moors of England. An old beggar warns Bobby to stay away, but these kids are determine to figure out the mystery.
Brandyn Cross – The Legacy Series: Book One
This novella series is one of a kind. This is the story of a boy who is lonely, abused, and terminally ill. Based on the real correspondence in the early days of the internet in the 90s. The thoughts he shares with his online friends will give you insights into the mind of a child going through hell, but in the end, there is a positive message of hope and happiness. Author Brandyn Cross for tells this tale through message-board style writing that will captivate readers. Book One releases in February, 2020, with more quick reads to follow throughout the year. If you’re looking for a new series to add to your TBR in 2020, this is it.
Bilal Alaji – This Ain’t My Life
Growing up Muslim, author Bilal experiences many trials throughout his youth. As he fights and claws his way out of every obstacle he relies on his faith to pull him through. In This Ain’t My Life, Bilal describes his willingness to never give up on finding his true purpose in life. As he goes through the shelter system, failed marriages, and criminal proceedings; Bilal refuses to accept that this is the life he was meant to live by starting “This Ain’t My Life.” A chart-topper on Amazon in Islam Biographies and Rap Music.
Naomi Brett Rourke – Straight Outta Tombstone
Naomi Brett Rourke contributed her story The Coyote to this short story collection of weird wild west tales by many talented and famous authors. Fans of sci-fi and wild west stories can’t get enough of this anthology. 17 stories breathe life into the Old West with soul sucking ghosts, wayward aliens, killer bees, zombies, vampires and more. The pages fly by as you read captivating story after story of spooky, yet fun strange fiction westerns. Be sure to add this book to your 2020 TBR list!
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