How To Organize Your TBR List? 2 Easy Methods

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Wondering how to organize your TBR list? I’ve got your back!

Alright, so before we jump into the how, let’s chat about what a TBR (To Be Read) list actually is and why it’s your new bestie in the reading world. 

Imagine having a personal assistant who knows exactly which book you’re in the mood for, that book you bought on a whim and forgot about, or the one your friend recommended ages ago. That’s your TBR list! 

It’s not just a list; it’s your curated collection of potential adventures, lessons, and escapes. 

From years of reading a lot of books (both physically and digitally), and juggling between what to read next, I’ve realized the power of keeping track of your TBR. It’s like having a roadmap to your literary world. 

Trust me, with a bit of planning and some neat tricks, you’ll never feel overwhelmed by your new books again. All this to say, I’ve pretty much seen it all when it comes to book collections spiraling out of control, and I’m here to share that expertise with you. 

Stick around, and you’ll soon have a TBR list that not only sparks joy but is the envy of your book-loving friends.

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What does TBR mean?

TBR stands for “To Be Read,” and it’s a term that’s as straightforward as it sounds, but oh, so much more when you dig into it. Here are some quick points to highlight what a TBR list is all about:

• A Personal Wish list: Think of your TBR list as your personal library of books you can’t wait to get your hands on. It’s every book lover’s wishlist, always ready and waiting.
• A Reading Goal: For many, a TBR list is a set of reading goals. Whether it’s tackling classics or getting through your clean romances, it’s your reading game plan.
• A Mood-Based Collection: Sometimes, your TBR list is less about specific titles and more about what suits your mood. Romance for rainy days? Mystery Thrillers for long nights? It’s all in there.

In essence, your TBR list is this magical blend of anticipation, planning, and personalized reading adventures. 

It’s not just about the books you want to read; it’s about crafting your own narrative through these choices, tailoring your experiences, and savoring the excitement of what’s next. 

Craving a deep dive into the world of bookish acronyms? Don’t miss this post right here!

What is the difference between a TBR list and a TBR pile?

Ah, the age-old question that baffles even the most seasoned of readers. Trust me, it’s easy to think they’re the same, but there’s actually a subtle yet significant difference between a TBR list and a TBR pile.

Think of your TBR list as your dream team. It’s all shiny and digital most of the time, living in apps or on websites where you keep track of all the books you’re itching to read. It’s organized, it’s neat, and it’s endless. It’s like your very own bookish bucket list that keeps growing every time you hear about a new book.

Now, on the flip side, there’s the TBR pile. This one’s tangible. It’s that stack of books you’ve already committed to by bringing them into your home. They’re sitting on your bookshelf, your nightstand, or maybe even scattered around your living space, whispering (or shouting, depending on how overdue you are to read them), “Read me! Read me!” It’s a constant, physical reminder of your literary ambitions.

In short, while your TBR list is all about aspirations and possibilities, your TBR pile is about reality and commitments. 

It’s the bridge between wanting to read a book and actually taking the leap to make it a part of your reading life. 

And managing both? Well, that’s an art in itself, my friends.

Physical TBR Pile vs. Digital TBR List

Diving a bit deeper into the realms of a Physical TBR Pile versus a Digital TBR List, each comes with its own set of vibes and quirks. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you get the gist:

Physical TBR Pile:

• Tangible: Nothing beats the feel of a book in your hands. Each book is a physical reminder of stories waiting to unfold.
• Spatial Awareness: These books occupy real space in your world, maybe even pushing you to make the tough decision of which to read based on how they fit in your room!
• Sensory Experience: The smell of paper, the sound of turning pages—physical books engage more senses than just sight.
• Decor Goals: A well-stocked bookshelf isn’t just a reading list; it’s a piece of decor that adds character to your space.

Digital TBR List:

• Endless Possibilities: The list can go on forever, with no worry about running out of physical space.
• Portability: Carrying your TBR list in your pocket? Yup, smartphones and e-readers make this magic possible.
• Instant Access: Hear about a must-read book? You can have it on your device and ready to read in moments.
• Organizational Ease: Sorting, adding, and removing books from your TBR list is just a few taps away, sans the physical effort.

Both have their charm, right? Whether you’re a fan of the old-school presence of a book in your hands or the digital age convenience of carrying your whole library in your purse, it’s all about getting those pages turning.

Best two ways to organize your TBR list

Now that we’ve broken down the cozy, tangible world of physical TBR piles and the limitless potential of digital TBR lists, let’s channel our inner Marie Kondo and tackle organizing these bad boys. 

Finding the perfect method to organize your TBR list can be just as satisfying as finishing the last page of a good book. 

