If you’re anything like me, your to-be-read (TBR) list probably started off small and manageable… then quietly snowballed into an a mountain of unread books. I used to add every intriguing title I came across without much thought. But when it came time to choose my next read? Decision fatigue.
That’s when I realized: my TBR needed to be more intentional, less intimidating — and more importantly, more me. Here’s how I’m reshaping my TBR into something realistic, personal, and actually fun — and how you can too!
⊹ ࣪ ˖ Know Your Reading Personality
The first step? Understanding your reading style.
As you read more, you’ll start to notice patterns — genres you love, pacing you prefer, formats you enjoy and writing styles that just click. It takes some trial and error, but you’ll eventually find your rhythm.
To get started, ask yourself:
- Do you mood read or prefer a structured list?
- Are you drawn to certain genres, themes or authors?
- Do “assigned” books make you feel stuck or slumpy?
If you’re a mood reader like me, a rigid list can backfire. Try a yearly TBR instead — don’t stress if it changes or doesn’t get finished. Flexibility is key!
✎𓂃 Keep It Short & Sweet
Limit your active TBR list.
I try to keep mine between 5–10 books at a time! It might shift depending on my reading goals, but keeping it small makes the whole thing feel doable instead of overwhelming.
This isn’t your entire backlog — it’s a curated list that reflects what you’re excited to read right now! It keeps the pressure low and excitement high.
I still keep a master list somewhere like Goodreads and Notion, but my working TBR is tight, focused, and energizing!
⊹ ࣪ ˖ Mix It Up
Make your TBR fun by adding variety!
Mix genres, formats, and tones—think: thrillers, romance, memoirs, graphic novels, and even the occasional self-help gem.
I love switching things up. Some books stretch me, some comfort me, and some are wild cards I threw in for the fun of it! It keeps reading from feeling like a chore.
✎𓂃 Set A Rhythm, Not A Deadline
Set a reading rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
I have a goal to read 25 books this year, but I give myself the grace to read one book a month—and one chapter a day. That’s it!
This mindset shift makes reading a habit rather than a task — and that’s way more sustainable.
⊹ ࣪ ˖Declutter The Dead Weight
If a book has been sitting on your TBR for a year (or more) and you still don’t feel like reading it? Let it go.
Seriously. Your TBR is not a moral obligation. You are allowed to change your mind!
Letting go of books you no longer want to read frees up space — for your shelves and your brain — for books that do spark joy.
✎𓂃 Track It Your Way
Everyone tracks their reading differently. Find what works for you!
Personally, I use a combo of Goodreads, Notion, and Fable. But here are some other fun options:
- Bullet journal pages
- Notion boards
- Trello lists
- Goodreads or StoryGraph
- A literal jar with book titles on slips of paper
Seeing your progress visually is a huge motivator!
⊹ ࣪ ˖ Revisit & Refresh Often
Check in with your curated TBR every month or two. Ask yourself:
- Am I still excited about these books?
- Have my interests shifted?
- Is this list still realistic?
And then—adjust without guilt. Your reading life should be something that fuels you, not something you have to push through.
Your TBR should be a reflection of you: ever-changing, personal, and joyful. Curate it, care for it, and most importantly—read what you love.
Is there anything on your TBR right now that you’re excited about?
Read More Posts Here! | Find Me Online: Letterboxd | Goodreads | Fable
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