I feel like I am a strange creature in the book blogging community, because somehow, by some magical powers invested in me or something, I have my TBR pile under control.
I know, sometimes I also feel like I’m living in Narnia or something.
While other book bloggers and massive readers scream about the heavy, endless pile of unread books sitting on their shelves, waiting on their e-readers to be read and sweating profusely about everything, wondering how the hell they will read everything, I currently have 4 books to-be-read. 4. (Let’s be clear, I am not talking about my TBR on Goodreads. It is VIRTUAL AND IT DOES NOT COUNT okay. Does it make me panic because I want to read and get so many books? YES. Still it doesn’t count okay.)
Somehow, because of that, I (probably wrongly) feel that I have my TBR pile under control and therefore, am sort of qualified to give some advice in that area and help you do the very same thing. Let’s face it, I’m just as lost as you are, but still, here’s how I (kind of) manage to control my TBR pile.
Me with myself, a mood.
? Read all of your books (for the most part) before getting new books
I realize how crazy that will sound for most of you, mood readers, people taking advantages of book sales, random trips to the bookshop and not being able to resist the beautiful books and so on. I think that’s one of the only times where I feel sort of fortunate not to have a library or a bookshop close-by with the books I want to read – this way, I avoid all the temptations.
I currently have 4 books to read, books that are at my disposal – two physical copies and two on my e-reader. I will NOT get new books until I read two of these. Okay, I will try. But I’m restricting myself this way, I’m sort-of-keeping things under control. If I listened to my inner voice, I’d buy the 20 books I have on my wishlist over on Book Depository right now.
? Don’t buy too many books – or take too many books at the library
When I have the delicious freedom and budget to get some new books (since I don’t have a library #internationabloggerstruggles), I am literally not allowed to get over 5 or 6 books, and that would already be a whole lot for me. First of all, because well, even if I am thankful to be able to buy 5 or 6 books at a time, sometimes, I need to keep this budget under control and NOT go crazy. Or try. Also… if I add so many books to my TBR at a time, well…. I will probably panic afterwards?!
? Don’t go crazy with ARCs requests
I find it really easy to click on every little book that sounds really appealing, when I am spending time over on NetGalley. Even if they are on “wish for it” all the freaking time (#internationalbloggerstruggles), it is way too easy to ask for new books that way and, let’s face it, kind of thrilling.
But what happens when or if you magically get approved for everything?!
Whenever I am spending time over on these kind of websites, I read the synopsis attentively. I take a look at my Netgalley ratio and the books I haven’t read just yet. I also take a look at the publication date: is it close? Won’t that stress me out too much if I request it and get approved? Are there other books or ARCs that I need to review on a closer date?
See, thing is, I like to review my ARCs on a timely manner – not because I am a control freak (inner voice: YOU ARE), but because, well, it stresses me out otherwise and I just like to do this as best as I can. When I have to many books due at the same time, I PANIC. And let’s face it, I am NOT here for that.
? Don’t listen to your bookworm’s impulses
This is probably the hardest advice to follow – I struggle with it the most. There are days when I’m adding books to my basket almost compulsively, then I hear my inner wisdom voice (that’s probably my sister tbh) telling me “do NOT get these books. You STILL have books to read. Read at least ONE, then you can get a new one.” Even when I’m like this:
Let’s be honest here, my sister’s telling me this, because she reads everything that I buy, I am a faster reader than she is and HER current TBR pile is INSANE. I think she hates me. (Hello. Yes, I love you too)
? Add books to your TBR pile on Goodreads, on your wishlist, in your bullet journal…add them virtually.
Really, it’s all about self-control. I want a book, I add it on Goodreads, I add it on my wishlist, I scream about it for about 2922715 hours. I have been screaming about wanting “THE BOOK WITH THE BIRD” for approximately a month, seven hours and eighteen seconds. I haven’t even bought it just yet. RESISTING IS HARD but I am doing this. Also it’s probably next, once I’ve read two books on my TBR pile. It’s waiting on my wishlist and I am EXCITED.
If you manage to do all this, you’re great. Or slightly crazy, just like me. Now go get yourself a book to celebrate.
Once you’ve read one of your books on your TBR pile! As a reward. We do love rewards after all.
Yes so that probably made me feel like a control freak, but I am very happy with my process and not at all frustrated (for real!), just thought I’d put that out there.
Dalindcy Koolhoven says
These tips are great. When I have too many books on my TBR I just feel so overwhelmed and it takes a teeensy bit of the fun out of reading for me. :/ I really struggle with not requesting too many ARCs at the same time. I just get so excited about them! I currently have only two left to read and I’m waiting to hear back from a few, but I feel like I’m doing really well. Finally!
Marie says
I get the feeling, I’m exactly the same way! I really like having books to read, but… too much just makes me feel stressed out and kind of takes off the fun off reading. That’s why I prefer small physical TBR piles…. there are no limits to my virtual ones, though ?
I completely understand that – I also have my moments where I want to request everything and have no self-control, but I really try…. otherwise it just makes me feel even more stressed out, and… I want to read and be happy, not stressed out about my books. I’m so glad you’re doing better now, yay!! 😀 x
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3
becandbones says
You sound so in control about your book impulses in this post and I am jealous. My biggest weakness a few secondhand book places that have super cheap books.
But I’m getting better. I only borrow books that are on my Goodreads TBR at the library and I only buy a couple of books every month and a half.
Arcs… well that’s a lesson I have learnt recently ?
Marie says
To be honest, I think that if I had a good library around and / or bookshops or secondhand bookshops with great selections, I would not restrain myself either ??
I’m so glad you’re getting better though! I mean, best thing is when we are just not stressed out, and sometimes too many books can be a bit… stressful, at least for me ?
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! <3
becandbones says
I know exactly what you mean. I was really on top of my ARCs at the beginning of the year and then I had all these wishes and requests granted that I wasn’t expecting and now I have a backlog.
After I get through these it’ll definitely be requesting only books I really am interested in and jotting down what I’ve requested so we don’t have a repeat.
Marie says
I really hope you’ll get to manage your new TBR – It is so hard sometimes to restrain ourselves, but ultimately, when we get only the books we really want, we feel happier, I think 🙂
yesmoreblogs says
Really good post. I’m the same with buying books. I mention a book I’d like to read to my partner then she will complain that about the amount of books that I haven’t even read yet ?. I need to stop buying books, but since starting blogging I’ve got a list a mile long with so many books that I want to read ?
Marie says
Hahaha oh I get that feeling, it is so hard NOT to get new books, when there are so many new ones being released, or ones we hear about thanks to other amazing book bloggers and just have to buy ??
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 🙂
yesmoreblogs says
It’s too tempting not to buy any new books. Especially when they are soon to be released and you see everyone talking about them. Also it only takes one click and you’ve bought the book straight away ? think I might have alook on Amazon just to browse ?
Marie says
Yeeees, I mean, the book is like, one button away from being shipped to us. It’s way too easy, someone needs to stop us ? ?
yesmoreblogs says
Yeah think there should be a secondary button asking us if we definitely want to buy the book ?
Marie says
I want notifications like these:
ARE YOU SURE?
REALLY SURE?
REALLY REALLY REALLY SURE?
