Hi friends! Looking at my bookshelves with no space for new books anymore, 900 physical copies unread and no book buying bans on the horizon, I needed to do something. So, I decided to do the Try A Chapter method I saw some people doing. I have so many books that I doubt I’d like or not on my shelves keeping space for years, it’s time for deciding, do they stay or go? I must say I enjoyed the process massively, so I’d recommend it if you have a very large TBR pile like me. It was fun discovering my books and getting surprised 🙂
I will do this in stacks of books each time, and here is my first 10 books:
You know the drill, I read a chapter of each and decide if I liked it enough to keep or unhaul. I’d love to hear from you if I’m wrong in my decisions, if you read the book, what are your thoughts. Here we go:
HELL YEAH, I’m keeping this book. This is a past Booker winner, I don’t know why it’s been sitting on my shelves since 2008! But, here we go. I read the first page, and I knew it was a big yes. I loved the writing, the humour and the plot. I actually couldn’t put it down, and continued reading it. I’d suggest you check it out if you haven’t read it like me.
NO. This is not staying. I really didn’t click with the writing style. Plus, I read some reviews and it looks like a sad book. If I’m reading YA contemporary, I want it to be uplifting and fun. Otherwise, I have lots of sad literary fictions to go through 🙂
YES, staying. I thought I was done with Nicholas Sparks after crying my eyes out reading and watching The Notebook, but the man has it guys. I read the preface and it was enough. Although it says explicitly it will be sad, I’m so intrigued.
YES, this stays too. Looking at the cover, and God knows why bought this, I was sure to unhaul it. But, when I read the first Chapter, the writing was really charming, it was suspenseful and I liked the main character immediately. I do enjoy YA mysteries when it’s done well anyway. So, there we go 🙂
YES. This is staying too, mainly because of the very intriguing prologue. It’s a YA fantasy and I think it could be fun. I did enjoy the chapter too. And this is recommended by one of you on Twitter, so I’m going to give it a try.
YES, this stays too. The first chapter was so emotional that it captured me. It’s a very praised book about a family drama, so I’ll continue reading this to see if I’ll like it. Gorgeous cover colours also!
NO, this goes. I couldn’t even finish the first chapter. It’s a book about Hindu mythologies, and I thought it was beautifully written, lyrical. However, I know I’m not going to read it anytime soon. Also, if I’ll look for the content, probably I’ll go for more a fictional telling.
YES, this stays. It’s a classic set up of 2 narrators telling the story in different time zones (1936 and 2016) and we alternate between past and present. They live in the same house eighty years apart from each other, with secrets to be unlocked. I love this setting and so far the 2 different women intrigued me. I might leave this for summer to read, but it stays.
These two were really difficult to decide. They are on my shelves for a very long time and clearly I always pushed them back. At the same time, I like this kind of fictionalised historical novels that tell the real events. After reading a chapter, I liked the writing on Empress Orchid more, so I will KEEP that, and UNHAUL Becoming Madame Mao.
So, here we are. I unhauled 3 out of 10. I was expecting more, but I’m glad I felt excited for the books I own and it will push me to read the books that I keep on my shelves for years. I will keep reading White Tiger, All Fall Down, Far From The Tree and Fandom while I’m really excited and started. And I will leave A Walk To Remember and A House Of Secrets to summer time. I hope you enjoyed this post. Let’s chat in comments!
Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading!
Umut
What a fantastic way of getting rid of books. I try and do something similar when I get out books from the library, unless I’m in a rush!
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I did several unhauls, and I reached to the point I can’t get rid of any unless I know for sure I won’t like the book, so this was my last resort 🙂 Thanks Nicki! x
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This is so fun! I don’t think you’re missing out on too much by unhauling Eleanor and Park. Was not my favourite! I absolutely loved Far From the Tree so I was so happy to see you’re keeping it!
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Thanks Kristin! I’m glad to hear I was in the right direction 🙂 It was absolutely so much fun. I’ll keep doing it for sure, thanks for stopping by! x
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Love this post and the concept! Wish I had your courage to let a book go😬
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Thanks a lot! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂 when I hesitate I always remind myself that it’s opening space for a potential better book, that helps 🙂 x
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I can’t get passed the fact you said you had 900 unread books. NINE HUNDRED! I coming over to stay with you for a year (or two) and will gladly help you read those books. Ha! Ha!
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😂😂 you made me laugh! We have a large library with hubbie both of us being book lovers. You’re very welcome to stay and read 😊 x
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Now that would be my dream holiday! Do you do B&B? 😉
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Umut I so look foreword to your book reviews!…they are awesome…being an avid reader also..I just had to switch to reading with my Kindle..or my house isn’t big enough to hold all my books and art supplies too…lol..3 out of 10 huh..better than I. Would have done I’m afraid😊😍
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lol! I did the Kindle thing too, I have another 200 there, but I still love buying physical copies, can’t help it. And let’s not get started with art supplies and all the paints! Thanks so much for stopping by Donna, and your kind words 🙂 xx
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Good idea for a post! Although if I read a first chapter of several books I’d probably get confused. Problem with all my books is that I know I want to read them all!
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I also decreased my library at a number that I supposedly wan to read them all. But, if we do the maths, it will take me around 9 years to read what I have, plus of course I’ll buy new books 🙂 So, I said if a writer couldn’t pull off a good opening chapter, I’m not reading it 🙂 If anything, it was so much fun to read 10 books and decide. Thanks for visiting! x
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Wonderful post Umut, I thought you’d be unhauling more books too!
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Well, you never know. I had good books 🙂 x
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Hey, I think I may do the same. I hope you don’t mind I copy your idea 😛 I enjoy reading your post very much. Thank you 🙂
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I’d be delighted to read yours, of course not! And it’s not my idea, it all goes around everywhere, I saw it on Youtube from booktubers 🙂 x
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Good idea, but I think I would struggle to stop at just the first chapter if the book was a keeper 😀
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Oh yeah, I did that too. 😂 but, what’s the harm in reading a good book from your library? I’m actually glad 🙂
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