I used to think it was easy to handle the books I wanted to read. There weren’t that many books after all, just a small list that grew and changed as I got through some reads, a couple dozen books, a number easy to manage and not that scary to look at.
Then I started book blogging.
All of a sudden, found myself drowning into hundred, thousand of books I wanted to read, my goodreads TBR growing from 30 to 800 books to be read, my wallet crying and my mind constantly wondering what I am supposed to do and what I am supposed to read next, too.
Even though, it’s only recently that I started wondering about a reading schedule. Before, when I first started, I didn’t receive ARCs, I managed my book budget quite easily and my physical TBR was always around 5 books, a number easily manageable until I read some of them, then authorized myself to treat myself to some other books. My book buying habits were so easily manageable and so was my TBR.
Yet, lately, I’ve been feeling like things are getting a little bit out of control, with a TBR that grows all of a sudden and books hidden in my e-reader that… I’m not seeing directly, therefore completely forgetting about, hidden in a corner of my mind until I turn my e-reader on again and find out that, oops, I’ve got books I still haven’t read there, too. I still have my book buying habits under control and I’m not yet losing my mind and hauling ten books at a time. (Not that the ones of you doing this are wrong or losing your mind at all, don’t get me wrong!! It’s just not my kind of thing to do at all, because it kind of stresses me out.)
Yet, I feel like I have more books to read than ever before and my mind still wonders to the ones I haven’t bought just yet that I’m suddenly craving, like an itch I can’t quite get rid of. Being a book blogger is hard, sometimes.
Related blog post: How to Master Your TBR pile (or try to)
To get everything under control, I feel like I could use a reading schedule.
Sometimes, I feel like I should be making these TBRs, these blog posts (or tweets, or bookstagram posts) that are quite popular and where, every month, book bloggers mention the books they would like to read in the upcoming month. Then, I remember that I’m not a TBR kind of person and that I don’t want to restrict myself with a set TBR.
Sometimes, I see book bloggers having a sort of schedule depending on what they do and the time of the day: an audiobook for their commute time, an e-book for the evening, a physical copy for their day reading. Then, I remember that I can only read one book at a time and kind of hate myself for it.
Sometimes, I feel like I should have a reading calendar of some sort to be on top of my reading. Read this, read that: but then again doesn’t that take off the fun?
Then, there are all the reading challenges and bookish bingo of sorts, created by incredible book bloggers and members of the community all year round, that make you read books off your TBR, books with a special theme overall. Challenges that make you have a reading schedule overall, because you have to find books fitting the theme, books on your immediate TBR, ARCs to get to, etc.
Thing is, when I look at my reading, I feel like I sort of have a low-key reading schedule, despite not doing strict monthly TBRs, planning out my reading or telling myself I have to read this and that book there and now, or participating in reading challenges.
I organize myself with my ARCs tracker spreadsheet, to make sure I’m on track with the review copies I got lucky enough to receive and to read the ones I should be reading in order to be on time and….
That’s it, actually, that’s all there is.
I don’t really have a reading schedule, despite being a book blogger and being here for over 4 years now and I’m doing perfectly okay.
Having a reading schedule, setting monthly TBRs, participating in reading challenges and setting yourself reading goals is not a requirement to be a book blogger, despite the overwhelming part of the community doing these kind of things.
If you’re a mood reader, if you’re not into having schedules, planning out your readings and the books you want to read next, it’s okay.
If you like being organized, down to the book you’ll read the morning on your commute to the book you’ll listen to on the evening, it’s okay, too.
If you have absolutely no idea how to organize your reading and are feeling a little bit overwhelmed with all the books right now, it’s okay, too. Try out a schedule, try out one, two, three books at a time, try setting a planning, try following your heart. But always, always remember that blogging and reading should be, as much as possible, a low-pressure zone and you should enjoy yourself before anything else.
Do you have a reading schedule? How do you organize your reading, if you do?
Do you read multiple books at a time, of different formats? I’d love to hear about your reading habits in comments!
I’m a major mood reader, so I don’t really set TBRs for myself. The only times I do create a TBR is when I’m participating in a challenge and I want to make sure I complete all the prompts. Other than that, I just pick books according to what I’m feeling. I do try to prioritize ARCs, though, especially those that need reviews asap. I guess I’m swamped in a book pile, but I don’t mind it that much? I know I’ll never read all these books, and that’s probably fine… I just really hate forcing myself to read certain books and then fall into a reading slump!
Oh yes, there’s nothing worse than forcing ourselves to read! Sometimes I’m afraid to fall into that headspace and… I need to remind myself to pick up what I’d like to read to feel excited again. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed (at least for me?).
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
I’m a mood reader and regularly change my book choices depending on how I feel. This is why I’ve kept review copies to a minimum so far!
Great post! I absolutely believe reading should be FUN, instead of stressing. But I totally get why someone would make a schedule to read all the books. I try to make it a habit to read half an hour 3 times a week. 2 times I got it covered because of my commute. But one book at a time, so I can enjoy it to the max.
I don’t have a reading schedule. I do have an overview of all the books I want to read and how much they cost on my favorite website. The total amount of euros is kind of scary… But I always buy the cheap ones first and ask the more expensive ones for my birthday 😀
I recently converted my blog to a book blog, but that also made me a little more stressed about reading. I try to keep it fun, so no reading challenges for me. Except for the yearly Goodreads one of course, but I don’t overdo it.
If/when my blog picks up, I can hopefully still relax with a book instead of feeling stressed 😉
Ahahah oh yes, the total amount of books we want to read is…. well, it’s scary when you put it all together, there are way too many books ?
I think that’s what matters the most – trying to keep it fun before anything else! Some people love reading challenges and scheduling their reads, making TBRs and everything and that’s awesome – I personally don’t because it would stress me out way too much ?
