tbr jar picks my next read 📖

I know the feeling – a teetering stack of books, endless digital lists, and that overwhelming question: 'What should I read next?' That's exactly why I decided to create my own TBR (To Be Read) jar, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer for getting me back into my reading groove! If you're curious about what a TBR jar is and how it can revitalize your reading life, let me share my experience and some tips. So, What Exactly is a TBR Jar? Simply put, a TBR jar is a fun, physical way to manage your backlog of unread books. Instead of staring blankly at your shelves or scrolling through endless e-books, you write down potential reads or reading prompts on small slips of paper, roll them up into rolled papers, and place them inside a jar. When you're ready for a new book, you reach in and let fate decide! It's a fantastic solution for decision fatigue and adds an exciting element of surprise to your reading journey. For me, it transformed a chore into a delightful ritual. Why Make Your Own 'To Be Read' Jar? Beyond just picking your next book, a TBR jar offers several fantastic benefits. Firstly, it brings an element of novelty and excitement. There’s something so satisfying about pulling out a slip and discovering your next literary adventure. Secondly, it helps you tackle those books you’ve owned for ages but keep overlooking. My jar has already made me pick up books I might have otherwise forgotten! Thirdly, it encourages variety. By including different genres or challenge prompts, you naturally broaden your reading horizons. Plus, making it is a creative outlet! I loved decorating my clear jar with colorful stickers and washi tape to really make it my own, just like you might have seen in my photos. The marble-patterned surface on my desk makes it look even better! How to Create Your Very Own DIY TBR Jar: Making one is super easy and customizable. Here’s a quick guide: Choose Your Jar: Any clean, clear jar will do! A mason jar, a cookie jar, or even a decorative vase works perfectly. The clearer, the better, so you can see all those exciting possibilities inside. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need paper (scrap paper, colorful cardstock, or even sticky notes), a pen, and anything you want to use for decoration, like those colorful stickers and washi tape I mentioned, or ribbons and paint. Fill It Up – Book Titles or Prompts? This is where the magic happens! Option A: Book Titles: Go through your physical and digital TBR list and write down individual book titles on separate slips of paper. Be honest with yourself – only include books you genuinely want to read soon. Option B: Reading Prompts: This is my personal favorite, and it instantly adds so much more fun! Instead of specific titles, write down prompts that guide your choice. For example: "Book with more than one POV" (like the one my jar picked, has more than one pov) "Read a book by a diverse author" "A book you already own but haven't touched" "A book with a blue cover" "Pick a book based on your current mood" (e.g., cozy, thrilling, thought-provoking) "The shortest book on your TBR" "A book recommended by a friend" "Read a genre you rarely explore" "A book published this year/last year" "A book that's part of a series" "Spooky read" or "Feel-good read" These prompts ensure you’re never bored and keep things fresh. Assemble and Decorate: Roll up your slips of paper and place them into your chosen jar. Then, unleash your creativity! Add colorful stickers, wrap it with washi tape (I love my purple grid washi tape), or even tie a ribbon around it. Make it reflect your personality! Using Your TBR Jar for Maximum Enjoyment: When you finish a book, simply reach into your jar and pull out your next read. If you get a prompt, go to your TBR list and find a book that fits. What if you pick something you're not in the mood for? It's your jar, so you make the rules! Some people allow one "re-roll" per week, others stick to the pick no matter what. The goal is to make reading enjoyable, not stressful. My jar recently picked "Holding Up the Universe" by Jennifer Niven, and I'm absolutely loving it so far! It was a book I’d meant to read for ages, and the jar finally gave me the push. I hope this inspires you to create your own TBR jar! It’s a wonderful way to rediscover the joy of reading and make those overwhelming TBR piles a lot more manageable and exciting.