I have a nice relationship with my TBR.
And by “nice” I mean, I simultaneously hate it because it wants to kill me and I think it’s stalking me and most definitely growing without permission….but yet. I would be lost without it. My TBR is my darling. It is full of potential. It is exciting. It is magical. * There is no way in the history of ever that I would be parted from my TBR. It’s a very tragic love story, honestly, and we’ll probably die together — my TBR never completely read, and me probably dead because it fell on me. **
So our tragic co-dependant unhealthy relationship aside…there comes a time in every bookworm’s life when they wish to control their TBR. I am here, most graciously, to help you with that. Because TBRs can make bookworms unhappy! It is a fact! Sometimes you look at that mountain and you just say “NOPE” in 32 languages and you lie on your face to have an overwhelmed existential crisis.
BUT NO MORE. All my tips are obviously true, tried, and tested and I wouldn’t lie to you or lead you astray. Never. ***
* No, seriously. Magical. WHERE DID ALL THESE BOOKS COME FROM??? I swear after a while they just start growing on their own like evil mushrooms with too much personality.
** True romance. Someone write a book on this??
*** Is something burning? Oh just my pants because LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE. Ahem. I mean, wait. Who’s writing this. Delete this section immediately I never lie.
1. GIVE IT A NICE PLACE TO LIVE SO IT FEELS LOVED.
There is nothing more terrifying than a TBR that gets the feeling it’s not loved. No, no. Do not let this happen. It will come and bite you with a vengeance. Always give your TBR an honourable place to occupy. I mean, an entire room is probably best. An ENTIRE HOUSE is obviously #goals here. But in case you don’t have one of those lying around, make sure you follow these rules:
DO:
- keep your TBR on a nice shelf with a nice view so it can watch your every move and not feel left out of your life
- or in a nice pile somewhere with plenty of air and sunshine so it can grow
wait we don’t want this stahp stahp abort - rearrange it casually so the books on the bottom of the piles/shelves don’t feel like they’re holding up the weight of the universe because who needs that kind of constant pressure?? Do you want to pay for counselling for your TBR? No. You do not. So share the weight and burdens.
DO NOT:
- stuff it in a dark corner or under the bed or in a cupboard where you can’t see it, because it will come for blood
- store it in boxes in dark places far from you because you’ll forget it exists and it’ll have damaged emotions
- dump it in an unloved pile
- hide it behind other books because it will start a rebellion and you’ll be very sorry
2. DON’T LET IT SMELL FEAR.
Because it will explode if you do. These things can be nasty little creatures and, seriously, stand firm. Do not quake. Do not make eye contact. DO NOT LET IT KNOW THAT YOU PLAN TO CONQUER IT BECAUSE THEN YOU’RE DOOMED. You must do this on the sly or it bites.
3. ORGANISE IT INTO SEPARATE PILES OF PRIORITIES.
I find TBRs respond well when you stack them up with their friends. They get less lonely see??? I have 4 piles. Which include: (1) ARCS, (2) library books, (3) books I’ve personally bought, and (4) kindle books which you can’t see SO THEY GROW REALLY BADLY.
I prioritise them in that order, too, because I’m obligated to review the ARCs (if I’ve asked for them) and I want to be honest and respect what I’ve committed! And then library books come next because I GET FREAKING FINES IF I DON’T READ THEM FAST ENOUGH. What is this life. Who could be so cruel to me. And then books I’ve bought, unfortunately, come last on the priority list because they don’t have imminent-time-schedules. They usually get neglected the most. They cry a lot and I comfort them by adding more books to them and it doesn’t help at all.
4. GIVE YOURSELF GUIDELINES.
I hate book-bans. UGH. They’re the worst. Curse that phrase and burn it at the stake with lots of pepper and salt and mayonnaise — wait this is not a sandwich order. I HATE THE PHRASE “BOOK BAN” AND IT IS NOT A DELICIOUS SANDWICH.
So. I give myself TBR rules.
For instance:
- you cannot library more than 2 books at a time (I currently have 4 out and I am hopeless why are you reading my blog??? it is hopeless)
- you cannot request more than 5 books on edelweiss/netgalley at once.
- I only ever buy 4 books a month because that’s how much my freelance book vouchers cover anyway
- if there’s a library sale — ALL BETS ARE OFF, THE BOOKS ARE $0.50 EACH I’M HAVING AT IT
- wait
- do these seem like rules to you?? Because I think they have problems. Let’s move on.
FYI THE MUG SAYS “I WOKE UP LIKE THIS: AWESOME” WHICH IS PERFECT FOR THE MAJESTIC CREATURE WHICH IS ME.
5. YOU SHOULD TAKE IT OUT TO TEA ON OCCASION.
Because we bookworms spend a lot of time glaring at our TBRs and they need positive experiences with us too. I mean obviously we’re glaring because we’re just thoughtfully trying to figure out what to read next. We’re not glaring because we can’t FIGURE OUT HOW ALL THESE BOOKS EVEN GOT THERE.
Hahaha. Of course not.
Treat your TBR to tea. #nice
6. TRY MAKING IT FEEL USEFUL WITH ALTERNATE OCCUPATIONS.
No one likes to sit in a dusty pile for 87 years like my TBR has been. * But there are many fun things your TBR can do besides sit uselessly in a pile all day.
For instance:
- you can use it to make a wall to keep people out of your room
- you can take photos of unread books for #bookstagram
- you can make a domino line of your books and knock them over and then listen to their screams and feel terrible and horrible about yourself
- you can use them as hats
- you can put them in the kitchen and see if they might make toast for you?
- you can get them gloves and a shovel and send them out to do a little gardening
- they can babysit your kids
- you can hit a zombie with one
- or hit an annoying person with one but you didn’t hear that advice from me considering I am a nice person and would never condone hitting annoying people with books **
* Never mind I’m only 22. What is wrong with you? How dare you come to MY BLOG and question MY MATH SKILLS and shake your head like I MIGHT BE WRONG WHEN CLEARLY I’M NOT.
** HAHAHAHAHAHHA…do it.
7. RENAME IT BECAUSE NO ONE LIKES TO BE REFERRED TO BY ACRONYMS
It’s insensitive. Did you ask the TBR its feelings on the matter? Maybe it wants to be called Andrew or Mulgabill or Eleanor? Or Theodore Berry Reginald. (See what I did there?!! #SoClever) I’ve started calling my TBR Frank because FRANKLY IT’S GOING TO KILL ME SOMEDAY BY FALLING ON MY HEAD.
8. ALERT PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE LIVING IN IMMINENT DANGER AND MAY NEED HELP.
I’m just saying: take precautions. This TBR may bury you alive someday…so alert various loved ones, friends, family, or poisonous reptiles that they might need to come dig you out if you’re not heard from after 3 days. *
Be proactive. Have an escape route in place.
* I’m saying 3 days because apparently you can live that long without water, but who cares about water? I’M NOT SURE I COULD GO THAT LONG WITHOUT CAKE.
MY ACTUAL TBR. #HELP
9. ADD MORE BOOKS TO THE TBR SO IT’S NOT LONELY.
Because this WILL HELP. Studies have shown that TBRs get very lonely because they’re neglected for long periods of time in favour of other things like (A) socialising with other humans which is a weird thought or (B) Netflix or (C) the need to bake delicious fruitcakes to give to those in need. *
So add more books!! Let your TBR know it’s loved and remembered and here are some friends to keep it company in your absence. This step is guaranteed to be helpful.
* Me.
10. IF ALL ELSE FAILS STAND ON IT AND STRIKE A CONQUERING POSE.
Because now you have technically “conquered” it and no one can argue. Because you STAND UPON IT! You are Napoleon! You are a Grand Explorer! You have prevailed! #BookQueen
I mean, obviously you could also read from it.
