I started a TBR jar📚💕

Hey fellow bookworms! Do you ever feel like your "to be read" (TBR) pile is growing faster than you can ever hope to conquer it? You're not alone! That towering stack of unread books, or "TBR shelf," can sometimes feel more intimidating than inspiring. But what if there was a super fun, low-pressure way to tackle it? Enter the fabulous TBR jar! For those who might be wondering, "what does TBR stand for?" or "what is a TBR jar?", let me break it down. TBR simply means "To Be Read." A TBR jar is essentially a physical manifestation of your "TBR list" – a glass jar labeled 'TBR' and filled with slips of paper, each representing a book you own but haven't read yet. It's a brilliant "book in a jar idea" that transforms decision fatigue into exciting anticipation. Instead of endlessly scrolling or staring at your shelves, you just reach in and pull out your next adventure. It's like having your own personal, curated library lottery! Why bother making a "diy tbr jar"? Well, beyond the sheer joy of a craft project, it’s incredibly effective! First, it helps you actually read the books you already own, rather than constantly buying new ones. This was a huge win for me! Second, it cures that dreaded reader's block when you can't decide what to pick up next. The choice is made for you, adding a delightful element of surprise. And third, seeing all those "handwritten book titles" on colorful "slips" filling up your jar serves as a beautiful, tangible reminder of all the stories waiting for you. My own journey involved categorizing a whopping 60 books into different "genres by color," using a "key for genres" like fantasy (purple) and thriller (red) to keep things organized. But your "tbr jar ideas" don't have to stop there! Here are some more "book jar ideas" to make your TBR jar uniquely yours: Beyond Just Genres: While genre sorting (like my system) is perfect for mood readers, consider other fun categories. You could use different "colors" for book length (quick reads vs. epics), mood (cozy comfort vs. intense drama), or even specific reading challenges (e.g., a slip for "read a diverse author," "read a book set in another country"). This way, you're not just picking a book, you're picking an *experience*. Seasonal Pulls: If you have specific holiday or seasonal reads, you could create a separate section or use distinctively colored "folded colored paper slips" for those. Imagine pulling a spooky novel in October or a festive story in December! Blind Date with a Book: Instead of just the title, write a few spoiler-free keywords or a mini-blurb on the slip. This adds an extra layer of mystery and excitement! Themed Jars: Why have just one? Perhaps a "TBR books" jar for fiction and another for non-fiction, or even a "re-read jar" for beloved favorites you want to revisit. Making your jar is super simple. Just like I did, you'll need a glass jar, some colored paper, scissors, and a pen. Write down your "tbr books" (leaving out sequels you can't read yet!) on the "slips," fold them up, and toss them in. Don't forget your genre "key" if you're using one! Finding the right pulling method is key too. You could do a "monthly pull" where you draw 2-3 books at the start of the month, or just pull one "as needed" when you finish your current read. The goal is to make reading off your shelves feel fresh and exciting, not like a chore. So, if your "tbr pile" is looking daunting, why not give a TBR jar a try? It's a simple, customizable, and incredibly effective way to reconnect with your own collection and fall in love with reading what you already have. Happy reading!