Whether you’re team physical, digital, or like to walk the line between both, getting your TBR list in order can be a game-changer. 

Ready to transform your chaotic pile or list into a well-ordered collection? Here are two top-notch strategies to consider.

1. Good old-fashioned spreadsheets or journal 

For those who love a good spreadsheet or journal and thrive on color-coding, this is the method for you. 

Create columns for book titles, authors, genres, ratings, and any other relevant information that will help you decide which book to pick next. You can also add notes or comments about each book to make your decision process even easier. Having a running list of books at your fingertips will help you easily choose what to read next.

You can keep your list on your computer or print it out to have a physical copy for easy reference. And the best part? You can customize it however you like and make it as detailed or as simple as you want.

2. Digital TBR list apps

There are a plethora of apps specifically designed for managing TBR lists, such as Goodreads, Storygraph, and Libib. 

These apps allow you to easily add books, track your progress, and even connect with other book lovers for recommendations and discussions.

Some apps also offer features like personalized reading suggestions based on your preferences and reading history. 

The convenience of having your TBR list on your phone or tablet makes it easy to always have it with you wherever you go. Plus, many of these apps are free to use!

So why not give these methods a try and see which one suits your organizing style best? Your TBR list will thank you for it! And who knows, maybe the satisfaction of having an organized TBR list will motivate you to finally start tackling those books that have been sitting on your shelf for months.

Additional Tips:

• Don’t be afraid to remove books from your TBR list if you’ve lost interest in them or they no longer fit your reading preferences.
• Consider organizing your TBR list by priority, such as books you already own, library books, or new releases you’re excited about.
• Keep track of books recommended by friends, book clubs, or social media so you don’t forget them.
• Make sure to leave room for spontaneity and don’t feel pressured to stick strictly to your TBR list. Sometimes the joy of picking up a random book can lead to unexpected gems.

How to make a TBR list on Kindle?

Oh, creating a TBR list on your Kindle is pretty cool and, honestly, kind of a game changer for us bookworms. It’s like having your own personal mini-library organized just the way you like it. The secret sauce here is using the “Collections” feature on your Kindle. It’s super simple!

First, just go to your library, and look for the option to create a new collection. Think of a collection as a custom shelf in a real-life library or bookstore – you get to name it and decide what goes on it. Create a bunch of different collections to track different things like, “unread books” or “tbr titles”, or even by genre like “historical fiction“.

Then, the really fun part begins. Start adding books to your new collections. You can do this by pressing and holding the title of any book in your library and then selecting “Add to Collection.” Choose your collection, and voila, it’s shelved! 

The best part? You can keep this collection right at the top of your library for easy access. Plus, you get the satisfaction of removing a book from your TBR collection once you’ve devoured it, which feels oh-so-rewarding. 

Want to see how I organize my books in collections? Check out the quick video below!

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How to make a TBR list on paper?

Making a TBR list on paper can be as simple or as fancy as you like, honestly. There are so many different ways to do it, and each one’s got its own charm. For starters, you can snag my handy TBR printable journal template. This template can help you keep track of everything from your reading list to your book reviews, which is great for a visual person.

Or, if online shopping is more your jam, you could totally buy a physical reading journal on Amazon. They have ones that not only have space for your TBR list but also for reviews, notes, and all that good stuff that book lovers adore.

But hey, if you’re a bit of a DIY enthusiast or just love the idea of making something that’s totally yours, creating your own list in a notebook is the way to go. Grab some pens, maybe some stickers if you’re feeling artsy, and just start listing down your to-read books. 

Honestly, the possibilities are endless, and the best part is making it fit your personal preference. 

More ways to organize your reading list

• Create a Reading Schedule: If you like having a plan, why not schedule your reads? You could decide to tackle a different genre each month or set a goal to read a certain number of books and schedule in your calendar of choice.
• TBR Jar: Write down the titles of the books in your TBR on individual slips of paper and pop them into a jar. Whenever you’re ready for a new book, just pull out a title at random. It’s like letting fate decide your next read!
• Use Bookmarks Creatively: You can use different colored bookmarks to prioritize your TBR list. For instance, red for “must-reads,” blue for “interest piqued,” and so on. It’s a visual and fun way to keep your physical books organized.
• Seasonal Stacks: Organize your TBR list according to the seasons or holidays. It could be fun to read horror books during October or cozy, heartwarming stories in December. Gives you something special to look forward to! 
• Mood-Based Sections: Divide your list not just by genre, but by mood. Feeling adventurous? Have a section for that. In a mood for something that makes you think? There’s a section for that too. Tailor your TBR to fit your reading style as a mood reader.
• The ‘If You Liked This, Then Read This’ Method: Create a chain of books where each book you read influences the next one on your list. For example, if you loved the book The Cruel Prince, the next could be another fantasy.