At leaaast ????
yesmoreblogs says
Think we might be onto something ? as it will help me and others out ?
Kathy @ Books & Munches says
I was like “YES. TELL ME YOUR SECRETS” but I think I’m simply a lost cause when it comes to my TBR. I fail big time at keeping it under control. I started with a physical TBR of 154 books at the start of the year [approximately] and right now it’s up to 174. And it’s not like I haven’t read any of them?! So.. I literally bought about 30 – 40 books already. Kill me please. I’ll get on top of them though! Eventually!
As for NetGalley, I literally have a sort of list with all months and next to it I keep changing how many ARCs I have yet to read for that month. That way I just know whether or not I can handle adding on top of the load or not. Right now I’m ridiculously on top of them so I’m PROUD. Now if only I could stop requesting books all together and read my own books, that would be awesome..
But I think I’ll stick with wishful thinking for a little while longer.. Just a little bit.. :’)
[Also, since I’m going to YALC, I’m so going to mess the whole thing up again even if it’s improved by then. Just wait and see.]
Marie says
WOW. That’s A LOT of books ? I don’t know how you do it, when I have like, 10 books to-be read on my physical (or digital, like in my e-reader) TBR, I feel really anxious about it all ?
I’m SO proud of you for being on top of your ARCs, yay! I get that though, the temptation to ask for more is always there, we can’t help that hahaha. Anyway, the bookworm life is an endless cycle, we just get more and more books, we read a couple books, then we get a thousand more books to celebrate ?
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
Kathy @ Books & Munches says
Some times I actually WISH it would make me anxious so I could freaking stop buying books already but obviously that’s not happening. I like my book buying high too much? Or something? :’)
Hahaha – exactly! Like, I JUST came back from requesting books on Netgalley – oops. :’) We can never go without books, nooope.
<3
Marie says
Oh I get that, there is such a thrill, when you’re buying books, I LOVE that feeling so much as well hahaha.
Kate (Reading Through Infinity) says
Marie, I was literally ready to scream ‘FOUR???’ at you until I read the virtual TBR part. 😉 I try to do the same thing, where I use my Goodreads TBR as a list of books that I want to read long-term, but my bedside table and phone e-book app as a short-term TBR. But… I still have 12 books on my bedside table and four on my phone. I think I’m particularly bad at the ‘not buying until you’ve read them’ part of your list, because I always ask for books for my birthday and Christmas, and I’ve been give a few giftcards recently. Plus, sometimes I’m just so excited about a book that I buy it when I’m next in the store. I also like to try and boost author sales by pre-ordering, but this also ends up being my downfall. Basically, I need to have a bit more self-control like you suggested, or go on a book-buying ban. Having said that though, part of my really enjoys having a big TBR (I was actually going to write a blog post about this), because it means I push myself to read more whenever I can. 🙂 Great post!
Marie says
Oh I completely understand that – I know that if I had a bookshop with a great selection of YA titles, I’d spend my time there and would NOT resist getting a new book, or… maybe two or three ? in a way, not having that at hand makes it easier for me to keep control ?
Oh that’s so great! I’m so glad to hear that – yes, having a big TBR definitely can boost your reading and makes you want to read more 😀
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, Kate! <3
thebookwormofnotredame says
As usual, I loved your blog post! I find it fascinating how you are doing so well with so little books with you!
I used to have a very big TBR pile, which resulted in me freaking out and feeling extremely bad. I worked hard to get it down under 30 books and now that I am around 20 I feel at peace again. I do not like not having any books, I barely have money to get new ones so I love to have a minimal amount with me. BUT I do have impulses and instead of buying the books now I just download them (I am a monster, okay) and read them immediately. If I loved them, then I’ll consider buying them much later, when I’ll have money, and they won’t be added to my TBR since I already read them.
I think that in the end it really depends with how many books we are comfortable having at home. I knew someone who has a 200 books long TBR and they are 100% okay with it, they even feel better that way. But as soon as it becomes stressful, like it did for me, it’s good to work on yourself and re-evaluate your priorities!
Marie says
Oh thank you so much Clara, I’m so glad you enjoyed this <3 <3
Why do you say you're a monster, you're not ? I think we are very alike, I feel better when my TBR isn't that big, really, otherwise it makes me feel a little anxious and overwhelmed and I hate that feeling, I want reading to make me happy, not stressed out. But yes, I have to agree with you, some people really are at ease with tons of books unread at home, while some others are not, it all depends, as long as we're good with it, that's what matters 😀
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment <3 <3 <3 <3
Swetlana @ The Caffeinated Bookworm Life says
Um, I WISH I had my TBR under control but unfortunately, that is not the case. And that’s not even my DIGITAL TBR (which isn’t even that big, I keep sorting books out I’m no longer interested in) but the books that are actually sitting on my shelves either because I bought them years ago and STILL haven’t read them (seriously, this is getting ridiculous with some of these books) or review copies that I’ve gotten this year. And even when I PLAN to review a book and I have every intention of reading it a reading month like this one happens and while I’m reading ALL the books I’m just not reading THAT book. *shakes head*
But I agree, keeping a digital TBR can be really helpful in controlling your physical one! I have a TINY overlap between the two which makes me feel a bit better about the size of my TBR. xD I don’t even add books to my Goodreads TBR anymore because I just figure if they really interest me, I’ll remember them down the line.
I feel like if it weren’t for Audible, I would be much better about trying and reading the books I already own. But that monthly credit and their attitude towards you giving back books you didn’t enjoy is just too tempting! It’s also a fantastic way to stay somewhat on top of new releases which I love! My book buying budget has been pretty non-existent lately so I relied more on eARCs and Audible. But things are hopefully going to change soon and I can already tell that I’ll probably be getting more new books once that happens.
OH MY GOD. Someone needs to put my inner bookworm on a freaking leash sometimes! NetGalley can be a very dangerous place sometimes and before you know it you’ve requested a million books and if you’re really (un)lucky, you’ll get accepted for a bunch of them and you can say goodbye to that nice ratio. xD But I don’t have to worry about any of that at the moment because I’m surprisingly all caught up with my TBR over there. This has never happened before.xD
Also, I feel like my local library might become a problem soon-ish too. I stopped by there the other day because I happened to see that they were open and they have an okay Young Adult section that I want to explore/read – I even picked up two books this month even though I KNEW I had other books to read. BUT, I also already read one of them so there’s that too.
Question, where is that first gif from? I recognize the actress and I KIND OF have a mixed up name of a show in my head but I just can’t place it. xD And just as an overall, your GIF game is so on point! 😀
Swetlana @ The Caffeinated Bookworm Life says
Oh my god. I need to chill with the length of my comments. xD
Marie says
??
Please don’t, ever, I love them so much!! <3 <3
Marie says
I don’t know how you do it haha, I would feel so guilty if I had books I bought last year that I haven’t read it. I’m just way too stressed out about that haha and I don’t want to, feel that way. I feel better when I’m in control of my TBR and… that means when I don’t have too many physical books (or e-books) at hand all at once ?
NetGalley is a black hole and it is soooooooooo easy to fall into that ? I’m always trying to control myself, because if by any chance I get approved for everything and everything has a close publication date, and…. well, freak-out will be coming sooner rather than later and I’ll probably feel more stressed out than anything else ?
