In January 2022, I wrote about how I was planning to attack my TBR list to whittle it down during 2022.
WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!
Not only did I end up adding more books to my TBR list than I read, but I realized I had completely misunderstood the whole point of a TBR list. Keep reading to learn more . . .
Reading is a favorite pastime for many, and it's not uncommon to hear avid readers talk about their TBR (to-be-read) list. A TBR list is essentially a list of books that a reader plans to read in the future. While this concept seems simple enough, there is often a lot of misunderstanding around it.
The Problem with the TBR List
One of the main problems with the TBR list is that it can become overwhelming. As readers add more and more books to their list, the list can start to feel unmanageable. The pressure to read all the books on the list can also become stressful, and the guilt associated with not finishing books on the list can be a source of frustration.
This is what happened to me and why I felt the need to shrink all my TBR lists.
Misconceptions about the TBR List
There are several misconceptions about the TBR list that can add to the stress and anxiety readers feel. One common misunderstanding is the belief that the TBR list represents one's reading ability. Many readers feel that a longer TBR list means they are a better reader, while a shorter TBR list means they are not as good. This couldn't be further from the truth. Everyone reads at their own pace, and the number of books on your TBR list is not a reflection of your reading ability.
Another misconception about the TBR list is that it's a competition. Some readers feel that they need to have a longer TBR list than others to prove their dedication to reading. This mindset can be harmful and takes away from the joy of reading.
Finally, some readers believe that the TBR list is set in stone. They feel that once they've added a book to their list, they have to read it no matter what. This is not the case. Your TBR list is flexible, and you can remove books or add new ones as your interests change.
Benefits of the TBR List
Despite the potential problems and misconceptions, there are many benefits to having a TBR list. For one, it provides a sense of structure. Knowing what books you plan to read can help you stay focused and motivated. Additionally, the joy of anticipating a good read is something that many readers look forward to. Having a TBR list also allows for exploration of different genres and authors, which can help broaden your reading horizons.
My TBR list helps me remember which books I’m interested in reading. Almost every day, I see a book that looks interesting and if I tried to bring all those books to mind when choosing my next read, I’d fail miserably!
How to Manage Your TBR List
Managing your TBR list doesn't have to be stressful. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Set realistic goals - Instead of adding every book that catches your eye, be selective and add books that you are genuinely interested in and realistically have time to read.
- Understand that the TBR list is flexible - It's okay to remove books from your list or add new ones as your interests change.
- Learn to prioritize books on the list - If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of books on your TBR list, prioritize the ones you're most excited to read.
How My TBR List Has Changed
As someone who’s always been a list maker, when I wrote that TBR list post in January 2022, my goal was to get my list down to zero. That would mean there were no books I wanted to read. How sad is that? I still can’t believe that’s what I was trying to do.
Now that I realize my TBR list just keeps growing and growing, I’m grateful for that. A growing TBR list means there are tons of books out there that are catching my interest, and that’s great thing!
Conclusion
To sum up, the TBR list is a common concept among readers, but there is often a lot of misunderstanding around it. This list can become overwhelming, and there are several misconceptions about it that can add to the stress and anxiety readers feel.
However, there are also many benefits to having a TBR list, including providing a sense of structure, the joy of anticipating a good read, and allowing for exploration of different genres and authors. By setting realistic goals, understanding that the TBR list is flexible, and learning to prioritize books on the list, readers can find a balance between reading for pleasure and tackling their TBR list (if that’s what they want to do).
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