The Joys of Deep Backlist

three very backlist and non-classic books I loved this year

Hello readers! As I grow as a human and a reader, I am noticing that I am craving less new and shiny, and more unique and undiscovered. This is true for more than just books, but there is such a special delight in finding a story that was out there for years just waiting for me to enjoy it.

screenshot from the Cambridge English Dictionary website

Please ponder with me: What was the last book you read that was not recommended to you by anyone else AND was published over ten years ago AND is not considered a piece of classic literature?

I was shocked to discover that I read only one book that fell into this category this year, and have decided that one of my goals next year is to spend more time in the stacks of the public library and used bookstores. Move beyond the new releases shelf and the holds system and browse those tall shelves in the back and just grab whatever catches my eye.

And then actually READ IT.

Another way of finding these undiscovered-by-you gems is to spend time really engaging with the displays at your library. The branch I frequent the most has extensive themed displays that always feature so many titles that I have never heard of. Regrettably, I have often ignored these books because I have so many holds to pick up already or the new books shelf was calling to me.¹

This is how I found my one plucked-from-the-shelf backlist gem this year! I took the time to actually pause and browse the “Books from the Kitchen” display in November at my local library and found an absolute delight that I am so very grateful I took the time to read.