How to Stick to a TBR and Finally Lower That Pile of Books
If you’re anything like me, you have a never-ending TBR (To Be Read) list that only seems to grow no matter how many books you read. Maybe you set a monthly TBR and abandon it after two days, or perhaps you have stacks of unread books collecting dust because you just can’t resist buying new ones. Let’s talk about ways to stick to a TBR, strategies to lower your physical TBR, and why I personally struggle to commit to one (spoiler alert: I’m a major mood reader).
How to Stick to a TBR
Sticking to a TBR is easier said than done, but if you truly want to follow through, here are some methods that might help:
Make It Flexible – Instead of a rigid list, give yourself choices. A smaller selection (say, 5-7 books) can offer variety while still keeping you on track.
Mix Genres – If you struggle with burnout, diversify your picks. A romance, a fantasy, a mystery—this way, you have something to match different moods.
Use a Reward System – Treat yourself after finishing a set number of books. Maybe it’s a fancy coffee, a new bookmark, or permission to buy another book.
Accountability – Join a buddy read, share your TBR on social media, or set personal reading goals.
Try a Set Number of Pages Per Day – If an entire list feels overwhelming, commit to reading a certain number of pages daily.
Ways to Lower a Physical TBR
We all know the struggle of accumulating more books than we can possibly read, but here are some fun ways to actually make a dent in your TBR:
TBR Jar – Write the titles of your unread books on slips of paper and randomly pick one to read next. This helps remove decision fatigue and makes choosing your next read fun!
TBR Challenges – Participate in themed reading challenges (like ‘Read Your Shelves’ month) or make your own rules (e.g., “No new books until I read 10 from my shelf”).
Library-First Rule – If a book is available at your library, resist buying it. Prioritize reading what you already own.
Sell or Donate Unread Books – If a book has been sitting unread for years and you’ve lost interest, it might be time to unhaul it.
Audiobooks & Ebooks – If your physical shelf is overwhelming, see if you can get some of those titles in a different format to read on the go.
Why I Struggle with a TBR
As much as I love the idea of a structured TBR, I always end up deviating from it. The main reason? I’m a huge mood reader. Some of my struggles include:
Losing Interest in My TBR Picks – What sounded amazing at the start of the month might not be appealing by week two.
New Releases Distracting Me – I get so tempted by fresh book hype that I abandon my carefully planned TBR for the latest buzz.
Needing to Read What Feels Right in the Moment – Sometimes, a slow-burn romance just won’t do when I’m craving high-stakes fantasy.
Library Holds Coming In – I might plan a TBR, but when my library holds finally become available, they take priority.
At the end of the day, reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. If a strict TBR doesn’t work for you, that’s okay! The key is finding a balance—whether that means sticking to a loose TBR, creating fun reading challenges, or simply embracing mood reading while making a conscious effort to lower your physical TBR.
Are you good at sticking to a TBR, or do you struggle like me? Let’s chat in the comments!