I hope you’ll always be able to relax about reading, reading should always be fun 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! <3
I don’t really have a reading schedule, but I wanted to start one last year. My TBR is just so out of control and I’d like to just read what I want this year. I see some bloggers who are very scheduled and it’s always inspired me though! Maybe one day. Great subject! Thanks for sharing. ❤
Oh yes, I’m also very inspired by bloggers that schedule their reading so well. I can’t do that haha and I just like to go with the flow at times, too, makes me feel less stressed out ? and reading what you want is GREAT, it really is the best way to read and to enjoy it 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
I do tend to read more than one book at a time – usually a physical book and an e-book, but sometimes it’s more than one physical book. I don’t have a set reading schedule most of the time though. I tend to focus on ARCs and books for my book club first – and that just depends on what sounds the best at the time and/or when I have to have it read by. Other than that, it’s kind of based on my mood and what sounds good. I want to read more of the books I already own this year, so I definitely plan to “shop” my shelves a bit more, but even that is sort of random and it all just depends!! So no, I don’t really have a reading schedule, but I can see how it works for some people!!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
It’s so great that you can read multiple books at a time, I’d love to do that too – I always prefer to focus on one book though, I don’t know why ?
That’s great that you kind of go with the flow and how you feel, too, that’s exactly how I’m doing it, too, and I like it this way 😀
Thank you so much, Lauren! <3
I’m the same as you – I only schedule my ARCs and leave other books to whatever I feel like reading at the time. I do wish, though, that I wouldn’t buy so many books because sometimes what I feel like reading isn’t a book that I currently own and then I have a dilemma because I want to read all the books I own before reading others…but then I keep buying books when I see ones I want to read that are on sale…and it’s a viscous cycle!
I also keep myself organized with spreadsheets. I track ARCs and books I own, but only schedule the reading of ARCs.
Oh I can understand that SO much. There are just too many books and, sometimes, even when I still have books to read, temptation is there to get new books. We can’t help it, it’s the bookworm in us ?
Oh that’s amazing that you have a spreadsheet for the books you own! I only have one for my ARCs, I’m too lazy to do more hahaha 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment <3
I’ve never had a reading schedule of my own before, but I’ve always had a mental list of books that I’m wanting to read. Like you said, I feel like creating a list would take the fun out of reading books. Great post!
Agree! I’d rather go with the flow and see how I feel with each book to read next 🙂
Thank you so much!! <3
Your welcome!!
Oh, I am right there with you. I like doing an overarching goal list of the books I hope to read during the year, just so they don’t fall off my radar, but I’m not good at monthly TBRs, at all, thanks to being both a mood reader and really not liking to read more than one book at a time. I do wish I could be a little more purposeful with my reading time or recognizing when I have a few moments with nothing to do, I could use that time to read, so I’m reading a little bit more and making progress on that TBR list.
I really like how your post described multiple ways book bloggers figure out…well, how to be book bloggers, honestly, but reminded us that no one way is the wrong way. It only matters finding out the right way for *you.*
I’m the exact same way! I like to remind myself of some books I really want to get to this year, but otherwise I’m not good with too strict TBRs. I hope you’ll manage to squeeze in more reading in your daily life though – it’s so easy when we have a moment to turn to our phone instead of reading a few pages (I do it too often haha).
Aww thank you, that’s so sweet! I’m glad you liked it and I agree, there are no wrong ways to blog, we’re all doing it our way and what feels best for us 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3
Gosh, yes. Or when my job is slow (I work evening at an academic library, so the 9pm-12am bit can drag sometimes), it’s so easy to scroll through social media when I could be *reading*.
Of course, thank you for the lovely discussion post! I wish I could figure out discussion topics to write, because I love reading those types of posts!
Oh yes sometimes it’s way too easy to grab your phone instead of a book… we should work on that one this year 🙂
Aww you’re welcome <3 I am certain you have things to say and ideas, sometimes my ideas come very randomly from a comment I leave on a blog post, from a book's synopsis, from looking at my TBR or just reading another blog post 🙂 I'm certain you can do it! <3
Yes, we should! Perhaps we can hold one another accountable, as well. 😀
I read a lot of discussions and I’m like, “Wow, that is such a good topic.” I guess I just need to trust my gut whenever I get an idea and not be afraid to write it! <3
OH YES we should do that haha 😀
Yes, don’t be afraid and trust yourself, I’m certain you have ALL the amazing discussions in you, waiting to be published on your blog <3
You are way too sweet! Thank you so much, Marie! <3
Aww, you’re welcome Nicole <3 <3
I’m exactly like you! I have over 400 books to read but I always think I want more books, sigh. I participate in reading challenges because I like to make a list of books that fitted them, but I haven’t a reading schedule, and I don’t listen to audiobooks. I’m a mood reader, that’s why.
I think it’s great that you like making lists of books for challenges and everything! I love the challenges and their originality at times, but I’m unable to participate haha. And being a mood reader is great – best way to enjoy our reads 😀
Thank you so much for your comment <3
Love this post, Marie! I’ve tried making TBRs and for the most part I suck at sticking with them. So I don’t do it often. I think if I had a reading schedule then it would make reading feel more like a chore than for fun. So I don’t really have a reading schedule either. I do try to stay on top of my ARCs though, but aside from that, I usually just read what I am in the mood for or what sounds good at the moment.
I agree with you! I like being organized in my daily life and with blogging, too, but… being too organized with reading would kind of ruin it, for me too and i would make it feel like a chore, I agree :/ It’s best to read whatever we want to and not to be too strict, at least it is for me 🙂
thank you Ashley!! <3
Haha my TBR on GR has done the same thing!!! I try not to have a reading schedule, because I never follow through. However there are ARCs I should read before the pubs?! I fall somewhere in the middle that I like a little inspiration from challenges but I’m 100 cool with my mood reading. ?
I’m the same here, except for ARCs, which I’m always doing my best to read for the pub. date, I go with my mood haha 🙂
thank you so much for your comment, Ashley! 🙂
I don’t really organize my reading. I’m a huge mood reader as well, but what I’ve started doing is keeping a stack of a few books I’m really in the mood to read next to my bed and then when I finish a book I have one right next to me I can start reading if I want. I do like making TBRs but I’ve learned to put books I’m in the mood to read on them instead of books I “should” read on them. I’ll get to them all eventually if I really do want to read them.
