TBR Jar Here I Come

If you're anything like me, your "to be read" (TBR) pile isn't just a pile anymore – it's a mountain, threatening to take over your living space! I recently did an inventory and was shocked to find I own a staggering 401 unread books. Yes, you read that right, four hundred and one! From exciting fantasy like Queen of the Tearting Gild and Eiresight Frostsight to intriguing historical fiction such as *The Lost Apothecary*, they're all just sitting there, waiting. This year, I decided enough was enough, and I'm finally diving headfirst into the world of the TBR jar. So, what exactly is a TBR jar? Simply put, it's a fun and effective way to conquer your ever-growing stack of books. Instead of staring at your shelves (or floor!) for an hour, agonizing over what to read next, you simply draw a title from a jar. It takes the decision fatigue out of reading and adds an element of delightful surprise. For me, with 401 potential reads like Never Fall for Your Fiancée and Filthy Rich Vampire staring me down, it felt like the perfect solution to finally make a dent in my collection and, honestly, reclaim some floor space! Making your own DIY TBR jar is incredibly easy. All you need is a container – it could be a fancy glass jar, an old shoebox, or even a decorative basket – and some slips of paper and a pen. List Your Books: Go through all your unread books. For every single one, write its title on a separate slip of paper. Don't forget those ones you bought on a whim, like Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake or *Red Flag Lotus*, that are still untouched. This step can be eye-opening! Fold & Fill: Fold each slip of paper and drop them into your chosen jar or container. Decorate (Optional): Make it your own! Add some ribbons, stickers, or paint to make it a lovely addition to your reading nook. Now, for the best part: using your TBR jar! I plan to draw one book at the start of each new read. My personal rule is that I have to give the chosen book a fair chance, ideally reading at least 50-100 pages, before I decide if it's not for me. If it's truly not clicking, I'll put it aside and draw another. This ensures I'm not just picking out familiar favorites but truly exploring my collection, including those impulse buys like Salt Kiss or *Love You Anyways*. One of the biggest benefits of a TBR jar is the fun it adds to reading. It's like having a personal book lottery! It also ensures variety; you might jump from a light-hearted romance like Falling Inn Love to a more intense thriller, keeping your reading fresh and exciting. It helps me rediscover books I'd forgotten I owned, like Business or Pleasure or *You've Been Served*. I'm genuinely excited to see which book the jar picks for me next and finally get to experience all these amazing stories that have been patiently waiting. If you're struggling with a massive TBR pile or just want to add a fresh spin to your reading habits, I highly recommend giving a TBR jar a try. It’s a simple change that can make a huge difference in how you engage with your books!