As book lovers, we can all probably relate to the feeling of being drawn to a book, buying it with the intention of reading it immediately, and then never actually getting around to it. Whether it’s due to a lack of time, an overflowing TBR pile, or simply being distracted by other shiny new books, some books just seem to languish on our shelves, waiting for the day when we finally crack them open.

I have certainly fallen victim to this phenomenon, and my bookshelves are littered with books that I simply had to buy, but still have not read. Here are the top ten books that I am guilty of hoarding but have yet to actually read:

1. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern – This book has been recommended to me by countless friends and family members, but for some reason, I have never gotten around to reading it. The beautiful cover and intriguing premise have been staring at me from my shelf for far too long.

2. “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt – Another highly acclaimed novel that I just had to have, but have not yet found the time to dive into. With its hefty page count, it’s been a bit intimidating to start, but I know I need to read it eventually.

3. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel – This post-apocalyptic novel has received rave reviews and won numerous awards, yet it continues to gather dust on my bookshelf. I promise I will get to it soon!

4. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt – Yes, another Donna Tartt novel makes the list. I have heard so many good things about this book and its dark, atmospheric story, but I have yet to experience it for myself.

5. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Adichie’s writing is always thought-provoking and powerful, and I know I will love this book once I finally get around to reading it. It’s just a matter of finding the time.

6. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak – This beloved novel has been on my radar for years, but for some reason, I have never picked it up. I know it will be a beautiful and emotional read, but I just haven’t gotten to it yet.

7. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini – Another book that has been recommended to me time and time again, yet still remains untouched on my shelf. I have heard that it is a powerful and moving story, and I am eager to finally read it.

8. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – This modern classic has been on my to-read list for years, but somehow I never seem to pick it up. I know it is a short and impactful read, so I really have no excuse for not reading it yet.

9. “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan – The buzz surrounding this book and its subsequent film adaptation was hard to ignore, so I picked up a copy with the intention of reading it right away. However, it has been sitting on my shelf untouched ever since.

10. “The Power” by Naomi Alderman – This dystopian novel about women who develop the power to inflict pain and destruction has been praised for its thought-provoking themes and gripping storytelling. I bought it as soon as it came out, but have yet to actually read it.

While I may feel guilty for not reading these books that I just had to buy, I also know that I will eventually get to them. In the meantime, they serve as a reminder of all the amazing stories waiting to be discovered, whenever I find the time to finally crack them open. And who knows, maybe they will be the perfect read for a rainy day or a long weekend, when I can finally immerse myself in their pages and experience the magic that drew me to them in the first place. Until then, they will remain cherished additions to my ever-growing book collection, just waiting for their moment to shine.