A man standing in front of a large bookshelf

3 Ideas for Managing Your TBR List

Looking at my bookshelves, I often feel a mix of excitement and overwhelm. Choosing the next book to read isn’t always easy, and I’ve learned that being in the right mental space is crucial for enjoying a book. If my mind isn’t ready, I might end up disliking a book that could otherwise be a favorite.

Here are a few tips for managing your TBR list:

  1. Check Your Mental State
    • Know Where You’re At Mentally: If you’re feeling stressed, opt for lighter, more entertaining reads rather than heavy, philosophical works – unless, like me, you find peace in those.
    • Mood Matters: Matching your book choice to your current state of mind can enhance your reading experience.
  2. Keep a Manageable TBR List
    • Curate Your List: You probably have a long list of books you want to read, with many waiting on your shelves. Designate a specific shelf for your TBR list that only fits five to eight books. If you can’t fit a new purchase on the shelf, then something has to come off or it will have to wait.
    • Quality Over Quantity: Focus on a smaller, more manageable selection of books to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Diversity in Your Reading Choices
    • Mix It Up: Having a diverse range of books on your TBR list can prevent reading slumps. While I love philosophy, I’m not always in the mood for it, and having options helps.
    • Balance Your Selections: Include a variety of genres and topics to suit different moods and mental states.

I hope this helps.

Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.

-Eddy

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