Remember, the goal is to make your TBR list work for you, making reading an exciting adventure rather than a daunting task.

How to reduce your TBR? Tips & Tricks

Our To-Be-Read (TBR) list is always growing larger by the day and it can quickly get overwhelming if we don’t stay on top of it. Fear not! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you whittle down that pile without breaking a sweat:

• The 50 Page Rule: Give a book 50 pages. Not hooked? It’s totally okay to move on. Life’s too short for books that don’t grab you.
• Book Swap With Friends: This is a win-win. You get to clear out books you’re done with and grab something new from a friend. Plus, it’s a great excuse to chat about books over coffee.
• Set a Reading Challenge: Whether it’s through Goodreads shelves or simply a note on your phone, setting a yearly goal can really motivate you to start ticking off those books.
• One In, One Out: For every new book you buy, make a rule to donate or give away one. Keeps the collection fresh and manageable!
• Audio books Are Your Friend: Sometimes, you just can’t find the time to sit down with a book. They are perfect for multitasking your way through your TBR while commuting, cooking, or working out.
• Join a Book Club: Nothing like a deadline and the potential for a good discussion to get you through a book. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make sure you’re actually reading what you’ve been meaning to.

Remember, your TBR is supposed to be fun, not homework. Mix these strategies up to find what works best for you. 

FAQs about TBR list ideas

Is there a TBR app?

Absolutely! You’ve got a bunch of cool options for TBR apps. Goodreads is a biggie, letting you track what you’ve read, what you wanna read, and see what your friends are into. Storygraph is another awesome app, perfect for those who love stats and personalized recommendations based on mood, pace, and themes. 

Plus, your app store is like a treasure chest, brimming with other gems waiting to be discovered. Just take a peek and you’ll find the perfect app to manage that growing TBR list!

How do you prioritize TBR?

Prioritizing your TBR (To Be Read) list can feel like trying to choose your favorite flavor of ice cream—tough, but oh so rewarding. A pro tip? Start with any ARC (Advanced Reader Copies) reads you’ve got. 

They often have a deadline, and it’s cool to get ahead of the crowd. After that, just go with the flow of what you’re in the mood for. 

Whether it’s a gutsy thriller to keep you up at night or a light-hearted romance to sweeten your day, picking something that resonates with how you’re feeling can make reading feel like a mini adventure tailor-made for you. 

What does DNF books mean?

DNF stands for “Did Not Finish,” which is basically reader-speak for when you start a book but decide not to continue reading it. 

Maybe it didn’t click with you, or perhaps it’s just not the right time. 

Is StoryGraph better than Goodreads?

Oh, the age-old question! Is StoryGraph better than Goodreads? It totally depends on what you’re looking for. StoryGraph rocks for its personalized recommendations and mood-based searching, making it a hit for folks who love to match their reads with their vibes. 

Goodreads, on the other hand, is fantastic for its massive community and extensive reviews. It’s like asking if chocolate ice cream is better than vanilla – they’re just different flavors of awesome!

Is there a better option than Goodreads?

Honestly, whether there’s a better option than Goodreads really depends on what you’re craving in a bookish community and tool. If you’re after detailed analytics on your reading habits and more personalized recommendations, you might find StoryGraph to be a refreshing change. 

On the flip side, for those who thrive on a large community feel and love deep-diving into reviews, Goodreads might still be your happy place. At the end of the day, it’s all about what makes your reading experience feel like home.

How do you keep up with books you’ve read?

Keeping track of the books you’ve read can feel like trying to remember your favorite coffee order in a sea of options. Here’s a simple hack: use a reading tracker app like Goodreads or StoryGraph, jot down notes in a dedicated reading journal, or even keep a spreadsheet if you’re feeling a bit more techie. 

It’s all about finding that sweet spot that makes revisiting your reading adventures as cozy as a weekend book binge.

Did you discover the best way to keep track of your TBR list?

And there you have it, fellow book lovers! Whether your To-Be-Read pile is towering over your nightstand or it’s a neat little list in your favorite app, remember that it’s all about enjoying the journey through the pages. 

Don’t sweat about getting through that list at the speed of light. Sometimes the best stories are the ones we stumble upon when we least expect them. 

Keep experimenting with your tracking methods until you find the one that feels like the perfect reading buddy. 

After all, organizing your TBR list should be just as fun as the adventures hiding within those pages. Here’s to many more discoveries and the joy of ticking off another amazing read from your list. 

Happy reading, everyone!