I think that’s so great! I feel like sometimes, with book blogging, anticipated reads and so on, it’s easy to get lost and get into the mindset of “I should” instead of “I want” to be reading this book. You’re so right that, if we really want to read books we’ll eventually get to them and it’s important to listen to ourselves and what we really want. I like working out my reading that way, too 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Stephanie! <3 <3
I think I am in between a moody and organised reader! Although I love paperbacks but its easier to go with ebooks with travelling. Since most of my reading time is commuting to and back from office, I pick up what usually strikes my hood since I keep a healthy dose of options. And thankgoodness, it is working for me so far!
Ahh that’s great, at least you keep your options open and that’s a good way to keep the slump away, too 🙂 glad it’s working out well 😀
Thank you so much for your comment Poulami! <3 <3
You’re welcome! <3
I find that having a set TBR just makes me anxious, and I rarely end up reading at all. What I like to do is have an unofficial TBR in my head, that can be changed at will, that helps me keeps my goals in mind, but also keeps the stress level low.
I also read multiple books at a time. I’m currently reading 6 physical books at once. It’s slightly more than usual, but I’m managing okay so far. I’m hoping to finish 2-3 on the next few days.
Ahh I love how you said this, I think I’m the same way, actually – I sort of have an idea of the books I want to read next and review copies I need to get to in my head, but… it’s all very flexible and unofficial, otherwise I feel too anxious about it all.
WOW. 6 books?! Now thats something, it’s so great that you can read so many books at a time, I could never do that, I couldn’t remember everything happening in all the books haha.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! <3
I’m mostly a mood reader! I schedule out review copies for each month and then pick a few books that I own or have borrowed from the library to fill in that I’m currently in the mood to read.
I do tend to have a few books in a few different formats going at the same time, although I go through phases when I want to focus on just one book at a time. So really, it’s mostly up the in air! I like having my options open!
Keeping your options open is the best way to do this – in my opinion! – because that way, you’re just going with the flow and enjoying yourself, too 🙂
It’s so great you read multiple books at a time, I admire that so much haha 😀
Thank you so much for your comment Nicole <3
There is a before and an after blogging xD 2019 is the second year I use a spreadsheet to keep track of my reads and this year I’m using the Calendar app on my Mac and phone to remember blog tours, pub dates and stuff. That’s how I come up with the monthly TBRs I thought I’d never need xD
EXACTLY, there’s this invisible line we cross when we start blogging and then… well then we’re here ??
WOW. I admire your organizing skills SO much my sweechie, that’s amazing! And… do you manage to follow these TBRs every time? I would feel stressed out ?
Oh yes! I would not survive without my schedule. Sometimes I have to change things up, but I usually have things planned out 3 months in advance. A spreadsheet for ARCs is a great idea. I usually just have them written in my organizer and I try to keep a GR shelf as well that has my short TBR on it. Reading is so much work, isn’t it?! lol
3 months in advance?! Wow now THAT is organization, wow ? that’s so great and the goodreads shelf for your TBR is such a good idea, too! You’re so organized, I admire that so much haha 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing! <3
No true reading schedule. Now I do have authors that want a set date, and of course, the ARCs that I receive – these all just go on a calendar that I use for due dates. Outside of those due date type of books, I just read what strikes me at that moment and then either do a review or just chat about.
That’s great! That’s exactly how I do it, too, I like to keep some space for mood reading and not plan out too much, otherwise it’s just too stressful ?
Thank you for your comment Dannie! 🙂
I would love to be able to comment on this post saying I have a reading schedule. I mean, god knows I need one. I have a massive TBR list, and the books I say I’ll get around to “soon” just seems to be growing longer and longer too (at this rate I feel like I have enough books I’ve said I’ll read “soon” to keep me busy reading-wise for a whole year) but I’m a mood-reader, sometimes I can’t even decide when I want to read next, let alone what book I’ll pick up when I am in the mood to read something. Still I’ve managed all right so far, and my lack of a reading schedule is made up for when it comes to my blogging schedule I think! 😀
Great post Marie. 🙂 <3
I’m glad that you managed to do alright without a schedule, too! Sometimes it gets a bit complicated and I so get that overwhelming feeling of “what am I supposed to do now” and “I need to read this soon” and soon, soon, soon becomes weeks and ugh haha.
Thank you so much, Beth! I’m glad you enjoyed it 😀
Yeah, plus I feel like I have enough schedules in my life. In one area I kind of like to take things as they come and it’s work well so far.
That’s all right. 🙂 ❤️
Same here! 🙂
Honestly, I tried setting up a monthly TBR but I’m a big mood reader that can only read one book at a time. But, at the same time, I’m very organized and I like to keep track of how many pages I read each day and general month stats.
I feel like being a book blogger adds a lot of pressure when it comes to reading and what you want to read. I have 45 physical books on my shelf that I want to tackle this year and I never had a TBR this big. And that’s all because I keep hearing about these books that I HAVE to read. So finding that balance, between blogging about books and reading them for enjoyment it’s something that I’m struggling with.
Oh wow, you keep track of your pages read and do monthly stats of your reading, too? Now that’s very cool! Do you have a special spreadsheet or something? 🙂
I completely get that feeling and I am struggling with it all, too. There are just so many books we want to read now and so many books everywhere, it just adds up and up and it’s hard to know what to prioritize, what we want to read, and sometimes our reading feels like another task to get through. I’m trying to look at my books one at a time and to focus on why I want to read them and to really, really think (sometimes too much) before I buy a book or ask for it or request it or something. It’s not flawless, but the overthinking makes me lower my TBR haha 🙂
Thank you for your comment!! <3
Well, I’m keeping track of pages read on my bullet journal. I created a spread for that (which reminds me, I have to do a BuJo post for my blog). For monthly stats, I use Kaleena’s spreadsheet (https://readervoracious.com/2018/11/28/2019-spreadsheet-template/), which is a life saver!