Ohhh that’s so great you have a local library with an interesting selection,yay! 😀
That’s from Happy Endings, it was SUCH a fantastic show, I miss it!
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, always makes my day!! <3 <3
Mattie @ Living Mattie says
I’m the same, my TBR is always under control! When I first started blogging and realised everyone else stresses about their TBR 130% of the time I was like.. wait, am I a witch?
I do exactly the same as you – I add the books I want to read to my Goodreads TBR (which is quite moderate atm with only 56 books hahaha), and then only ever actually HAVE about 3 books to read at a time. I only read on my Kindle, I never read paper books, and I think it really helps because even I have 10 books to read, they just sit on my Kindle patiently until I get round to them. I feel like with real books, they’re on your shelf staring at you all the time and it adds to the pressure. Also 50 books on a Kindle looks like nothing, 50 books on a bookshelf waiting to be read is like SEVERAL shelves. I can see why it’s overwhelming.
Marie says
YES I AM NOT ALONE, this makes me so happy ?
I have to say, it’s easier when you have all the books on your e-reader and not on your shelves, it’s a bit less stressful that way for sure, they’re not staring at us and judging us for not reading them ??
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, Mattie! 😀
flippingthruthepages says
As soon as I got the notification of your post, I knew that I am going to curse myself at the end of it and will end up praising you ? Because yes, you are a freaking human/bookworm doing the impossible thing ? I can’t understand how tou are not.. greedy ?
Though all of your advices are super intelligent, I don’t think that I am capable of following any ? Yes, this post is probably for me, because I am that person who is drowning under her TBR.
I can’t just resist the books. But I seriously need to, for sure! Amzing write up though ?
Marie says
Oh don’t get me wrong, I AM SO GREEDY. I want all the books and have long wishlists and bribe my family – closed-ones to get me books on a daily basis. They’re just… they restrain me and I’m trying to restrain myself as best as I can ?? Too many books at once just make me feel a bit overwhelmed and… I don’t want that.
I get that though, it’s so haaaaaaard to resist, haha.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! <3 <3
RedRocketPanda says
Oh my god, only 4 books that you need to read… How?!!!!!
I honestly love this post though. I’m not quite as controlled as you but I’m also fairly restrictive on myself. Like you, most of the books I want to read are on my goodreads list. I don’t tend to buy books unless I have time to read them or there’s a sale on because I just don’t have the money to. Also, to me I just do not see the point in rushing out to buy books only for them to sit for months or years unread on your bookshelves – that just makes me sad.
Your advice is excellent though and a sure way to tackle big TBR piles. I’m slowly getting there with ARC and library impulses but i dont mind those too much as they’re free ?
Marie says
Oh I feel exactly the same way! Some people are perfectly content with buying tons of books and having a big TBR at home or waiting for them on their e-readers, I much prefer getting books and reading them before getting new ones as much as I can. I feel guilty leaving books unread, too, ??
Oh I get that, it’s easier to let a TBR grow when you have a library or got approved for some ARCs…. it’s just, money wasn’t spent, so it doesn’t feel as annoying ?
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! 😀
Colleen's Conclusions says
My TBR is like that meme where all of the books are piling out the window. LOL. I finally have five ARC’s completed. (I still don’t know how I got four music themed books at the same time from Netgalley. It just worked out that way, but I FINISHED within two weeks.)
I also buy books whenever my budget allows me to. I don’t care about my TBR when I have the money to buy them because I live on my own, but for the most part I have been trying to stick with library books, library ebooks, and ARC’s for my books. I read 12 FREE books in March! I have no idea how many I have read this month so far besides at least 5. I just went on a spending spree on ebooks I wanted over the weekend after all of my bills were paid, haha. I think I got like four, and then the bookstore had a ebook I wanted to own for only $2 so I got that since it was a GREAT deal. My dad tells me I should read what I have first, but I’d never buy books again honestly. I do try to get through a few before I buy, BUT if I have the money after bills and savings, that’s what they might go towards.
Marie says
Ahahah I get that – when you have the means and… well, some books are just way too hard to resist. Also, there are great deals and everything else, I totally see how easy it can be to grow a massive TBR and have books unread like that. As long as it doesn’t make you feel stressed out or overwhelmed, that’s what matters 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 🙂
Colleen's Conclusions says
No problem! I got over the stressed part once I got past the ARC’s but I still wasn’t SUPER stressed over it… I just knew I had a lot all at once.
I didn’t even think I would get one that was requested so close to the publication date. I finished that book like the day or two after it was published. I literally got it like the day before it was published so I don’t think there was a penalty on the lateness.
Marie says
Oh there is no penalty on the lateness – well, not that I know of?! when it comes to ARCs, I mean we all are busy and blogging is not our job. Honestly, I’m just really controlling and want to review the book before its publication date or at least close to it, because…. I’m just like that ? ?
Colleen's Conclusions says
I’m like that as well! I just knew that wouldn’t be possible with Someday, Somewhere I believe it was since I got it so late. I thought that would make me not enjoy it but I finished it within the publication date! I wish blogging was my job sometimes. 😉 Posting online is kind of my job, I post stuff online at my newspaper all day.
Marie says
Aren’t we all wishing blogging could be our job? That would be THE dream, ? at least, for me, haha.
Colleen's Conclusions says
YESSSSS. Some people are lucky enough to do that. I am really into it over here, just not this week. This week I just want to read lol.
Marie says
Hahaha I get it, sometimes we just want to read ??
Colleen's Conclusions says
YUP! Haha. Though right now I am having a hard time choosing because there’s several choices.
Marie says
You should just do a book jar, write all the books you own on pieces of paper, put them all in a jar and pick one of the pieces of paper at random to help you ? ?
Colleen's Conclusions says
Thanks! I have thought of that but I haven’t done that before because I have like 455 books on my Kindle unread plus physical books as well, lol. I got distracted by The Wicked Deep since Sunday. I LOVED that book.
Marie says
OHHHHH! I SO want to read The Wicked Deep, I’m so glad you enjoyed it, you’re making me want to buy it now haha 🙂
Colleen's Conclusions says
Definitely buy the hardback if you are able to! I bought the Kindle ebook because my town doesn’t really have a bookstore, but I found out Walmart had it right after I started it.
I was too far into it to spend another $15 on the same book. The cover is super pretty! 😀
Marie says
I’m more of a paperback kind of person haha, but I want to buy it as a physical copy, because it looks SO pretty, I LOVE the cover so much! 😀
Colleen's Conclusions says
Paperbacks are cool too!
Melina Elisa says
lmfaoo, I should have read this yesterday. I have I think almost 100 books that I own that I haven’t read, and that’s not counting the e-books. (don’t judge me), and I bought another book yesterday! You can’t judge me too badly, it’s a book you recommended, and it was on sale! lmfaoo, I don’t think I’m ever going to be very good at this, but I’m going to try to have a little more self-control. Great post Marie xxx
Melina | melinaelisa.com
Marie says
Oh I’m NOT judging at all haha, as long as this big, big pile of books to read doesn’t scare you or makes you feel stressed out, I guess that’s all good 😀
Also, you HAVE to tell me which book you ordered now! 😛
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
Melina Elisa says
I ordered the Forbidden Wish!