That would be a logical way to attack it. Especially if you read more books than you acquired. THAT would actually help. Keep that little piece of advice tucked nicely in your pocket, although I highly recommend following #10 most often. It’s very satisfying and climbing on top of your TBR is a much wiser use of your time than, well, actually reading books.
YOU’RE WELCOME FOR ALL THIS SAGE ADVICE. Now go forth!! Control your TBRs and be majestic!
Your tips are hilarious Cait 😀 Thank you so much for making me laugh 😀 I have 40 books on my TBR.. I consider it huge since I usually have 10.. my TBR file grew so much since I became book blogger. I am still buying books but I buy books that I’ve read ( i borrow from a friend / digital libary before and I like it) so my TBR pile won’t add up but sometimes the new books are hard to resist..
Aww, thanks!!😂 THAT MAKES ME HAPPY THAT YOU LIKED IT! And 40 is honestly really good *nods* I haven’t even counted mine because I don’t want to know.😂 Last year I got it down to 3!! Imagine that! This year…I don’t even think I’m going to dent it before 2017….
Your welcome. Wow 3 books? Awesome! Last year I can have none too for two weeks (The physical TBR). Good luck for us. Hope we can conquer our TBR 😀
Splitting my TBR in to seperate piles (library, ARCs ect) really helps me with my TBR but to be honest, MINE IS JUST SO MASSIVE THAT IT TAKES OVER EVERYTHING (it’s a bit angry because I am referring to he/she as ‘it’ and not giving he/she a name.
SAME. And actually my ARC pile is quite small at the moment and makes me very pleased. We won’t talk about my library pile WHICH IS JUST RIDICULOUS AND SOMEONE NEEDS TO STOP. (Spoiler: me.)
I thought the only solution to handle my TBR is to READ them but Cait, your way seems better :’) my bookshelves are literally beside my bed so every night I stare at them when I’m lying on my side, deciding what I should read tomorrow but even that, sometimes I forget that I haven’t read them 😛 I also prioritize ARC & review copy over my own books but OMG KINDLE BOOKS ARE SECRETLY GROWING EVERYDAY!! They’re invisible but the numbers are significantly higher than my physical TBR…. send HELP!
My rule with netgalley is based on my ratio. If it gets under 80% then I know I have to stop requesting and start reading the books on my shelves instead and pffftt I don’t believe in book buying ban. I don’t buy books if I don’t have extra money, regardless of the number of books on my TBR 😛 But yes to adding more books to the TBR!! I;m constantly thinking about books that I want to buy next! Please tell me I’m not the only one?
I don’t know how many books are on my TBR and I don’t wanna know either, that would be a rude awakening! I mean, who.s counting anyway? 😛 Also your pictures are so gorgeous I envy the number of books you own and your shelves <3<3 but that last picture is downright admirable! Things people do for book photography…. 😉
OF COURSE MY WAY IS BETTER. I mean, just read them?? WHAT nonsense is that?? 😉 😉 😂 And omg my shelves are opposite my bed too so I get to stare at them a lot and think about what I’m going to read next and generally just end up having a crisis and doing nothing.😂 And it’s so easy to let the kindle grow unsupervised, right?! Because you can’t see them piling up, so … off they go. Little minds of their own.
Oh netgalley is good with the ratio thing! I get stuck on edelweiss though, because they don’t even seem to count if you review or not?!? And I get WAY more accepts there. (Netgalley hates me and my Australianness tbh. Nasty thing.) HENCE THE KINDLE IS TERRIFYING. And dude: yes. My life is basically 4% thoughts about everyday things and 96% what am I going to spend my next book money on. #priorities
Aww, thankyou!!😂
HAHA GREAT POST! You made me laugh so much my mom thinks I have gone crazy. But anyways, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ARE THE NO. OF BOOKS ON MY TBR. Like there were festivals and such a few days ago, I got soooo much money from relatives, I could buy 15 paperbacks from that money. I am just controlling myself. Illuminae was ₹200 off ON Amazon (that’s kinda like 4 Australian dollars) I have the ebook and seriously I CANNOT CONTROL MYSELF FROM BUYING THE PHYSICAL COPY. Oh and ya, next month is my birthday so MORE MONEY ME EXCITE.
YAYY I AM GLAD YOUR PARENTAL THINKS YOU’VE GONE CRAZY DUE TO MY FABULOUS WIT. Ahem. I mean, wait…my apologies. 😉 😂😂 Omg I haven’t actually counted my TBR in a while because that’s terrifying. I don’t need those sorts of numbers in my life.😂 WHAT. Illumiane is like $4?!? That is amazing. Buy it. It is gorgeous in paperback, I can confirm. But like what are we supposed to do when books are cheap??? They need us??? We must comply????
Love your post and your beautiful pictures! I’m on a book buying ban right now. Not sure how long it will last, but hope at least for the rest of the year. My TBR is not big in my eyes, but sure in my sister eyes or any other non-bookish person of course is BIG. I haven’t bought books since August, so I’m very happy with my self. My TBR pile is on 70-80 books perhaps. Not sure. I rarely count them. My books are located on a bookcase in my living room, so everyone can see them. And the rest of them is located in my room back at my parents house. Sadly I don’t have big enough apartment to all my books. Hope in the future I can have all in one place.
I rarely count them.
I rarely count them.
“I rarely count them.
I rarely count them.”
Ha ha when your computer decides to sound like an echo. Sorry about that. Computer problems! 😉
Aww, thankyou!! I was basically scouring the depths of my photos archives for any book piles. I apparently have a lot of book piles. 😂 I’m pretty sure my pile is about the same as yours! Not counting kindle?? I mean, I do count my kindle TBR but there are 39839 free books on there that I am probably never going to read too.😂 And I do hope you have a place someday where you can keep all your books together!!
Not counting my kindle books in my TBR pile, but if I did.. I sure my TBR would be endless. Free books is so amazing, but I never understand why I say yes to them. When I almost never read them. Ha ha.
…. I don’t really have a TBR?? I have a mental list of books I want to read some time and a physical list called ‘books to read in the holidays’ or some such. Spoiler alert: I read like 1 book from that list. Spoiler alert: That list was made about5 months ago. ANYWAY. I just read the books when I want to which is nice because i don’t have to deal with the HORRIBLE SCARY PRESSURE of arcs. (also, I live in India) (Also, I’m *not allowed* to take my library with me when I leave (or so they think…muhahahaha) ) *ahem* well I’m just a weird bookworm. *nods*
WAiTTTTT. You mean you cannot pack your library into your bag and just transport it wherever you go in life? WHAT NONSENSE IS THIS. You clearly need to get yourself one of those endless bags like Hermione and Mary Poppins have. #goals
Really entertaining post! 😉 You made me laugh!
If you asked me two-three months ago, I’d say I don’t stress out when it comes to my tbr, BUT now when the book festivel in my coutry is starting, I realized I haven’t read any of books I purchased there last year. Not one! And that led me to conclusion I have to take some control over my tbr. So I decided to skip book festivel (I know, it sounds like a sin, and maybe it is), I won’t renew my library card (in my country we pay for our cards and there’s only small number of books in Englsh to borrow anyway, so I don’t feel guilty at all) and will finally start to read my books.
As for ARCs, I’m pretty good when it comes to physical ones, they are ALWAYS priority, but on Netgalley I’m still fighting with myself and my urge to push that “send request” button, so now I have a rule 3:1 which means for three feedback sent I get to request one book. It’s hard, but I have to do it to get my ratio better. And beside, it is better to control myself then to get “you’ve been declined” email.
