Is anyone else a mood reader who often doesn’t know what they are in the mood for? I found myself in this situation far too often, and that is when I find the try a chapter tag most helpful! I have found that I can tell if it is the right book and the right time pretty early on, so reading the first chapter from a few books is a quick way to find the perfect book for that moment.
I recently read She Who Became the Sun. And while there was a lot a loved about it, it was a slower read for me and put me in a bit of a slump. So I figured now was the perfect time to do this tag again!
Book #1- The Golem and the Jinni
I knew I was going to love the writing in The Golem and the Jinni and I absolutely do. There is something so haunting and atmospheric about it. The first chapter is about the creation of the golem, who is made to look like a woman and whose master asked for her to have both intelligence and curiosity. They aboard a ship for Ellis Island and the master dies on the way, leaving the golem alone, and that is where the first chapter ends. I was definitely intrigued and am so happy that I finally gave this book a chance. It is something I will definitely read before the end of the year, I just don’t know that I am in the mood for it right now having just read a heavier fantasy.
Book #2- Thunderstruck
I have never read anything by Erik Larson, and I am wondering if audiobook is the way to go with his nonfiction. I know that the focus of this book is a murder case, but the first chapter was very science heavy and was difficult to get through. I have no idea how what I read in that first chapter connects to the overall events of the book, but it was not at all what I expected. If you have read Thunderstruck, I would love to hear your thoughts on it and if there is a better place to start with Erik Larson!
Book #3- The Night Watchman
I have been recommended so many of Louise Erdrich’s books and I have a feeling I will love her writing. I am reminded of this every time I open up The Storygraph because they recommend her books to be constantly! The Night Watchman won The Pulitzer Prize this year, so now is the perfect time to read something by her. Even though not much happens in that first chapter, I was instantly drawn in and felt connected to the main character. I also love that Thomas, the night watchman in this story, is inspired by the author’s grandfather. I can already feel that personal connection. I know I am going to be moved by this one, and I have not read literary fiction in a minute.
Book #4- Crown of Feathers
I found the first two books in this series for a good price and had heard some great things about the series as whole. I wanted to marathon it this summer, but I do think that they scream fall! Though the books are quite long, I have a feeling they are going to be fast-paced and easy reads. I absolutely flew through that first chapter! I love that it follows sisters, and that we seem to get both of their perspectives. The first chapter follows Veronyka, who has an affinity for animals and has always wanted to be a phoenix rider, despite the fact that they had all been killed during the war. I already love Veronyka and can tell there is going to be some conflict with her sister. Crown of Feathers is definitely a contender!
Book #5- My Heart is a Chainsaw
The Only Good Indians is one of the books that made me realize I do love horror and I have been meaning to read more from Stephen Graham Jones. We jump straight into the action with My Heart is a Chainsaw, and though I am very confused about what is going on, I am definitely intrigued. It was so nice to be back with Stephen Graham Jones’ writing- there is something special about it. I have read a lot of horror this month, so I am not sure that it is what I am in the mood for at this exact moment, but I will definitely be reading it before Halloween!
My Next Read
I went back and forth between The Night Watchman, Crown of Feathers, and My Heart is a Chainsaw, but ultimately decided that The Night Watchman was the one that was calling to me the most. I think it is a mix of Louise Erdrich’s writing style, me being curious about her work to begin with, and the fact that I haven’t read literary fiction for awhile. I will be vlogging my experience reading it and will definitely post a full review once I do!
How do you decide what to read next?
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My TBR is so outrageous I rarely lack for choices of what to read next. I’m definitely a mood reader and have an eclectic collection so it’s pretty easy to decide. But, I’ve read samples/first chapters to decide if I want to add a book to my shelf. Doing the same must be an excellent way of figuring out a mood read!
I can some times be overwhelmed with my choices! I often read sample as well- they are so helpful.
I have also seen a lot of people doing this tag to decide whether or not to unhaul a book, which I think is a great strategy!
I’ve seen that tag, too, and have been tempted!
There are definitely a few books on my shelves I could do that for!
Thank you for your reviews. i am a bi of a mood reader. I like to have a variety of books around the house for when the mood strikes.
I definitely do that same thing!
I’m an incorrigible mood reader!
Same!!
This sounds like such a good thing to do, I am always getting caught between which book I want to read, so I may have to try this out!
I find it so helpful! I do it whenever I am feeling slumpy.
I’m such a mood reader too! One day I’ll be up for 1 read and then the next day, not up for it at all. The struggle is real!!!
I definitely relate to that!
The Night Watchman sure looks good. I hope you enjoy it. I’m reading a slew of Christmas books right now!
I have requested a few Christmas books from netgalley and I am so ready for them!
Big mood reader myself so I understand this feeling! I do hope you read Golem and Jinni though it’s fantastic and I remember it actually reading very fast 🙂
I’m a major mood reader and it drives me mad sometimes because I’m constantly flicking back and forth between a few books at the beginning until I find the right one.
This is also how I like to pick my next read and also why making a monthly TBR hasn’t been working for me
I had to stop doing monthly TBRs for this reason. I just do seasonal ones now!
Ooh, I REALLY like this idea and might bookmark it for a future post, if that’s OK with you (and credits to you, of course)! 😃 I’m a big mood reader and actually, one of the reasons that I’ve had SWBTS on my ‘currently reading’ list for so long is because it’s quite slow paced and I feel like I need to be in a better mood for it… Kinda scared it’ll send me into a slump, too! I hope you enjoy the book you chose in the end 😊
Please do! I love this tag!
There are definitely books I have to be in the mood for as well! That book was a lot to take in!
I relate to this…reading a first chapter is such a great idea, though.
I find it so helpful!
That’s so me!!