Having a to-be-read (TBR) list can be an excellent way to keep track of all the books you want to read. However, many readers end up with towering TBR stacks that seem overwhelming and daunting. If you struggle to actually read the books on your TBR list, try using these tips to create and maintain a manageable list that you’ll be excited to work through.
Step 1: Take Stock of Your Current TBR Situation
Before creating a new TBR system, take some time to evaluate your current situation. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How many unread books are currently on your list? Do you have a rough estimate or number?
- Where do you keep your TBR list—in your head, on paper, online, or a mix?
- Do you feel overwhelmed when you look at your current list? Or do you feel excited?
- Realistically, about how many books do you have time to read in a typical month?
Take an honest assessment of any factors that make your current TBR system unmanageable or stressful. Identifying these pain points will allow you to shape your new list in a way that avoids these pitfalls.
Step 2: Choose Your TBR List Format
Next, decide on the actual format and location where you will create your new TBR list. Here are some options to consider:
- Physical notebook or bullet journal: Handwriting your list in a dedicated notebook can feel satisfying and give you more ownership over curating your choices. Make sure to pick a notebook you enjoy using.
- Online book tracking apps/sites: Applications like Goodreads allow you to easily track books and see what friends are reading. The digital format also makes it easy to access your list from anywhere.
- Spreadsheet: For the ultra-organized, a spreadsheet offers maximum flexibility to sort and filter your list. Include columns for title, author, year published, source, genre, etc.
- Sticky notes: Place sticky notes with book titles in a visible spot, like on your desk or above your bed. The visual reminder can spur you to action.
- Book jars: Write each title on a slip of paper and place it in a jar. When you finish a book, draw the next one at random.
Select the format(s) that seem the most convenient and motivating for your personality and reading habits. You can always change it later if something isn’t working.
Step 3: Create List Categories
When making your list, divide it into categories so you have a balanced mix of reading material lined up. Here are some common categories to consider:
- Currently Reading: The 1-3 books you are currently in the midst of reading. This focuses your attention, so you don’t start too many books at once.
- Up Next: The next 2–5 books you are most excited to dive into. Include any library due dates or expiring holds.
- New Releases: The latest releases from your favorite authors or the most buzzed-about new books.
- Classics: Important literary works you feel you should read or books you loved but would like to revisit.
- Nonfiction: Books to support your personal development goals, expand your knowledge, or satisfy your intellectual curiosity.
- Research: Books needed to research a particular topic of interest, whether for work, a hobby, or out of general inquisitiveness.
- Comfort Reads: Feel-good books you can unwind with when you need an emotional pick-me-up.
- Mood Specific: Group books into categories based on the mood and tone they evoke: mystery, thriller, romance, humor, adventure, etc. Then you can match books to your current mood.
- Format Specific: Sections for audiobooks, ebooks, print books, graphic novels, etc. so you remember what formats you want to read certain titles in.
Categorizing your list helps ensure you have a good mix lined up instead of just trendy new releases. Update your categories regularly.
Step 4: Set a Maximum TBR List Length
To keep your list manageable, set a maximum number of books you can have in your TBR at any given time. Your limit might be different based on your reading speed and lifestyle, but aim for a number that seems ambitious yet attainable. 50 books could be a reasonable limit for many readers.
When your list reaches your pre-set limit, make yourself remove a book from your TBR before adding any new ones. This ensures you are periodically evaluating your list and removing any titles you’ve lost interest in.
Step 5: Add Books Thoughtfully
With your TBR system set up, you can start adding books! But think carefully before putting each new book on your list. Ask yourself:
- Why do I want to read this book? Does it align with my reading goals and interests? Or am I just seduced by a compelling blurb or influencer hype?
- Do I actually have time and intention to read this book within the next year? Or does it just sound nice in theory?
- Does this book’s genre, length, or format fit with the types of books I most enjoy and realistically make time for?
- Have I read or tried to read other books by this author that did not resonate? If so, be cautious about committing to their latest release.
- Is this book readily available through my local library, affordable to purchase, or included in a subscription service? Can I easily access it when I am ready to read it?