MY WORK HERE IS DONE THEN.😂 hehe, thankyou!!
Oh and good luck with your TBR controlling plan! That all sounds VERY logical (although, tbh, standing on it is a lot more fun so I highly recommend trying that at least once). I’m absolutely hopeless in my library. I try to only borrow 2 books per week but ahhahhaha. That never happens. Someone should probably restrain me from my library card.😂
It’s so hard with netgalley/edelweiss too, because like you never know when you’ll get an approval?!? I requested about 10 on edelweiss and only got approved for a couple. And then I requested 4 more today and got approved for them all.😂 BUT HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHAT’LL HAPPEN. *collapses in a puddle*
MY BOOKS HAVE TAKEN OVER MY ROOM
Seriously, there are about 7 piles on one side of the bed (or more,) 2-4 giant boxes of books, 2 full bookcases, a draw, and several piles under the bed.
Then again, my Goodreads TBR is currently 550+ books, so there’s clearly no hope for me anyway. When I die I’ll fossilise into paper & ink.
THAT SOUNDS LIKE MY LIFE. What do we do?!?? Mine is forever terrifying me but honestly I just feed it more books to try and keep it happy. I DON’T THINK IT’S WORKING.
Thank you for this majestic advice!! I try not to let my TBR smell my fear and so far it’s working! I HAVE 20 BOOKS LEFT TILL MY GOODREADS GOAL FOR THIS YEAR AND ONLY TWO MONTHS LEFT I AM TERRIFIED!!! (but WAY MORE on my actual TBR. Probably double that.)
I’ve occasionally hit people with my TBR, I admit, but only when they try to interrupt me and the interruption does not involve cake.
I NEED A NAME FOR MY TBR!!! THANK YOU FOR THE FRANK LINE BECAUSE IT LEGIT MADE MY ENTIRE DAY!!!!!
20 books read in 2 months? YOU’VE GOT THIS, ENGI. THAT’S EASY STUFF. *sprinkles encouraging confetti in your hair* GO FOR IT. And petition to rename all TBRs “Frank” because yes.
LOL. My TBR is definitely plotting against me. Just when I’m within reach of the 80% badge (who knew how competitive I am!) on Netgalley there are suddenly more books on my shelf – we’ll ignore the fact I actually requested them 😂. I don’t own enough physical books – mostly because I have 2 homes and airlines are cruel to restrict the weight/size of book blogger’s luggage. But if I did I would seriously consider standing on top of the pile… except I’m so clumsy I’d probably break an ankle! Great post ☺
A portable TBR is actually the better idea, so you’re smarter than the rest of us.😂 Also those Goodreads badges and things are really good motivation right?!?
I honesty have never thought of conquering it by standing on it, that is pure genius!!
Also my TBR is taking over everything and my roommate knows I have problems so she questions how I’m doing which is nice but also terrifying bc it just keeps growing. 😰😱
I have done a ban but it seemed in that month that I spent more time getting books than actually reading any. I have a bit of a problem. Good thing I’m not the only one!
YOU’RE WELCOME FOR ALL THIS SAGE ADVICE FROM ME. I think standing on one’s TBR is actually the best advice here. Guaranteed to work basically. #legit
LOL! actually, since I’m young, books are usally never on my list for more than a few days. I feel sorry for grown ups. XD
my mom for example, lets her to read books stay on the shelves, or otherwise there would no books on the shelves.
and yes, i LOVE hitting people with books. its usally my brother, and I refrain from hitting my sister, because she hits back. XD
Most crazily, ~Olive
Sisters are scary fiends when they hit back. SO ANNOYING OF THEM. *swats at sister with a paperback* 😂
Well you see I could take my tbr to tea, although I would probably just end up drenching it in floods of tears – er, tea. Which may or may not make things better. Although now that I come to think about it, if your goal is to get RID of your tbr, spilling liquid on the books is a very effective was to do it. But it probably doesn’t materialise into the wanted outcome for most people. Hmm.
I LOVED THIS CAIT! You’ve got me thinking of my tbr as a cute little bunny just waiting to be pet, rather than a huge looming monster of soon to be brown pages. Was that your intention? Maybe not, although I am a little odd in my interpretations of things. The pictures were brilliant, as always, and you’re so goddamn funny! Thanks for the lovely list (alliteration).
Omg no I can’t get RID of my TBR…what would I complain about all the time?? I WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT MY LOVEABLE NEMESIS.
Also yaaaay, I’m so glad you liked it!!
Oh no, my poor TBR is probably lonely because I hardly even have a physical TBR! It only takes up a small shelf, which can be a blessing, but also a curse when I have no desire to read a single book on said TBR . And they must feel very abandoned because they don’t get to be my models for Instagram as much. Oh, poor small TBR. Haha, I loved this post though! Super funny! 😉 <3
I’m glad you liked it!! And omg BE HAPPY your TBR is small and manageable.😂 That is like a grand act of wizardry. *bows to your skills*
I had to put a book ban to me – buy to books every time I finish to read six books – and choose a max of ten book for my monthly tbr. Plus, I try always to read the next installement of a series that I started the month before and so goes on. I also try to read all the books that I bought the month before.+
But now I’m going to die because I already finished my other six books, so I’ve to order more of them… and my december tbr will explode. I know I can skip these books and buy them on december but my brain says: buy them now
My wallet needs help
This is so organised and responsible of you….I AM IN AWE. *bows to your skills* I’m so disorganised and will with my reading right now.😂 I have books that should’ve been read months ago and yet I’m reading books not publishing till 2017. WHAT IS M LIFE. SOMEONE COME MAKE ME SORT IT OUT.
Wallets always need help because our brains just see pretty book and MUST OBTAIN.😂
You make very valid points and now I must think up a good name for my TBR. Also, I agree with you about Kindle books. I think they’re like mushrooms, you can keep them in the dark, even turned off, and the TBR can STILL manage to grow!
I shall call my TBR ….FRANK. Or Ferdinand. Because YES. And omg those devious little kindle books…they just never stop multiplying even when I don’t do anything.😂
I have never imposed book bans on myself – usually my wallet (it died of starvation about the time I went on extended maternity leave) took care of that, anyway. I never restrict myself at the library – but this is actually a bad thing, because sometimes I literally cannot carry all of the choices home without giving myself a hernia. (My car died about 8 months ago, so I walk everywhere, no joke.)
However, when it comes to sales, if I do have money in my pocket, I may as well bring it directly to the cashier and announce they can have me for a year of servitude if they just provide a cart for all my acquisitions.
That aside, I interestingly have an odd problem – NOTHING NEW TO READ. The local library system has let me down. I am too poor to go to the bookstore. I need to focus on NaNo anyway. The last 4 books my son brought home from the library, I am NOT INTO. Oh my gosh, what is wrong with me?!?!?!
Omg. I cannot imagine trying to walk home with library books. I WOULD DEFINITELY DIE BECAUSE I HAVE NO CHILL AT THE LIBRARY.😂 Even today I went with my nieces/nephew who are small and prone to destruction, and I had to park a little far away because of roadworks and I just about diiiiied trying to haul 3 kids, 20 picture books, and my own library books across a road. Note to self: get a clone to carry your books for you.
#SENSIBLE
(Plus library books are free…how can we say no!?😂)
Agh, that is sad you have nothing new to read! THAT IS TERRIFYING ACTUALLY.
I know, isn’t it scary?!
Luckily I don’t live too far (less than a mile) from my local library. But the walking part creates major issues for bringing things home. I have to limit how much I get for myself and the kids, even if I have Muffin with me and bring the stroller…. Since I have to push the stroller up a hill to reach our house. :/
Oh, for the money so I could just order things online and have it shipped right to my house!!!
