A Collection of Novels on My 'To-Read' List

I’m a busy college student balancing a writing side hustle and a full-time job. That doesn’t leave a lot of time to the imagination, yet still, an overflowing bookcase greets me each morning. On it are hundreds of books I wish I had the time to curl up and get lost in. However, lately, these books have seen more time on my “to-read” list than actually in my hands.

1. “IT” by Stephen King

I have attempted to read IT a grand total of three times. Each attempt, I get about 200 pages in, then I just sort of lose my commitment to finish. I put the book down for about a month, then when I go to pick it back up, I’ve forgotten what was previously read, and I have to start again. The vicious cycle continues from there. I believe because of the sheer length (not the content) this novel will probably remain on my “to-read” list for the rest of time.

2. “1984” by George Orwell

I bought this book as a spur of the moment purchase about six months ago along with Animal Farm—that I have also yet to read. I was originally drawn to this novel because of its relevance in terms of today’s political climate, and anyone who knows me knows that I was sold at the word “political.” Yet, for some reason, when I sit down to read, there’s always a book on the shelf that jumps out at me first.

3. “Looking for Alaska” by John Green

I’ve been trying to read this book since the beginning of my senior year in high school. I’m currently a sophomore in college if that gives you any hints as to how long I’ve procrastinated this one. Again, it’s not that I don’t want to read it, it’s just that something always sounds more intriguing at the time.

4. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

I got this book for Christmas last year, and while I still marvel at the strength and grace of the Obamas, I’ve struggled to find the time to really sit down and give Michelle’s story the undivided attention that it deserves. I think that’s why I’ve had a difficult time pulling this book off the shelf.

5. “Wrestling for My Life” by Shawn Michaels

I’ve read this book in full three times, so it’s not like I’m struggling to read it. In fact, I can’t keep this book on the shelf for longer than a few months at a time. In truth, this book will always be on my “to-read” list because its message is always relevant. This is a book that I plan on reading over, and over, and over again.

6. “The Stranger Beside Me” by Anne Rule

This is the only true crime novel I own, and it’s one on my most beloved books. I’ve always been fascinated with Ted Bundy, and this was a book my mom purchased for me when I first started watching documentaries about him. This is a book I’ve struggled to get through simply because of its darkness. It’s hard for me to live in that world for long periods of time.

7. “Christine” by Stephen King

This was the first horror movie that actually genuinely frightened me, and I saw it when I was quite young. So young that I wasn’t aware that it was based on a novel until I stumbled upon it for the first time a few months ago. I had all the greatest intentions of reading it when it was first purchased, but it got lost somewhere among the rest of the books.

8. “Moonwalk” by Michael Jackson

I have a large collection of books related to Michael Jackson, but his autobiography is one that I’ve been itching to read for a long time. The reason I haven’t read it yet isn’t because of issues with the book itself, it’s because of the fact that I purchased almost all of my MJ-related books at the same time, and I’ve spent a good portion of my time reading all the others first.

9. “The Shining” by Stephen King

Talk about another horror film that scared the innocence right out of me. The Shining is a movie that still haunts me today, and it’s a film that I don’t care to watch alone. The book was just purchased not long ago, which might be a hint as to why it’s still on my “to-read” list.

10. “You Are Not Alone” by Jermaine Jackson

Another MJ biography that’s fallen to the back of my list of reads. This one, unlike Moonwalk, has been started, but I made the mistake of trying to read two or three MJ bios at the same time, so I’ve been unable to finish it.

These are books that I love. They are books that I take great pride in owning, but with my horribly busy schedule, I just haven’t had the time to give them the love they deserve.