How to Create the Perfect TBR List (To-Be-Read) and Stick to It

What Is a TBR List and Why Do You Need One?

If you’re an avid reader, chances are you’ve heard of a TBR (To-Be-Read) list. This is a collection of books you plan to read. For some readers it’s a mental list, for others it’s a meticulously organized spreadsheet, and yet for another group of readers it’s a towering stack of books on their nightstand. (Which are you?) A well-maintained TBR list eliminates decision fatigue when it comes time to choose your next book and encourages a more intentional reading experience.

Instead of scrambling to find something new every time you finish a book, you’ll have a thoughtfully curated list ready to go, which makes your reading journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Why should you have a TBR list? Here’s how it benefits your reading habits:

• Keeps you organized: No more forgetting about books you were excited to read.

• Encourages consistency: Helps you maintain a steady reading habit.

• Prevents decision fatigue: Makes it easy to pick your next read without stress. (Well, jury is out on this one; I still have plenty of decision fatigue choosing from my TBR.)

• Introduces variety: Ensures you’re exploring different genres and formats.

• Tracks your progress: Seeing completed books is a great motivator!

A well-structured TBR list isn’t just about keeping track of books, it’s about making reading a fulfilling part of your life. If you’re looking for TBR list ideas, this guide will help you create a personalized and organized approach.

Define Your Reading Goals

Before curating your TBR, take a moment to reflect on what types of books you genuinely enjoy reading. Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? Are you drawn to thrilling mysteries, spicy romances, or insightful memoirs? Understanding your preferences allows you to build a list that keeps you engaged. Consider branching out into new genres while also keeping familiar favorites.

You can define your reading preferences by:

• Listing 3–5 of your favorite books and identifying common themes.

• Noting which genres you naturally gravitate toward.

• Experimenting with different book formats (audiobooks, eBooks, physical books).

Your reading preferences are likely to evolve, so periodically reassessing what excites you can help keep your list dynamic and fresh.

Set Realistic Goals

A successful TBR list isn’t just about what you want to read, it’s about what you can read. Be honest with yourself about your reading pace. If you only have time for two books a month, setting a goal to read five may lead to unnecessary frustration. Consider using platforms like Goodreads or the StoryGraph to set annual reading goals and track your progress.

Tips for setting achievable reading goals:

• Base it on your schedule. Be realistic about how much time you have.

• Set milestone goals. Monthly or seasonal reading targets work well.

• Mix in shorter books. Adding novellas or poetry collections can keep you motivated.

Establishing realistic goals helps you stay motivated while ensuring reading remains a joy—not a chore.

Curate Your TBR List with Intention

Instead of randomly adding books to your TBR, be intentional about your selections. Look for recommendations from trusted sources you enjoy following like book bloggers, Bookstagrammers, and BookTok creators. Websites like Goodreads and the StoryGraph allow you to follow your friends and see what they’re reading, explore trending books, receive personalized recommendations, and get curated lists of must-read books.

Here are a few other ways to discover great books:

• Book communities: Join online book clubs or Reddit threads about reading.

• Check bestseller lists: The New York Times, Amazon, and IndieBound all highlight what books are popular.

• Explore award winners: Pulitzer, Hugo, and National Book Award winners often make great reads.

Being intentional with your selections prevents your list from becoming an overwhelming collection of books you’ll never actually read.

Balance Your TBR List for Variety

A diverse TBR keeps your reading experience fresh and engaging. Consider alternating between genres to prevent burnout. This means you might read a fantasy novel after a heavy nonfiction book for a refreshing change of pace.

To keep your list balanced:

• Rotate between fiction and nonfiction.

• Add both modern bestsellers and timeless classics.

• Mix up short stories, novels, and poetry.

• Include diverse authors and perspectives.

By curating a well-rounded list, you’ll maintain excitement and motivation throughout the year.

Organize Your TBR List

How you organize your TBR list depends on your personal preferences. Digital methods, like Goodreads, Notion, or Trello, provide an efficient way to categorize books, track progress, and add notes. Physical methods, such as organizing bookshelves by priority, genre, or even color, offer a visual reminder of what’s next on your list.

Pros of digital TBR tracking:

• Easy to update and categorize your list.

• Accessible across multiple devices.

• Allows tracking and goal setting.

• Viewable while book shopping.

Pros of physical TBR tracking:

• Provides a visual reminder of upcoming reads.

• Feels more personal and tangible.

• Can be integrated into home decor.

Try experimenting with both to see what works best for you when organizing a TBR list.

Prioritize Your Reads

With an ever-growing TBR list, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Prioritization helps you stay focused and ensures you’re reading books that genuinely interest you.

Ways to prioritize your reads:

• Start with books you’ve been most excited about.

• Read according to seasonal themes (cozy mysteries in fall and beach reads in summer).

• Prioritize books that align with your current interests or personal growth goals.

A structured approach to prioritization keeps your TBR pile manageable and prevents decision fatigue when choosing your next read.

Stick to Your TBR List Without Feeling Overwhelmed

A huge TBR pile can sometimes feel daunting, but don’t let it become a source of stress. Reading should be enjoyable, not an obligation. If a book no longer excites you, don’t hesitate to remove it from your list. If you already own it, pass it to a friend or family member, or donate it.

How to overcome TBR guilt:

• Give yourself permission to DNF (Did Not Finish) books that don’t resonate.

• Regularly refresh your list by removing books you’ve lost interest in.

• Focus on quality over quantity. Reading should be fun; it’s not a numbers game.

TL; DR

A well-structured TBR list isn’t just about tracking books; it’s about making reading an enjoyable part of your life. By setting goals, organizing your TBR list, and staying flexible, you’ll create a TBR pile that truly works for you.

What’s on your current TBR list? Drop your top three best books in the comments!

Want to stay organized? Download our free TBR Tracker Template to keep your reading list in check! You can also keep track of your TBR list on Goodreads and the Storygraph if you’d like a social media feel to your TBR tracking.