Oh my gosh, Cait. Hilarious as always. ^_^
YAY I’M GLAD YOU ENJOYED IT.😊
Too true, right? 😀
Great reminder to me not to overload myself. Because I always do that. I got a library card recently after not having one for two years and so now I have a zillion books that I need to read. It’s not at all stressful. 😉 Plus NetGalley and other things…yeah. Lol maybe I should just got stand on my TBR to make myself feel better. 😀
Eeep, libraries are SO TEMPTING.😂 They’re all just free and pretty and begging to be loved. How can we say no? *tries not to borrow the whole library at once*
*fails*
SO True! 😀
LOVED this (and the pictures!)! Haha, Cait you make LAUGH!! Great ideas to control that never-ending TBR! Though, reading the books are actually quite good ways tooo….
AHH I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED THE POST! *tosses confetti* Thankyou!
Those pictures accurately describe my life right now, my TBR will be the death of me.
We shall die valiantly together. BOOKWORMS TO THE LAST MOMENT. HUZZAH!
EVERYTHING about this is so relatable…
I’ve tried to put myself on ‘book bans’, but that hasn’t been able to stop me xD I do make library rules for myself tho, like I cannot get in more than 2 books if I haven’t read the ones I still have at home…haha…haha…#disobedient
Currently, the books in my room that I’m planning on reading before Christmas are over 50 xDD AND IT KEEPS GROWING!!!!!!!
And I keep the majority of my tbr on my bed, and my bedside table. Reminds me to read at night instead of going on the internet! haha
I’ll admit, I have never climbed my tbr before, but your result looks impeccable *two thumbs up*
Great post!!
OH GOOD. I AM GLAD.😂 We can all be suffering from our TBR’s maliciousness together.
omg I’m glad I’m not the only one with “library rules”.😂 I still have, erm, 4 right now…which is better than last year when I ended up wtih 12 reserves coming in at once which was RIDICULOUS. But I literally have 20 on reserve right now and am praying they come in one at a time? *fingers crossed* I will be dead under a pile of books presently if they don’t.
AHHHH I’ve given up saying “I plan to get this managed before christmas” BECAUSE IT’S HOPELESS. HELP ME, JAIMI. I CAN’T SEE MY FLOOR. (Just kidding. I keep the TBR piles on top of my bookshelf so whenever I walk under them my life flashes before my eyes. Nice.)
Me? TBR-“problems”? Hahahaha, no. I don’t even know how many books are waiting in the shadows of my apartment. I don’t want to know. I tried a book ban once or twice but tbh, it only made it worse because I was like “Oooh, see that pretty, shiny new book there? I WANT IT.” brain: “You already have dozens of unread books. What you don’t have is money and time. Stop this idiocy & grow up.” me: “I won’t be oppressed! Burn the rules! You know what? I’m buying that other one, too. Just to show you. Hah!” <– And the moral of this story is: no book bans for me.
When my Ma and I went shopping for furniture for my apartment she discovered a beautiful white cupboard with ornamented doors. Sadly, I couldn't see how this thing was of any use to me. Her answer: "You could put your books in there." Me: "But then I won't be able to see them!" "So what?" No, Ma. I love you, but no.
I've yet to try to climb on my tbr…new project for tomorrow? XP
A habit I've picked up to stop myself from buying new books is going to the bookstore. And staring at the books. And wishing they were mine. And then I assure myself that they will always be there, waiting for me to buy them. (A little lie can't hurt.) And then I just walk out of the store. It's a compromise and not a very good one (+I think the sellers are getting suspicous and are starting to doubt my sanity) BUT it kind of works. ^-^'
Book bans make EVERYTHING WORSE. It’s like putting oneself on a starvation diet. Unhealthy. Not recommended. *shakes head vigorously*
But omg I’m with you on not seeing the books!! THERE IS NO POINT. My mum suggested I put my book overflow in my wardrobe and I had the same reaction.😂 I must seeee my children.
And yes, do climb your TBR. Or your bookshelf. OR BOTH. So satsifying.
OMGOODNESS. I am impressed by this entire post of ENTIRELY LEGITIMATE ADVICE (I shall be following it all to the letter. I’ve already arranged a tea-date!). BUT BUT BUT… I am still REELING from the fact that you made an ACTUAL TOWER OF BOOKS. AND THEN YOU STOOD ON TOP OF IT. STAAAAHHHHP. You are too much gahh.
I AM TOO MUCH AWESOME YOU MEAN. *flips hair majestically*
And of course this is helpful and legit advice. I only give good advice around here. I NEVER SHOUT NONSENSE HAHA, NO NEVER.
OF COURSE. It is advice we must ALL take to heart. Like I said. I will be following it to the letter. my TBR is about as tall as my calf so I don’t look AS cool as you standing on it. BUUUT still.
Your TBR is very lovely for people with fear of heights, right?!?
I want to see behind-the-scenes footage of how you got that picture standing on that skinny stack of books!
My TBR pile is mostly in e-book form, so it doesn’t take up much space. Except maybe in my head. (TBR piles are nags, whether they’re easily visible or not.)
MY DOG TOOK THE PHOTO OF COURSE. He manned (dogged?) the camera while I climbed my bookshelf and conquered gloriously.
And omg yes ebook TBRs are very scary too. Like you can’t see them, but that just makes them more angry for some reason. I’m pretty sure mine bites.
MOST of the books in my room are probably things I haven’t read yet. Granted, most of them aren’t review copies – so that’s good! However, that doesn’t really help me organize or know how many books I still need to read because they are everywhere!!!
Mine are everywhere too. I CANNOT MOVE WITHOUT BOOKS COMING AFTER ME DEMANDING ATTENTION.😂
Ohhhh! You mean you actually have a pile of books that you want to read and you call THAT your TBR???? I seriously NEVER GOT THAT until JUST NOW. Whoops!
Okay! Now we are on the same page! I didmnt know people referred to those as TBR’s… I thought a TBR was a LIST of books to read (that IS what TBR stands for, right??? JUST CHECKING!)
So, yes. I do actually do this occasionally. I stack them next to my bed. As of right now the stack is only about five books tall but there are times when I have three or four stacks of about six books each!
Unfortunately, between NaNo, school, and life, I can’t seem to find much time to read just now. Weirdly enough, I’m not missing it that much. Hopefully it’s just a phase??? I mean, that happens to me sometimes – books have no appeal and I read really slowly… Then there are other times when I can read multiple books in a day, so. *shrug*
Eeep, I should’ve put a definition of “TBR” in the post! I meant to, I just forgot.😂 TBR stands for “to be read” and it can be a physical pile of books or just a virtual list. It can be anything.😂
Sometimes I get tired of reading too, don’t worry!! I just write a lot and then come back to books grateful for how much easier it is to read than write.😂 Cures me every time, haha.
Nah, don’t worry about it. I’m sure everybody else knew what you were talking about. I’m just a little slooooow…
So true!