Marie says
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH I’m so, SO happy. I can’t wait for you to read it, really hope you will love it 🙂
Melina Elisa says
I’ll definitely let you know when I finish it:)
Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles says
I bow to my queen! xD My current TBR is at 264 books. I keep receiving books I haven’t asked for, and I’ve started reading in French again so I am adding more to the list… I am guilty! But it makes me feel safe to have so many books to read. Although I do feel bad for the review requests waiting for me!
Marie says
264 BOOKS????? Are you serious? HOW. That’s INSANE hahaha.
I guess as long as it doesn’t make you feel too anxious or anything, that’s good 😛
Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles says
I am dead serious! 263 now as I’ve just finished one :p Reading instead of studying or writing my thesis… xD I feel a bit bad and sometimes anxious but I’ve stopped requesting so it’s not my fault I keep getting some xD
Marie says
Hahaha well, you’re part of the lucky bloggers getting books without even having to ask… so I guess you can’t complain ??
Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles says
?? Not complaining!!!
Ashley says
I am jealous that you have your TBR pile under control. Mine is so far out of control that I don’t think I will ever be able to master it when I have 500+ unread books that I own. UGHH. I used to not buy books until I finished the one I was currently reading. Or if I liked a series I would buy all the books in the series, but not read any other books (or series) until I finished those. That was before blogging and then blogging happened and I lost control. I seen everyone else buying books and I needed to buy books and now I am left with so many unread books that I am just overwhelmed!
Marie says
That is A LOT of books haha. I understand, though, with blogging and all of the book recommendations, it’s easy to get swept away and just want all the books and get all the books. I’m sorry it is making you feel a bit overwhelmed, though :/ Have you thought about doing an unhaul, maybe, trying to see the ones you have and are interested in reading, the ones you’re not interested in anymore? Maybe that would help, also this way you might make yourself a smaller TBR at first, to start with, with books you forgot about but are really excited about, still? 🙂
Angelica @ Paperback Princesss says
That’s a huge thing for me. Being part of the book blogging community as made my TBR grow so much! So many awesome reviews and each year they’re producing more and more YA novels.
Marie says
I know, right. SO MANY BOOKS EVERYWHERE. How can we read them all?!! Haha.
thebookprophet says
This is actually super helpful?? Haha – this isn’t meant to sound rude or anything like I thought your post wouldn’t be helpful, but like you said, most readers don’t have control of their TBR so usually these posts are more for hilarity than actual helpfulness. That being said – I should implement some of the things you said – recently I’ve had a lot of books to read sent to me for review (mostly netgalley – i have a problem with requesting, it’s quite the addiction) so I shouldn’t buy anything or add anything to my physical TBR until I finish those books and review them. I have been doing good with that so far – and I have a wonderful library system where I live so once I do finish reading these books for review and such then I’ll probably start using my local library (I think I can check out 2 books at a time?) and this will limit my need to purchase books which will then limit my TBR because I need to read the books within a certain timeframe because the library will need them back. ANYWAYS – this comment got longer than I intended it to haha xD
Marie says
OH I get that haha, I’m glad that I managed to be helpful at least – I thought that I’d share some of the tips I use, really they’re not that complicated so I was afraid no one would care, either… I’m glad that’s not the case haha, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! ??
I SO get that, it’s so easy to go crazy over on NetGalley and end up with thousand of books to read… okay, maybe dozens, but that’s a lot already haha. I’m glad you’ve been doing better with managing your TBR though and I hope you’ll keep on doing great, as long as it doesn’t stress you out, you’re good 😀
Thank you!! <3
Shayna says
I have the most trouble with ARC requests. Now that I’m a librarian, I can get copies of most books I want and don’t necessarily have to review them on the blog by the pub date since that’s not my main focus for getting them so that helps, but it’s still harder now to keep my TBR pile under control since my access to review copies just expanded exponentially. I also always go way too crazy on Edelweiss when HarperCollins puts new books on because they autoapproved me a few years ago, and I always *think* I’m going to get to the books eventually, then forget what they’re about and get more books, so it’s just an endless vicious cycle.
Marie says
HarperCollins put you on autoapproved?!!! You are LIVING THE DREAM. I get that, though, it has to be hard to restrain yourself and not to get all the books hahaha. I hope you’ll find a way to manage this TBR of yours and that it doesn’t stress you out too much either <3 <3
Thank you so much!! <3 <3
anovelglimpse says
Thanks for the tips. I can use all the help I can get on this one!
Marie says
OH you’re so welcome, I’m so glad if this could be useful to you 😀 x
bookwormmuse says
Oh, goodness!! What a timely post this is! I recently started something due to which I might not be able to read everything in my actual TBR ( I don’t even wanna talk about my virtual TBR right now). All your points are pretty valid and there’s no doubt about it. The one I struggle the most with is giving into my impulses. That’s the hardest thing for me. I have been trying my best for the last six months though, so maybe I get some points for that. (BTW, I have currently six books in my TBR, I am freaking out because of this.)
Marie says
I get that, it’s so hard to resist sometimes… ultimately, it’s so rewarding, when you can really get that book you’ve been waiting for so long 😀
And six books, well… that sounds reasonnable 😛
Thank you so much for your sweet comment 😀 x
Bentley ★ BookBastion.net says
Amazing post – one I need to keep close through the trying times when I want to buy everything, or request every ARC on Netgalley. I am the polar opposite from you – I own over 100 books that I have not read! I might have a book buying compulsive shopping habit. 😛 I will keep your tips in mind going forward though!
Marie says
Aww thank you, so happy you enjoyed this post!! 😀
I get that though, it’s so, so very hard to resist books sometimes hahaha 😛
TeaPartyPrincess says
I have no self control and NetGalley has ruined me haha. I have over 100 books on my TBR that I actually have and could pick up tomorrow, and I feel like I’ll never be in control.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Marie says
Wow, that’s A LOT of books. I’m sure you can do this, though – give some books a priority, see the ones you might no longer be interested in, you can take control, one book after another 😀 and some people aren’t too stressed out about having a big TBR, that gives more possibilities, so that’s good, right? 😛 <3
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3
Morgane @ Bookworms Eat Brains says
I’m slightly crazy like you. ?
I’m trying to have no more than 15 books in my queue. I’m wiser now than before my long-lasting reading slump where I buy all and nothing.
Marie says
YAY let’s be crazy together hahaha 😛 I like not having too many books to read, I feel in control of everything hahaha. 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment 😀
krazaykris says
You make a lot of great suggestions. I also think it’s important to go through your TBR stack and weed out the books that no longer interest you. I have a bunch that I’ve gotten either as freebies or from library book sales that I’m no longer interested in. I don’t have hundreds of books on my physical/eReader TBR (unlike on Goodreads). However, I do have quite a bit. I’m really good about not requesting ARCs, unless it’s a book I’m dying to read. I have been trying to read at least one, if not two, of my older books before picking up a library book or an ARC. Sometimes it works, sometimes I’m so wrapped up in the book I want to read instead, that I can’t focus on the one I’m trying to read. LoL
Marie says
Oh yes, I completely agree with you – it’s so important, when you have lots of books, to try and unhaul some of them, too, that feels liberating 🙂
That’s amazing!! It’s so hard to have self-control when it comes to ARCs, especially when it’s so easy to request them online. (Getting approved is another thing, but let’s say in a perfect world, when we are approved for everything, we kind of lose our minds in both a positive and negative way haha)
I think you have a great system here, though – but don’t resist, if a book is calling you out too much, you HAVE to read it haha 😛 x
Thank you so much for your sweet comment 😀
Elizabeth says
My Goodreads TBR lists definitely does not count as my actual TBR pile. It’s sort of a running list of books I’d like to read but doesn’t super bother me if I’m not all caught up.
