SuBsalabim [SuB = the German equivalent for TBR pile & Simsalabim = German equivalent of abracadabra] is a TBR reduction challenge a couple of friends and I started last year. Basically, every month we get a TBR pile of five books, one pick of each of the other contenders. The goal is to read as many of these as possible during the month or the year to score points. The gist is to read books one might not choose oneself to read next. It’s fun. And we’re more or less competitive and constantly argue about maxing out the fairness of our scoring system.
August
Alex’s Pick: The Dark Horse by Jenny Hughes
On my TBR since: 2017
Background: Jenny Hughes was one of the PonyClub regulars. So far, I’ve read 14 of her books with a mixed track record ranging from one to five star reads. There are a couple of books that hadn’t been published by PonyClub like this one. Since I do really like most of her older work, I had to get it.
Eva’s Pick: The Invisible Library (The Invisible Library, #1) by Genevieve Cogman
On my TBR since: 2016
Background: I noticed this one when a couple of friends read and liked it. The concept sounds so intriguing, I just had to have it. Books about books always pique my interest.
Andrea’s Pick: The Shadow Queen (Ravenspire, #1) by C.J. Redwine
On my TBR since: 2016
Background: I remember being torn about getting this immediately or waiting for the paperback or maybe not buying it at all. And then I saw a picture of the endpapers’ map and I totally accidentally couldn’t get it into my shopping cart fast enough.
Steffi’s Pick: The Raven Boys (The Raven Boys, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
On my TBR since: 2012
Background: I got this one during my semester abroad at Eason’s Dublin. Since this was before getting into blogging, I guess I just thought it sounded intriguing and didn’t act on recommendation.
Isi’s Pick: Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns, #1) by Kendare Blake
On my TBR since: 2016
Background: I have to admit, this was part of one of my excessive book hauls when I just wanted to buy books. Don’t get me wrong, I am interested in reading it. I just don’t have a special story for this one.