Also you were saying about how you try to limit yourself??? I do that with the library – like, “you may only take out three books at a time” and I come home with at least twenty! The library ladies give me boxes to carry them all in. #conspicuous
This entire post is worth GOLD! So hilarious 🙂
I love my TBR – Sure, I’ll never conquer it but then again I also don’t want to because I would feel lonely without it 😉
Also, I don’t really count my TBR. I know it’s a lot, but I don’t put a number on it. Because it changes all the time and also because I’m lazy. And also, they are all over the place. Some are in my bookshelf. Some are in my kindle. And some I don’t have yet, but they are on my TBR anyway 🙂 I also love the idea of book bans, but I’ve never been able to have one for more than 2 weeks. That’s usually when the panic starts and it only subsides when I get a new book to add to the TBR 🙂
I’m too lazy to count mine too.😂 Actually too tERRIFIED. It seems less daunting if I just pretend it’s under 30? heheh #lies 😱😩😩😂😂 And SAME. Book bans just make me nervous! I need my library and my netgalley. <3 😂
Hahaha! This post is perfection. I love it. I was drafting a post like this recently, but you win. For sure. I never could get a handle on how to tear down that TBR successfully (wait… did you?). I also have rules, but I am not great at following them. Oops.
Great post. And amazing photos! Seriously– how did you stand on that book pile? Cheating some how? 😉
Oh but see I STOOD ON MY TBR. So I did conquer it. Totally did. *nods* Now I’m free to add more books to it and lie on the floor for my existential crisis. I am the true winner here.
*DISTANT CRYING IN THE BACKGROUND*
Oh and my dog took that photo of me standing on my books. I had to climb my bookshelf and then bribe him with sandwiches, but he took it.
My physical TBR is tucked neatly among my other books pretending that it’s in a real life library … except for the pile in front of one of my bookshelves because I ran out of shelf space. My Kindle TBR is on my kindle/kindle cloud/my other kindle which has books from my mother’s kindle library on it. I make no efforts to control it. I have no idea of its actual size.
I’m pretty sure I’ve never stood on my TBR list, but I might have used it to make a throne once. For fun, you know.
Same with the kindles. 😳😱 I legit have NO IDEA how many books I’ve got on there because I won a stack of indie books once. MY KINDLE SCARES ME AND I JUST PRETEND IT’S NOT AS DEMANDING AS IT REALLY IS. Ooh, I want to make a throne! The only reason I haven’t is because I don’t have a nice place to make one so I can take pictures.😂
My have a TBR problem, it’s bigger than my “read” pile. It’s virtual (on GR) so I might have to soon go do some weeding. I love your color-coded book stacks.
Rebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
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Ahh thank you!! I love colour-coding.😂 And my goodreads TBR is like 1000+ books…oops. I mean, I don’t own them BUT STILL THAT’S A LOT.😂
We definitely have a TBR problem. In terms of actual books we own it’s something around forty and in terms of our personal Goodreads account which you’re never going to find *insert evil laughter here* it’s somewhere around 700… There’s a reason we don’t log into it anymore :/
Our TBR aka the Terrifying Books Regiment resides among books we’ve already read so none of them feel let out. When thinking of tackling it we like to re-read some our favourite books because procrastination and the loss of oneself in imaginary worlds are, as you know, the best offensive weapons in any arsenal.
To us, book bans/rules are pointless because there’s no actual negative consequence to implementing rules regarding are TBR pile. You won’y see us complaining about owning more books. But anyway…
I have 1000+ added on Goodreads.😂 I HAVE A SLIGHT PROBLEM, BUT NOT ONE I’M WILLING TO FIX. *adds all the books happily and probably dies imminently underneath them all*
Oh so THAT’S what TBR stands for. I didn’t think it was “to be read”….I figured it was “terrifying books regiment” or “torturous books raging” or something tbh. And re-reading totally helps with the problem. Definitely. Can’t go wrong there. And hey at least we’ll never run out of things to read right? WE ARE THE TRUE WINNERS.
Lol. I think I’m doing a good portion of these. This month I’m working on actually doing the reading part which has been sorely lacking for most of the year. I’ve been trying to tackle my TBR this month, whether it’s books that have been on my list for a while, audiobooks, or books I own on my shelf. I actually should be working on the physical copies I own since I’m going to have to leave them behind but…. you know. What happens happens.
I was TRYING at the beginning of the year to like have only 10 books on my TBR at once and just really be firm about it..then I won 20 and it was all downhill from there.😂 But good on you for actually tackling your TBR! That’s probably a lot wiser than, well, standing on it like I am currently doing.
Haha, I love this! And I can definitely get behind the whole ‘add more books’ things! I wouldn’t want my poor TBR books getting all lonely!
I’m pretty short too, so standing on them would be a good option for me, just so I can reach things! 🙂
We can’t let our TBRs get LONELY now, can we??? That would be cruel. *piles more books on diligently*
That is the perfect gif for number two!
I’m glad you liked it!!😂
How do I keep my TBR (aka Linda) from killing me during NaNoWriMo though? I need the answer! My TBR is on a shelf next to my bed. “It watches me in my sleep. HELP!” There are currently 14 books on it, but my goodreads TBR is much (284383539 times) larger. I have not climbed in my TBR. I have accidentally dropped a bunch of books though and have my mom yell from another room, “What was that?” Then I reply “Books.” She doesn’t care anymore, and says nothing else. I really like your book pictures for this post too. Ah, books! While I was reading this post the UPS guy knocked on my door. He gave me a hardback of The Thousandth Floor! I’ve already read it but I don’t own it, but now I do. That made my day, and now I am forever in a good mood. Have you read it. If not follow rule #9 and add it to your TBR. It is so good!
That is like a HUGE reason why I write my books so fast. I must or else the TBR will come attack me in my sleep while I have no time to attend to it. *flaps around frantically* Bahahha to that story about dropping books though!!😂 My dog is actually traumatised from me dropping books and whenever I go to my bookshelf…he leaves the room.😂
DUDE, THAT IS SO AMAZING. The Thousandth Floor is GORGEOUS. I haven’t read it yet, but I have it on my kindle so yup. The TBR is growling at me for not reading it yet.😂
I giggled so much reading this post hahaha. On a serious note though my TBR is getting waaaaay out of hand, it’s like I’m drowning! I’m too young to die!! Thanks for the tips Cait xx
WE ARE ALL TOO YOUNG TO DIE BY BOOKS. Someone start a support group for we bookworms and our overgrown TBRS omg.😂
Hahaha! That made my day! I also have a growing kindle TBR pile that I have no clue how it got so large. Plus, books on my shelves, the floor… Ugh!
I’m like 99% sure TBRs just grow on their own right?!? like I can just turn around for 8 seconds and BOOM. TBR is bigger and I did nothing.
This post made me laugh. My TBR is named All The Things, and it lives on a shelf above my bed, where it watches me sleep. It’s a very creepy pile of books.
On the shelf ABOVE YOUR BED?!?!? I think you’re a brave brave creature and I ADMIRE YOU.😂
CAIT HOW DID YOU DO THAT
??
Well??
I must, must, must know how you accomplished the photo of you standing on top of that TBR. I need to know your ways, All Powerful All Knowing Queen.
I need to get my TBR together in one place. It’s everywhere. All of the books are spread out on my bookshelf and I have nooooo clue how many of them there are. *le sigh* I’m a mega mood reader and it’s beginning to be quite the problem. But I do still love dear old Alfred, of course.
SO I GOT MY DOG TO TAKE THE PHOTO WHILE I CLIMBED MY BOOKSHELF AND SAT ON IT. LEGIT. I ACTUALLY DID CLIMB MY BOOKSHELF. The things I do for bookstagram, hmm??😂
I don’t really have a TBR pile. I have a book wish-list and I have random ebooks I got when they were on sale for free. And a few I won in a giveaway. Some of those book may never be read, because somehow I can’t just get books of the kind I love. But they take up some minuscule space on my phone and I never see them.
And library books. They usually end up being nonfiction, often sewing or cooking and I forget to check the due date and end up spending half my book budget in them. That the penalty for being irresponsible. (or living half an hour from the library and only going into town once a week))
And the’s there’s beta reading that is usually easy to do, because i only volunteer for books I’m excited about. Well that’s what i do now. There was a few I picked up before I started to suffer from free book overload, that weren’t so great.