Marie says
I’m glad it doesn’t count as our actual TBR, otherwise I think we would all LOSE our minds hahaha.
Nicole (Read. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.) says
Haha I love these tips! My biggest struggles are buying books that are already on my wishlist when I find them on sale and requesting too many ARCs at a time. I’m just so excited to read ALL of them!! ?♀️
Marie says
Oh I get that, there are SO MANY AMAZING BOOKS out there, how are we supposed to resist? ? Sometimes I don’t know how I do it, I’m always this close to getting all the books on my wishlist ?
Thank you so much for your comment, Nicole <3
Beware Of The Reader says
My “real” (physical) TBR is under control but the digital one ….
Marie says
Well… that one is the hardest to keep track of, because you can’t SEE the books… they pile up so easily hahaha.
Thank you so much for your comment, Sophie! 🙂 x
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
I feel like when it comes to my TBR list I’m never going to get it completely under control, but you know I’m fine with that. I’ve had to accept it because I can never stop myself from buying something when I go into a bookstore, I can never resist buying more books when I still have loads on my shelves sitting unread and every so often I go a little too crazy with ARC requests (don’t we all?) 🙂
I think the only one of your tips I would have as mine as well is adding them all on Goodreads and keeping a track of what I want to read. I may have hundreds of books on my TBR list (unfortunately I can’t even say that’s much of an exaggeration) but I keep very good track of them all! 😀
Great post Marie. 🙂 <3
Marie says
Oh well I think that, as long as you are fine with it and that it doesn’t make you feel overwhelmed or anything like that, you’re good! 😀 And what would we do without goodreads…. I don’t know, hahaha.
Thank you so much!! 🙂 x
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions says
These are great tips but honestly they’re pretty hard to follow if you don’t have self control. I don’t go crazy with ARC requests because I know they all get approved at once and I hate those dead lines. I can’t handle too much pressure! It’s quite impressive how you got your TBR under control. I do read books I own but I can’t resist the new ones.
Marie says
Oh I so get that, I know I am sort of a control freak hahaha. New books are so hard to resist at times… I’m doing my very best to 😛
Thank you so much, Raven! <3
Lia says
I’m really good at keeping my TBR under control. Maybe a little too good haha. Both my goodreads and physical TBR are really small and managable, because otherwise I get overwhelmed and I might have developed a slight obsession with getting those numbers down. For me what helps a lot is self-control, being over-critical about every book I add, having a shitty library (so nice) and there not being a single good bookstore in a 20 mile radius xD
I also don’t like having books delivered at my door because then my parents will be judge-y about how much I spent on books so I try to keep online orders at a minimal.
Marie says
YES YES YES haha you are in the same situation as I am: no great library and no bookstore either…that’s a GREAT way to avoid all temptations, that’s for sure. IT’s also quite frustrating at times, but well… at least we have our TBRs under control and we can be very proud of that 😀
Oh that’s great! I’m also trying to control my book orders online, but… it’s so hard, the books are one click away from you (well, from coming to you) hahaha.
Thank you so much, Lia!! 🙂 <3
Hazel @ Places and Peonies says
I feel like adding them virtually (and in a pretty list format) is ALMOST like buying them (or well, I trick my mind into that). The good thing about books though is unless you’re waiting 10 years to pick them up, they aren’t going anywhere! So there’s no rush to get them RIGHT NOW. Besides, since I do ebooks mostly they usually go on sale randomly and that definitely makes me feel like I’ve won some kind of lotto lol.
Marie says
YES agree with you – it is quite satisfying to see the books waiting for you on your TBR and, I love when the time comes to get new books, I get to watch this long, endless list and see which books calls out to me the most. It feels so rewarding when I can finally get said book and, you’re right, before it’s just waiting for me and not going anywhere 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Hazel! 😀 x
The Candid Cover says
I am not as organized as you are, but I do feel as though my tbr is fairly under control. I try to cull the books on my GR tbr once a year, which really helps. Now for those books that I buy all the time. That is another story. Thanks for the suggestions. 🙂
Marie says
Oh I really should do that over on Goodreads as well, I haven’t done any kind of “spring cleaning” in… well, forever and it’s much, much needed, I am sure there are books I don’t even remember on there haha.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
Pamela Nicole says
These are all things I do out of necessity. I mean, if I lived in the US, I’d be a book monster. I don’t even want to think about how much money I’d spend on books if I had amazing bookstores with YA titles at my disposal in my city. That’s why I always always add them all in GR first XD
I think I have my TBR almost under control. There are quite a few books I haven’t read yet, but I don’t feel stressed about it. Can’t help getting more 🙁
And I do get out of control sometimes with ebooks too!
Marie says
SAME HERE. For that only, I am glad that I am an international blogger. I avoid the temptations of amazing libraries and bookshops haha. I would have NO control if I had access to all the books so easily haha.
I feel like it’s so much easier to get out of control with ebooks? I mean… we don’t SEE them piling up and staring at us unread from our bookshelves, so… we don’t feel as stressed out about it?! hahaha.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3 <3
Shanti says
This is great! I try to do this, bit with limited success, mostly because checking books out from the library is so easy? But then it they go back to the library unread, that’s okay. And you can renew books. I’ve just started getting approved for physical books from publishers which has made me realise that I need to be really really careful not to get overwhelmed. Like you say, discernment is essential.
Marie says
Oh I get that, with a great library at hand it has to be SO hard to just… well, restrain yourself from taking new books 😛 I think it’s important to recognize when we are feeling overwhelmed and if we can’t handle too many books on our TBRs, too 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 😀
Shanti says
These are such good ideas! I find that I’m not really stressed by library books, because there’s no money or obligations attached. I’m trying to be in a library ban right now but *shrugs* I’ve just started getting approved for books from publishers so I know I need to be really careful. Discernment, as you say, is key.
Marie says
Thank you so much!! I think your comment has been sent twice, ahah but I appreciate it so much, thank you <3 (and YAY for I Was Born for This by the way, WHEN ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HOW AMAZING IT WAS)
Rebeccah @ The Pixie Chronicles says
I feel like 90% of the book community needs to read this post 😉 For the longest time my best way to discipline myself was your very first rule: Read 1 book, buy 1 book. Perfect! Easy! Manageable! Buuuuut, then I discovered second-hand books. Oof. That would definitely be on my list of how to keep on top of your TBR: ignore second-hand books. Okay. That’s harsh. It’s always good to reuse old things, it’s great for the reader on a budget and sometimes you can find some real gems. BUT, it’s important to be mindful. Otherwise it’s super easy to wind up with 20 new books you didn’t really want to read but just HAD to get because they were only 50 cents!
