Autumn has always been an especially favorite time for me to snuggle with a book. Not to mention Black Friday is upon us, which means quality time at a couple of local bookstores, and not few online ones.

I have amassed a huge number of new books I have no time to tackle; and an as impressive list of to-read books. Of course the overlap is statistically negligible, leaving me with a heap of tempting titles I might never get to.

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted as usual by The Broke and The Bookish, gives me the perfect opportunity to prioritize that list. So, heading straight to Goodreads ->

Among the last 20+ titles I have shelved as to-read, the top 10 I intend to read next are (10 will be read last, 1 – the soonest)

10. Lilac Girls

A heavy WWII read about medical atrocities done to women in concentration camps. The story is important and the prospects are good, if reviews are any indication. It will be difficult to read, so I have been putting it off.

9. Mental Models: Aligning Design Strategy with Human Behavior

I have been convinced this is a must-read for anyone in my professional field, so I am waiting for Book Depository to make it available.

8. .99 francs (14,99 Euros)

Beigbeder’s notorious debut novel… in French. Now, I am not one to turn down a challenge, but I am not exactly super-eager to dive in and realize my French sucks.

7. What We Talk About When We Talk About Love

I am of the opinion everyone, especially aspiring writers, should read at least one short-story collection a year. And I really need to know WHAT are we talking about?

6. Testament of Youth

I already know the story of Vera Brittain from the movie with Jon Snow, so I don’t need convincing it’s gripping, important, and relevant. I am only dubious as to whether the cinematographic delight the movie offers would be ruined by too realistic details.

5. Oona & Salinger

The latest one from Beigbeder – and I have it signed, so I need to read it soon or it’s a waste, is it not?

4. My Brilliant Friend

Elena Ferrante has become an It author what with all the mysticism around her identity and the ensuing outburst of public indignation as her right to privacy was breached. Her novels are heralded as modern classics, so I will dip a toe there and hope for the best.

3. Circling the Sun

Fictional account of a historical figure plus love story plus Africa – count me in very very soon.

2. Reading Lolita in Tehran

Every book discussing the power of literature is my piece of cake. This one sounds like another difficult read, the more so for its relevancy to present times. I am waiting for the hype to subside a little, so I can actually make up my own mind of I like the book. 

1. We Were Liars

Long long long overdue. Once my copy arrives (*kh kh kh Book Depository kh kh*) I will be all over this. This bit from the blurb sold me on it –

“Read it.

And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.”

So, this is my list, although I know I will be adding and taking off titles as time goes and book deals abound around Christmas 😛

What are your Top 10 to-reads?