I went a little crazy this Christmas with the book buying, so I set up some rules for myself to be sure that I continue enjoying reading and that I don’t let all the blog hype get to my head. I don’t pre-order books and I usually wait so I can read some 3-star reviews before buying, I wait until a series is finished before purchasing the first book and I only go to NetGalley once a week otherwise I would be requesting books non-stop. It’s the only way I can keep sane with so many books to read.
Ahh that’s so great 🙂 and wow, I admire your organization and book buying rules so much, that’s amazing! It is way too easy to lose our minds with all the books to read, I agree ?
This is such a great post! I relate so much <3 I'm firmly in the overwhelmed camp at present – whenever I start a book, I find that I'm already thinking ahead to the next one I need to read and it makes me stressed. I try to alternate a review book with a book I've chosen from my TBR in order to keep things fun, but I have so many books on my unread shelf that there's just this constant pressure! Oh well, I guess there are worse problems I could have hehe.
I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling that way at the moment – that’s EXACTLY how I’ve been, feeling overwhelmed and thinking of my next read while reading and just, no. I’m trying to apply that strategy too and take it one book at a time and try to remember to not stress out and enjoy my reading, because that’s all we want, right? 🙂
I agree though there are worst problems we could have haha. I hope you’re enjoying your reads!! <3
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3
I definitely schedule in reading time when I’m just too busy to randomly find time to read. I’ll schedule it into my breaks, or in-between post writing, before classes or bedtime–wherever I can. It helps me feel more mentally relaxed and more in control of my day, which then further helps with my anxiety and ADHD.
That’s so great and I’m so happy to hear it helps you to schedule your reading, too, that’s fantastic! It’s better when you’re feeling more relaxed about it all, that’s for sure 🙂 I’m glad you found a system that works out for you 🙂
thank you so much for your comment! <3
You’re welcome!!
I can’t stick to a schedule, unless sometimes I need one for the insane amount of library books I checked out. Like today for instance. 8 books in 3 weeks. Definitely doable, but I’d probably break it down to # of pages total across all 8 books divided by 21 to know the minimum page amount needed to finish all by the due date.
WOW that’s a lot of books haha, I hope you’ll make it and will be able to read all of them! 🙂 Happy reading 😀
I love this discussion, Marie! I think I’m like you where I have a lowkey reading schedule. I typically read every day at night, but I have somewhat of a list in mind of what I’d like to finish reading by when. Still, it’s all in my head and pretty flexible to accommodate when random things occur. I also started keeping track of ARCs (because yay!! I’m finally at a place to request ARCs) which has been super helpful too 🙂
Aww thank you, so happy you enjoyed it <3 <3
I'm glad you're keeping things lowkey, too, it helps me keep reading fun before anything else and that's important <3 and YAY for ARCs! ahh that's great Tiffany, you deserve them all and I hope you'll have great opportunities <3
Lovely post & discussion, Marie! I completely agree with you; everyone has different reading habits and levels of organization, and whether you have a reading schedule/calendar or you read whatever you feel like, it’s *totally* okay! I’m definitely the latter haha, I’m the biggest mood reader ever. (I’m not a very organized person either; I don’t really have structure in my life, although sometimes I should try to plan things out…but anyways ?) Even when I try to make TBRs, I don’t usually stick to them, whoops. I just read whatever I feel like reading, since reading is my hobby and I want to enjoy doing it. ? I love that you’ve been a book blogger for over 4 years now and still don’t have a reading schedule! Great post as always <3
Oh thank you so, so much Dezzy, glad you enjoyed it <3
I think that's a great way to do it – no matter what, whether we're organized or not, what matters is that we keep reading our hobby and keep it fun before anything else 😀
Thank you so much!! <3
I won’t lie. I love making lists each month or yearly lists. But the harder truth is, I always fail in completing those lists 😀 Because I am huge mood reader and end up picking different books than the ones I initially planned. But I guess that’s okay. It’s fine if you don’t create a schedule or fit into certain blogging rituals. Your reading habits depend on you and should make you happy in the end.
Ahah I get that – I’m a fan of lists, too, but somehow lists of books never work out for me and I don’t want to try them out ?
I so agree, it’s all good in the end, we are all different and it’s good if we have different habits, too. As long as we have fun 😀
Thank you so much, Sim! <3
I often read multiple books at a time especially in different formats, e.g. physical + ebook + audiobook (and just in general lots of paperbacks/hardcovers). My goodreads “currently-reading” shelf always has way too many books on it especially as some of them are books I got out from the library, started reading, then had to return. In 2019 I’m going to try harder to have a bit of a reading schedule because I have a crazy amount of books at home, mostly review copies from the past two years which really should be read and of course there are all the new/upcoming releases to contend with! My reading goal this year is 75 which is lower than all previous years but I’m hoping I’ll be able to achieve it even as I project a super busy year of school and last year only read just over 50 books.
OH wow, it’s great that you can read multiple books at a time, that would feel so overwhelming for me ?
I hope you’ll be able to find the right organization for your reading this year – there are always so many books to read, it’s hard to know the ones we want to prioritize and the ones we really want to read, too, at times haha 🙂
Best of luck for all of your goals, you can do this! <3
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment <3
I’ve just started to organise myself a bit in a bid to spend a little less money on books and get through my TBR pile. So effectively I have created two lists: a TBR list and a wish list of books I haven’t yet bought but would like to read. For every two books off my TBR list that I finish reading, I can reward myself with a book from the wishlist. Hopefully I’ll be able to make a significant in my TBR pile.
AHH that is such a great idea, I love it and it’s so nice that you can reward yourself with a new book, too 🙂 I hope this system will work out well for you 😀
Thank you for your comment! <3
I used to make monthly TBRs, but then I got bored with them. Now I read whatever I feel like reading. I don’t do many challenges. I do try to prioritize the books that have been sitting around the longest. I have a few books I bought in January last year that I should probably read soon.
I also do my best to prioritize the books that have been waiting for a little while now, too, I hate books left unread, it makes me so sad hahaha. 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! <3
I’m a mix of mood and scheduled reader. I usually read several books at a time, each book with a different mood so I have something to read based on my mood. Lately I’ve been reading one book at a time for better focus, and choose the next book as a companion with a similar but slightly different mood until i cycle through.