Eeek, I hate getting library fines. I feel SO SO BAD when it happens. *buries self* I go into town once a week (I only live about 15mins away) which is good!! So I basically keep on top of things with the library. LIBRARIES ARE SO USEFUL AND HANDY AND LIFE.
I used to suffer from free-book-overload too. Noooot fun. Life is to short just to read anything and everything, right?! We need to read what we love! (Okay except I add WAY too many books on Goodreads these days that I probably will never read.😂 I’m a hungry book creature.)
When my car was out of commission, my mom would take me to the library. Every time we went there, Mom said “Now Lacy. I don’t want to spend all day at the library. You have 15 minutes.” I often protested this. How could I find what I wanted to read in 15 minutes?! Mom doesn’t understand the bookworm life. lol.
I try and keep my TBR in check but then Danielle Steel thinks she needs to release 4 new books in my absence. Also since joining Goodreads, my world of books has expanded. Who knew so many books existed??
Omg 15mins browsing time IS NEVER ENOUGH. IT IS JUST A CRUEL RESTRICTION. *gives you cake for your pain*
Goodreads is totally a TBR enabler.😂 I can’t help myself! I ADD ALL THE THINGS.
My TBR is just in piles around my room, honestly. I need to put them on my bookshelf but I haven’t had the time recently. AND YOU STILL HAVEN’T READ WOLF BY WOLF, CAIT? HOW COULD YOU BETRAY ME IN THIS WAY?
I’M SORRY. I FEEL REALLY BAD. I’ve had it for like a year now??? Isn’t the sequel out??? What is my life. What are my choices.
I have TBR problems. Not huge ones, but mostly consisting of which part of the TBR to attack next. I do have a goodreads TBR which I vaguely refer to every now and again, but it doesn’t mean all that much, really. For books I HAVE to read, I have a goodreads shelf called ‘hyperventilates’ so I can prioritise. I have done library bans. They’re very effective, except sometimes holds come through? And I have to read them? It’s pretty terrible. I don’t stand, but I do sit on my books occasionally. But overall: This is great for ideas. I will murder you, oh-so-gently TBR!
Ooh, I like the idea of calling a shelf “hyperventilates”. I SHOULD RENAME MY ENTIRE SHELF THAT! Actually my TBR is just so overwhelming these days that I just read library books and seriously this isn’t helping with my problem.😂
Since my books are mostly electronic and I don’t have a physical shelf full of books that I’ve never read, I keep the most important ones on my Goodreads TBR. On the plus side this really reduces the risk of being killed by blunt force head trauma from TBR. On the negatives side – it can grow REALLY, REALLY quickly and you think that this stuff won’t grow if you don’t take it out into the sunlight? They THRIVE on darkness and expand exponentially ALL BY THEMSELVES!
I have a couple of different TBRs – there’s the Priority TBR which is the very next on my list to read. At any given time I try to keep this list below 20 books. And I try to take an older one off that list every now and then. ARCs go first because of the reasons you mentioned above and they are generally done in the order that they are publishing, not FIFO. Then there’s the massive OMG I can barely look at you right now TBR which contains the list of books I think I should read. Only the first in a series though because – a) I don’t want to be scared to death every time I see the sheer number of books I want to read and b) I am NOT committing myself to something I don’t know anything about yet. Then there’s the UPCOMING TBR which is technically books that aren’t published yet but I am excited about and this can also include ARCs that I have received because – nobody is perfect and this is MY filing system.
Other than that I don’t do book bans but my only ‘guideline’ is try to get to ARCs before they publish.
I do love the idea of climbing on top of the pile – I may have to get more physical books to do this with!
Love your bookstagram pics. 🙂
ohhh yes. Goodreads is fun and terrifying. So nice of it. :’) I have like 1000+ books on my to-be-read shelf (although I don’t OWN them so it’s more like wishful thinking😂) but AGH it’s just so easy to keep adding, right?! I KNOW NO CHILL ON GOODREADS.
omg I am horrible about sequels, actually. I have a pile of sequels that want to see me dead because they’ve been ignored for nearly a year and I JUST AM SORRY BUT AGH. I HAVE SEQUEL FEARS. And oh an upcoming TBR?! I love that!! I have an ARC pile which I try to keep small too…but I get a lot of unsolicited books and end up just howling.😂
Definitely stand on your TBR at some point. It is worth it for the majestic feels.
My TBR is seperated into coursebooks for each of my modules, and books that I actually want to read. Unfortunately, course books have priority. 🙁 They smell my fear.
Agh, that does make sense. *nods* Prioritising things is so very ADULT AND MATURE of us and so very boring at times. *stamps foot*
Do I have TBR problems? *Laughs manically* I have SEVERE PROBLEMS. My TBR stares at me all day long, like Leah why you ignoring me? Leah READ ME. LEAH LEAH LEAH LEAH. And then I get anxiety over how many books there are so I don’t read any of them and then more are released so I MUST BUY THEM IMMEDIATELY and it’s just a vicious, horrific circle. I say to myself at least once a week that I will STOP BUYING BOOKS BECAUSE I DON’T NEED THEM BECAUSE I HAVE LOTS. And then I just ignore myself and buy more books.
So if you hear of a lass killed by her books, it’s just me! Actually, ever since I re-watched HIMYM I’ve been terrified that my books may well collapse our house, because when some architect fella built a library he didn’t account for the books and I kinda have a LIBRARY?!?!?!?! *frets*
What can I say – it’s not drugs or alcohol so it’s not SUCH a terrible addiction…… IS IT?
PS: Your pictures are the best, I’m not sure if I love the hand one reaching for help or the standing on your books one more. *Dies laughing*
IT IS A VICIOUS HORRIFIC CYCLE AND THERE IS NO WAY TO END IT. *sobs loudly in the corner* I mean, we could stop buying books, probably but…why?????? What would be the point of life then???? HOW WOULD WE SURVIVE???? Ahem. So obviously the solution is to just keep adding to the problem and screw our bookshelves to the walls so there is smaller chance of them falling on us and killing us in the night. #sensible
(I’m glad you love the photos!!😂 I may have had a little too much fun with this.😂😂)
Yeaaahhh, I think #9 is my main strategy…
It is an excellent strategy. What could go wrong? :’)
These are some absolutely amazing tips Cait, and I completely agree with all of them. Prioritizing your TBR is SUPER helpful and really helps keep you organized. And setting guidelines for yourself is really important too – moderation and careful selection is key. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous tips!
The guidelines and rules are my favourite part…I love setting them so I just break them and then cry to myself when my TBR comes crashing down around my head. :’) I’M SO SMART HONESTLY.
This is fantastic. Funny yet helpful. Thank you for some great advice and a laugh.
I’m glad you liked the post!! THIS MAKES ME VERY HAPPY.
Haha, great post! I used to have one shelf only for TBR books.. And I was SCARED of it xD Now I don’t really let my pile of unread books grow to high. Because I know that I can’t deal with it! 😀 At the moment my TBR counts 4, YESSSS! (On the other side, my wishlist is getting looooong!)
OMG ONLY 4?!? YOU GENIUS. TELL ME YOUR SECRETS. hehe.😂 I got down to 3 last year … for just a very short time haha. But this year my TBR is just absolutely ridiculous. It’s a worry gahhhh. BUT THE LIBRARY IS SO TEMPTING.
I definitely have TBR problems. Not physical TBR problems, but a digital one. My TBR on goodreads is so large, and the problem is, I forget to consult it when I go to the library! And then I end up with 15 books that were NOT on my TBR, and 15 more that I saw and added to my TBR.
