If your reading list feels more like a guilt trip than a joy, you’re not alone. You add a book here, save a recommendation there, and before long, your list is out of control. It’s packed with titles you forgot why you saved in the first place. Worse, it grows faster than you can read.
But here’s the good news—you can take back control. With a few smart steps, you can finally go on those reading adventures without being overwhelmed.
What Is a Reading List, Really?
A reading list is exactly what it sounds like: a list of books you want to read. That list might live in a notebook, a notes app, on Goodreads, or even in your head. Some people keep it organized by category or date added. Others just toss titles on as they go.
No matter how you manage yours, the point is the same—you want to keep track of books you care about.
When the List Becomes a Monster
One book leads to another, and suddenly you’ve got a hundred titles waiting for your attention. The Japanese have a word for this: tsundoku—the act of collecting books without reading them.
You also start feeling like you should read certain books—classics, bestsellers, or industry must-reads. Before long, you’re no longer choosing what to read. You’re just trying to keep up.
That’s when the list stops helping and starts haunting. Each unread book becomes a small failure in your mind.
This isn’t what reading should feel like!
Practical Tips for Conquering Your TBR List
Here are some ways you can finally work through that ever-growing pile of books.
Categorize Your List
This is the easiest way to make your list feel lighter and more useful. Sort your books by genre, mood, length, or purpose. You can have categories like “light reads,” “writing research,” “classics,” or “weekend thrillers.”
It’s all about clarity and control. A well-categorized list doesn’t look like a bunch of gibberish titles. When you sit down to read, the choice becomes easier and faster.
You get to decide how simple or complex your system is. What matters most is that it helps you read more, not spend all your time organizing.
Do a Purge
Not every book belongs on your list forever. Go through your reading list every month or so and delete anything you’re no longer excited about.
It’s okay to lose interest. It’s okay to change your mind. Let go of the guilt and move on.
Ask yourself: Would I start this book today if I had free time? Does this still align with my interests? Has this been sitting unread for over a year with no progress?
Set Realistic Reading Goals
Don’t aim for a book a week if you barely get 20 minutes a day. Instead, focus on what fits your lifestyle. Set specific, achievable goals like:
- “I’ll finish one book per month.”
- “I’ll read for 15 minutes during my lunch break.”
Track your progress in a reading journal or app. Many readers find that seeing their progress boosts motivation dramatically.
Reading should be enjoyable, not another thing on your to-do list.
One In, One Out
For every new book you add to your collection, commit to finishing or removing an existing one. This keeps your list from growing out of control.
Learn to Abandon Books
If you’re 50-100 pages in and still not engaged, stopping and moving on is perfectly fine. Life is too short for books that don’t speak to you.
Don’t feel guilty. Tons of readers drop books they’re not feeling at the moment. You can always pick it back up in the future.
Create a “Must Read” List
Pick your current top 10 must-read books. Keep them in a separate list, stack, or digital folder. These are the books that matter most right now. Once you finish one, rotate another in.
Use the Rule of 3
Read three different types of books at once:
- One for fun
- One to learn something
- One that inspires you
This keeps things fresh and keeps you from stalling. When you’re not in the mood for one, you can easily switch to another.
Use E-readers, Audiobooks, and Apps
Devices like Kindle, Kobo, or reading apps put your entire library in your pocket. You can read anytime, anywhere.
Make the most of your “dead time.” Read while waiting in line, sitting in a lobby, commuting, or during any idle moments.
Mixing formats gives you more freedom, too. Listen to audiobooks while doing chores, read physical books while winding down, and open an ebook when you have a few spare minutes.
Make Reading A Social Hobby
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo act. Start a virtual book club with friends. Join online reading challenges. Share what you’re reading on social media or post short reviews.
When you read with others, you stay motivated and more likely to follow through. A little accountability goes a long way—and it’s more fun when you’re in it together.
From Misery to Mastery
The goal isn’t to “clear” your list—let’s be honest, that list never ends for true book lovers. The real goal is to build a healthy, guilt-free relationship with reading.
You don’t have to read everything. You don’t even have to finish every book you start. But you do need to make steady progress through your pile. If the books just sit there, they won’t move you, teach you, or entertain you. They’re decoration.
So read. Don’t stress over what you haven’t gotten to—focus on what’s in your hands right now, and enjoy the experience.
How do you manage your reading list? Share your thoughts below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
