If you have a growing pile of unread books, you are far from alone. Many book lovers have a TBR (To Be Read) list of books they would like to read. The problem is just that the list often grows faster than you can manage to read.
However, a TBR doesn't have to be stressful. On the contrary, it can become a fun part of your reading journal, where you keep track of your books and find new ways to choose your next read.
Here you get ideas on how to handle a growing TBR list in a way that makes reading more motivating and less overwhelming.
If you are new to the concept, you can also read our guide to en læsedagbog or our introduction to Reading journal for beginners. Many book lovers have a TBR (To Be Read) list of books they would like to read. The problem is just that the list often grows faster than one can manage to read.
However, a TBR doesn't have to be stressful. On the contrary, it can become a fun part of your reading journal, where you keep track of your books and find new ways to choose your next read.
Here you'll find ideas on how to manage a growing TBR list in a way that makes reading more motivating and less overwhelming.
What is a TBR?
TBR stands for To Be Read TBR is used for the books you would like to read in the future. These can be books you already own or titles you have written down because they sounded interesting.
Many use a Reading journal to keep track of their TBR. Here you can gather reading lists, notes and ideas for which books you want to read next.
A TBR can be:
a list of books you would like to read
a collection of books you already own
a wish list of titles you’d like to buy or borrow
a list of books recommended by friends, social media or book clubs.
If you want to learn more about book journaling, you can also read our guide to en læsedagbog.
TBR stands for To Be Read TBR is used for the books you would like to read in the future. These can be books you already own or titles you have written down because they sounded interesting.
Many use a Reading journal to keep track of their TBR. Here you can gather reading lists, notes and ideas for which books you want to read next.
If you want to learn more about book journaling, you can also read our guide to en læsedagbog.
Play TBR Bingo
A fun way to work on your TBR list is to make a To-Read-Pile bingo.
Draw a classic bingo card with 3×3 or 5×5 squares in your journal and write one book in each square. When you have read a book, you cross it out or stick a small sticker in the field.
It makes reading more like play and less like a to-do list.
The squares on your TBR bingo could, for example, be:
a book set at Christmas
a crime novel
the longest book on your list
best-seller
a book recommended on BookTok.
Customise the fields to suit the types of books you have on your TBR list.
A fun way to tackle your TBR list is to play TBR bingo.
Draw a classic bingo card with 3×3 or 5×5 squares in your journal and write one book in each square. Once you have read a book, you cross it off or stick a small sticker in the field.
It makes reading more like play and less like a to-do list.
The squares on your TBR bingo card could, for example, be:
a book set at Christmas
a crime novel
the longest book on your list
best-seller
a book recommended on BookTok.
Customise the fields to suit the types of books you have on your TBR list.
Read or let go?
Some books have been on your TBR list for years. Create a page in your journal where you can make a note of the books you’re unsure about.
Write e.g.:
why you bought the book
why you haven't read it yet
if you still fancy reading it.
Sometimes you realise that it is actually nice to let go of some books. You can donate them, swap them or sell them on.
Treat yourself
A simple reward system can make it more motivating to read the books on your TBR list.
For example, you could decide that for every three books you read from your TBR list, you’re allowed to buy one new book.
That way, reading becomes a small challenge instead of a guilty conscience.
Pick a title from a jar
If you often spend a long time choosing your next book, you could turn it into a little ritual.
Write all your unread books on small slips of paper and put them in a glass or a jar. When you need to choose a new book, you draw a random slip.
It takes the stress out of making a decision and makes the choice a bit more exciting.
Give your books a number
Another legendary method is to give your books a number.
Wrap some of your TBR books in paper and write a number on each. Then use a dice or a random number generator to choose which book you should read next.
The method works particularly well if you have difficulty choosing between many good books.
Use your reading journal for your TBR
In Reading journal is a perfect place to organise your TBR list.
You can, for example, make:
TBR list
a reading tracker
book review sites
a list of favourite quotes.
If you are looking for inspiration for more pages, you can read our article about 9 spreads for your reading journal.
Many also use a Dot grid notebook for your reading journal, because the dotted pages make it easy to create your own layouts. You can also find inspiration in our selection of Notebooks and journals.
To make your pages more visual, many also use small decorations such as stickers or washi tape.
A reading journal is a perfect place to organise your TBR list.
You can, for example, make:
TBR list
a reading tracker
book review sites
a list of favourite quotes.
If you are looking for inspiration for more pages, you can read our article about 9 spreads for your reading journal.
Many also use a Dot grid notebook to their reading journal, because the dots make it easy to create your own layouts.
TBR doesn't need to give you a guilty conscience
A TBR list doesn't have to be a source of guilt. Instead, it can be a collection of books you are looking forward to reading.
When you use your journal to make the list more visual and personal, it often becomes more inspiring than stressful.
The most important thing is not how many books are on your TBR, but that you find joy in the books you actually get round to reading.
Frequently asked questions about TBR
What does TBR mean?
TBR stands for To Be Read TBR is used for books you plan to read in the future.
What is a TBR list?
A TBR list is a compilation of books you would like to read. Many people keep it in a reading journal or reading diary.
How do you keep track of your TBR?
Many people use a reading journal to write their TBR list, make trackers, or create creative spreads featuring books they would like to read.
A TBR list doesn't have to be a source of guilt. Instead, it can be a collection of books you are looking forward to reading.
When you use your journal to make the list more visual and personal, it often becomes more inspiring than stressful.
The most important thing is not how many books are on your TBR, but that you find joy in the books you actually get round to reading.