Oh that’s amazing – that way you always have a book to pick up that fits your mood, that’s a great strategy! 😀
Thank you so much for your comment Tanya 😀
THis is such a great post! I’ve been finding myself feeling buried by my TBR & its good to see I’m not entirely alone on that! And I completely agree that book blogging is what’s made my TBR practically never-ending! ?What helps me is keeping monthly release shelves on my Goodreads so I know what’s coming out & can keep new releases, ARCs, etc. all in order! ?✨
Ahh that’s so great that you have your shelves organized like that – I should do that, too, but I’m feeling so lazy ?
Thank you so much!! <3
It definitely helps me & my TBR ^_^ & of course!
I don’t really schedule my reading, though I read every day during my commute and an hour each night before bed. What helped me a lot was planning my weekly TBR. Otherwise, I spend too much time picking out books.
Oh that’s great! I get that, when you have a lot of books available, it can be hard to pick the next one, SO many choices haha 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! <3
I feel like I’m a mix of both, I both like having a reading schedule and not having one. A lot of my reading is dependent on what I can get from the library at any given time, but once I have a few books out, I try to schedule them by due date or whatever, and also if I think I’m going to review them and when it needs to get on the calendar. I also have all these challenge TBRs, so I try to make sure I read for those at least once a month so I can stay on top of them.
Oh that’s such a great method! I also try to do my very best to keep up with my books depending on when I should review them, but I only do that for review copies haha 🙂 You’re so organized, with your challenges and everything, too, I admire that so much! 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, Angela! <3
Nope, no schedule for me! I have a list of all the ARCs I need to read, and their release date, and that is it. Like you, I have never had an issue with it, so if it isn’t broken, I shan’t be fixing it hah. I used to be able to read 2 books at once- one Kindle book and one physical book- but somewhere along the way I stopped being able to. So now I do not. Funnily enough, it didn’t really change how many books I was reading.
The one thing that I do wish I could do a bit differently is that I have so many books that I bought or whatever that I can’t seem to find time for- but I suppose that is just me overrequesting ARCs, so, oopsie? ?
Oh I agree with you, if we’re okay without a schedule, we shouldn’t try changing it, I think haha 🙂
Oh no I get that – I’m always trying to control my book buying urges the best that I can, but sometimes.. well it’s really hard to resist ? ?
Thank you so much for your comment, Shannon! <3
I definitely read multiple books and I definitely am unorganised and also don’t have a reading schedule.?MOOD READER HERE *waves and then cries from the back corner* I think it comes back to bite me a lot, especially when I request an ARC I’m keen for one month, but then, when it’s closer to releases, I’m not interested?? And holy wow the new shiny books call to me all the time. I can have a dozen books to read but all I feel like is one that’s not out yet.? Being a book blogger IS hard.
I’m always trying to be extra careful before hitting that request button, because…. I’m always scared to be in the mood for it right this second and realize I’m not that into it if I get approved or something ? ?
It’s hard indeed, but we wouldn’t give it up, would we 😛
Thank you so much, Cait! <3 <3
Since I got back to book blogging, I’ve been wondering about schedules. Thing is: schedules stress me out. Everything in my life has to be scheduled – mostly because my parents are insane, but also because school required me to do so – so when I thought about reading and other hobbies, I wanted to be spontaneous. At the same time, being spontaneous never gets much done, in my experience. If I don’t set myself an estimated time/page count to read, I know I won’t. So, slowly, I’ve been trying to find schedules that work for me, but don’t strict me to the point I’m uncomfortable. So far, I’ve figured out a blogging schedule that allows me to plan on advance and I’m slowly trying to find a reading one that I like. Reading a set amount of pages per day has been good so far, because it allows me to read at whatever time of the day, stopping when I need to, etc. But when school starts back again, I’ll have to figure something else, so wish me luck on that, hahah.
I’m so happy you found a blogging schedule already that works out for you and I hope you’ll find one for your reading, too, that works out well for you <3 I hope you'll figure it out once school starts again, maybe keeping it a habit to read a little bit every day, not a certain amount of pages (since you might be too tired, for instance), but just a little bit at least, before bed or something, to keep it a habit 🙂 I'm certain you'll figure it out <3
thank you so much for your comment <3
I never talked about this before, but I do make a schedule! Not a detailed one, but at least what book I need to read this week or this month, and usually only one or two books 😀 I find it helpful to actually read books I need to read 😀
Oh that’s great! I’m so happy you find it helpful, that’s awesome 😀
I love having a reading schedule! It doesn’t limit me at all but focuses me. I think its really all about what kind of mind you have…and there’s nothing wrong with seeing a TBR as a limit or as a focus, its just how your mind works. This was certainly a fascinating view inside your mind Marie!! ❤
That’s so great! I’m so happy schedules work out well for you – and I agree, it’s just how our minds work after all, some would rather have schedules and others prefer to go with the flow 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! <3
WHY IS THIS SO RELATABLE! 😀
Hahaha I’m glad you could relate 🙂
I’m a mood reader so I don’t set any reading schedule. I mostly read at night on my comfy bed. I can read two books at a time if they’re from different genres but I mostly prefer to read one book. Great post! ?
Ahh that’s great you can read two books at a time, yay! 🙂
Thank you so much Raven! <3
This was a really interesting post to read, Marie! I think you are restricting yourself with the idea of TBRs though. What I would suggest, and I am not an expert at all here, is to maybe try a different approach to the whole TBR post thing. Let’s say you’ve already scheduled a buddy read for the upcoming month and there’s one or two ARCs you need to get to because of their release date. Then I’d suggest making a post with two sections. The first one would be the 2-3 books you “have” to read and the second section is just a list of all the books you have at your disposal. That way you don’t neglect your backlisted books and keep an overview of what you have. People could also easily comment which ones they would be most excited for you to read out of those books. However, with the second part there’s no obligation involved and you could easily add new books if you decide to buy any.
I don’t know why I just made this into such a huge comment. I am sorry hahaha I am sure you know what you are doing and will figure things out! Just don’t put pressure on yourself. Pressure only ends in reading slumps.
