January TBR vs. how many I actually read

Throughout January, I found myself caught in the classic mood reader dilemma: sticking to a set TBR (to-be-read) list can sometimes be challenging when your reading mood pulls you in different directions. Although I initially planned to read 12 books, I only managed to read 4 from that list, but surprisingly finished 10 books overall. This just goes to show how flexible reading habits can be and how important it is to listen to your own interests rather than just the plan. Some highlights from my January reading include titles like "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig, "The Handmaid’s Tale" by Margaret Atwood, and "Troublesome Women" by Marie Bostwick. These books offered a variety of themes ranging from speculative fiction to compelling women's stories. As I progressed through my reading journey, I realized that having a TBR tracker equipped me with an overview of what I intended to read, but mood reading enabled me to fully enjoy the books that resonated with me at the moment. For fellow readers struggling with similar challenges, I recommend combining a flexible TBR approach with a mood-based reading style. Don't hesitate to swap out books on your list if something else sparks your interest. Additionally, engaging with communities on platforms like #booktok and #readersoflemon8 can provide fresh recommendations and motivation. Using hashtag tracking for TBR encourages accountability but remember reading should primarily be enjoyable and stress-free. Maintaining a reading log, as I did, helped me reflect on my progress and stay connected with my reading goals. I also used it to identify patterns in my preferences and times when I felt less motivated. Sharing these experiences helps me grow as a reader and hopefully encourages others to cultivate their unique reading rhythms!