I started a tbr jar📚💕

Do you ever look at your bookshelf, overflowing with exciting titles, and feel a wave of decision fatigue? That was me just recently! My 'to be read' pile, especially my physical TBR, had grown so vast and varied, from epic adventures like 'The Hobbit' to intriguing mysteries and poignant literary fiction, that I often found myself staring blankly, unable to pick my next read. That’s when I stumbled upon the brilliant idea of a TBR jar, and let me tell you, it's been a complete revelation! Why a TBR Jar is a Game-Changer for Your Reading Life For me, the biggest benefit has been eliminating that overwhelming feeling of choice. Instead of debating between 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' or 'Love on the Brain,' the jar makes the decision for me. It adds an element of delightful surprise to my reading routine, making me excited to discover what literary journey awaits. It's also a fantastic way to rediscover books you might have bought ages ago and forgotten about, giving every title on your 'physical TBR' a fair shot. Plus, there’s something genuinely satisfying about physically pulling out a slip of paper and committing to that next read. How I Created My Own TBR Jar (and You Can Too!) The process is incredibly simple and surprisingly therapeutic. Here’s how I did it: Gather Your Unread Treasures: I went through all my bookshelves, pulling out every single book I owned but hadn't yet read. This was quite an undertaking, and I was amazed by the sheer volume! It included everything from a thrilling read like 'Dark Places' to more whimsical titles such as 'Chocolat.' Write Them Down: For each book, I wrote its title and author on a small slip of paper. You can get creative here – use different colored papers for genres or moods if you want an extra layer of choice. I just stuck to plain paper for simplicity. Find Your Jar: Any container works! A mason jar, a decorative box, or even a pretty bag. The idea is to have a dedicated place for your TBR slips. Set Your Rules (or Don't!): This is the fun part. You can decide to pull a book once a week, once a month, or whenever you finish a current read. Some people set a rule that they must read whatever they pull, while others allow for one 're-draw' if the mood isn't right. I decided to stick to my first draw, which led me to the captivating 'Maame' by Jessica George. It's been a wonderful read so far! Tips and Variations to Boost Your TBR Jar Experience Genre-Specific Jars: If your tastes are as eclectic as mine, spanning from the historical depth of 'A Hundred Summers' to the contemporary charm of 'Better Than the Movies,' consider having separate jars for different genres. Or, as mentioned, use color-coded slips! Prompt-Based Slips: Instead of just book titles, some people write prompts like "Read a book with a blue cover," "Read a fantasy novel," or "Read a book by a new author." This can add another layer of excitement, especially for books like 'The Once and Future Witches' or 'A Sorceress Comes to Call' that fit specific themes. Include Non-Physical Books: While my jar is primarily for my physical TBR, you could also add titles from your e-reader or audiobook library to ensure those get some love too. Embrace the Surprise: Sometimes you'll pull a book you completely forgot you owned, like maybe 'The Younger Wife' or 'The Nest,' and that's part of the magic! It forces you to delve into your collection with fresh eyes. Creating a TBR jar has transformed how I approach my reading list. It’s not just a cute craft project; it’s a practical, fun, and effective way to ensure all those beloved books waiting on your shelves finally get their moment in the spotlight. Give it a try, and let the reading adventures begin!