Being more mindful when adding new titles will prevent you from clogging your TBR just because a book seems potentially interesting. Stick to books you are genuinely excited to read in the near future.
Step 6: Make It Visible
Out of sight, out of mind. If your TBR list is tucked away in an app you never open or scribbled in a buried notebook, it will be too easy to forget about.
- Make your list visible so you remember to check it and use it. Here are some ideas:
- Pin up a bulletin board with the covers of each TBR book.
- Keep your list in a notebook on your nightstand or desk.
- Set book covers as the wallpaper on your phone or computer.
- Create a spreadsheet you keep open on your desktop.
- Enable TBR notifications in your reading app.
- Follow books and authors on social media so new releases stay top of mind.
You want to constantly interact with your TBR so reading from your list becomes a habit versus an afterthought. Placement is key for visibility.
Step 7: Break It Down Into Monthly Mini-Lists
To prevent your TBR from feeling overwhelming, break it down into smaller, monthly to-read lists.
At the start of each month:
- Review your TBR and pull 3-5 books to focus on that month.
- Include a mix of formats, genres, and quick/long reads.
- Add them to your “Currently Reading” and “Up Next” categories.
- Delete any books you’ve lost interest in reading this month.
- Add 1-2 new titles if space allows.
Your monthly mini-list will feel manageable. At month’s end, repeat the process and refresh your selections. This makes your TBR feel dynamic versus static.
Step 8: Be Flexible
No TBR system will be effective if you are not open to fluidity and flexibility. Your moods and interests will change. Unexpected titles will capture your attention. Timelines will shift. That’s okay!
Give yourself freedom to:
- Abandon a book if you aren’t connecting with it. You can always come back to it later.
- Read books that aren’t on your TBR, like from the library’s new release shelf. Go with the flow of your instincts.
- Re-prioritize books as needed. Move them up, down, or off your list as your interest evolves.
- Adjust your TBR limit and categories over time. What works one month may not work the next.
The right TBR list is a living document. Let it shift as you and your reading preferences do. The key is engagement over perfection.
Step 9: Celebrate finishing books!
Reading through your TBR list is an accomplishment worth celebrating! Take a moment to bask in your reading success each time you finish a book:
- Mentally congratulate yourself for checking another title off your list.
- Write the finish date in the book and your reading journal.
- Post a photo on social media using #TBRProgress.
- Reward yourself with a sticker on your TBR chart or a special treat.
- Track your yearly reading goal progress. Are you on target?
Positive reinforcement will help motivate you to keep reading from your list. Don’t just hurry to add a new book next; enjoy the reading journey.
Step 10: Reset your list completely at least once a year
On December 31st or your birthday each year, take time to completely reset your TBR list. Here’s how:
- Remove every book from your current TBR list.
- Be utterly honest with yourself—which books still spark joy or interest? Which are you reading out of obligation versus anticipation?
- Create a new TBR list from scratch, referring back to your old list for beloved books you do still wish to read.
- Categorize carefully based on your current preferences and lifestyle.
This yearly reset gives you a fresh start and ensures you only move forward with titles you genuinely want to prioritize in the coming months. Out with the old, in with the new!
Additional Tips for Sticking to Your TBR:
- Set a monthly or yearly reading goal based on the number of TBR books you aim to complete. Work towards specific targets versus just vague aspirations.
- Schedule reminders on your calendar to check your TBR list and update it each month. Consistency is key.
- Enlist reading buddies. Discuss books on your list together and gently hold each other accountable.
- Use digital tools like StoryGraph to track your reading habits and recommend ideal next reads.
- Follow your gut – if your TBR list starts inducing guilt versus joy, take a break and read whatever you fancy for a while until reading feels fun again.
In Conclusion
A well-curated TBR list can inform your reading choices while still offering flexibility. Consider your lifestyle, reading speed, moods, and interests when compiling your list. Break it into manageable monthly selections, constantly evaluate books’ priority, and celebrate finishing each one. Housekeeping your list yearly helps keep things fresh. Most importantly, your TBR should inspire anticipation not anxiety. Adjust and refine your system until you have a happy balance that works for you. Then, happy reading!