ExlibrisJessica

Confession time: my “to be read” (TBR) pile has officially reached monstrous proportions. It’s no longer a quaint stack but a looming, judgmental tower of unread books, and frankly, it’s stressing me out.

Does anyone else love the idea of a huge home library? All the unread books, a collection of future adventures, waiting to be explored. Now, it feels less like a promise and more like a deadline. Every time I finish a book, instead of feeling a sense of accomplishment, I’m hit with a wave of anxiety. That’s one down, only a hundred more to go!

How did it get so out of hand?

I am lucky enough as a content creator and book blogger to receive early review copies in exchange for review. However, when I started this venture I was so extremely excited that I said ‘yes’ to practically everything; eager to read as much as possible. It was magical.

And for a while, it was magical. Boxes of books arrived, I meticulously scheduled my reading around my life, and I read more than ever. Until I didn’t. Because I was also visiting bookshops with my friends weekly and buying even more books out of my own pocket. My TBR pile, already a formidable fortress, transformed into an impenetrable wall.

Whilst a house full of books may sound like heaven to some, I can tell you that a tiny uni flat full is a bit more tricky; especially if, after finishing your course, you move home and have to cram all your things into your family’s house. My parents have always encouraged my reading but the amount of books got crazy and took over our storage.

The worst part? This overwhelming pile started to actually make me enjoy reading less. Instead of choosing a book based on what I’m truly in the mood for, I’m picking from the top of the stack, feeling obligated to tackle the oldest additions first. With post-uni career ventures, visiting friends that have moved away and day-to-day responsibilities, I am at a time in my life where I don’t have quite as much time for reading and whilst that is totally understandable, I need to change how I view ‘book collecting’ for my own good.

What am I doing to reduce my anxiety around unread books?

This year, I’m making a conscious effort to prioritise reading for pleasure. That means allowing myself the freedom to choose books that genuinely appeal to me, and to set aside those that don’t. While I remain committed to completing review copies for the sake of thorough feedback, I’m also embracing the idea of abandoning books that aren’t working for me—and even rehoming those I know I won’t finish. Vinted can be fab for this or my personal favourite option is to donate unwanted books to second hand shops or ‘mini libraries’. You can often find these in cafes and supermarkets.

I am also buying NO BOOKS for a year!

I said I was allowed to spend book vouchers (which I did spend on the Magnolia Parks series!!) and receive publishing mail and that is it. I’m halfway through March and haven’t caved yet! I’m reading about fifty books a year and with almost two-hundred on my backlist, it’s not like I’ll run out any time soon. This more mindful attitude to buying books and reading has bought back the joy and relaxation I love about reading and it’s definitely something I needed.

What about you? Is your TBR pile a monster too? How do you cope?