Despite our best intentions, many of us book lovers end up accumulating a pile of books that we just haven’t gotten around to reading yet. Whether it’s due to work commitments, family responsibilities, or simply being distracted by new releases, some books on our shelves tend to get pushed to the backburner. As a self-professed book hoarder, I have plenty of backlist books that I own and still need to read. Here are the top ten backlist books that are currently waiting for my attention:

1. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern – I’ve heard so many great things about this enchanting tale of a magical competition between two young illusionists. The intricate world-building and lyrical prose have me intrigued.

2. “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt – Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, this novel has been sitting on my shelf for far too long. I’m excited to delve into the story of a young boy who becomes involved in art theft.

3. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – As someone who struggles with mindfulness and living in the present moment, I know this spiritual guide to enlightenment will be a game-changer for me.

4. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak – This historical fiction novel set during World War II has been recommended to me countless times. I know it will be a powerful and emotional read.

5. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Adichie is one of my favorite authors, and I can’t believe I haven’t gotten around to reading this exploration of race and identity in America.

6. “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell – A classic that has been on my TBR list for years, this epic tale of love and loss during the Civil War is a must-read.

7. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini – I’ve heard nothing but praise for this heart-wrenching novel about friendship and redemption in Afghanistan.

8. “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon – With its mix of historical fiction, romance, and time travel, this series has been on my radar for a while. I’m ready to get lost in its pages.

9. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde – A literary classic that I never got around to reading in school, this dark and mysterious tale of vanity and corruption is next on my list.

10. “Middlemarch” by George Eliot – Considered one of the greatest novels in the English language, this hefty tome has been intimidating me for years. But I’m determined to tackle it and see what all the fuss is about.

As a book lover, I know that the joy of reading comes not only from discovering new books but also from finally diving into those long-awaited backlist titles. I’m excited to make my way through this list and check these books off my TBR pile one by one. Who knows, maybe I’ll even discover a new favorite along the way.