Have you been around the reading world long enough that you’ve started seeing the mysterious letters “TBR” everywhere? Wondering what a TBR pile even is? Or what is a TBR list? You’re in luck—read on to learn everything you need to know!
What Does TBR Mean?
TBR stands for “To Be Read”, and is an acronym used by many readers to indicate they intend to read a specific book or books. If you see someone saying “These are my TBR books” or telling you “I’m adding [insert book] to my TBR!” then you know that they are telling you they want to read those books sometime in the future. That’s the meaning of TBR!
What is a TBR list?
So what is a TBR list or what is a TBR pile, then? Essentially, it’s a list of all the books you want to read in the future!
A TBR list tends to be a physical, electronic, or mental list of all the books you hope to read soon, while a TBR pile can often tend to be an actual pile of books you have ready and waiting to read. But these two terms can also be used interchangeably.
While you could just call it a “reading list” or “my unread books” or “book list” or any other number of terms, within the wider reading world the general consensus is to call it a TBR list. It’s a great shorthand to talk with other readers about the books you’re looking forward to reading!
Pros of having a TBR list
Now that we know what a TBR list is, what are some of the advantages of having one? If you don’t yet have your own version of a TBR, here’s some reasons you might want to make one:
1. You’ll have easy options of what to read next
After finishing a really good book, it can be easy to fall into a book hangover or reading slump. But having a good TBR list can help you avoid this, as you’ll have a curated list of other books you can choose your next read from that you know you were looking forward to reading.
This is so much simpler than having to go find a new book from scratch each time you finish reading a book!
2. You won’t forget books you want to read
I don’t know about you, but there have been too many times where I’ve seen an interesting book, told myself I want to read it, and then forgotten to write it down…and forgotten the title later. Or, perhaps, even forgotten I’d found an interesting book altogether!
While there are ways to find books again if you have a vague description of the plot or subject matter to help you, that’s far more work (and isn’t guaranteed to work) than if you simply took time to write down books that seem interesting. That’s where your TBR list definitely comes in handy!
3. You can be more intentional about what you read
A TBR list also helps you be more intentional and disciplined about what you read, because it allows you to curate a list of books you’re interested in for whatever reasons you find motivating. It can also help you set and reach reading goals.
For instance, if you want to branch out to genres you don’t usually read, you can research some interesting books in those genres, add them to your TBR, and start reading them when it’s time to choose a new book.
Or if you have a specific subject or thing you’re interested in learning about, adding those books to your TBR can also help motivate you to actually read about it or keep that subject/theme top of mind each time you look at your TBR.
Cons of Having a TBR List
So those are the advantages, but what about the disadvantages of having a TBR List? Here’s a few things to consider:
1. It can feel too restrictive
Some people prefer a more free-flowing way of reading, where they go wherever the wind blows. If you try out a TBR but feel like it’s not working for you, it could be that you’re feeling restricted to having to choose new books from what’s on your TBR book lists.
While TBRs can help make the process of choosing what to read next streamlined, they don’t have to be your only source or only way to choose what to read next. They can be used as merely a tool that you can veer off of whenever you like. But if you find you’re never actually using your TBR list and always choosing your next read other ways, then it may be that TBR piles are not for you.
2. It can be overwhelming
I don’t know about you, but there are SO many books I want to read. And too little time to actually read them. Which means sometimes I add so many books to my TBR that it can seem a little overwhelming.
Especially if you choose to use a written-out TBR list, looking at all the books you want to read can seem formidable. Of course, whether you write them out or not, the list of books you want to read is still just as long…but if your TBR is feeling overwhelming, then it might be time to take a break from adding to it or find ways to reduce your TBR pile.
3. It can be guilt-inducing
Similarly to being overwhelming, sometimes TBR lists can be guilt-inducing if you have a list of books you’ve told yourself you’ll read, but for whatever reason you keep deciding not to read those books and read others instead.
If you find you’re never using your TBR to actually help you choose your next read, perhaps it’s not the right tool for you. But, keep in mind, that having a TBR doesn’t mean you always have to choose books from it! It’s okay if you go with a surprise, just-for-fun, unplanned read from time to time too.
How To Create a TBR List
So those are the pros and cons of having a TBR, but now the question remains: how do you create a TBR list?
When you’re wondering how to make a TBR list, you’ll first want to think about what you want to read in the near future and what you like reading in general. You may also want to think if there’s any titles you’ve seen recently that have sparked your interest.
Then, it’s time to think about what medium you want to use to keep track of this list. Some people have physical or electronic lists, while others try to just keep them in their minds.
I recommend keeping track with a physical or electronic list, just because our minds can be faulty sometimes and it’s always sad to realize you’ve forgotten the title of a book you were looking forward to reading! You’re welcome to try to keep track of it mentally, but it’s usually better to be safe and write things down…instead of being sorry later. (It’s also a good idea to organize your TBR list so you can find the books easier!)
Here are some ideas for how to keep track of your TBR:
1. Pen and Paper
One of the old school, original ways of keeping a TBR list is with pen and paper, but it’s an oldie but goodie!
You can keep just a sheet of paper or notepad with your list, or go slightly more sophisticated with a TBR list template for journaling. (My free printable reading journal has a page for books you want to read!)
But regardless of whether you go basic or go with a template, this can be a great option for a TBR list maker.
2. Notes App on Phone
Similarly, another basic but great way to keep track of your TBR list (online) would be using a notes app on your phone. This allows you to add to an electronic TBR list, and many notes apps sync up online so you can access your TBR from all your various devices.
3. Spreadsheet
If you want to get more advanced about it, then a TBR list spreadsheet could also be an excellent option.
My reading tracker spreadsheet has space for you to comprehensively track the books you’ve read, see stats about the books you’ve read/are reading, and also contains a TBR list section so you can track everything about your reading and upcoming reading in one place. Check it out to see how it can help you organize your reading life!
4. Amazon Wishlist
If you’re wanting to streamline the book list to buying books process, then an Amazon Wishlist can also be a fantastic way to keep a TBR list.
To do this, you’d simply create a new Amazon Wishlist, name it something like “TBR List”, and add in book titles you’re interested in reading. Then, you can browse through them and buy them (or, of course, check them out from a library or borrow from a friend or however else. You don’t have to buy them, but wishlists make it easy to if you want to!)
It can also make others buying them for you easier 😉 You could even send your TBR List wishlist to friends or family for them to surprise you for your birthday, Christmas, or any other special occasion.
5. Goodreads
Goodreads is another popular TBR list app and reading tracker that tons of people in the reading world love. It has bookshelves where you can add books you’ve read, books you want to read, or create your own bookshelf titles to keep track of anything you’d like.
You can learn more about it and other reading tracker methods here, but it’s a good option if you like apps and being able to access your TBR on multiple devices.
6. Pinterest Board
And lastly, a Pinterest board can be a fun way to keep track of your TBR list because it’s visual and fun to scroll through! Adding your TBR list books to a Pinterest board is as easy as pinning a picture of the cover to a board you’ve created called “TBR List” or anything else you’d like to name it.
Need more help finding books to add to your TBR list? Here are some of the best ways to find good books to read!