Marie says
Oh yes I completely get that – to be honest, going into these second hand shops with books at 50 cents or something is a DREAM of mine. I think, then, I would REALLY lose control of my TBR hahaha.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 🙂 x
Ellyn says
This was honestly so helpful! We always need a reminder to keep out tbr under control! I have really struggled in the past year with buying books and then them just sitting on my tbr shelf gathering dust, it just creates stress for me so this was really helpful! ❤️
Marie says
Oh I’m so glad if this could be helpful, I really hope you won’t feel too much stress about it anymore, it’s the worst when that happens, we all should enjoy our best hobby <3
lostartofreadingblog says
I honour your self control. I am afraid to count my unread books on my shelf. My library sell used books for about 0.25$ a boo….. So I tend to read books I have the intention to read eventually. My family always gives me books for, well everything….. I am now making excuses haha. I’m trying though I haven’t been buying only using the library if I don’t own it.
Marie says
WOW that’s so amazing haha, I would have NO self-control if I had books that cheap 😛 It’s amazing though, that your family gives you all the books, that’s the best kind of gift, right? 😛
Thank you so much!! 🙂
lostartofreadingblog says
Yes I really can’t complain haha
Eva@Brilliantly Bookish says
Great post! I have my TBR under control as well and I implement all these tips?
Marie says
YAY I’m so glad to hear it 😀 thank you so much, Eva! 🙂
Lydia Tewkesbury says
I think, as you have mentioned, the best way to keep your TBR under control is to not have any money. That fun twenties life strikes again!
Marie says
??? I have to agree with you here ??
Hannah Dadd says
I wish I had your restraint- I always go the library, grab as many books as I can carry and struggle through them, racking up loads of fines ? I don’t request eARCs so at least I don’t have the impulsive requesting problem!
Marie says
I get that – if I had a good library I would probably have NO self-control either ??
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Hannah! 🙂
Evelina @ AvalinahsBooks says
Hint: I think your TBR is in control mostly because you don’t do a lot of ARCs (at least last time I checked you didn’t :D) so that’s a good way to control your TBR for sure! I can say that 100%, cause at least half of my problems are from the ARCs bit 😀 but hey, lately I’ve been hauling so SO much less. I am already starting to feel like a hero 😀
Lately I’ve managed to just sort of… Practice “turning away” 😀 you just… turn away from netgalley. From the sale emails. From… well, everything xD just.. when you want it… just turn away 😀
Marie says
It’s not that I don’t DO ARCs, it’s that I don’t get and don’t request a whole lot of them, as I mentioned in my post, because I try to be in control of my TBR and I don’t want to drown under ARCs obligations either 😀
I’m so glad you manage your bookish cravings a little better haha, it’s so, so hard to resist books, sometimes, but… I feel like it’s also important to turn away at times and ignore the temptations. It’s better than feeling anxious about it overall 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! <3 <3
Caro @ bookcheshirecat says
I was so excited to see this glorious post, because you are literally the magical TBR Witch ? But 4 books? Still Sorcery!! ? I think I have exactly 50 books (I recently made a shelf on Goodreads, ha) on my TBR … whoops ?
The main reason why I sometimes don’t get to my physical TBR is my library, which is very well-stocked for German standards so I check out a lot of books from there. I don’t feel too guilty about that because I love supporting my library and I’m grateful I have such a good library … but still it’s a huge temptation ?
But my book buying habits are definitely something that can be changed! You actually inspired me and made me rethink my habits! ? I’ve decided that I’ll keep my book buying to a minimum and that I will only buy books if I intend to read them in the course of 1 month after getting them! This way I avoid buying books and then not reading them for months!
Marie says
Oh that’s amazing that you have such a great selection at your library – I so get that, if I had a cool library, I would probably have a gigantic TBR as well ??
Oh this makes me so happy if I could inspire you, I really hope this will work out well for you <3 <3 Thank you so much!!
Caro @ bookcheshirecat says
I’ve had a pretty small library for most of my life, so now that I’m near a super amazing library I have no self-control left and take too many books home with me ?
So far it’s working really well and also making me quite relaxed, as I know I can buy a book if I really want to read it next without feeling guilty ❤ ❤
Marie says
I get that, I would do the exact same thing if I had a great library ?
I’m so glad to hear that!! <3 <3
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
You are ALL of our hero. I mean, you deserve a spot in the bookish hall of fame tbh. FOUR books!? How!? I have 4 books on my nightstand alone hahah. I will say, I have gotten MUCH better about this. But as I already have so many unread books, it isn’t exactly ever going to get better hah- though I DID do a big purge, and I have been requesting fewer books, so I guess that is progress? And to answer… no, I cannot resist getting new books haha- because SHINY!
Marie says
I … I don’t know, actually ? if I had a library and bookshops close-by, I wouldn’t be this way, either, so… in a way, being an international blogger has its perks, for my TBR? ?
YAY, I’m so glad to hear you are making progress at least, that’s good, and unhauling books can feel really good as well at times 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, Shannon! <3 <3
Norrie says
i admire your restraint!
the kindle sales are my downfalls… i can’t resist £1 books, and last time got 22 in one sitting ??
Marie says
Oh, I guess it helps that I don’t have a Kindle then, I couldn’t resist books that cheap either ???
Norrie says
… and of course i keep telling myself that it was still cheaper than a pair of shoes. But then i went ahead and bought 2 pairs of shoes on top of the books. Classic. I need to really internalise your tips here 😀 😀
Marie says
?? You’re like me. Books and shoes, love both and always want to buy both?
Angelica @ Paperback Princess says
You would have an anxiety at my house LOL. Ive got one double size bookshelf filled with 90% of unread books. Where i live in Sydney we don’t really have amazing bookstores just 3 franchise ones, 1 being totally overpriced so I don’t really go into them anymore.
My main problem is my library but I’ve decided that after this lot of library books I will be going on a library ban for a month to see how many books of mine I can read.
Once I’ve read my books if I don’t think I’ll ever re-read I would donate them.
My TBR is quite bad that I don’t even know what I have! I borrowed a book from the library the other day that I already OWN!
Your post has just made me be determined and a library book ban will be happening commencing May! Great post!
Marie says
Hahahaha wow, I would probably… well, freak out about all the books, if I were you, I’m glad you are not haha. It’s good though, that you have a great library to get your books from, but… it must be even harder to resist temptations with way haha 🙂
I’m so glad if my post could be helpful! Best of luck for your book ban, you can do this!! <3
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! 😀
Kat Impossible says
While I do think you are probably one of the most controlled people when it comes to the dreaded TBR, I also feel like sometimes it is very important to just listen to your gut and buy that one book on impulse. Yes, don’t go around buying half the store, but if you are really as much of a mood reader as I am and none of the books at your disposal are currently appealing, then it’s really important to find something else or risk a LONG reading slump. Believe me, it’s just not worth it haha
Marie says
You’re right about that – that’s the reason why I got a book yesterday, as the two books I had left weren’t inspiring me so much anymore hahaha. Thank you for the reminder <3
suckerforcoffe says
I struggle a lot with point number one, but so far so good I’m getting there. Lovely post!
Marie says
YAY, you can do this! 😀 Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3
Sophie Li says
Hello Marie!!