This is actually a great suggestion, Kat, thank you for this! I’m always a little bit… well, on the fence about buddy readings because I love doing them, but I never know how to plan them our and organize them either, so that could help too, I think? I might have to try and do that sometime 🙂 thank you so much!! <3
I am glad it wasn’t just senseless rambling to you hahaha
It wasn’t at all haha 🙂
I think I waste a lot of time looking out for a book to read AFTER I FINISH ONE. While I think I will never keep up with a monhtly TBR list, I have started having a list of tentative titles I have with me and I want to read on a spreadsheet. After I finish a book, all I have to do is look at the list pick one, instead of staring at all the book covers and feeling guilty about the books I have not read it. I hope this will work. Of course I have a separate sheet for ARCs. And yes I am a spreadsheet addict.
Oh that’s great that you have so many spreadsheets and YAY for being organized like that, I admire that SO much! 😀
Thank you so much for your comment <3
I have a list of books I really want to read, mainly just to track whether i own it yet or not, but i don’t think i could do a schedule.
I tried in the past, to select books for the next month, only to find myself not being in the mood when the time came 😀
Oh that’s good that you have a list like that – I think I should do that sometime, because when I can finally buy new books, I’m always lost and have no idea which one I wanted to prioritize ?
I’m glad I’m not the only mood reader here 😀
Omg yes what a great post!
Personally I feel that if I start organising my reading too much it will take the fun out if it an I definitely don’t want that!
Aw thank you Charvi, glad you enjoyed it! I’m glad you feel the same way, I don’t want to take the fun out of reading either 🙂
I think you are right Marie, everyone is different and what works for one person might not work for another. Personally, I like making monthly TBRs. I typically put my 2 book club selections, a backlist ARC or two, and one book off my physical TBR. I generally keep my TBRs to around 5 books, that way it gives me a little wiggly room to allow for mood reading. Does it always go according to plan? Nope! BUT I do try to at least read the majority of my monthly TBR posts. I think if you are accepting ARCs, it is necessary to stick to a schedule if you want to read & review in a timely manner. If not you’ll end up like me and have 30+ backlist ARCs ((hangs head in shame))
I think that’s great and you’re so organized! I guess I am organized a little bit, but only when it comes to ARCs because I want to do my best to read them on time, otherwise I’m just waiting and seeing whatever I feel like reading at the time 😀
Thank you so much for your comment, Amanda! <3
While a reading schedule sounds really clever, in all honestly, it would make reading sound too much like work. I think i’ll stick to having too much to read and not enough time, instead of forcing so many books in all the time possible. Great idea and post though 🙂 xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
I agree with you! That’s why I try not to schedule too much and not to be too strict with myself, otherwise it would take out all the fun of it 🙂
Thank you so much! <3
I honestly love how you’re so entirely different when it comes to TBR’s, readathons, reading challenges and the like. Those things appear to be “obligatory” when you’re a book blogger, simply because everyone seems to be doing them but it’s not and I love how you’re proof of that. At least you can show others they don’t have to feel pressured into joining those events / creating those posts! 🙂
As for myself.. I used to try and stick very strictly to my TBR’s but lately it’s more of a list compiled of books I want to read for my monthly challenges. I know I’ll read a couple of them, but I’ve given up on sticking to an entire TBR. I quite like my mood-reading tendencies of late, haha. 🙂
As for a reading schedule.. Well.. Let’s just say it’s all about reading whenever I have time right now and it will be even more so once the little one’s born. Who knows, maybe I’ll end up NOT reading for weeks? 😛
Awww thank you Kathy, that means a lot! <3 I have to say that I feel a little bit like the black sheep when I see everyone participating in reading challenges and getting excited about them all and I'm just here, … not doing them ever haha.
That's so great! You know what you'll read next, but still keep it flexible, that's how I want to do it, too. Too strict might take off all of the fun :/
And you, not reading for WEEKS? Hmm…. I bet you'll squeeze in a page or two here and there 😛
Honestly, you could also just go with “I’m doing that yearly challenge” but in a low-key way where you simply see what prompt matches with the book you just read. Instead of figuring out what books to read according to prompts? Just a thought, really. 🙂
Hahaha. Probably! I can see myself hiding away with my Kindle or a book the moment the BF gets home from work and takes the baby from me. 😛
Funny you should say this when a yearly reading challenge popped up right today on the blogosphere haha. I’ll have to think about it and maybe try it out, but I’m always so scared to restrict myself when it comes to book-buying, too, because I tend to buy whatever strikes my fancy at that moment haha. I’ll have to try it out maybe ?
Hahaha yes, I’m certain you’ll find times here and there to be with your reads ?
Ooh, a new one popped up? Which oooone? [Although I so shouldn’t add more to the list but whatever, haha.]
Honestly, lists of prompts and such are also a brilliant way to discover new books in genres you normally would never have picked up so in a way you might even be broadening your book buying?
The Year of Asian Reading Challenge 🙂 it sounds really fun and kind of laid-back, too and I’m so curious about it haha 🙂 <3 yay who knows, maybe I should try it out 🙂
I came across that one after replying to you, haha! Finally caught up on blog posts – YAY.
I might participate in that one as well, although I always have such a hard time figuring out what authors count as Asian or not. :/ It’s not like it’s stamped on their profiles / books or something. :’)
There is this wonderful blog called Lit CelebrAsian and they have amazing lists of books by Asian authors, maybe that could help : https://litcelebrasian.wordpress.com/ 🙂 also I think they plan on having recommendations posts, from what I gathered. I might participate… maybe haha 🙂
Oooh, I’m going to check that out stat! Thank you so much! <3 I'm simply doing a low-key participation without pressure, haha. I know I read books by Asian authors once in a while so I'll simply see where I end up badge-wise.