I don’t have a problem with book buying, since I am #broke and I don’t have anymore room anYWHERE FOR ANY MORE BOOKS AGRRHH.
That totally sounds like me at the library.😂I mean, I’m sitting here blogging that I “only borrow 2 books at once” and currently I have 7 out from the library. HAHAAH I’M THE WORST. *goes away to cry*
Haha wow, this is solid advice if ever there was some. I often sit (whilst staring at my TBR) and ponder whether someone else has actually achieved this balance of books arriving vs books read. I think not. I think it’s an impossible situation and publishers cackle with glee knowing that we’ll never achieve it and we will almost definitely die by being crushed by 7221 books that decided to NOPE. As you said.
I’ve been doing such a good job these last two months, though! Mostly because I’m veritably broke (never move across the world Cait, never do it (who am I kidding, do it)) and thus I cannot buy books right now. It turns out you do, in fact, have to eat, #shame. So I’m only receiving a little trickle of books from pre-orders and OH IT IS GLORIOUS. My TBR went down a whole two books the other day – AND STAYED DOWN. I’m sure I can get it below 200 before the end of the year. How do I even own 200 unread books. What is wrong with me.
I also appreciate that your TBR is called Frank. This, I approve of (have you made him a name badge? I think he’d like one).
I’m sure publishers are 1000% pleased with themselves and the anguish they cause avid bookworms who must have EVERYTHING and yet have time to NOT READ THEM ALL. Honestly I’ll die beside a pile of books I really meant to read. It’s an absolute awful tragedy. SOMEONE GET ME IMMORTALITY IMMEDIATELY AND I’LL SHOW THIS TBR WHO’S BOSS.
bUt yay that your TBR is being obedient for you. 😉 I barely spend any money on books, actually, but yet this happens. I DON’T EVEN KNOW. SOMEONE PLEASE BAN ME FROM THE LIBRARY.
Frank is an excellent name, actually. Because I call everyone Frank. I have two nieces and a nephew and I call them all Frank. #winning
Oh gosh those pictures of your books are soooo gorgeous! Such a helpful post you have here since my TBR pile is GINORMOUS. The struggle is REAL!
We bookworms are all SUFFERING SURVIVORS OF TBR PROBLEMS for sure.😂
Oh my gosh! Thank you! You have solved all my problems…pointing hubby to this post going forward when he questions the new books that appear in the house!! LOL
YOU ARE MOST WELCOME. I AM HERE TO BE HELPFUL.😂
My TBR is pretty huge at me moment, and it just keeps growing and growing and growing…. Thanks for your tipps, I will definitely try if they will make me some breakfast!
My TBR is also split into sections: the important ones that I actually want to read immediately after buying (if there weren’t 5 other books that I need to read before), are located on a pile next to my bed (so that I can get them as soon as I finished a book). At the moment, that pile consists of 6 books (SHAME). Then I have some other unread books on my shelves, either because they are part of a series and have their place next to their brothers and sisters, or because I think that I don’t need to read them that soon. (And because the pile next to my bed grows basically every week, I never get to read the ones on my shelves… I think there are some books I got 2 years ago and still haven’t read them… BUT WHAT CAN I DO?)
I think I have around 15 unread books at the moment (if I don’t count the ones that I will get for Christmas – it’s still 2 months till Christmas but I already told my Mom about 6 books I want to have). 😀
Thanks for your amazing blogpost, it was so much fun to read!
Amy
Omg getting the TBR to actually pull its weight would be wonderful. Like it just lazes around the whole day???? Doing nothing for us?? IT COULD AT LEAST MAKE US TOAST.
That sounds like a really good organisation system though!! Much better than mine.😂 I also have this problem where I procrastinate books I really really want to love? Because I’m scared I won’t love them SO I JUST DON’T READ THEM AND IT’S TERRIFYING.😂 I have problems. Ahem.
So true – “kindle books which you can’t see SO THEY GROW REALLY BADLY.”
And library sales are amazing. BUY ALL THE BOOKS! I am limiting my book purchases, but library sales are not included. 😉 So many great deals!
I need to rearrange my books. They are course coded right now, but I think I need them to be in groups of READ, ARCs to read, bought to read and library!
Those kindle books are just DEVIOUS. It’s like they know they’re unsupervised so they just they just run wild like little hellions. WHAT ARE WE TO EVEN DO.
MY TBR IS NOW NAMED SERIAL. Because (a) I like cereal, and (b) one day it will become a serial killer AND MURDER ALL OF THE READERS WHO COULD HAVE BEEN READING IT. I’m lucky because a lot of serial is online, so it’s less likely to start a revolution to bury me alive. And how do you only check two books out of the library at a time?!? I go, and before I know it I’ve checked out seven books (more like ten, but whatever). Libraries sound wonderful, but in reality THEY ARE LIKE HEROIN. I’M ADDICTED AND I MIGHT (totally) NEED HELP.
OBVIOUSLY THE BEST AND MOST APPROPRIATE NAME FOR A TBR. YOU WIN. I mean, Ferdinand is probably not a great name for my TBR. I should work on this. *glares at TBR fiercely* And like, ahem, I mean, I SAY I only check out 2 books at once, but there happens to be 7 out right now but I swear all my reserves come in at once and it’s NOT FAIR HOW DO I SURVIVE. I CAN’T EVEN STICK TO MY OWN RULES.
I moved house a couple of months ago and had an old TV unit (which doesn’t fit my TV) but now houses my TBR pile. However… I’ve actually ditched a heap of books I knew I wouldn’t read (most weren’t ones I’d requested). A local hospital is having a fundraiser and I usually give books away to a women’s shelter or similar but I donated a HUGE pile of unread books and they were so very grateful!
As for my others… they’re in a chronologically sorted pile… 🙂
Oh that’s a nice thing to do with unwanted books though!! I should really donate some that I don’t want but but but I always feel like I should at least TRY them.😂 i’M SUCH A BOOK HOARDER OMG.
I love the ‘piles’ idea because I keep drowing in my ARCs and library loans which I try and give first priority to!
I am right there with you, my friend. WE CAN DROWN TOGETHER.😂
Love this post. I definitely need to get creative with conquering my TBR pile, standing on it may be useful. I’m quite short so maybe I can build a book step ladder so I can reach the top shelf of my bookcase? I’d feel a bit bad walking all over my books, though. I am definitely guilty of hiding my TBR away so it can’t make me feel guilty. It also means it grows and multiplies as I don’t control the population. Maybe I need to keep it within line of sight at all times. Sure, it’ll make me feel pressured to read but I may not let it grow out of control that way.
But like these books generally punch us in the feels SEVERAL TIMES so I feel like standing on them occasionally is fair #bookwormlogic 😂 And I suppose we could like stack our books in front of our door? And then when we can’t LEAVE our house then we know we need to work on this.