I love these tips so much! And that is so awesome that you got your TBR under control 😀 Just 4 books to read on your bookshelf- that is amazing!
Unfortunately my TBR is much less under control! I try to avoid the library, bookstores and second-hand book stores now by telling myself that I already have enough books to read. My weakness is that I can easily borrow ebooks/audiobooks from my library using a phone app. Because of this, I am always tempted to read a new book that catches my attention rather than an existing one that I own. It is awesomely convenient, however, the downside is that more than half of my bookshelf is still unread :’)
My goal for these few months is to read those unread books! I am doing well this month I think (4 of the books I read are already on my shelf 🙂 )
Marie says
Ohh I get that so much haha, I have the “chance” of not having a library, so less temptations, but… ordering books online and especially e-books, that’s way too easy to do and you get the books right away. I need to control myself often not to get tons of books hahaha.
YAY, so glad you’re doing great with your unread books so far, I hope you’re enjoying them 😀
Thank you so much,Sophie! 🙂 x
Sophie Li says
Yes ordering online is so tempting! I had a phase where I bought ebooks online a lot and ended up spending a lot of money since I didn’t realize how quickly it all adds up. Thankfully I learned to control myself there! Yes I am enjoying the books on my shelf now! Most of them are older books (since I bought them from second hand stores) but they are very worthwhile reads.
Marie says
I’m so happy to hear that – funny ow you can find little gems in backlisted titles 😀 x
Sophie Li says
I love reading older books since the books that stand the test of time are usually pretty good 🙂
LairOfBooks says
OMG! I seriously had myself a giggle over this cause I am the WORSE at compulsive book buying & requesting! it’s terrible, so much so that for the month of May I have set myself up to read 7 of my Netgalley arcs & that will make a small dent in the stack *sobs* I’m aiming to living a life more like yours lol, I can do w/o the night terrors 🙂
Great post as always Marie! <3 <3 <3
Marie says
Hahahaha, well…. think of it this way, at least, you can never run out of books to read and you have TONS of possibilities for your next read 😀
Thank you so much, Lilly!! <3 <3
LairOfBooks says
This is true, glass half full I like that ?? you’re so welcome ???
Jovita - Inky Impressions says
Thank you for all the great tips Marie. I struggle with my TBR and I hadn’t in the past. When I discovered Book Tube I went on a crazy buying binge for the past few years. Before, I would purchase one book, read it, and then purchase another. I’ve started a self imposed book buying ban until July, and I have found that I’m gathering more books from the library.. old habits. Yes I do need to practice self-control.
I also agree with you that the TBR on Goodreads, is just virtual and does not count.
Marie says
Oh you’re so welcome, I’m really happy if this could be useful 🙂
It’s so easy to get sucked into the… Endless book spiral haha. There are so many books everywhere, everyone is talking about one book or another and… we can’t help but want everything and forget that we can’t read it all in the blink of an eye haha.
I hope these will work out for you! Thank you so much for your comment 😀
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
It’s so, so hard for me not to feature every post you write like this Marie… because its so relatable. Love the idea to keep your TBR virtual. That is pretty much what I do I realize after reading this! I don’t have books to read lying about and I routinely take books back to the library if I don’t think I’ll get to them after all. ARCs I have pulled back on and only request if I really want to read it or if I was denied for a book (because what else combats such sadness except for another book?!) Great post!
Marie says
Awwwww Dani, you’re so sweet thank you so, so much for your comment <3 <3
I think it's so good to know what makes us feel pressured and to just, try and do our best to get rid of that. Reading and having massive TBRs should make us happy and if it doesn't, we should just try to reduce the TBR so it doesn't feel as daunting haha.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews says
While I think all of your points is really good advice, I really don’t see myself following any of them 😀
I’m a book hoarder. And I’ve been to a lot of different book signings. My first RT (Romantic Times) convention, I brought 97 books home with me… the year after, I went to BEA in Chicago, and came home with over 100 books. So yeah, there’s just no way I’ll get my TBR under control – but I actually don’t fret too much over that. It’s nice to have so many books to choose from. And it doesn’t seem like any publishers get upset with my mood-reading – the keep accepting my ARC requests 😀
I’m really glad you have things under control, as this also means you’ll soon be able to add some more books to your TBR shelf 😀 That’s always a pleasure, no?
Marie says
100 BOOKS??? Okay…. quick question, how did you manage to carry all of these books?! I am amazed haha.
I get it, if it would stress me out, I admit that having so many possibilities of what to read next is also pretty cool – and you’re so lucky about the ARCs 😛 As long as it doesn’t stress you out, but makes you happy, that’s what matters 😀
Oh yes, I’m always eager to add some more books to my TBR 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews says
I didn’t get all the books the same day, and I really hadn’t planned on getting that many… I guess I’m ready for the apocalypse… I have actual paper books I haven’t read yet 😀
Marie says
Hahaha yes, at least you won’t run out of books to read for a little while, so… that’s good haha 😛
Megan @ Ginger Mom says
Lexxie, I am the same way. Except mine is more sales and freebies on my Kindle!
shar says
Such great advice! I’m currently trying to read the books I own instead of library books and it’s sooooo hardddddd. This is all such sensible advice! My current strategy (which so bad for a book blogger) is to not have the time for reading or reading posts that get me excited about too many books. I did preorder something for the first time though and it’s coming in the next few days and I AM SO EXCITED!!! This was an A++ post <3
Marie says
Oh it’s not so bad ahah, I get that – I know that sometimes I really need to avoid some blog posts or just close my eyes haha, otherwise I’d be tempted by too many books and life becomes IMPOSSIBLE haha.
OH YAY that’s amazing, what is the book you pre-ordered?! 😀
Thank you so much, Shar!! <3
Jacqueline @bluejaybooks says
I tend to think of my Goodreads TBR pile as opposed to my real one because, while I do buy a fair number of books, most of the ones that I haven’t read are ones that I didn’t make the decision to buy myself. Most of the books I’m not sure I’ll get to, I get from the library. Due dates keep them from piling up, but recognize this isn’t an option for everyone.
I tend to read all the books I’ve bought, or at least, try to read them. The ones someone else bought for me, though, can sit on the shelves untouched for years. . .
Marie says
Having a great library really must be amazing – with the due dates, they don’t pile up as much as other books, for sure, and the books you’re not sure you’ll enjoy, you can get them from the library as well, so that’ fantastic 🙂
OH I hope that you don’t have that many untouched books…. you can always trade them if you’re really not interested, haha. 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! 🙂
Jacqueline @bluejaybooks says
Yes, I think the library is going to be one of the first things I look into whenever I move somewhere and will play a roll in where I decide to live 😉
I’ve never thought of that, good idea!
You’re welcome <3
Marie says
I get that, having a great library is so useful and important 🙂 <3
northernplunder says
i need lessons still.
i dont think it helps that when i started blogging my TBR pile was already very large
Marie says
Haha I get that – once we start blogging, our TBRs can very easily explode. I’m one of these people getting very stressed out when I have a massive physical – or e-books – TBR waiting for me, I’d rather keep it small and work my way through it before getting new books. Some people, however, like having all the possibilities and bigger TBRs, so that’s good too, that’s a good way to see things, if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, you have so much to choose from 😀
Megan @ Ginger Mom says
Wow! That is incredible! I have 3000+ books on my Kindle so I don’t think there is ever going to be a time when I will be as caught up as you are. My physical TBR is better but I still have a ginormous bookshelf that I need to get reading. Part of me wants to have a Beauty and the Beast type library just because I don’t ever EVER want to run out of reading material. Great self-control, though!