You’re so welcome Kathy! <3 I think that's a great way to go, I think I might do that, too 🙂
great discussion, marie! i’ve always thought i was more of a mood reader (which i am) but i do like the satisfaction of ticking things off my tbr, which is why i find week-long tbrs (typically in the form of a readathon) to be more sustainable for me, am i the only person who is like that? i really think that many mood readers and highly organized readers can sometimes have a tendency to read many books at once, especially (for us mood readers) so we can switch to whichever book our mood feels like when it switches if that makes sense? i really enjoyed seeing the different sides of this discussion, fantastic job marie! ❤❤❤
Aw thank you so much Taasia, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post <3
Oh that makes perfect sense and it's so great to be able to juggle with different books like that – I prefer reading one book at a time personally, but that's just because I mix everything up sometimes hahaha 🙂
Thank you so much! <3 <3
I don’t have a strict reading schedule. This year I’m doing things a little differently by trying out monthly TBRs. I was not a TBR person too before but I realized I really need a strategy on how to conquer my unread books. I’m trying it out now and so far, so good. I have different genres in my TBR so I won’t get easily bored (like I do before). My first read this month was a Mystery after that a Fantasy now I’m on to Contemporary now while also listening to an audiobook every morning while getting ready. I only listen to self-help/non-fiction right now so I can easily follow the flow when listening.
Yay! I’m glad to hear that the TBR system is working out well for you 🙂 and I love how you switch up genres, I tend to do that as well naturally, in order not to get into slumps 😀
Thank you so much for your comment! <3
I love this post, Marie ❤️❤️
You should never hate yourself for only being able to read one book at a time! There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, for a very long while I could also only read one book at a time and that’s perfectly fine ❤️
I used to make TBR’s when I first started blogging but now I lean more towards mood reading. I’m picking books that I want to read in the moment and I haven’t been happier. I obviously take ARC release dates into consideration and focus on reading them if the release date is fast approaching ?
I haven’t participated in any reading challenges in my three years of blogging. They always look really fun but I’m so scared of failing! Anyway I don’t really have a schedule either and I don’t think I’m doing too badly. I guess it all depends on the type of reader/blogger that you are ❤️❤️
Oh thank you so much, Michelle ?
You’re right, I just feel like I could be so much more productive, somehow, but then again reading shouldn’t be productive, it should be enjoyable and not something I pressure myself to do ahah ?
I’m glad I’m not the only one not participating in reading challenges! They sound like a lot of fun, but I’m also a mood reader and nervous about it all haha. ?
Thank you so much ?
I get what you mean about being productive. I thought of it that way when I first started blogging and I was constantly comparing the amount of books I read to the amount other people read in a month but I am really trying to just read for enjoyment this year ❤️
I still think schedules might work for some bloggers and other bloggers are fine without a reading schedule xx
I think that’s really the best thing to do for ourselves, really focus on the books we’re excited about regardless of everything else 🙂
I do need a reading schedule because I need something to hold onto. But everyone is different and it certainly isn’t a requirement of being a book blogger. I’d hate to think anyone felt like that.
Ahh that’s great that it makes you feel organized and everything! 🙂 I agree, everyone is different and should find out a system that works out well for them 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
2019 is the year of reading schedules! I’m participating in several challenges so I need to be organized. It’s so hard to stay on track though!
Yay! I hope you’ll achieve all of these challenges and will have tons of fun 🙂 it has to be hard to stay on track haha, but I am certain you can do this 😀
Thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
I feel this so hard! I can never get further than listing two or three books I want to read ahead, just to make sure I have some balance (if i read a dark, heavy book, I’ll probably want something fluffy after so I pre-empt that) and I plan my arc reads so reviews are published prior to their release but if I go any more in depth there’s no way I’ll stay on track! It becomes a chore and all the shiny books waiting on my shelves distract me.
Ahh you’re just like me, that’s so cool! I also like to read a light, fluffy read after a dark, intense or heavy book, to keep things balanced and everything 🙂
thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic! 🙂 <3
Mood reader here; I read when I want to read. I don’t post monthly TBRs. I don’t track my reading with spreadsheets. I am on the lax side of blogging. I do just one or two reading challenges each year and I am not too hard on myself when I fail them. Reading and book blogging are my happy places so like you said, they should be low-pressure zones. Love this post!
Jennilyn @ Rurouni Jenni Reads
YAY! I so love your way of seeing things and you’re so right. Blogging is my happy place, too, but sometimes I tend to stress out a little bit too much haha. Definitely important to keep it a happy place 🙂
Thank you so, so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😀
omg I related to this post SO MUCH, Marie! I’m horrible at sticking to tbrs because I’m such a mood reader and I can’t read more than one book at a time. I feel like I have a really general, subject-to-change-at-any-given-moment reading schedule because I can kind of guess the moods I’ll be in and when I’ll feel like picking up a certain kind of book. In the end, I think as long as I’m prioritizing reading I’ll make a dent in my (seemingly endless) tbr.
Ahh thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, I’m so happy you could relate to this <3 I envy people reading more than one book at a time, I personally prefer to focus on one book haha. And yes I agree, as long as we prioritize reading, we'll get through that gigantic TBR… or well, maybe read a couple books haha 🙂
Thank you so much! <3
I don’t use a schedule because what I want to read changes. I do participate in reading challenges but only ones that allow me to pick books as I go. I join ones for types of books I already read mostly (so I guess it’s not much of a challenge). I don’t need to be challenged so for me it’s more of participating with the book blogging community. When I finish a book, I look at my mini TBR pile (review books that have recently come in) and either pick one of those or go downstairs and pick from my own TBR piles. Depending on what I want to do (or how big the review copy pile is.)
That’s so great! Not being too strict with yourself and what you read is the best – at least, for me, and the best to avoid slumps, too 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic 😀
hehe totally relate to this! Book blogging is hard sometimes 😉 There are just too many books wanting/demanding to be read! I’m also not into TBRs and am a massive mood reader- so really get what you mean here! I definitely agree that reading should be a low pressure zone too. Brilliant post!
Thank you so much! YES, all the books everywhere, it’s so hard sometimes to keep up and to know what to do and ahhh ?
Thank you!! <3
Hey Marie 🙂
I agree that we don’t have to have a reading schedule or monthly TBRs as a book blogger. Everyone has a different approach to reading and I think that’s all right. Whatever floats our boat haha 🙂
I used to do monthly TBRs but I realize that I rarely stick to them since I am a mood reader. I might scrap these and just go with my gut feeling.