Omg! This post is so hilarious and made me laugh so hard!! My TBR pile has 59 books *hides in a corner so the books don’t drown me* I got so much money from relatives for Diwali and I spent every single rupee on books! My hardcover copy of Nevernight looked like it so wanted to fall on my head (actually I think the bird on the cover wanted to peck at my ears) and make me read it so I finally picked it up and I’m glad I did 🙂 Every time I pick up a book from my TBR I feel so proud of myself 🙂 And after reading your post I think I’m going to name my TBR. I’ve thought about it and decided my TBR is female 😛 but am yet to decide a name! Can’t decide between Zephyra (it just sounds amazing!) and Aaradhya (In Sanskrit that mean one worth worshiping) 🙂 Great post <3
I’M SO GLAD I MADE YOU LAUGH! CAKE FOR BOTH OF US. (But like more cake for me because #delicious.😂) And omg I don’t blame you spending it all on books. That’s the sensible thing to do isn’t it?! And I seriously need to read Nevernight. It’s actually glaring at me SO BAD right now and I have no idea why I haven’t picked it up. That hardcover is kind of fearsome though.😂
Omg I think Aradhya is perfect.😂
Oh, yes, the book ban! I promised myself I wouldn’t commit to anymore books but NetGalley had one I wanted to read. It’s free (except for the blog post time)! The Book Club Network sent their monthly list out over the weekend and I had to help out but only one. Then, in the mail came the book I signed up to help launch for two author friends! Yikes! It’s a disease growing.
I told my husband I wouldn’t take anymore on but look what happened?
Well, I must go. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist. Yes, I am crazy! I know I will feel better when my TBR pile is gone!
I TOTALLY RELATE TO ALL OF THIS.😂 It’s a problem right?! Every time I say “well I’m not getting any more books for a while” I literally promptly end up getting more books.😂 And libraries are the WORST because they’re freeeee and how do I say no?!
I am so happy you are finally showing part of your face to the world! I was going to mention this on one of your previous posts. I was just discussing my mostly ebook tbr on another blog tonight. What you can’t see can’t stress you, or fall on your head for that matter. Ha ha! Now I only buy books I have already read, and loved, in physical form. It is the wave of the future. XD
JUST A LITTLE BIT OF ME HERE AND THERE.😂 Pretty soon you’ll all get a full selfie and the mystery will be RUINED.😂 And omg ebook TBRs are so less threatening. They’re just like lowkey dangerous and judging us from our nice calm flat devices. *nods* Actually, I read two 2017 ARCs this month already so I’m kind of feeling good about January. haha.😂
Is it a trick question, asking where it is located? It is located EVERYWHERE, Cait, Everywhere. I do want to name it now though. I have… a lot of books. About 700. Unread. Physically owned. It is a problem, you see. I do actually use #3, but the problem with that is, the ones on the non-priority shelf never move! So the priorities do get read, but then get replaced by new, shiny priorities, not the old ones on the shelves of lost hope. That is what they are, really. There’s Priority Shelf, then Second Tier Shelf, and then Shelf of Lost Hope, which, tbh, are the ones I should rethink owning. But… blasphemy, I could never! Now the Shelf of Lost Hope is probably going to rise up against me so… wish me luck!
(Also, I have to say, this post is incredibly clever and cute and I really needed it in my life today. So thanks ♥♥♥)
I TOTALLY GET THAT WITH THE PRIORITY SHELF!! I won 20 books back in February and…they are not priority even though I want to read them. Hence I haven’t read a single one. FEBRUARY. *cries* My TBR has gotten to the point where I’m just despairing tbh. And like no of course I’m not online filling my shopping basket with my wishlist books for fun instead of reading. Pfft, why would anyone think that.😂
(I’m so glad you liked the post! SO GLAD.)
Hahaha this is hilarious!! (Also, yay 22! *First bump*)
I sometimes put my TBR books with the others, on the shelves, so people don’t realise how many books I still have to read! But I also sometimes put them into a stack and I get anxious like “how ?? am I???? Going? To? Read all of them??” But then I mostly get happy that I have that many books 💛
I used to reread a dozen times the same books because I couldn’t afford more or didn’t know about second hand, so happy it changed!
Omg I do that too!! I think I have at least 1 unread book per shelf…the rest are on top of the bookshelf glaring at me and threatening my life recreationally. WHATEVER DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS TRAUMA??? (I mean, um, I bought them but shhhh. Details.😂) At least we can build book forts someday?!
your tbr will definitely swallow you up in your sleep. Sleep with one eye open…
Also, I can’t believe you stood on that pile. You’re so brave!
Showed my lil sis your photos of the books. “And I only have four books,” said my lil sis, paraphrasing. Also, she said to me, “I bet you’re jelly.”
Psh, as if 😛
I WILL. OR I’LL NEVER SLEEP AGAIN. #sensible It’s a dangerous life I lead tbh.😂
OMG this post is the best thing! ”Don’t let it smell fear” and the Potter gif that fits perfectly 😀 I love the cat gif too hahaha! Sorry I’m so late to commenting – I saved this the moment you posted but I’m only getting to it now – don’t you just love falling behind on reading, blogging, life? Soooo yeah, I needed this post^^ xx
I was really pleased with that Harry Potter gif too.😂 hehe Aww, but don’t ever be sorry for commenting! ANY COMMENTS ARE WELCOME. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. And *whispers* I’m super late with replying to comments and just…blogging in general hehe.😂 SO YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
this. is. hilarious.
WELL I AM GLAD.🎉
You never fail to make me laugh at your posts Cait, great work as always. I’ll be sure to work on some of your suggestions for my TBR ASAP! 🙂
I totally need to stand on my TBR. Though I can’t because the ceiling is not high enough. *whimper*
TAKE YOUR TBR OUTSIDE AND STAND ON IT THERE. #problemsolving 😂
This was such a fun post to read.I like the one on adding more books to keep the others company lol.Great tips though,I’ll try to apply the one on limiting number of requests and purchases.Great post!
Definitely follow the last one. *nods* Standing on top of your TBR is the best way to get things under control.😂
I have a TBR room. When we bought our house, it had a formal dining room, in addition to the spacious eating area in the kitchen. I quickly claimed it as my library. I need more shelves but it is definitely a TBR accident waiting to happen. There are columns of books in every corner and lining each wall. I have yet to find the secret of managing them. I’m pretty sure they mate secretly and then have babies, like bunnies.
Omg a TBR room?! BEST IDEA EVER. I mean, I should probably just call my whole room my TBR room because that’s how things are getting these days.😂 I need to count my ratio of read to unread books. That would be an interesting revelation…😂 OMG BUT YES TBRS ARE JUST BASICALLY BUNNIES THAT’S THE ONLY ANSWER.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop laughing, because THOSE SITUATIONS ARE SO REAL! I actually have a name for the shelf where my TBR books are kept and it’s Prudence. She hates me with the force and already broke *some* kicknacks I tried to squeeze in between the books she holds. Despite her bad temper, I love that wooden girl, haha!
I LOVE THAT YOU’VE NAMED YOUR SHELF. That is actually the best of ever.😂
Hahahahaha, thanks, Cait! Prudence sends her love – and only for you, as she just spit Persuasion on my head as I was passing this afternoon. I seriously need to find a better educated shelf for my TBR books! LMAO
Time for old Paper Fury posts that have been sitting in my inbox for forever! Yes, I am THAT OCD.
And on noes. I keep *some* of my old [unwanted] TBR under the bedside table. Bad idea, huh.
I prioritize the same way, I guess. Although thankfully:
1) there are no library fines here
2) you can only borrow 4 or 5 at once, so the pile isn’t that big
3) you can extend for a month, and sometimes – two months
I’m so spoiled by that library.
And I will agree that bought books fall into the last category! It’s such a ridiculous paradox, I can’t even. Makes no sense, and I’ve pondered it many a time, and it still makes no sense, but just IS.
I’ve also never done a book ban. LIFE IS FOR LIVING.
On a side note, I might have not named my TBR, but I have totally named my piano. I named him Bjorn. Because he’s Scandinavian and that is such a noble name. Mother instantly (and ineptly, grr) renamed it Bronius. Which is your typical Lithuanian hillbilly name. LOL
And OH MY GOD HOW are you standing on that stack of books in that photo O_o you’ve healed your broken bones by now, I suppose?