Marie says
OH MY HOW???? I don’t know how you do it, I would be SO stressed out ? but I admire that so much, that you’re feeling okay with it – I hope you are?! At least, yes, like you said, you’re never running out of reading material and that’ pretty amazing, too, so much to choose from 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Megan 😀
Megan @ Ginger Mom says
I feel like I have my own personal library that I can borrow books from any minute of any day 🙂 Yes, I will probably never read them all, but I guess that just means my kids will have their own personal library when they inherit my stash lol.
Marie says
That’s such an amazing thing, when you think about it. Your personal library, that’s goals haha 😀 and I’m sure your kids will LOVE IT 😛
Camilla @ Reader in the Attic says
I’m trying to do to the same right now, but I need to shceudle my time better and actually read more. Right now I’m on a “tem,porary book ban” meaning that I purchase two books every six I read. And sometimes I purchase books that I’ve already read but I wanted them in a physical copy. Or if I’ve spend my monmey on other stuff, I simply skip the purchase.
And is kinda working. For sure it also helped me notice a lot of books that I’d, still to read, and… that I didn’t want them anymore. I made a lot of space on my shelves 🙂
Marie says
Oh that’s such an amazing strategy! I kind of have the same one, I can buy books whenever I have read a certain amount of my books and it’s great – always more to read, but still keeping control of it all in a way 😀 I’m glad it’s working out well for you 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Camilla! <3 <3
arubunwritten says
I am like this too, I try not to buy too many books and have piles and piles of unread books in my life. The thought stresses me out. I think the only thing I struggle with is getting too many books out of the library because I can just return them if I don’t get round to them. Self control is key!
Marie says
YES, self-control is really key haha 🙂 I’m glad I’m not the only one like this haha 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
confessionsofayareader says
These are great tips and I fail at all of them! Really great post though!
Marie says
Awww, well, some people are perfectly okay with huge TBRs haha, I know it tend to stress me out, but if it doesn’t for you… you’re all good haha 🙂
Thank you so much!! 😀
confessionsofayareader says
It does stress me out at times, but I can’t help myself. I’m always adding/buying more books. I’m mostly ok with it though.
Marie says
Well, as long as you’re mostly okay… I guess you’re good haha 😉
Jackie B @ Death by Tsundoku says
Yes yes yes! This is more or less everything I believe when it comes to my TBR. (In fact, I have a TBR-related post similar to this one scheduled for late May…) I don’t believe in Goodreads as a TBR you should be counting either. It just drives people crazy. So, that’s my biggest tip: Don’t count lists of books to read as your “To Be Read” list. It might be your “To Read” list, yes. Thanks to English this looks like the same word. BUT ITS NOT. One is a wish list and one is a to do list. Focus on the to do list and you’ll be much more in control. 😀
I’m so glad to hear I’m not alone in this. Thank you!
Marie says
Oh YAY I’m so glad you could relate to this, Jackie! 😀 Agree, we need to focus on the books we have at hand and just forget about the wish list for a little while, that helps haha 🙂
Thank you so much! 😀
Chloe says
Well I mean my TBR physically isn’t too bad. I don’t read ARCs or have Netgalley as I’m not a fan of eBooks – it’s just personal preference. So I own a fair amount of books. I have around 70 books I’d guess now that I need to read.
Ironically I enjoy rereading books too which doesn’t help xD I also don’t buy books online really…it’s only when I’m in town at college that I hear the bookshops calling me haha
Marie says
Oh wow, well 70 books that’s still a whole lot for me ? I think it’s great that you’re not into e-books, there are less possibilities and less temptations that way? ? But, when you have great bookshops, I guess it’s almost impossible to resist, I know I couldn’t, haha.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment 😀
Chloe says
Yes less temptation otherwise my TBR truly would manage to strangle me haha. No worries 🙂
Cait @ Paper Fury says
Okay but first of all: YOU ARE A MAGICAL AND WONDERFUL CREATURE. I applaud you! And then second of alll….I can’t do this.?I just, nope. Hahaha. I am terrible about collecting books, and even if I DO exercise self-control, I get sent a bunch from publishers anyway. So I figure I might as well just actively add to the problem and be squashed by my TBR pile and die happy I guess. Netgalley and Edelweiss are doing their best to help out my TBR problems by denying me everything at the moment though…so I should thank them?!?But seriously, I have so many books to read right now…*drowns*
But I LOVED your tips and they’re so sensible!
Marie says
Aww you’re way too sweet Cait, I’m trying, self-control is so hard though, haha. You’re so lucky that you get so much books without asking, though, I mean, all the choice you get, it’s hard to pick what you can read next haha, but also it has to be good, having so much to choose from 😀
Thank you so, so much Cait, this means a whole lot that you enjoyed this <3 <3
theorangutanlibrarian says
Wow you do sound like you have your TBR under control! So impressive!! I think one of my biggest issues is having self control when I go to the library. I do think I have good self control when it comes to ARCs though (I generally only allow myself to request one for every month) Anyway great post!
Marie says
Wow, it’s amazing that you have this self-control for ARCs, too 😀 I understand your struggles with the library though, if I had a library I would have the HARDEST time not getting all the books hahaha.
Thank you so much!! <3
Ayla @ Books & Babbles says
This is such a great post! I’m a HUGE control freak when it comes to my TBR. My Goodreads TBR currently counts 26 books divided over two shelves and quite a lot of future releases which I don’t really count as A TBR because a lot of times I still remove half the books if I lose interest. My “owned but not read” shelf only has 3 books at the moment!
I get super stressed and sometimes even anxious when I own too many unread books or when my Goodreads shelves are a mess so I’m always organising it and making sure it’s somewhat in order. 🙂
Marie says
Aww thank you so much for your sweet comment, Ayla! <3
I love your organization skills, my goodreads TBR is a bit of a mess ? but I'm just like you when it comes to physical copies or books owned, I prefer keeping the pile down, otherwise it stresses me out haha.
Thank you so much!! <3
Carrianne says
The fact that you said a goodreads TBR doesn’t count has given me a bit of my sanity back. While I do have a decent amount of books I own that I need to read, my Goodreads list is never ending because that’s where I add everything. I agree with so many of these points though! I’ve started to tell myself that I can’t purchase anymore books until I finish one. (Finish one, buy one. That kind of thing.) The exception for this being auto-buy authors and series I’m reading because I know I’ll finish it. It breaks my heart that you don’t live near a library though. :'( I also work at one, so I’m a little biased, hahaha.
Marie says
Oh I would never count my goodreads TBR, even if it’s not 1000 books-long (yet…), it still feels way too overwhelming at times, so I’d rather not count it, at all ??
I think that’s such a good strategy, I’m also trying to do that, too. I hate having a big pile of unread books, it makes me feel so sad!
Oh it’s so, so cool that you work at a library, that’s awesome!! 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3