Ah, the TBR pile. That To-Be-Read list that somehow keeps growing no matter how many books we devour.
I’ve got stacks on my nightstand, rows on my shelves, a “Save for Later” cart online, and a mental list that could rival the Library of Congress. Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever stood in front of your bookshelves (or stared at your Kindle) whispering, “What do I read next?”—this one’s for you.
Here are a few fun, simple ways to tame the TBR chaos and actually choose your next great read:
1. 🎯 Go With Your Mood
Feeling cozy and nostalgic? Reach for a feel-good fiction or a faith-based read. Craving adventure? Dust off that dual-timeline mystery you’ve been meaning to start.
Your reading mood matters—and it’s okay to honor it!
Pro tip: Create TBR categories like “Rainy Day Reads,” “Fast & Fun,” or “Heartstring Tug.” That way, when a mood strikes, you’ve got options ready.
2. 🫣 Try the “First Chapter Challenge”
Can’t decide? Read the first chapter (or even just a few pages) of 3–5 books on your list. The one that grabs you fastest wins. The rest? Back in the pile for another day.
This guilt-free method helps you avoid slumps and forces your books to earn your attention.
3. 🎲 Let Fate Decide
Yes, I’m serious. Write down the titles of 10 books you’re curious about and toss them in a jar. Or number them and use a random number generator.
There’s something freeing about removing the decision-making entirely—and it turns reading into a game!
4. 🐾 Let Someone Else Pick
Ask a friend, partner, or even your dog (Samson has surprisingly good taste) to help you choose. You could even post a “Pick My Next Read” poll on social media.
Readers love getting involved—and you might end up discovering a hidden gem you would’ve overlooked.
5. ⏳ Pick by Page Count or Time
Busy month? Choose a novella or short book. Want to really sink into something? Grab that chunky novel you’ve been saving.
Sometimes practical decisions are the best decisions—and there’s no shame in choosing a book based on how much time you have.
6. 🧹 Curate Your TBR List
Every now and then, go through your pile and ask yourself:
- “Am I still excited about this?”
- “Would I buy this today?”
- “Do I even remember why I added it?”
Letting go of the “meh” books makes space for the ones you truly want to read—not just the ones you think you should.
Let’s Tame the Pile Together
Now it’s your turn!
💬 How do you choose what to read next?
📚 What book has been sitting on your shelf way too long?
Leave a comment or come hang out with me on Instagram or Facebook—I’d love to hear about your wildest TBR piles and what’s currently at the top of them!
And if you’re still stumped… may I recommend one of my Hopeful Hearts novels? 😉 Clean, uplifting, and guaranteed to take up residence in your heart (and hopefully your bookshelf!).