In terms of reading schedule, usually I do tend to read on my commutes and listen to audiobooks when I am walking dogs or crafting. I like to read one book at a time as well, so sometimes I have two versions of one book. (For example I would skip to the same part in the audiobook that I’ve left off in the ebook.)
Great post <3 <3
Ohh that’s so great that you read one book at a time, but on different mediums – you have to be able to skip to the right part in the audiobook then every time ahah. Do you find that this makes your reading experience better, don’t you find it a bit confusing to switch from audio to reading? I’m curious, I never tried audiobooks haha 🙂
Thank you so much, Sophie! <3
Haha yeah it takes some time to skip to the right part in the audiobook and then the ebook, but it is worth it if I am reading on one medium for a long period of time. However if it is a shorter stretch (ie. 10 or 20min) then I don’t bother switching between mediums haha. It’s not too confusing as long as I can find the right place in the book 🙂
Oh okay well that’s good that it’s not too confusing ahah 🙂
Sounds like you have a solid plan here. I’m decent at keeping track of my reading, but I could be better. I have to put blog tours right into my regular Google calendar because it’s the only place that I consistently look, but I also track review books in Goodreads where I can sort by publication date. I’m not great at checking spreadsheets regularly, so I haven’t tracked them that way, but I HAVE been keeping track of my reading via spreadsheet the past year or so, so maybe I should try to put an ARC tracker right into that and I’d check it whenever I enter a new read book. Hmmm…..
Ohh that’s good! I use my blogging schedule to keep track of the blog tours, but I also put that in my ARC spreadsheet to be sure I manage to read the book early enough ?
I hope you’ll find a system that works out well for you! 😀
Thank you so, so much Nicole! <3
My mood is my schedule. Haha. If I have ARCs, I’ll keep track of when they’re going to be published but I don’t schedule when to read them, just sometime before the release date.
Ahahah well that’s the best kind of schedule ahah 🙂 I’m doing the very same ahah 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment Stephanie! <3
Same! I cannot have a reading schedule otherwise no one is having fun. Lol. I do tend to do a mini TBR list for what I’m currently in the mood for (I joined a reading challenge where you pick a theme each month and you read a couple of books around your chosen theme and that seems to help. It also helps that you get to choose you own theme. This month I went with Fire & Ice and I’ve had fun with that!) I may get 1 or 2 books read and if my mood changes and I don’t get to the other ones, so be it. ?♀️ lol
Oh it’s such a cool kind of readathon, where you just have to pick a theme, that’s great 😀 I guess the best way to go is to go with your feelings and if you feel like reading a book or another, then, be it I guess, I agree with you ahha 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! 😀
Loved this post! I’ll tell you right now, I have a very specific format and range of books that I like to read. I know it’s a bit neurotic, but it’s one of the verrrry few things in my life that I’m actually decisive about LOL.
I can only read hardcopy books. I read articles and excerpts in electronic format, but can’t bring myself to ever commit to a full novel online. So every book on my TBR is also in my TBR shelf at home (which is literally bursting at the seams and staring at me constantly disappointed).
I also read many books at a time. I am a total mood reader, but my reading brain is SO moody that I can’t last an entire book in a certain genre. So for example right now I’m reading a fantasy, a non-fiction on dream science and a comedic autobiography. I’m a hot mess!
I think reading schedules are so great! and I wish I could adhere to one – but knowing myself and my sporadic reading habits there’s no way I could stick to anything with consistency. It’s all about how ya feeeeel, you know dude? ?
Ahah well I think it’s awesome that you know exactly what you like to read, that’s GREAT! 😀
That’s a lot of books at a time though, I admire you for being able to juggle between SO many books at the same time, that’s quite awesome haha.
I 200% get it though, it’s good to follow your gut and your feelings overall before anything else, that’s how you keep it fun, too 😀
Thank you so much for your comment! <3 <3
Aahh I love this post, Marie!! I definitely see where you’re coming from with all of this haha. I think for me personally, I LIKE to set TBRs and make reading schedules and whatnot… I’m just not good at sticking to them, which kind of defeats the purpose ? I’m definitely mostly a mood reader and I’ve been doing a lot more mood reading lately and I definitely feel happier reading-wise. But TBRs are so satisfying to me as someone who likes to check things off, and… I’m just all over the place haha! I 100% agree with you, though, if you want to make TBRs, that’s totally up to you, and if you just want to mood read, that’s up to you too! There is no one way to read and that’s what I love about it <3
I’m so, SO happy to hear you’re feeling happier with your reading, yay! Sometimes it can feel like a chore, especially when you have a schedule, or an ARC and a deadline, too. Yet, it feels SO satisfying to check things off a list, I get that feeling SO much ?
Thank you so much, May! You’re so right, there is no right or wrong when it comes to reading <3
Ah yes, reading can definitely feel like a chore with deadlines, ARCs especially. I think there’s a difference between deadline and Day I Would Like To Finish It By though, for me ☺
Yes yes, definitely! I always try not to stress out about these kind of things too much… key word being, try, hahahaha 🙂
Congratulations! 3 years of blogging is quite an accomplishment!
Oh thank you so much! 🙂
Love this post ?? TBR grew bigger after joining book blogger is so relatable.. ??? I used to write book review on weekend then publish it on monday but not anymore?? I totally agree about reading and book review as pleasure, now I did not try to stress anymore and publish it whenever I want to
Oh thank you so much Hana! I’m glad you’re not stressing out too much aymore, it’s so important to remember to take things slow and love what we do 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
i haven’t really ever considered making a schedule for reading… i just started really getting into book blogging and reading socially and it would definitely be an adjustment! right now i kinda just mosey on through reading and see a) what piques my interest and b) what’s available to be purchased at half price books or what’s available at the library!
Oh it’s when you get too many books at a time and just don’t know what to do that you start wondering about a schedule, really haha. I’d rather not worry about one, too much, either, because I feel like it takes all of the… will to read, somehow, haha 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment 😀